Botanical Gardens to the Ashmolean Museum

Leads to the ticket office

Oxford Botanic Garden, founded in 1621, is the oldest botanic garden in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. Set beside the River Cherwell, it offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city, with carefully designed glasshouses, ornamental borders, and themed plant collections that showcase rare and exotic species. The garden has long been a place of learning and inspiration, used by scientists, writers, and artists alike — Lewis Carroll, for instance, is said to have drawn inspiration here when writing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Today, it remains both a centre for plant research and conservation and a peaceful green space for visitors to enjoy.

Directions:

Walk along the High street until you reach the pedestrian crossing.

River Cherwell looking south west from Magdalen bridge

From the south-west side of Magdalen Bridge, you can follow the River Cherwell as it winds past Oxford’s Botanic Garden and along the edge of Christ Church Meadow. The path here gives you classic views of punts on the river and grazing cattle in the fields.

A view of water meadows, once carefully managed to provide rich pasture for grazing animals.

For centuries, Oxford’s water meadows have shaped both landscape and life. Managed flooding enriched the soil and provided vital pasture in winter and spring. Port Meadow, grazed for over a thousand years, and Christ Church Meadow are lasting examples, valued not only for farming but also for fairs, grazing rights, and riverside walks.

Magadalen Bridge Boat house..

Punts can be hired at Magdalen Bridge boathouse. Punting is a favourite Oxford pastime, where flat-bottomed boats are pushed along the river with a long pole. From here, you can drift gently along the River Cherwell, passing the Botanic Garden, Christ Church Meadow, and the city’s famous water meadows. It’s a tradition enjoyed by students, visitors, and locals alike, offering a peaceful way to see Oxford from the water.

Magdalen Tower, dating from the late 15th century, is a striking example of Oxford’s medieval architecture.

Magdalen College, founded in 1458, is one of Oxford’s most beautiful and historic colleges. Its tall tower at the east end of the High Street is a city landmark. Beyond the tower, visitors can explore the college’s tranquil grounds. The Great Quadrangle and cloisters reflect centuries of history, while the riverside paths open onto the college’s deer park, where a herd has grazed for over 300 years. A highlight is Addison’s Walk, a shaded circuit beside the River Cherwell that inspired writers such as C. S. Lewis. Together, the buildings, gardens, and meadows create a peaceful retreat right in the heart of Oxford.

Directions:

Cross over to the north side of the street, then turn left.

Directions:

Turn right into Queen’s lane

St Edmund Hall is one of the oldest academic societies in Oxford, with roots stretching back to the 13th century. Long before the university was dominated by colleges, it was a place where scholars lodged and studied. The Hall still keeps this tradition alive, priding itself on its informal and welcoming character.

The front entrance on Queen’s Lane leads into a quiet quadrangle, where the 17th-century chapel, dining hall, and library create a sense of history on an intimate scale. Unlike the grand, spacious colleges, St Edmund Hall feels more tucked away, offering visitors a glimpse of Oxford’s medieval past preserved within its walls.

The Bridge of Sighs (Hertford bridge)

The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford, officially known as Hertford Bridge, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It connects two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane and was completed in 1914. Despite its nickname, the bridge bears little resemblance to the original Bridge of Sighs in Venice, though its romantic design and picturesque setting have made it a favourite among tourists and photographers. The structure is often associated with Oxford’s historic charm and is a symbol of the university’s rich architectural heritage.

As you step out from Catte Street, Broad Street opens up ahead. On your left you first see the imposing Clarendon Building, with its classical façade and columns, built in the early 1700s for Oxford University Press. Just beyond it is the Sheldonian Theatre, Christopher Wren’s elegant semi-circular design used for concerts and ceremonies.

To your right is the Weston Library, part of the Bodleian, a 20th-century landmark with its pale stone walls and striking bronze doors.

Continuing west, the street broadens into a lively mix of bookshops, cafés, and colleges. The gates of Trinity College appear on the right, set back behind lawns, while the spire of St Mary Magdalen Church at the far end draws your eye down Broad Street’s long perspective.

The Weston Library is part of the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. Located on Broad Street, it houses special collections, rare manuscripts, and archives. Originally opened in 1946 as the New Bodleian, it was extensively refurbished and reopened in 2015 as the Weston Library.

The building combines striking modern architecture with original features and includes public exhibition spaces, a café, and a shop. It’s a hub for research, learning, and public engagement in the heart of Oxford.

Tickets for the Bodleian Library can be purchased here.

The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford is a striking 17th-century building designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Completed in 1669, it serves as the official ceremonial hall of the University of Oxford, hosting events such as graduations, concerts, and lectures. Its distinctive circular design was inspired by ancient Roman theatres, and its painted ceiling and cupola offer impressive architectural and artistic features. Located in the heart of the city, it remains one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks.

City Sightseeing Oxford offers a double decker open-top bus tour covering 20 stops across key landmarks such as Christ Church, Magdalen College, the Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum and Carfax Tower. Options (at the time of writing 12/07/2025) include 24-hour or 48-hour tickets, with add-ons like access to Carfax Tower and walking tours in combo packages. Commentary via ear phones is available in around 14 languages. Great for flexible exploration—hop off at any stop and re-join when ready.

At the south end of St Giles’, close to the Randolph Hotel and Balliol College, stands the Martyrs’ Memorial, built in 1843 to commemorate the Protestant reformers Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer.

These men, known as the Oxford Martyrs, were executed by burning in 1555–56 for their religious beliefs. The memorial, designed in the style of a medieval spire, serves as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice.

A cross set into the cobblestones of Broad Street marks the actual site of the executions.

Directions:

Cross over Magdalen street then turn right and cross over Beaumont street.

Directions:

Turn left and the entrance to the Ashmolean museum is about 45 metres the right.

The Ashmolean museum

The Ashmolean, on Beaumont Street, is Oxford’s world-famous museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, it was the first public museum in Britain and is still free to enter.

Its collections range from Egyptian mummies and Greek sculpture to Renaissance paintings and modern art. Highlights include the Alfred Jewel, a remarkable piece of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship, and works by artists such as Michelangelo, Turner, and Picasso.

The museum’s elegant galleries, rooftop restaurant, and central location make it a perfect stop for anyone exploring Oxford.