From the top of a church tower, Oxford looks like a city from a fairytale: a cluster of golden stone spires, domes and towers rising above green quadrangles and walled gardens. Below, students cycle along cobbled lanes in their black gowns, bells ring out from college chapels, and a great round domed library stands in the middle of a square, as if it had been placed there by giants. The poet Matthew Arnold called Oxford the city of dreaming spires, and it's easy to see why.

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the most famous centres of learning on Earth. This guide explains its story and how to explore its colleges, libraries and streets.

The oldest university in the English-speaking world

There's no single founding date, but teaching existed in Oxford by the late 11th century, and the university grew rapidly after 1167, when English students were barred from studying at the University of Paris. Over the following centuries, it became a centre of scholarship, religion and politics. Its alumni include dozens of British prime ministers, Nobel Prize winners, scientists, writers and world leaders.

A university of colleges

Oxford is made up of more than 30 colleges, each with its own buildings, chapel, dining hall, library and gardens, along with central university buildings and departments. Students belong to a college, where they live, eat and are taught in small groups. Many colleges open to visitors at certain times, sometimes for a fee.

The Bodleian and the Radcliffe Camera

The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, opened in 1602, and has the right to receive a copy of every book published in the UK. Its Divinity School, a 15th-century hall with a spectacular vaulted ceiling, appeared in the Harry Potter films. Next to it stands the Radcliffe Camera, a circular, domed library built in the 18th century and one of Oxford's most iconic buildings; it's used as a reading room and can be seen on certain guided tours.

Christ Church

Christ Church, founded by Cardinal Wolsey and re-founded by Henry VIII in the 16th century, is one of the largest and grandest colleges. Its Great Hall inspired the dining hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, and its chapel is also Oxford's cathedral. Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was a mathematics lecturer here, and Alice Liddell, who inspired his story, was the daughter of the college's dean.

Writers and stories

Oxford has inspired many writers. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis both taught here and met with other writers, known as the Inklings, in local pubs. The city's colleges and streets have appeared in countless books, films and television series.

Museums and landmarks

The Ashmolean Museum, founded in 1683, is the oldest public museum in Britain, with collections of art and archaeology from around the world. The Pitt Rivers Museum and the Museum of Natural History share a stunning Victorian building. The Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Christopher Wren, hosts university ceremonies. The Bridge of Sighs, linking two parts of Hertford College, is a favourite photo spot.

Punting and views

In summer, punting, gliding along the rivers Cherwell or Thames in a flat-bottomed boat pushed by a long pole, is a classic Oxford experience. For the best views of the spires, climb the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin or Carfax Tower.

Things not to miss

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  See the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library.
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  Visit Christ Church and its Great Hall.
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  Explore the Ashmolean Museum.
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  Photograph the Bridge of Sighs.
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  Climb the tower of St Mary's Church for the view.
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  Go punting on the River Cherwell.

How to get there

Oxford is about an hour by train from London Paddington or Marylebone, and coaches run frequently from London. The city centre is compact and walkable.

Best time to visit

Spring and summer are best for punting and gardens. Colleges may close to visitors during exams or events, especially in late spring, so check opening times.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the colleges? Many open to visitors at certain times, some for a fee.

Where was Harry Potter filmed in Oxford? Scenes were filmed at the Bodleian's Divinity School and Christ Church, among others.

How long should I spend in Oxford? At least one full day.

Watch the sun set over the spires from a tower top as the college bells begin to ring, and you'll understand why Oxford has inspired scholars and dreamers for more than nine centuries.