Oxford, a city in South East England is filled with a plethora of attractions that amuse the visitors. The many historic buildings, gardens and monuments in the city serve as the highlights of tourist attractions.
Oxford Attractions – A Delight for the Tourists
A tourist on a trip to Oxford should definitely visit the Bodleian Library, which is the main library of Oxford University. The library is not restricted to a single room, but comprises of a series of rooms which are spread throughout the city. The University of Oxford which is the oldest English speaking university and the second oldest surviving university in the world, is another one of the Oxford attractions that one shouldn’t miss out on. Nature lovers visiting Oxford will be amused by the Oxford’s rivers, Thames and Cherwell which run through the city. One can also visit the Oxford Botanic Garden, which is the oldest botanic garden in England. This garden which is located on the banks of the river Cherwell, houses a wide variety of flora and also consists of a rock garden and a bog garden. The Sheldonian Theater which stages music concerts and lectures is also worth a visit. The other famous Oxford attractions that one should visit include the Radcliffe Camera and the Headington Shark.
Oxford Spires – Amazing Constructions
The city of Oxford is also conferred with the title of The City of Dreaming Spires, due to the presence of the tapering structures which can be observed on the top of most buildings that crowd the city. The most beautiful of the Oxford spires can be seen at the St Mary Virgin Church, which is one of the largest churches in the city. The church tower is open to public on all days, except for public holidays and from the top of this tower, one can get an amazing view of the other beautiful spires that fill up the city. The octagonal masonry spire of the Christ Church Cathedral and the spire of Tom Tower, which is a bell tower in Oxford also provide a treat to the eyes. An excellent view of Oxford spires can also be obtained atop the Carfax tower, which is an historical monument built in the thirteenth century.
Oxford Museums – Major Attractions
The Ashmolean Museum situated in Oxford is considered to be one of the city’s prime tourist attractions. Regarded as the world’s first university museum, this monument houses many art works that belonged to the Renaissance era. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History which has a large collection of zoological and geological displays, should be a must visit destination in your Oxford travel itinerary. This museum also provides entry to the Pitts Rivers Museum, where one can see a wide collection of art forms from all periods and cultures. The other popular Oxford museums that one should definitely visit include the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of the History of Science and the museum housing the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments.
