Discover Britain is published 6 times a year. On Happy Go Abi, you may find affiliate links to products and books I love and find useful. Interestingly, All Souls has been a graduate college from its very beginning with only a few exceptions to accept undergraduates.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-leader-2-0')}; If you want to see this college, you’ll be delighted to learn it is free! These student tour guides know the ins and outs of the university workings, as well as lots of cool facts about the city and all the different colleges. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-box-3-0')};The gorgeous city of Oxford draws in academics and tourists alike for visiting Oxford colleges, exploring the city’s cobbled streets, and enjoying its hallowed halls of learning. 1. © 2021 Chelsea Magazine Company | Yet even if you aren’t a literary fan, you will still stand in awe of Christ Church’s splendor. You can use the map links above with each of the colleges to help you navigate, or check out the University of Oxford’s searchable map. Opening Times & FREE entry | Chapel Schedule | Location. This stunning tower, which is part of the Manchester Museum, stands out on the University of Manchester's Oxford Road campus. Eliot whose poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats inspired the famous musical Cats!). Now, ironically, Trinity stands in the heart of Oxford’s city center. 21. Alumni range from the bible translator John Wycliffe, to the political economist Adam Smith, to romantic poets like Robert Browning and Gerard Manley Hopkins, to authors like Aldous Huxley, and countless Noble Prize winners, politicians, and ambassadors. Balliol has consistently shaped great minds and is a veritable treasure trove of famous alumni. Evensong is a traditional evening church service and is held throughout the week at college chapels and cathedrals. While these are my top picks for the best colleges in Oxford to visit, there are so many more that you could see! A charter incorporating ‘the Principal and Fellows of Hertford College’ was issued in 1740. Despite its name, New College was founded in 1379, and is one of the largest and most famous colleges of Oxford. 12 of the Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford. Founded in 1524, it’s the largest of the city’s colleges and stepping inside feels like going back in time. Another college located on banks of the River Cherwell is Wolfson College, a graduate college with contemporary architecture that is quite different from other Oxford colleges. Hertford Bridge, popularly known as the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane. Magdalen College. 34. Think of Oxford and you’ll almost certainly conjure up romantic images of dreaming spires and busy students on bicycles, college scarves trailing behind them in the breeze. Christ Church: one of the most beautiful colleges in oxford - See 2,480 traveler reviews, 2,322 candid photos, and great deals for Oxford, UK, at Tripadvisor. https://www.discoverbritainmag.com/the-beautiful-colleges-of-oxford-university As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Much of its current architecture was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and it was completed in 1914. Eliot, studied philosophy here as a graduate student. Lewis. But with so many options, how do you know which are the best colleges to visit in Oxford?if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; While there are many to choose from, there are several colleges that you should definitely make sure to see during your time in this city! It is one of the country’s most famous historic institutions and, for many, the very epitome of Britishness. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A pleasant walk across the University Parks will bring you to the doorstep of Lady Margaret Hall (LMH), a charming college founded in 1878 and situated on the banks of the River Cherwell. So make sure you set up an appointment ahead of time so you are not disappointed when you want to visit this beautiful place!if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-leader-1-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-leader-1-0_1')}; .leader-1-multi-137{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Visiting Information | Chapel Schedule | Location. (And yes, he’s that T.S. Tolkien. Worcester College has extensive grounds and is a lovely place to visit if you need to get away from the main city for a bit. Each and every one of Oxford's 39 colleges has its own special charm and each Oxford student will be biased towards their own. Although John I de Balliol was the original founder, when he died in 1269 his widow Dervorguilla—an independently wealthy woman—continued setting up the college, writing the statutes, and giving a permanent endowment to assure this college’s legacy. This website was written entirely by Oxford University students and produced by Oxford SU. Like most colleges here it was originally intended for religious purposes and educating clergymen.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-box-4-0')}; This college provides excellent views of the nearby Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library…and has a lovely chapel with stained-glass windows that wrap around the walls. In those cases, the entire city became a university campus, like you would see in Oxford or Cambridge. Departments and colleges were invited to fact-check their pages but this does not constitute an official source of information and you should always check the official university website for the most up-to-date information. The Canterbury quad (pictured above), substantially commissioned by Archbishop Laud and completed in 1636, is the first example of Italian Renaissance architecture in Oxford. It’s the most beautiful city in the UK and I can totally understand why you would want to visit. On the first night you go to dinner in a … 3. It began life in 1525 when, at the height of his power, Thomas Wolsey suppressed the Priory of St Frideswide in Oxford and founded Cardinal College on its lands. All Souls College is one of the most exclusive and wealthiest colleges at Oxford, and is a gorgeous place. The Princeton Review's 2020 edition of "The Best 385 Colleges" includes a list of 20 of the most beautiful college campuses. While having no known formal date of foundation, there is evidence of teaching at Oxford as far back as 1096, making the University of Oxford the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second-oldest surviving university. Designed by James Gibbs in neo-classical style and built in 1737-49, the library’s construction and maintenance was funded from the estate of John Radcliffe, a notable doctor, who left £40,000 upon his death in 1714, although library didn’t open until 1749. If you decide to visit this college, look out for the super symmetrical arches and quadrangles! In this case, the most famous author associated with Magdalen is C.S. Website: University of Cincinnati. via Flickr. Lewis lived and worked here, and Magdalen is also home to one of his favorite walks (Addison’s Walk) which he frequented with his friend J.R.R. There cannot be a list of top universities in the world without including Oxford University. 4. Oxford has been turning up on tv screens for years and immortalised in books for even longer. Tell us a little about yourself to get started. However, he famously fell from grace in 1529, and the buildings remained incomplete for another 140 years. You won’t want to miss these views—and bonus, this is a free college to enter! It also has a really cool library that is only occasionally open to the public, but the quads and the chapel are usually open for visitors. The beautiful Radcliffe Camera houses the Radcliffe Science Library and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This college is located near the Natural History Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum, so make it a priority to stop by here on your way to explore these amazing collections! Major additions have been made to the buildings through the centuries, and Wolsey’s Great Quadrangle was crowned with the famous gate-tower designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This brick design has always been somewhat controversial, but it makes this college stand out as strikingly different from all the others in Oxford. Of course, the winding River Cam makes the university grounds even more dreamy. Hi, I'm Abi—a California girl, wandering wordsmith, and avid adventurer. Of particular note is the dining hall (which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall) and the entrance to the dining area (which is where Professor McGonagall met the first years in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). University of Oxford 2021 Applicants Official thread! Exeter is also a special college because of its literary alumni, including J.R.R. Next. Trinity College. One of their most notable buildings is the Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, an angular brick building designed by Frank Gehry. Opening Times | Ticket Information | Cathedral Schedule | Location. Cambridge is a more tranquil city. It was founded in 1448 by Margaret of Anjou (the queen of Henry VI, who founded King’s College) and has some of the most recognisable buildings in Cambridge, which combine medieval and modern architecture in beautiful, extensive gardens. (This is also the college of fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey!) With over 40 colleges and Permanent Private Halls as part of the University of Oxford, there are plenty of beautiful and unique buildings and grounds to explore while in this university town. Situated in the heart of the city, and set against the city’s medieval wall, this College was originally established as a monastery and was the first to … Exeter College. At this event, all the colleges across the university come together to race their tortoises (yes, many of the colleges keep tortoises as college pets!) Visitor Information & FREE entry | Chapel Schedule | Location. Students and fellows still dine in this hall today! Interestingly, J.R.R. Richard Newton, who became Hart Hall’s principal in 1710, built up the college, freeing it from debt and funding new buildings. This is the perfect place to while away the day! Teaching within Oxford's stone walls dates as far back as the 11th century, and the school is considered a paradigm for all college campuses. The 21 most beautiful university campuses in the UK. It is also fun to take a free walking tour led by real Oxford students. Hi, I’m Abi—a California girl, wandering wordsmith, and avid adventurer. This college was founded in 1438 by King Henry VI of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time. Oxford colleges: myths, stereotypes and rankings UniQ plus Oxford internship scheme See more of what you like on The Student Room. But of course Harry Potter isn’t the only literary connection here; long before Harry Potter even existed, a man called Charles Dodgson called Christ Church his home. Queen’s College is imposing and impressive, and so worth a visit. When thinking of famous Oxford colleges, Magdalen is definitely high up on the list! January 2020. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a city break, want to explore the UK’s spectacular coast and countryside or learn more about historic sites across the country. Cookie Policy, Inside Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, Armistice Day: five years of poppy photos. Christ Church was traditionally considered the most aristocratic college. If you need travel tips or a story to inspire you to travel, I’m your girl! Privacy Policy | You may recognize his pen name, Lewis Carroll, and you will certainly recognize his most famous work—Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Choosing The Best Oxford Colleges To Visit It is one of the city’s most famous and most photographed sights. The castle-like Christ Church is arguably the most impressive Oxford college, and one of the most popular colleges to visit. It is one of the best Oxford colleges to visit (and is definitely on the list of the most fun things to do in Oxford if you have kids with you!). It’s had plenty of screen time over the years featuring in an adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited and the Harry Potter films, among other appearances. Besides being one of the grandest colleges at Oxford, Christ Church is as close as you’ll get to a real-life Hogwarts and was used as a filming site for the Harry Potter movies. Some of these colleges require a fee to enter; others are free to visit. If you’re interested, check out more about this exciting event alongside other amazing free things to do in Oxford! Merton, everyone gasped at each other, was the richest, most academic, most beautiful college in Oxford. Queens’ College is one of the oldest and largest colleges of the university. Famous attendees include CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde and J. Paul Getty. Each and every one of Oxford's 39 colleges has its own special charm and each Oxford student will be biased towards their own. St. John’s is free to visit and located close to the heart of Oxford, so you can stop by here easily during your time in the city center. Oxford, England. If you’re interested in learning more about the literary world of Oxford, this college is a good place to start. 10 Best and Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges. Make sure to stop by the chapel, which contains many intricacies that are delightful to see. Taking walking tours can be an excellent way to learn about the history of the university as a whole and about some of the colleges in particular! St John’s, founded in 1555 by the merchant Sir Thomas White, is built around seven quadrangles. This college has one of the smallest student populations in Oxford, but it is still cute to see. On Turl Street you will find Exeter College—the fourth oldest college at Oxford University—which was established in 1314 by Walter de Stapledon. If you are around in May you will want to come here for the biggest event of the Oxford year—the Corpus Christi Tortoise Fair. Opening Times & Ticket Information | Chapel Schedule | Location. If you want to walk in the footsteps of people who have shaped our world, this is certainly one of the best places to do that! Check out these great options! Only 6 to choose :P. Lady Margaret Hall is clearly the most beautiful. This college, founded in the sixteenth century, originally chose its location because of its rural setting. It is one of the best ... 2. The university is smaller, with around 18,000 students to Oxford’s 26,000, but with its exquisite colleges and beautiful environment it is every inch Oxford’s rival. Opening Times & Ticket Prices | Chapel Schedule | Location. Tolkien and Philip Pullman—both authors whose books are closely tied to the world of Oxford. The college library and current chapel were added in the mid-17th century. Here are some of the most beautiful Oxford colleges to visit! Trinity has a lot of open space, but is a relatively small college when measured by student numbers. Magdalen College. 3. However, there's no denying that some Oxford colleges are … Although it may not seem as exotic as others on the list, for those who love all things English, Oxford is most certainly attractive and out of the ordinary. A visit to Magdalen allows you to literally walk in the footsteps of these great authors! If the college looks more than a little familiar, there’s a good reason. Not only is Cambridge one of the best universities in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful. University of Oxford. Keble is one of the colleges that feels larger because of its remarkable amount of space in the main quads. But there are 70-odd colleges that make up Oxford and Cambridge. 10 Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges Inside 8 of Oxford University’s Most Beautiful Libraries [This post was first written in 2016 and was updated in 2021] Share; Tweet; Pin ← Previous. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. High Street 276000 Open: October 1 – June 21 1pm – 6pm or dusk (whichever is earlier), June 22 – Sept 30 12pm – 6pm. While this is certainly a work of imaginative fiction, after exploring Oxford you will discover that echoes of Oxford infiltrate every corner of Alice’s adventures. Sit by the large pond and watch the ducks swimming past, or wander along the paths. Tolkien taught here as a Professor of English Language and Literature during part of his Lord of the Rings period. But regardless of cost, seeing the colleges of Oxford will be an experience you will never forget. It grew rapidly after 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris, and the university was granted a royal charter in 1248. So at least pop by while you visit the central attractions in Radcliffe Square. The chapel is also exquisite, with its use of elaborate mosaics and tiled floors! OXFORD, Miss. There is plenty to see and do here at this historic college, and many fascinating and famous alumni to remember as you walk the grounds! While in Oxford, you may also want to attend evensong at one or more of the colleges. 5. Christ Church College. Merton is one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in Oxford with medieval and 17th-century buildings – including our 13th-century chapel – and glorious, extensive gardens protected by the city wall. Christ Church is without a doubt, one of the grandest colleges at Oxford and actually encases Christ Church Cathedral (The Diocese of Oxford) within its walls. Introvert Travel: 10 Tips for Traveling as an Introvert, The Best Personal Item Bags for Airplane Travel, The Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel and Everyday Use, 12 of the Best Colleges to Visit in Oxford, fun things to do in Oxford if you have kids with you, Joshua Tree Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in the Park, How to Spend 2 Days in Charleston, South Carolina, 21 Things to Do in San Luis Obispo, California. Being prepared and having a plan for which colleges you want to see when you visit Oxford is very important. Opening Times & Ticket Information | Chapel Schedule | Location. The college chapel is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town and holds a series of important firsts: consecrated in 1665, it’s the first chapel built specifically for a college; it’s Sir Christopher Wren’s first architectural project, and it’s … If you can only visit one college when you visit Oxford, it has to be Christ Church. Magdalen College: Most beautiful of the Oxford colleges - See 708 traveler reviews, 477 candid photos, and great deals for Oxford, UK, at Tripadvisor. – The University of Mississippi and Oxford often rank at the top of annual lists of beautiful campuses and best college towns, and this fall has brought a new set of national accolades upon the area. Required fields are marked *, if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-medrectangle-1-0')};report this ad. The University of Cambridge definitely has some of the most impressive and iconic university buildings in the world.Established back in 1209, this medieval university is not only incredibly beautiful, it’s also one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world, ranked in seventh place in the QS World University Rankings 2021. Your email address will not be published. It is particularly distinctive because of its 1870s neo-gothic brick buildings that give it an almost gingerbread-house appearance. Modern facilities include a lecture theatre and five new music practice rooms. As he was wont to do, Wolsey planned the establishment on a magnificent scale. Definitely stop by for a leisurely stroll during your time in Oxford! Although there is a small fee to enter, it is worth the money to get to see these beautiful grounds and explore in the footsteps of some literary greats! Though the Oxford Union itself is not affiliated in any way to Oxford University, the Old Library has become one of the most popular lending libraries, with students flocking towards it for its beautiful décor and its comprehensive range. Corpus Christi College. The oldest colleges are University College, Balliol, and Merton, established between 1249 and 1264. Without a doubt, Christ Church is the most recognisable college at Oxford, having given England Thirteen Prime Ministers and of course being the site of the Grand Stairwell in Harry Potter. Famous Worcester alumni include Richard Adams, of Watership Down fame, as well as producer and screenwriter Russell T. Davies of the Doctor Who 2005 revival. The college is home to Christ Church Cathedral, and several Harry Potter filming locations. Another of the oldest colleges at Oxford, Balliol was founded around 1263 and can certainly hold its own with the other amazing colleges at this university! Oxford embodies the very idea of “university.” These are free to attend—so check out the chapels linked with each college to decide where you want to participate!if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-happygoabi_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; Looking for a place to stay in Oxford? It is one of the prettiest and most memorable colleges and is definitely worth a stop during your time here. Learn more. Admission £3 / £2. When visiting Oxford, seeing Christ Church College should definitely be at the top of your list! This officially made her a co-founder of the college…and perhaps even a more important founder, as she clearly turned it into the college we know today! You can personalise what you see on TSR. Christ Church College. The wood-paneled dining hall is worth a stop as well. Their chapel is also unique with a beautiful scrolled floor that makes it stand out among the many chapels throughout Oxford. St John’s takes the title for the wealthiest college in Oxford, and was officially founded in 1555. Like many of the colleges, Magdalen is well-represented by famous literary minds. Newer campuses were playgrounds of some of the world’s best architects such as the National Autonomous University of Mexico or Yale University. January 2020. Another famous author and literary critic, T.S. Wander and explore the grounds for a small fee, or attend Evensong in the beautiful cathedral for free…either way, this college will leave you with a sense of wonder! Terms & Conditions | The university started out as Cincinnati College and the Medical College of Ohio in 1819 but has since become the University of Cincinnati that we know today. Last reviewed January 2016. 10 Best and Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges. If you need travel tips or a story to inspire you to travel, I'm your girl! Pronounced “Mawd-lin”, Magdalen College is commonly referred to as the most beautiful of all the colleges in Oxford. However, there's no denying that some Oxford colleges are … Discover Britain provides your essential guide to the very best of Britain. Unlike the other colleges, this college requires members of the public to be accompanied by a guide from the Visitor Information Center. The neoclassical architecture is a treat to see and some of the buildings inside were designed by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren. Your email address will not be published. 17 Best Normal People Quotes from the Book. Christ Church College. The Hertford College began life as Hart Hall, a small tenement built roughly where the college’s Old Hall is today. When visiting Oxford, seeing Christ Church College should definitely be at the top of your list! It sits alongside Brasenose College, officially The King’s Hall and College of Brasenose, whose history stretches back to 1509 when the college was founded on the site of Brasenose Hall. Brasenose College, New College, Hertford College, University College, Lady Margaret Hall…the list goes on and on. Each of the university's 29 undergraduate colleges has a unique design and architecture, making each stunning in its own way. Receive the free monthly editor’s newsletter, which includes competitions, news and travel inspiration. Merton College was founded in 1264 and is one of the three oldest colleges at the university—and the first fully self-governing college. This has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that they gave me an offer.

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