Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’ have been drawing people to this city for centuries. Whether you come looking for the city of C.S. Lewis & Tolkein, come to hear some of the world’s finest choirs and musicians, or to study in the Bodleian library, Oxford holds fascination for everyone.

Below are some links to help in planning your stay in Oxford…

OXFORD WALKING TOURS

Oxford Walking Tours have been operating tours of Oxford City and University for 25 years. As the tours are run by Stuart, they are free to anyone staying with us at Holywell B&B. For more details of the day tours and ghost tours check the Oxford Walking Tour website.

MUSEUMS

The Museums in Oxford will appeal to every age and interest. The Ashmolean Museum is just completing a far-reaching refurbishment and expansion program, showcasing its large collection of paintings, antiquities, archeology, and Eastern Art.

The Museum of the History of Science located in the world's oldest purpose built museum houses a collection of historic scientific instruments unrivaled anywhere.

The Pitt Rivers Museum which houses an expansive collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects.

Next door is the Oxford Museum of Natural History which holds collections of zoological, geological and entomological specimens, such as the Oxford Dodo and dinosaurs.

The Christchurch Picture Gallery houses an impressive collection of Old Master paintings and drawings left to the college in 1765.

Oxford Castle provides plenty of cafés and restautants, exhibitions and galleries, an outdoor market and tours of the castle and Oxford Gaol.

Tours are available inside the Bodleian Library.

THEATRE

Theatre in Oxford is exciting and vibrant year-round.  Summer brings outdoor productions with the Oxford Castle and the college gardens providing compelling venues and backdrops. 

The Creation Theatre Company stages several of these outdoor productions every summer.  A wide-ranging list of productions are enjoyed at the Oxford Playhouse. 

From Christmas Pantos to Ballet to ‘High School Musical’, the New Theatre, Oxford provides entertainment for young and old alike.

OUTSIDE OXFORD

For wanderings further afield, just a short drive out of Oxford,  Blenheim Palace is located in the village of Woodstock. Spend the day touring the palace and its numerous gardens, with lunch at several cafés on site.

For a different experience, in the heart of the Cotswold countryside, Cogges Manor Farm Museum gives the visitor an up-close and hands-on view of Victorian farm life.

An hour’s drive from Oxford can find you in Stratford, immersed in the world of William Shakespeare.  Highlights are the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s House and of course a Royal Shakespeare production.