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Oxford
A visit to Oxford is one that’s filled with history, majesty and plenty of fun things to do. As one of the most quintessential British backdrops, you’ll know it for its world-famous university, stunning architecture, new and prospective students, or perhaps Harry Potter films – depending on your age!
Urbs' audio tours of Oxford are the ultimate way to see the sights, including the many hidden gems dotted throughout the city. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or longer, there’s no better way to take it all in than a self-guided walking tour of Oxford.
Download the Urbs app to your phone and see the highlights of the city, find out what’s new and free, and book tickets to sites and attractions.
The Urbs Way
Listen & discover
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Enjoy 2+ hours of audio content written by cultural experts
Explore 40+ fascinating cultural locations
Discover 100+ restaurants, cafes, bars and shops recommended by local writers
Plan your route
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Plan your perfect day with our unique route plotting function
You can also use one of our curated routes which can be amended according to interests, schedule and budget
Book tickets
Find out which locations require tickets
Book attractions and activities in advance to avoid the queues
Time to Explore Oxford
Just 90 minutes from London, and two hours from Cambridge, Oxford is easily accessible with great links. Once you arrive, get your self-guided walking tours of Oxford app ready to walk in the footsteps of many others, including Albert Einstein who visited several times. Here are some of the highlights to check out:
Harry Potter Fandom
​Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library are destinations in themselves, but coupled with the fact that they’re Harry Potter filming locations, you’ll see why they’re swarming with tourists from all over the world. Walk around the grand entrances and halls and feel like you’re in the movies. Probably the most famous location is the Christ Church Great Hall which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter movie franchise.
University of Oxford
The world famous University of Oxford is the city’s most iconic attraction – home to over 25,000 students. Your audio tour of Oxford will take you to all the key spots, including the grand Bodleian Library – one of the oldest libraries in Britain, and the impressive Sheldonian Theatre off Radcliffe Square. If you appreciate architecture, the Neoclassical Radcliffe Camera is an unmissable landmark, designed in the 18th century by James Gibbs.
Museum Culture
As you to continue to explore the town, be sure to add the Ashmolean Museum to your list. This is widely considered to be the first modern museum in the world, dating back to 1683. With historical artefacts from all over Europe, it’s a fascinating place to enjoy at your own pace. The Pitt Rivers museum is another treasure trove of treats, featuring interesting anthropological items from around the world.
Shopping
​Geared towards tourists, you will find everything you’re looking for in the quaint shops of Oxford. Head to Cornmarket Street – a pedestrianised street running between Magdalen Street (near Magdalen College) and Carfax Tower.
Punting on the River
When you need a break from your walking tour, head to the river for a spot of punting. Take in the great landscape of England, and do as the locals with a picnic and a fizzy drink or two! You could think you’re in Venice with the Isis (Thames) and Cherwell rivers, perfect for an afternoon of boating under bridges.
Dining Out
There are endless places to eat in Oxford, and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Pick any of the riverside pubs for stunning views and affordable meals – the Cherwell Boathouse is a favourite. The cosy setting of ‘The Perch’ is like something out of a Jane Austen novel, while The Old Bookbinders attracts both students and locals, with its pub-like façade.
Oxford Castle
Connect with Oxford’s rich past at Oxford Castle and Prison. This medieval Norman castle has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction, with parts of the prison (including cells) converted into the Malmaison Hotel, if you’re looking for somewhere quirky to stay. Explore Oxford castle with the audio tour of Oxford and find all the key spots, including the 900-year-old crypt and the eerie stocks – a fun place for photos.
Other Features of the App
The Urbs app offers more than just a self-guided walking tour of Oxford, it also offers a number of handy features:
Tailor your Trip
​Go at your own pace and build the itinerary that was meant for you. The app works offline too, making it extremely user-friendly.
Purchasing Tickets
​Oxford is a busy city, but you can jump the queues and book tickets to key attractions in advance using your Urbs phone app.
Library of Content
Access our extensive library of Oxford content and create any audio tours you like!
Hidden Gems
We use local insiders to pull together a list of key attractions and hidden gems, including a host of free things to do, geared towards visitors.
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If you enjoyed this overview, why not check out some of our other guides here….