Oxford is teeming with attractions, from its college buildings and historic library to the parks and green spaces all around the city. With a rental car you’ll find much more within easy reach, allowing you to really make the most of your time in the UK.
From the glorious Blenheim Palace to the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the bright lights of London, there’s plenty here to fill any trip itinerary.
Dreaming spires
One of the highlights of any visit to Oxford is exploring the colleges that make up its world-famous university. There are 38 in total, located all around the city. Reserve a place on a walking tour where you can learn all about the history and architecture of these unique buildings.
If time is short and you’ve only got time to visit one college, Christ Church is a must-see. Several scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here and it’s also where the author Lewis Carroll taught mathematics and was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland.
Guided tours are available, and the college chapel – which is also the city’s cathedral – opens to visitors at 6pm for choral evensong, an experience that’s not to be missed.
Castle and culture
There are many other fascinating historical and cultural sights to see in and around Oxford, but one of the most impressive has to be the Bodleian Library. It’s one of the oldest libraries in the world and you can explore its incredible collections of books and manuscripts.
You can even take a tour that includes the reading room of Duke Humfrey’s Library, where Nobel Prize winners and kings of England have studied.
To learn more about the history of the city, head to Oxford Castle and Prison where you can climb St George’s Tower to enjoy panoramic views, and head inside to see the crypt and debtors’ tower. And if you really enjoy your time there, you can even stay over – part of the prison has been turned into a hotel, so you can spend the night in a converted cell.
For a different view of the city, head to the River Cherwell, where you’ll have the chance to rent a punt. These traditional, flat-bottomed boats are synonymous with Oxford and Cambridge and offer a great way to see the highlights of this university town.
In the footsteps of Churchill
Renting a car in Oxford also allows you to explore the surrounding area, with many scenic driving routes available nearby. Head to the Cotswolds just a few miles away and you’ll discover traditional stone-built villages and lively market towns, along with historic trails and beautiful woodlands.
Just a short drive outside Oxford is Blenheim Palace, a stately home dating back to the 17th century. It belongs to the family of Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s famous leader during World War II. Today you can explore an exhibition dedicated to him, including the room where he was born in 1874, along with photographs and other artifacts from his life.
Afterwards, you can view the priceless art housed within the palace and the Long Library, where there are thousands of historic books and many portraits of former kings and queens of England.
Also not to be missed are the beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the palace, home to the stunning Great Lake and hundreds of ancient oak trees, and the Churchill Memorial Garden.
Renting a car in Oxford means you’lll be able to explore all this and much more during your stay in this charming corner of the UK.