Take it easy to explore Oxford on some of its many levels. Balance the gravitas of scholarly learning at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library with the thrill of seeing some of its Harry Potter film locations. Wander beneath the photogenic Bridge of Sighs to make the most of a free photo opp of another Harry Potter prop, a 200-year old oak tree. Visit the Covered Market and many cafes and restaurants around Oxford making sustainability top priority. Catch mindfood exhibitions and collections at the University’s Ashmolean Museum and stay for afternoon tea. Later, catch the international vibes at Cowley Street’s many bars.
Art Cafe, Bonn Square, Oxford, UK
Jacobs & Field, Old High Street, Headington, Oxford, UK
Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford, UK
Bridge of Sighs, New College Lane, Oxford, UK
Vaults & Garden, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, UK
Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant, Beaumont Street, Oxford, UK
Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, UK
Covered Market, Oxford, UK
The Coconut Tree, Saint Clement's Street, Oxford, UK
Best Places for Breakfast in Oxford
Art Cafe
Enjoy an art exhibition as well as the food at Art Cafe, serving organic, free range and vegan options. Traditional breakfasts, omelettes and hot or cold filled baguettes are favourites. Filled wraps, bagels, paninis and quesadillas will hit the spot for brunch or later. The cafe collaborates with local artists to showcase their work.
Jacobs and Field
An Oxford favourite, Jacobs and Field is known for breakfast and brunch classics and eggs with a twist including “Gypsy Eggs” poached with sauteed potatoes, chorizo, jalapenos, and “Eggs California” with smashed avocado and fried tomato. Locals also recommend the big breakfasts and brioche baps with the works.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Oxford
Bodleian Library
The University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library dates back to 1488, with the library as we visit today opened by Sir Thomas Bodley in 1602. Generations of famous scholars have studied here, so it’s quite an experience to visit, taking a tour to appreciate the history, the architecture and some Harry Potter locations, too! The 60-minute tour includes the Divinity School and ends in the beautiful Duke Humfrey’s Library, both of which featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The 90-minute tour also includes the Oxford landmark Radcliffe Camera, a domed reading room.
Bridge of Sighs
Hertford Bridge, known as the “Bridge of Sighs”, links two Hertford College buildings. Like the Venetian bridge of the same name, it links buildings, but its style is more like Venice’s Rialto Bridge. Anyway, it’s is a much-photographed landmark Over New College Lane and has often been used in filming such as “X Men First Class”. The 200-year-old oak tree behind the bridge featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and the duel between Harry and Draco Malfoy. The tree is in New College Cloisters, but you can photograph it from the road here. Take the Harry Potter Walking Tour to see inside.
Best Places for Lunch in Oxford
Vaults & Garden
A cafe hub built on a vision of sustainability, Vaults and Garden sources local, organic and ethically produced ingredients to minimise the carbon footprint. Choose chicken with roasted roots, organic beef “Azteca” with Mexican beans or a tofu coconut curry. Or maybe goat cheese souffle or cheesy Oxford Welsh Rarebit. Everything possible is recycled.
The Covered Market
Dating back to 1770, the Covered Market in the city centre is home to more than 50 indie specialists. Many of the businesses have been family-owned and passed down and there’s an emphasis on fresh, local produce and sustainability. The Alpha Bar prepares healthy salad bowls and stews made from locally sourced organic ingredients. Takeaway packaging is cardboard and cutlery is wooden.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Oxford
The Ashmolean Museum
Admission is free to the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. The collections tell human stories across time and cultures with treasures from the past. but there’s also emphasis on the contemporary with changing exhibitions focused on cultures around the world. Audio guides take you on tours, ancient and modern, while a series of trails can be downloaded to connect themes around Oxford. One of these is the “Shout out for Women Oxford Trail” breaking the boundaries of single collections to connect women’s achievements in art at the Ashmolean and around other locations in Oxford.
Best Places for Dinner in Oxford
The Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
Floor to ceiling glass windows open onto a large terrace at the Rooftop Restaurant – perfect for alfresco drinks and dining on fine days. Afternoon tea is a speciality, withs sandwiches, scones, cakes and the works, often themed to tie-in with an exhibition currently showing. Also sharing boards, mixed meat and cheese, vegan with vine leaves and hummus. Cocktails, wine list, craft beers and ciders – this is open until 6pm, last orders 5.30pm.
The Coconut Tree
A group of Sri Lankan friends and family bring Sri Lankan street food to the Coconut Tree restaurants in locations including Bath and Birmingham, as well as Oxford. Assemble your delicious dinner from the menu of small plates and coconut bowl-shaped “hoppers’ to fill with your curries, dhals and yummy selections.