10 photos to inspire you to visit Oxford

10 photos to inspire you to visit Oxford, England

Oxford boasts of over 100 libraries, above-ground, underground and wherever else it is possible to have a library. Student discount placards hang from every other shop and students dressed in sub-fusc dot the streets much to tourists’ delight. The city of dreaming spires inspired me like no other.

Oxford city houses 38 colleges. It is home to one of the top-class universities also the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford University. Also, some unique rituals like hurling eggs and pasta sauce at the students on the day of the last exam take place in the city of colleges.

A brief wander around the city reveals telltale signs of students’ mischief, of which the most evident is the defaced busts and statues that adorn the otherwise well-preserved historic buildings. Speaking of well-preserved historic buildings, Hitler indented to use Oxford as his capital, if he defeated England, therefore the city escaped the bombing during the WWII. Thank Hitler for that.

The university has produced 50 Nobel prize-winning scientists, authors and world leaders. Some of the well-known authors include Oscar Wilde, Philip Pullman, JRR Tolkien and John Ruskin.

Oxford city has inspired many a preeminent figure of literature. Some of the historical buildings and lanes have played an important role in many storylines including The Lord of the Rings and Alice in Wonderland. Supposedly Alice from Alice in Wonderland was named after and based on a real girl living in Oxford.

And my favourite part is that Oxford also gave us Aslan and Tumnus of Narnia.

Legend has it that C.S Lewis was influenced by an ornate door that stands opposite to the Oxford University church’s entrance. Thus, Aslan, Tumnus and the Narnia door took shape.

Some of the university buildings also served as Harry Potter shooting sites. The two-hour Harry Potter guided walking tour is highly recommended for Harry Potter fans.

Whether it’s punting or pub hopping, theatres or historical building, museums or fine dining Oxford has it all. The city is small enough to explore on foot. Also, hop on hop off bus, walking tours, river cruises are some fun ways to explore the city.

What’s more, when you had enough of Oxford you could go on a day-trip to the Cotswolds or Stratford-upon-Avon or head(back) to the capital city, London.