After watching Netflix’s My Year in Oxford, I felt nostalgic. So, when hubby suggested a midweek getaway there during school half-term, I was up for it. Neither he nor our children had even been to the city. We had been to the Cotswolds a couple of times, but not the city. I, on the other hand, had done a couple of day trips before we were married. My thoughts went to wandering the streets, exploring the covered market and climbing the stairs of Carifax Tower. Twenty years later, I was not ready for the bustle of Oxford city. Strolls along cobbled streets, it wasn’t with heavy pedestrian traffic and whizzing bikes and scooters. Still, don’t be put off. Oxford in autumn is picturesque. Think cream limestone against grey sky, red ivy across grey walls; it’s stunning. However, forewarned is forearmed. Steal my itinerary for the top free attractions in Oxford.
Where We Stayed
It’s becoming difficult to find cheap hotel rooms that accommodate a family of four, with teens. Currently, Premier is our go-to. Their family rooms can usually hold two single beds and a double bed comfortably. On this occasion, we stayed at the Premier Inn, Botley
Botley was the perfect location. It’s roughly a 5-minute drive from the Oxford City Park & Ride. If you don’t wish to drive, there is a bus stop in front of the hotel that will take you into the city. Planning a shopping trip, then it’s a 10-minute drive to Westgate Oxford Shopping Centre in the city.
We experienced excellent customer service. Our stay was during the Halloween period, and it was lovely to see that the hotel got into the ‘spirit’ of things. The reception area was decorated, and they even displayed the colouring work of their young visitors, which was a sweet touch. The buffet brekkie was yum! The only downside was that the room could have looked more put-together. Yes, we had an extra bed for our youngest. We had three beds altogether in the room, but the neatness could have been executed better.
Free Attractions in Oxford City
The main things on my list were to visit a few film locations and the Bodleian Library. I learnt about it during my Library Technician training in Trinidad. Then, I wanted to revisit Carfax Tower. Although the last two are not free, they are affordably priced.
PSA: The library tickets are released daily. Be quick to avoid missing out. The cost of entering Carfax Tower is included in the Sightseeing Bus Tours Alternatively, you can pay to visit the tower. I digress. Now for the free spots.
Oxford has been the location for many movies. Sites like the Divinity School, Bodleian Libraries, Sheldonian Theatre, the High Street, Broad Street, Balliol College and Bridge of Sighs, to mention a few, can be spotted in films from the Harry Potter franchise. Additionally, parts of the cityscape is seen in Golden Compass, Shadowlands, The Oxford Murders, X-Men: First Class, Transformers: The Last Knight, Tolkien, The Favourite, as I mentioned earllier My Oxford Year and more were filmed around Oxford City.
Put on your comfy shoes and set off for a walk. Well-known and much-loved TV series like Inspector Morse and Endeavour were filmed around Oxford.
The libraries, monuments and museums have the x-factor too! As mentioned earlier, there is an entrance fee for the library, BUT exploring the architecture from the outside is free and equally special.
TIP: During the festive season there’s a Christmas market that from late November to New Year’s Eve.
Colleges and Monuments In Oxford
Martyrs’ Memorial is a stone monument in Oxford, England. It was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott as a commemoration of the 16th-century Oxford Martyrs, three protestants who were tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in 1555.
Some colleges are free to visit. Visit the university website for more details. On the topic of colleges, the Bridge of Sighs is a skywalk walkway that connects two sections of New College. Although the inside is accessible only for students, it’s a must-see attraction for tourists to photograph
Covered Markets are a must, whether you need a cuppa, yummy meal or fresh flowers and fruit or shelter from a drizzle.
Musemus
No city visit is complete without a trip to the museum. We visited three for free! But donated site because they were that good!
Shout out to University Museum of Natural History, the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums for their interactive, engaging displays and where relevant sharing with candour the colonial past and how objects were obtained. The displays at the Ashmolean moved me. The stories of the objects and the politics of their removal were frustrating and thought-provoking. The creativity and artistry of pieces held at Pttt Rivers was astounding.
Finally
I hope you found this blog helpful. While you are here, take a look at our other staycations. If you want tips on how to plan a budget staycation, CLICK HERE
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What city is on your bucket list to visit? Or do you have a special trip? Comment below. I would love to hear from you.
