Oxford wow 👍

When I decided to visit Oxford in March 2025, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’d heard it was a city of dreaming spires, ancient colleges, and literary legends, but I wondered if it might feel like a museum—beautiful but frozen in time. I’m happy to report that Oxford is anything but static. It’s a living, breathing place where history brushes shoulders with modern life, and after spending a few days wandering its cobbled streets, I’m already plotting my return. Here’s my take on why Oxford should be on your travel list—and a few tips to make the most of it. Arrival and First Impressions I rolled into Oxford on a crisp March morning, the air carrying that peculiar British chill that makes you grateful for a good coat. The train from London Paddington took just over an hour, and stepping out of Oxford Station felt like crossing a threshold into another world. The station itself is modest, but the short walk toward the city center quickly revealed honey-colored stone buildings and the faint hum of bicycles whizzing by—Oxford’s unofficial soundtrack. My first stop was a caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops on High Street. I chose The Missing Bean, a local favorite tucked into a narrow lane. The barista was chatty, the flat white was spot-on, and I got my first taste of Oxford’s student vibe—laptops open, books strewn across tables, and earnest debates about philosophy floating through the air. It set the tone: this wasn’t just a tourist trap; it was a city with a pulse. The Colleges: Stepping Into History You can’t visit Oxford without diving into its colleges, and I started with Christ Church. It’s one of the grandest, with its sprawling quad and the iconic Tom Tower looming overhead. The £15 entry fee (as of 2025) felt steep, but once inside, I understood why. The dining hall—yes, the one that inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films—was jaw-dropping. Dark wood panels, long tables, and portraits of stern-looking alumni stared down as if judging my touristy enthusiasm. I half-expected to see floating candles. The cathedral next door doubled as a bonus surprise. It’s smaller than I’d imagined for a city cathedral, but the stained glass and vaulted ceilings had a quiet majesty. A volunteer guide pointed out the shrine of St. Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of centuries in that space. Pro tip: check the college’s website for visiting hours—some close for events or term-time shenanigans, and March can be unpredictable. Next, I wandered over to Magdalen College, drawn by tales of its deer park. The £9 entry was worth it alone for the sight of deer grazing nonchalantly beside medieval stone walls. The cloisters were eerily peaceful, and I spent a good half-hour just soaking in the stillness. If you’re a photography buff, this is your spot—every angle looks like a postcard. #oxford