It is easy to feel the history of Oxford by simply looking at the architecture. Approximately 1500 listed buildings in Oxford collectively embody the various stages of British architectural history from the 11th century to the present day. Let this route take you on a journey to yesteryear.
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Route overview
Our route starts at the University of Oxford. The university is not a campus university, meaning the buildings are spread out within the city. Feel free to wander around in this area, seeing some of the colleges such as Trinity College, Brasenose College, and All Souls College.
The University of Oxford has a history dating back to the 1100s! As Britain’s oldest university with a distinguished list of Oxonians, including 28 British Prime Ministers, 30 international leaders, 55 Nobel Prize winners, and 120 Olympic medal winners, Oxford University’s reputation speaks for itself.
Aerial view of Oxford University
Find your way to Broad Street, and look out on the floor for Martyr’s Cross.
Part 1 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
Continue down Broad Street, then turn right onto Magdalen Street, where you will see Martyr’s Memorial.
Part 2 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
Martyr’s Cross and Martyr’s Memorial represent the burning at the stake of three Protestants who were tried for going against the established beliefs or customs of Catholicism. The three Protestants, Church of England Bishops Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer, were tried at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, not far from here on High Street, in 1555 and 1556. The cross marks the actual place of the stake where the Martyr’s Memorial was to be built originally; however, it would be too impractical, hence its current site.
Martyr’s Cross
Martyr’s Memorial
Just after Martyr’s Memorial, turn left down Beaumont Street. To your right, you will see the Ashmolean Museum.
Part 3 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
The Ashmolean Museum is the oldest in the United Kingdom, opened in 1683, and the world’s first university museum. You can find stunning artifacts, including drawings by Raphael, a collection of pre-dynastic Egyptian sculpture and ceramics outside Cairo, the lantern carried by Guy Fawkes during the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, and the ceremonial Arabian robe worn by Lawrence of Arabia. General entrance is free, and some exhibitions require tickets which you can see and purchase here.
Ashmolean Museum. Credit: ashmoleanmuseum.org
Continue straight down Beaumont Street and turn left onto Worcester Street, then left again onto New Road. To your right is the Castle Mound, and behind it is the Oxford Castle and Prison.
Part 4 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
First built by William the Conqueror, the Oxford Castle and Prison has a history dating back to the 11th century. With an underground crypt that is reportedly haunted and prisoner’s cells with original graffiti drawn by the prisoners, you’re sure to have an authentic look back into a piece of the history of Oxford. You can book tickets for costumed guided tours here. Watch your step if you climb George’s Tower! The steps were intentionally designed to be varying in size, so if someone wanted to raid the tower, they would surely trip and fall. The Castle and Prison has also been refurbished as a hotel called Malmaison Oxford. You can book a room here.
Oxford Castle and Prison
Leaving the castle, follow Oxford Castle Road and turn right back onto New Road. Make a slight left turn onto Bonn Square, which becomes Queen Street. Carfax Tower will be on your left at the corner of the intersection.
Part 5 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
Carfax Tower is considered the centre of the city and stands 23 metres tall with 99 steps to the top. You will get a wonderful view of the Oxford skyline; that’s probably because no building may be built taller than the tower! You can book tickets here to tour the tower. Fun fact: one of the disciplinary regulations of the University of Oxford is that some students must reside within 9.7km of Carfax.
Carfax Tower. Credit: Alison Day
Exit Carfax Tower onto High Street, then turn left into Turl Street and right into Brasenose Lane, where you will see Radcliffe Camera.
Part 6 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
Radcliffe Camera, not as the name suggests, is the University of Oxford’s library, which originally covered a variety of subjects but eventually narrowed to the sciences in 1810. Constructed and finished between 1737 and 1749, this structure was financed according to the will of John Radcliffe, a University of Oxford alum and physician who passed away in 1714. Unfortunately, the library is not open to the public; however, the exterior alone is quite something to marvel at. This building is the focal point of the University of Oxford and is often synonymous with it.
Radcliffe Camera
Turn left away from the Radcliffe Camera down Catte Street, then right into New College Lane, where you will see the Bridge of Sighs just above you.
Part 7 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
The Bridge of Sighs, or Hertford Bridge, is also very synonymous with Oxford. It is referred to as the Bridge of Sighs as it resembles a similar bridge in Venice, Italy. The legend linked with the Bridge of Sighs in Venice is that prisoners used to catch their last glimpse of the outside world, therefore sighing with dismay. The (false) legend of the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford is that a health survey was conducted at the university. It was “deduced” that students from Hertford College were heavier than other students, and therefore, the bridge was allegedly closed, so students were forced to take the stairs.
Bridge of Sighs
Pass under the Bridge and follow the curves of New College Lane onto Queen’s Lane. Continue following the curves of Queen’s Lane.
Part 8 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
Turn left onto High Street and continue straight. Just after Magdalen Tower and just before Magdalen Bridge, you will find a spot to hire boats for punting; our last stop on this route.
Part 8 of the 3km Walk to Yesteryear in Oxford
Punting, using a long stick to push the bottom of the river, is what moves the flat-bottomed boat along a river. This is a favourite pastime and tradition for the University of Oxford students after graduation. You can bravely go for a punt yourself or have a chauffeur to guide you and fill you in on some Oxford secrets along the way. You can book tickets here.
Oxford Punting
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Resources:
This route was curated and compiled in kind collaboration with Headington Road Runners.
If you enjoyed this route, see our 2.5km Inklings Walk
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