Colleges of Oxford University (Self Guided), Oxford

The University of Oxford is the oldest educational institution in England and one of the best in the world. Alma mater for thousands of the most influential people on the planet, it is also a major attraction for architecture and history buffs.

The university represents a "federation" incorporating 38 self-governing colleges and six permanent private halls. Let's take a closer look at some of these prestigious institutions, each with its unique history and character.

Located in the heart of Oxford, Trinity College is known for its beautiful gardens and historic buildings. It has a strong emphasis on science and mathematics.

Situated nearby, Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges at Oxford. It's known for its intellectual atmosphere and a tradition of producing influential scholars.

Located in Turl Street, Exeter College boasts a stunning chapel and a mix of modern and traditional architecture. It has a strong focus on humanities.

Lincoln College stands out for its picturesque setting and academic excellence in various fields.

Corpus Christi College, situated on Merton Street, is known for its intimate atmosphere and strong tutorial system. This is one of the smaller colleges in Oxford.

Meanwhile, Merton College, founded in the 13th century, is known for its beautiful quad and academic achievements. It has a strong presence in science and arts.

University College, often referred to as "Univ," is one of the oldest colleges and has a rich history. It is known for its liberal arts curriculum.

At the same time, Magdalen College, nestled beside the Cherwell River, is famous for its deer park and iconic tower.

Each college at Oxford University offers a unique academic and social experience. The history, architecture, and traditions of these institutions make studying at Oxford a truly enriching experience. If you're considering pursuing your education here, explore these colleges further on our self-guided walk and discover the one that resonates with you the most.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Ed Webster.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Oxford

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Colleges of Oxford University
Guide Location: England » Oxford (See other walking tours in Oxford)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Oxford?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Oxford Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Oxford?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Oxford, England

Create Your Own Walk in Oxford

Creating your own self-guided walk in Oxford is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Harry Potter Walk in Oxford

In addition to its conventional university fame, more recently Oxford has emerged as a major filming location for the magical world of Harry Potter.

The picturesque New College served as the backdrop for several scenes in the Harry Potter movies. Its cloisters were used as the setting for Hogwarts' interiors, where characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley walked... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

Oxford Introduction Walking Tour

Oxford, a city in central England, has captivated the minds of scholars and travelers for centuries. The name "Oxford" originates from the Old English "Oxenaford," which means "shallow crossing of the oxen." It harks back to the early days (circa 900 AD) when a small settlement established by the Anglo-Saxons served as an important crossing point on the upper reaches... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles