The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is a museum of the University of Oxford. Founded in 1683 it is one of the oldest public museums in the world and an example of the fine architecture one can see in this University city. Exhibitions change from season to season but you can be sure of learning something new with each visit.

You can currently enjoy the following exhibitions:

Treasures of the Ashmolean - an exhibition of over 200 of the museums finest objects displayed together in one room.

Chinese prints 1950-2006 - an exhibition reflecting the momentous changes in the Peoples republic of China over the last 50 years.

Plus family activities, lunch time talks and special events organised throughout the year.

Opening Times
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 12pm to 5pm Bank holidays: 10am to 5pm Closed: Monday Easter Opening: 6, 7, April 10am to 5pm 8 April 12pm to 5pm 9 April 10am to 5pm Closes for the St Giles Fair: 2 to 4 September 2007 Admission free.

Contact Details
Tel: (01865) 278000 Fax: (01865) 278018

Address
Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH

Website
The Ashmoleum Museum

Oxford tourist information centre provides information on Oxford attractions, accomodation booking and local events. They provide a range of printed tour guides, postcards and Oxford souveniers. You can also find information on walking tours around the city and also open top bus tours.

Opening Times
The Centre is open Monday to Saturday 09:30 to 17:00 (July & August, Thursday to Saturday, 09:30 to 18:00) Sundays and Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16.00

Contact Details
01865 252200 Email : tic@oxford.gov.uk

Address
15 to 16 Broad St Oxford, OX1 3AS

The Sheldonian Theatre was erected in 1664-8 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) from funds donated by Gilbert Sheldon (1598-1677), who during his long career held office as Warden of All Souls Bishop of London and Archbishop of Canterbury and was elected as Chancellor of the University of Oxford. In 1994 the Theatre was described by the European Commission as one of the architectural jewels of Oxford. Its purpose was to provide an appropriate secular venue for the principal meetings and public ceremonies of the University, and this remains its purpose today.

Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 12.30 hrs 14.00 to 16.30 hrs March to October 14.00 to 15.30 hrs November to February (Opening hours will be curtailed when the theatre is in use for University Ceremonies, meetings or concerts)

Contact Details
Tel: (01865) 277299 Fax: (01865) 277295 Email: custodian@sheldon.ox.ac.uk

Address
University of Oxford, Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ

Website
The Sheldonian Theatre

The Bridge of Sighs was built in 1913, between two buildings of Hertford college. It is named after the Bridge of sighs, or Ponte dei Sospiri in Venice, but in fact looks nothing like it.

Interesting Facts
The Bridge of sighs is easily identified, lying between the Clarendon building at the end of Broad Street, and the Radliffe Camera. It can be reached from Broad Street itself, Park Road, or Holywell Street. The shortest link from the High Street is Catte street.

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford. It is also a copyright deposit library and its collections are used by scholars from around the world. But what is perhaps most spectacular is the stunning architecture that hides the vast underground caverns of literature it has to be seen to be believed. The library is a truly unique example of Oxford architecture.

Opening Times
Please see the website for details

Contact Details
Tel: 01865 277180 Fax: 01865 277105 Email: admissions@bodley.ox.ac.uk.

Address
Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG

Website
The Bodleian Library

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and is the only botanical gardens in oxford. Throughout its three hundred and eighty year history the botanic gardens has continually evolved and developed to the point that today it is recognised as a classic yet contemporary botanic garden at the heart of the University and City of Oxford. For fans of literary fantasy, the gardens also offer insight into the books by Lewis Carol and JRR Tolkien, authors of Alice in Wonderland and The Lord of the Rings. Both authors are said to have gained inspiration from the Botanic Gardens.

Interesting Facts
The Oxford Botanic Gardens contain over 7 thousand types of plant, making it the most diverse yet compact collection of plants in the world.

Opening Times
The Oxford botanic gardens are open from 9am to between 4 and 6pm, depending on the time of year. Please check using contact details for the botanical gardens above.

Contact Details
Tel: 01865 286 690

Address
Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4AZ

Website
The Botanic Gardens

One of the more attractive Oxford colleges, boasting some truly stunning works of architecture. The college was also the location for the Harry Potter films, a must see for all Harry Potter fans, and home to author Lewis Caroll in his student days. Christ Church, founded in 1546, appears to be one of the more aristocratic colleges, producing thirteen British Prime Ministers, more than any other college in Oxford or Cambridge college. Christ Church is also the only college in England that is also a cathedral, which also boasts the world famous Christ Church choir.

Interesting Facts
Every evening at 9:05pm the Christ Church bell (Great Tom) chimes 101 times. Why 9:05pm? Well this is 9:00pm Oxford time, Oxford is 1°ree; 15' 24" west of Greenwich. Why 101 chimes? Christ Church was founded with 101 students in 1524, the bell rings once for each student to tell them to return to the College before the gates are locked.

Opening Times
Every day except Christmas Day, Mon to Sat 9am to 5.30pm, Sun 1pm to 5.30pm Last admittance 4.30 Christ Church Cathedral closes at 5pm, for special services see church website. Large parties may be split. Advanced booking is not required, except for special behind the scenes tours, for which an additional fee is payable.

Address
St Aldates, OX1 1DP

Cost
4.50 adult, 3.50 seniors, student, children

Website
Christ Church

A lovely expanse of countryside within the confines of Oxford city, with walks down by the riverside where one can watch the rowing clubs training. Matthew Pinsent, the British Rowing Olympic Gold Medalist, would have graced this stretch of river with his skills.

Website
Christ Church Meadow

Unlocked is the latest visitor attraction in Oxford. It is based in the grounds of the old Oxford Prison and offers tours of the site. Visitors are guided around by tour guides dressed in Guards outfits similar to those in Alcatraz.

Interesting Facts
Oxford Castle was featured in a scene in the 1969 version of The Italian Job and the television series Inspector Morse.

Opening Times
Open every day except Christmas Day from 10am to 5pm.

Contact Details
Tel: 01865 260666 Email: info@oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

Address
Unlocked - Oxford Castle 44-46 Oxford Castle Oxford OX1 1AY

Cost
Adult 6.95 Child (under 15) 5.25 Senior Citizen / Student 5.90

Website
Oxford Unlocked

Try the Bangkok house if you want something close to the city centre and enjoy gazing at beautifully hand carved wooden furniture. This is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in Oxford. You may also wish to look at Chang Mai Kitchens, Oxford Thai or the Thai Orchid which are the alternatives. The best seats in the house are reputed to be those in the window but they tend to get booked up quickly.

Interesting Facts
All the furniture in the Bangkok house has been hand carved and was imported from Thailand. The building is the site of an old mill. Typical costs are Set lunch £9.50, one plate lunches £4.50 to £5.50.

Opening Times
12:30pm to 3pm, 5:30pm to 11pm Mon to Sat closed Sun

Contact Details
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 200705

Address
42a Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

This long, narrow pub is where Tolkien, C.S Lewis and other Inklings used to drink for 30 years or so. Sunday lunches are excellent.

Opening Times
Opening times: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri and Sat 11am-11.30pm, Sun 12-10.30pm. Food served:12-9pm daily

Contact Details
Tel: 01865 302925

Address
49, St. Giles, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3LU

Website
The Eagle and Child