Outside the Sheldonian theatre

Reading: Oxford
Intermediate level (B1-B2)

Visitors to the city often ask, ‘Where is Oxford University?’ The answer is: ‘It’s all around you!’

The University is actually made up of 38 independent colleges.

If you only have a short time in Oxford, I recommend you walk around the city centre. My favourite route includes these streets: Beaumont St, St Giles, Broad St, Catte St, High St, Merton St, Blue Boar St and Cornmarket St. Can you find them on a map? Oxford gallery

You should also visit one of the colleges e.g. New College (founded 1379!) and get a view of the city from St Mary’s church tower or the cupola of the Sheldonian Theatre. If you want a break, try one of the cafes on the High St or in the Covered Market. Apart from the beautiful colleges, Oxford has a lot of museums. The most famous is the Ashmolean Museum; it’s like the British Museum but smaller.

Getting there
You can take the coach (luxury bus) or train from London. The bus takes about 90 minutes and costs about £17 for a return ticket. You’ll get a discount if you are a student or over 60. The train is quicker, around an hour, but tickets prices depend on when you travel and if you buy them in advance. Normally the train is more expensive than the coach.

Listen Visiting Oxford for the day