Nicknamed “The City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is truly the most magical fairytale-like city in all of England.
There is so much to love about this city, but I’ll keep it short and let the photos give it justice! Oxford is so unique because it is rich with history, and it’s booming with college students. It’s a beautiful city that is young at heart, yet has an old soul.
“Every city has a sex and an age which have nothing to do with demography. Rome is feminine. So is Odessa. London is a teenager, an urchin, and in this hasn’t changed since the time of Dickens. Paris, I believe, is a man in his twenties in love with an older woman.”
– John Berger
I’m reminded of this quote often when I think of Oxford. While I couldn’t give an exact profile of Oxford in that sense, you can’t help but notice this city has a distinct personality as you meander through the narrow alleyways and whimsical architecture.
Here are some photos to give you a glimpse into Oxford, the Fairytale City of England.
The Radcliffe Camera
The rad cam is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Oxford. It was constructed in 1737 and serves as a library to students of the University of Oxford.
My favorite thing to do in Oxford, is to simply just walk around the streets admiring all the beautiful architecture.
This may sound creepy, but when you get into the suburbs it is so fun to look at the windows of the houses. Some people here are really clever with their window displays.
The churches are beautiful!
“The Oxford Bridge of Sighs”
Another iconic landmark of Oxford! The official name is the Hertford Bridge, but due to it’s resemblance of the Venetian Bridge of Sighs, the name evolved.
Getting a rooftop view of the city is a must.
My favorite view of the city is from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, where you can get a stunning 360 view of the city, the Radcliffe Camera, and All Souls College.
This charming cinema was my favorite place to catch a movie. I wish more theaters where I live in the US were as cute as this!
Did you know Oxford is actually a real fairytale city in England? Can you visualize what classic tale resembles the photos below?
The scenic grounds of the University of Oxford colleges.
The college courtyards are absolutely stunning and are often times open to the public between certain hours! Pictures below is the famous grounds of Christ Church.
Oxford is a timeless city that takes you back in history. The cobblestone streets, blooming flowers, and ornate architecture are just a few of the things that make Oxford seem like a city from a fairytale.
After all, the classic fairy tale Alice in Wonderland was written in Oxford!
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You have such beautiful photos. I haven’t visited Oxford but I definitely want to now!
To be honest England is such a fairytale place for me. I can’t wait to go!!
Oxford has always seemed like a fairytale destination to me because of how often it’s mentioned in books. I’m a huge reader so books about going to Oxford and getting an education make me nostalgic apparently! It’s such a charming city. I know that I’ll admire it for years to come!
I did love the photos! The post is also really inviting. Hope I can head there soon 🙂
Haha! I love that you also love to look into the windows when strolling through Oxford! That is one of my favorite things to do! Oxford really is timeless and one of my absolute favorite places to visit!
That is so funny! Glad I’m not the only creep around Oxford haha
I think this just post just convinced me even more to go finally visit England! It really is so fairytale-like and I cannot wait to experience it for myself. Thanks for the lovely post!
What a beautiful place – I have always wanted to go! One day.
It does look like a fairytale city!
I love a good rooftop viewing spot so I will definitely add the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin to a future itinerary! The pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!
I had no idea there were so many things to do in Oxford. I’ve been once but only for a few hours and spent most of it getting lunch. Would love to go back and explore all these sights!
Oxford looks absolutely beautiful! Next time I go to England, I totally am going there. Your photos are so beautiful! 🙂
Great post! I’d love to visit Oxford one day. It looks so nice!
It truly is a fairytale! Love this post 😍
I love seeing Oxford through your eyes. I grew up in Cambridge so this kind of architecture is normal for me…but you’re right, when I look at the buildings through your eyes it seems more like a fairy-tale. The colleges really are gorgeous aren’t they!?
You are so lucky to grow up in Cambridge! Unfortunately, I never made it there but I’m sure I will in the future, I bet it’s stunning!