Oxford on a Budget Oxford is a wonderful place for people on a budget so much is free, leaving you more money to spend

d in the shops, pubs, bars, theatres and restaurants. Or you can simply afford to stay that bit longer

What to See and Do Free The following are completely free of charge: the only museum which used to charge an entry fee had to stop doing so it just couldnt compete! The Oxford University Museum of Natural History its dodo, dinosaur skeletons (the word dinosaur or terrible lizard was first coined in Oxford) and crystals are world-famous. The building itself is an experience go and see for yourself. And look out for late-night opening with spectacular lighting effects and jolly musical entertainment. Connected to it is: The Pitt Rivers Museum: the inspiration for Harry Potters Diagon Alley whose gems include a witch in a bottle, a thorn said to cure warts and a totem pole. The specially commissioned Inuit suit of clothes is a joy. A wonderful place to potter with children let them very gently open the drawers and see more items neatly labelled, often in General Pitt Rivers own handwriting. Look out for FREE family-friendly events and trails at both museums also special late openings with music and dancing.
Pitt Rivers Museum

Dodo, University Museum of Natural History

the only museum to focus on the history of the Museum of Oxford city, birthplace of kings (Richard the Lionheart and John, and Edward the Confessor at nearby Islip). Sit down to enjoy the video of Oxfords history the city has often played a pivotal role in national events. See the first example of the citys symbol the ox crossing the ford on the citys ancient charter.

The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments: a collection made available for study and judicious use by scholars, students, makers and players. See Handels own harpsichord beneath his portrait. Family days are great fun.
University Museum of Natural Bistory

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Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum: the worlds first public museum was reopened by HM the Queen in November 2009 after a 61 million development. The museum has 39 new galleries, a spectacular atrium, a suite of temporary exhibition galleries and a roof-top restaurant. The museums extensive collections have been entirely redisplayed, with a new approach called Crossing Cultures, Crossing Time demonstrating the interconnected nature of the worlds civilisations. New galleries explore the journey of ideas between east and west and illustrate the material culture of activities common to different societies, such as reading and writing, money and textiles. The Museum of the History of Science boasts Einsteins blackboard and Lewis Carrolls camera. George IIIs silver microscope, as much a work of art as of science, is a delight. The building is the worlds first purpose-built muse4um and place of scientific discovery with its basement laboratories (built to withstand bangs!), first floor lecture room and upper floor designed to display museum specimens. A beautiful building which hosts interesting, and sometimes, macabre, special events after all, this is where bodies were dissected. You are welcome to visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street, free. This was where all teaching, examinations and ceremonies of the university took place until it became too small and the Divinity School was constructed and later, the Sheldonian. If you can, climb to the gallery for an impressive view of the chancel. You are also welcome to visit the church of St Michael at the North Gate free of charge and see the rare, surreal, stained glass portrayal of Christ as a lily and the font which in which William Shakespeares godson was christened (hem-hem!). There are free concerts with coffee at 1.00pm on Mondays. Bring your own lunch and munch. The changing displays in the Exhibition Room of the Bodleian Library provide an opportunity to see some of the unique manuscripts and books usually stored away out of sight (mostly underground). Maps, music and illuminated manuscripts have formed some of the themed displays. Look out for the blink and you miss em exhibitions of very rare documents such as Magna Carta often only shown for one day.

Museum of the History of Science

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

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Modern Art Oxford, with its changing displays of cutting edge, internationally acclaimed art, is a total contrast to all the above. A pleasant caf is found in the basement. Good for kids who find traditional art boring. The majority of colleges are free to visit in the afternoons a notice in the Lodge will tell you whether the college is open and whether or not a small fee is payable.
New College Chapel

The city has lots of playgrounds which are free for children to use. Aristotle Lane, Cutteslow Park and Hinksey Park (with open air heated pool and kiddies water splash) are winners. There should be one within 10 minutes walk of your accommodation. There is no charge for swimmers aged under 17 in the citys pools indoor or outdoor. (ID will be required) You are welcome to listen to Oxfords three internationally famous choir schools sing Evensong. Magdalen College and New College have daily services during University terms (check first). Christ Church Cathedral has services daily, all year, by candlelight. Enter the college under Tom Tower and youll be directed to the Cathedral. Evensong is at 6.00pm (actually 6.05 as Christ Church operates on Oxford time which is why the white rabbit was always late). Allow yourself to be wafted to a seat Performances Look out for free concerts/performances/recitals advertised on the Events page of this website or advertised in college lodges. Talented musicians performing on all manner of instruments (some youve never seen before) are a feature of Cornmarket Street. Shops Obviously, window-shopping is free but Oxford is rich in bookshops which lure you in to browse, read and have a coffee. Try Blackwells (dont forget to visit the spectacular Norrington Room beneath Trinity College). The Covered Market, crammed with small specialist shops including the famous cake decorating shop, guaranteed to make you smile is free to visit and a handy refuge from the cold or a sudden shower. Most people walk about eating..

Cutteslowe Park

The Cake Shop, Covered Market

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A Gentle Stroll The Tourist Information Centre stocks a wide range of books suggesting walks in Oxford, near Oxford and around the Green Belt villages and waterside landscape. You can buy online before you arrive. They also hold the requisite Ordnance Survey maps both Landranger and Explorer maps of Oxfordshire. Here are a few suggestions for walks:
The New Walk, Christ Church Meadow

Round Christ Church Meadow (along Dead Mans walk, past where James Sadler, Britains first aeronaut, took off in his balloon, alongside the river and back towards Christ Church). Or start at the Tourist Information Centre, continue along Broad Street in the direction of the Kings Arms, turn right into Catte Street, then left into New College Lane. Come out on High Street, turn right and head back towards Carfax Tower. At Turl Street turn right and you arrive back in Broad Street. Or pay the small entry fee to Magdalen College and walk round Addisons Walk. In April/May look out for the swathes of snakes head fritillaries the flower symbol of Oxford and St Frideswide in the meadow; the cattle kindly stamp the seeds into the ground to sow them. Kiss your sweetheart under the mistletoe which grows high in the branches above your head. Or walk along the Thames Path as far as you wish and take the bus back to Oxford. You can go as far as the source of the Thames in one direction - or to London in the other. Or walk up the canal it goes as far as Coventry. Or walk up the river to Port Meadow (stop at the Trout or pub on Wolvercote village green?) and back down the canal. Or walk along the river to Binsey and stop for refreshment at the Perch. Then continue to the treacle well near the ancient, now little used church. Either return the same way or return via the Botley Road.

Oxford Canal

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Or walk through the University Parks (cross over at Rainbow Bridge) as far as the Victoria Arms (the Vikki Arms) and walk back via Old Marston. Or take the bus to Headington and walk back down the ancient former roadway, Cuckoo Lane. Or take the bus to Headington and walk up to Shotover Country Park, some of the 1,000 acres of countryside managed by the Countryside Officers of the City Council. Or explore some of the Green Belt Way, linking Oxfords satellite villages which for centuries provided essential support systems for the University and City of Oxford eg washing, fruit and vegetables, stone and masons, water, transport etc Or join the free lunch time walkers' club which leaves at 12.15 from under Carfax Tower most Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you'd like to go along look out for Malcolm or Peter in the hi viz jacket and check in with them at 12.05. Youll be back in less than an hour after a bracing visit to parts of Oxford you probably dreamed not of.

Green Belt Way, linking Shotover and Horspath

The following charge a small fee:

All Souls College, view from St Mary the Virgin tower

Climb the tower of St Mary the Virgin church for a stunning view of the colleges and spires. For those who prefer a more a more sedate climb, with handrail, the answer is the tower of St Michael at the North Gate. Enjoy the grandeur of the Sheldonian, the purpose-built venue for the University of Oxfords formal occasions. The typesetters of the Oxford University Press had to work here until more suitable premises were built. Carfax Tower gives a wonderful view of the High Street and offers the unexpected experience of looking down on Magdalen College tower.

Divinity School, Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Librarys Divinity School is one of the most beautiful rooms in the world. Take the memory away with you. A small fee is charged.

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The Botanic Garden (Britains first) is open daily a little gem by the river. Enjoy the water garden, rose garden, lily pond and, especially in winter, the tropical glass houses. In summer you can watch the punts go by.or get stuck in the bushes. Excellent Value for Money Are the 2- hour Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours, offered every day (except possibly 25 & 26 December but check our website) by the official Blue/Green badge guides of Oxford at the Oxford Visitor Information Centre. Each tour offers a fascinating insight into the past and present of Oxford city and University. Research showed that 28% of people on a daily tour have taken one before; so they must be doing something right Book ahead as spaces are limited. The Oxford Ice Rink the only one in the county is great fun for all ages. Special disco sessions appeal to the preteens and teens. The Oxford Ghost Tour is delivered with great panache. Enormous fun for all the family. Look out for posters. Where to Eat You will find a host of meal deals in the many restaurants and cafes offering good value for money, e.g. the basement caf of Modern Art Oxford or Browns Caf in the Covered Market. Check out the Restaurant section in the back of the Tourist Information Centre, where you can find special offer leaflets. Why not bring your own picnic and enjoy it in Christ Church Meadow or the University Park? Where to Stay The Oxford Visitor Information Centre will help you to find somewhere to stay or you can book online yourself if you prefer

Family Walking Tour

Browns Caf, Covered Market

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