Private list of best places in Oxford, England
- Blackwell'sCity CentreBlackwell's looks like a small shop from the street. Don't walk by: inside is nirvana for those interested in the world and the world of ideas. Gigantic nonfiction selection in...
- Chiang Mai KitchenCarfaxUnusually good Thai cuisine located back from the street in Kemp Hall, one of the finest 17th Century houses in the city. Many vegetarian dishes....
- Christ Church walkCity CentreBest first introduction to Oxford: From Folly Bridge just south of town, through parking lot of The Head of the River Hotel, through Christ Church grounds gate near river, follow...
- Holywell Music RoomHolywellWas it the magical acoustics in this world's oldest concert hall (1748) or just Jack Gibbons' terrific playing that made half an audience cry at a Chopin concert a few years ago?...
- Museum of the History of ScienceCity CentreA small museum with beautiful instruments, like the Chinese incense clock that signifies time passing with a change of scent. In the basement, a portion of Einstein's blackboard...
- Oxford University Continuing EducationCowleyBritish politics to Urdu for beginners: evening classes to keep the brain going. Mostly 10 weeks in length....
- QuodCity CentreSophisticated Mediterranean-influenced food using fresh ingredients in interesting combinations. Large original modern pictures on the walls, beautiful flower arrange...
- ScriptumCarfaxSmall shop in Golden Cross Court, restored site of a centuries-old inn, offering paper watermarked to order and selling hand-made paper, pens and other stationery product...
- The AshmoleanSaint GilesThe institution that invented the concept of a museum. Superb collection. Don't miss the Japanese decorative art, Italian Renaissance art, Russian art and Dutch still-lifes, rooms...
- The Oxford Covered MarketCity CentreThe street side of this traditional covered market is less interesting, but press on toward the back where the butchers, cheesemongers and produce vendors still sell a good...
- The Oxford PlayhouseSaint GilesA varied theater season including classic drama, comedy theatre, dance, music, music theatre and children's theatre all year round. Well-regarded programming....
- The ParsonageSaint GilesIn an elegantly converted parsonage, a warm, club-like atmosphere with the best afternoon tea in Oxford....
- The RandolphSaint GilesDirectly across the street from the Ashmolean Museum and doors away from the Oxford Playhouse. Tea served in the afternoon in the light-filled, panelled Randolph Cafe, with arched...
- The Turf TavernHolywellFomerly a cock-fighting, bear-baiting dive called The Spotted Cow, the city's oldest pub and beer garden has low ceilings, outside tables, great beer, and friendly staff....
- University of Oxford Botanic GardenMagdalen CollegeThis very old garden, ringed by vine-covered stone walls, offers beautifully planted flower borders, a pond, and glasshouses of exotic plants. The local ducks seem to fancy the...
- ZizziCity CentreTop-flight service and great modern Italian-style food in a warm, modern atmosphere of dark wood and potted palms. Excellent food....