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Oxford on a Budget: 3 Days of Magic

Discover the ancient academia of Oxford without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

Explore the iconic cobbled streets of Oxford on a budget-friendly trip with an array of free museum visits and wandering archaic buildings. Take advantage of walking tours to enjoy the city's stunning architecture while learning about its rich history. Enjoy a wide selection of affordable meals and drinks at local cafes and markets while spending your evenings in cozy but pocket-friendly accommodations.

Travel plan

• Kickstart your morning at The Missing Bean, a cozy coffee shop off Turl Street.
• Walk-off those caffeine jitters by admiring the botanical gardens of the University of Oxford.
• Visit the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, where art and history come to life in exhibitions ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.
• Lunch at The Covered Market, a historic indoor market where vendors offer everything from vegan sushi to artisanal chocolate.
• Tour the colleges of Oxford University, including Christ Church College (the Hogwarts inspiration!)
• Hotel Recommendation: The YHA Oxford Hostel an affordable, well-kept hostel in an ideal location.

• Start at the Bodleian Library, a stunning, ancient library with over 13 million items in its collection.
• Visit the Divinity School, famous for its use as Hogwarts Hospital Wing in the Harry Potter films.
• Grab lunch at The Eagle and Child, a pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis reportedly met for writing sessions.
• Take a stroll down the Oxford Canal, a peaceful waterway surrounded by lush greenery.
• End the day at the Oxford Literary Festival (March), featuring readings, writing workshops and performances from world-renowned writers.

• Visit Blenheim Palace, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and inspiration for Downton Abbey.
• Lunch at The Trout Inn, a cozy pub on the banks of the River Thames.
• Head to Port Meadow, a sprawling green park with stunning views of Oxford skyline and grazing cows.
• End your trip with an evening show at the New Theatre Oxford, an historic venue with top-quality productions, from plays to musicals.
• Enjoy Oxford, a city steeped in ancient history, magical whimsy, and literary genius!