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The City

Oxford was founded in the 9th century when Alfred the Great
created a network of fortified towns across his kingdom. Oxford University was founded in 1167. In 1209 a woman was killed, and afterwards the townsfolk hanged 2 students. In 1355 a there was a fight between ‘town and gown’ which lasted for 3 days – after which the conflict finally died down. Oxford had mixed fortunes over the coming centuries, until finally in 1913 William Morris started the regeneration of manufacturing in the town.

Wheelchair Access

Suitable
Diversion maybe needed
Not suitable

What people are saying...

"Yesterday my sister and I had a brilliant day in Oxford following the Town and Gown walk in your Curious About.. Oxford book. We had a fantastic time, and it gave us an opportunity to look at new things we'd never noticed before in a very familiar city to us. Thank you"

Oxford 2

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Curious About Logo 2 What gives Oxford, a famous university city, its unique character? What people and events have shaped its personality? Why do people love to visit? Take our fabulous walks of discovery, and have fun finding answers to clues which tell you more, whilst reading our stories about the most interesting facts.
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First Walk

Carfax to Ashmolean
Starting at the tower of a 13th century
church, this walk makes its way through
a spectacular indoor market, before
emerging into an historic street bounded
by stunning buildings - including a 17th
century theatre designed by Christopher
Wren, ancient colleges, and a 19th
century bookshop. From here you pass
some unusual museums, more delightful
colleges, and quirky shops, before
finishing at the world-renowned
Ashmolean Museum (1.75 miles).

Walk Extension

Ashmolean to Castle
From the Ashmolean you walk past a
number of restaurants and theatres,
after traversing a market square. From
here to the famous Oxford Union, venue
to many historic debates, before passing
a selection of churches and chapels.
Down an ancient alleyway, and to
Nuffield College, before walking beside
the pleasant Castle Mill Stream, with the
Old Lion Brewery in the distance. Finally
you end your journey, outside the
historic Oxford Castle (1.25 miles).

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Or try Oxford 1 (University Colleges)

All Locations

We're developing walks in new locations all the time. Click on a booklet above, or see all our current locations on a map of the UK.