Gothic Revival Architecture in England

Your group will arrive at the beautiful and historic city of Oxford. Located in the county of Oxfordshire, it can trace its ancient roots to the time of the Anglo-Saxons, back in 900 A.D. The city became more prominent during the 10th century. The famous University of Oxford is first mentioned in 12th-century records, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Your educational student tours will begin with a walk around the Old City, touring the historical sites. After, your group can explore, do some shopping and have dinner before getting some rest for the day ahead. 

Your second day in Oxford begins with a tour of the incredible Bodleian Library. Founded in 1602, it serves as one of the university’s main research libraries and boasts a collection of over 12 million books, making it the second largest in Britain. It has been featured in many films. One notable example is in the first two movies in the Harry Potter franchise. The next stop is the wonderful Oxford Botanic Garden. It’s one of the oldest in the UK, founded in 1621 as a medicinal physic garden. It houses over 6,000 types of plants in four and a half acres, so there are many things to see in such a small space!

After a traditional English breakfast, your day will start with a tour of Oxford Castle. A Norman castle, it dates to the 11th century, being constructed during 1071 A.D. After touring the medieval towers, ramparts, moats and prison, your group will head to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Designed by the Irish architects Thomas Newenham Deane and Benjamin Woodward, it opened its doors in 1886. It’s now home to all the university’s specimens of anatomical and natural history. Finally, your group will head to the historic Cornmarket Street for some shopping and dinner.

Your group will spend your fourth day in the beautiful town of Oxford roaming the grounds of Christ Church College. One of the most popular colleges within the University of Oxford’s system, it was founded in 1546 by the infamous Henry VIII. The college is yet another location that the Harry Potter franchise used as a set, and it was also featured in the film “Golden Compass.” After roaming the historic halls and rooms, your group will head to the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, that has the unique distinction of being both a cathedral and a college chapel. 

Today, your group will visit Magdalen College, also part of the University of Oxford, which was founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester. This beautiful campus also boasts an amazing chapel and other historic buildings. Next, your group will also visit another college of the University, Merton College. This institution can trace its roots to 1264 when it was founded by Walter de Merton. Finally, your group will visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. An amazing building, with a history dating back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. This group ruled over England during the early period of the Middle Ages, before the Norman Invasion in 1066. This church became one of the first buildings to form part of the University and has had a congregation meeting there since 1252. 

Your final day in Oxford begins with a tour of Keble College. Founded in 1870, it is one of the more recent additions to the University of Oxford. Architect William Butterfield decided to forgo a more modern aesthetic for the building and opted for a Gothic Revival style. The next stop is the Pitt Rivers Museum. Founded by the archeologist Augustus Pitt Rivers in 1884, it houses the university’s collection of archeological and anthropological artifacts and specimens. Finally, your group will head to New College, also known as St Mary’s College of Winchester. Founded by William of Wykeham in 1379, it is home to many beautiful sites. One noteworthy example of this is the Bridge of Sighs. While it shares the name with the famous bridge in Venice, it doesn’t share any similar qualities and was never intended to be a replica. After a day full of walking, a delicious and relaxing dinner is awaiting your group. 

After an early morning, your group can tour the city or do some final shopping before heading out for the long travel day ahead. May we suggest watching some Harry Potter on the journey home?