Explore the city's illustrious heritage by visiting the historic colleges or wandering through the serene Botanic Garden. Delve into the academic ambiance that permeates the city's streets and be captivated by the stories hidden within its ancient walls. Mercure Hotels welcomes you to unlock the layers of Oxford's intellectual and cultural legacy through our local recommendations.

Discover Local in Oxford

Once frequented by luminaries like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, The Grand Café continues to attract students, scholars, and tourists alike. With its polished wooden interiors, ornate chandeliers, and plush seating, the café provides an inviting ambience to savour a variety of coffees, teas, and delectable pastries. Very often referred to as an institution, The Grand Café has a well-deserved reputation for providing the quintessentially English delight of tea. They source fresh produce, patisserie, teas, and coffees daily from local suppliers at the historic Covered Market. It’s a true Oxfordian gem, where history, culture, and culinary excellence converge perfectly.

Have a cup of tea at The Grand Café

The University of Oxford is where tweed-clad professors stroll through ancient quads, and centuries-old books gather more dust than a library's worth of secret romances. Go behind the scenes at one of the world's most prestigious universities and explore the oldest colleges, including New College, founded in 1379 - and a location in the 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' movie. Admire the quads, cloisters, dining halls, and chapels, and learn about Oxford's legendary tutorial system. And let's not forget the charming gardens; they're like a botanical rebellion against seriousness, where professors covertly exchange gardening tips. So, take the Oxford tour – a journey through the records of knowledge and where even the statues seem to give you a condescending nod.

Get inspired by the secrets of the University of Oxford

The Oxford Botanical Gardens and Arboretum are like the University of Oxford of horticulture, where flora and fauna engage in serious academic pursuits. As you wander through the lush green corridors, you'll encounter an impressive array of flora originating worldwide, each plant telling its fascinating story. From the majestic giant waterlilies to the humblest of herbs, you'll find diverse characters here, all vying for your admiration. The glasshouses are a must-visit, offering a warm embrace of tropical biodiversity in the heart of Oxford. Step inside and let the exotic foliage transport you to far-flung corners of the earth. Whether seeking inspiration, a peaceful escape, or simply a leisurely stroll among nature's wonders, the Oxford Botanical Gardens and Arboretum welcomes you to explore its vibrant tapestry of botanical delights. It's a place where every leaf is a conversation starter, and every bloom is an invitation to connect with the beauty of the natural world.

Green fingers at the Oxford Botanical Gardens and Arboretum

Working collaboratively and creatively with staff, volunteers, and communities, Pitt Rivers Museum wants to transform how its iconic collections are engaged with, both online and in the museum. The museum wants to inspire empathy and deepen cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly disconnected world. In one visit, you'll find shrunken heads from South America next to ancient Egyptian mummies and peculiar Polynesian artefacts. We especially like to admire the libation sticks from Japan and Russia. These beautifully carved wooden sticks were made by the Ainu people, who historically lived in Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands (Russia), and Hokkaido (Japan). The sticks, known as iku-pasuy, were once thought to be moustache lifters, but they were in fact used by Ainu men to make offerings to spirits. Well, in both cases, they're crafted masterpieces. The Pitt Rivers Museum is a delightful hodgepodge of history, anthropology, and the utterly bewildering.

Explore the world at the Pitt Rivers Museum

Oxford lies where two rivers meet, the Cherwell and the Thames (also called the Isis within Oxford's boundaries). The Thames here doesn't flow; it meanders gracefully as if even the river knows it's in Oxford, the intellectual heart of England. Discover this aquatic gem on a boat from Salter's Steamers, a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the royal river Thames for over 160 years. As the sun bathes the city in its golden glow, you'll find yourself at the banks of the river, where a fleet of traditional punts, rowboats, and guided tours await. Choose your vessel of choice, and prepare for a delightful adventure combining history, relaxation, and pure enjoyment. During summer, Salter's Steamers offers boat trips from every major location on the Upper Thames between Oxford and Marlow, including famous places such as Abingdon, Reading, and Henley.

Go on a boat trip on the River Thames

With its ancient and storied buildings, Oxford provides the perfect backdrop for Harry Potter's magical journey. As you wander through the hallowed halls of Oxford's colleges, you'll discover the real-life inspirations behind Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You'll visit all three Harry Potter film locations with a professionally qualified, local, expert tour guide and Oxford Graduate. This fun, friendly, and fascinating tour is packed with amazing sights and stories about the filming of some of the most iconic scenes in the adventures of the Hogwarts wizards. You'll visit all three movie locations – Divinity School, New College, and Christ Church. This captivating journey will bring the magic of the books to life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wizarding world while exploring the real-world enchantment of the University of Oxford. It's a spellbinding experience for witches, wizards, and muggles alike.