Holds the largest single, medieval manuscript collection in England. Former alumni include John Wyclif the translator of the Bible, who was Master in around 1360.
Brasenose
College
Radcliffe Square, Oxford. Tel: 01865 277823. www.bnc.ox.ac.uk
Open: 10-11.30am for groups with a guide, 2-5pm for
individuals
during BST.
Founded in 1509 and named after a type of bronze door knocker, Brasenose prides itself on its historic sporting reputation in both rowing and cricket.
Oxford’s largest College with a Cathedral within its walls.
The home of Alice in Wonderland, the College is also a major
set in the Harry Potter films.
Founded in 1314 by the Bishop of Exeter. The Chapel in the front quad is open to visitors. Old members include J.R.R. Tolkien, Burne-Jones and William Morris.
Based on the Radcliffe Observatory and the Observatory grounds.
This 18th-century building is one of the most important scientific
buildings in Oxford.
The smallest College in the University, featuring Gothic revival buildings, a handsome Chapel, and a splendid quad. The only College exclusively for students over 21.
Established as a hall around 1282. With approximately 500
students, and one of the first Oxford colleges to admit women.
The College's Bridge of Sighs connects the Old and New Quads,.
The Old Quad has a beautuful traditional college garden.
Jesus
College
Turl Street, Oxford. Tel: 01865 279700 www.jesus.ox.ac.uk
Open: Daily 2-4.30pm. Closed 21 Dec-4 Jan & 21-27
Mar.
Founded in 1571; the only Elizabethan College. Has strong
Welsh connections. Amongst the first of traditionally men’s
Colleges to admit women.
Keble
College
Parks Road, Oxford. Tel: 01865 272727 www.keble.ox.ac.uk
Open: During student vacation periods only 2-5pm.
One of the largest Colleges, Keble was founded in 1870 with
the purpose of making an Oxford education more widely available.
Look out for ‘holy zebra style’ architecture.
Founded in 1990 as a graduate college with the aim of supporting
the lifelong learning work of the University of Oxford, and
the expansion of opportunities for the continuing education
and professional development of mature students.
Lady
Margaret Hall
Norham Gardens, Oxford. Tel: 01865 247300 www.lmh.ox.ac.uk
Open: Grounds & Garden daily
out of term.
Set in 10 acres of tranquil grounds extending to the River
Cherwell, and the first to admit women to the University.
One of Oxford’s oldest Colleges (1427) with an attractive
medieval atmosphere. The College library, in converted All
Saints Church, and Medieval Hall are striking features.
Famous Deer Park, Water Meadow, Chapel, Hall and
Great Tower. Choral services as advertised at entrance.
Light lunches and teas available Jul-Sep in the Riverside
Terrace.
Famous Deer Park, Water Meadow, Chapel, Hall and
Great Tower. Choral services as advertised at entrance.
Light lunches and teas available Jul-Sep in the Riverside
Terrace.
Mansfield’s College’s buildings, designed by important Victorian
architect Basil Champneys, date from 1886. The College is
one of the youngest and smallest.
Mansfield’s College’s buildings, designed by important Victorian
architect Basil Champneys, date from 1886. The College is
one of the youngest and smallest.
New
College
New College Lane,
Oxford. Tel: 01865 279555. www.new.ox.ac.uk
Open:
Apr-Oct 11am-5pm, Oct-Apr 2-5pm.
Founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of
Winchester and Chancellor of England, New College stands
in three and a half acres of attractive gardens. It is one
of the largest and one of the most beautiful.
Oriel Square, Oxford. Tel: 01865 276555. www.oriel.ox.ac.uk
Open: Tours available by prior appointment only.
Fifth oldest College, dating back to 1324, and the original
College dedicated to St Mary. Past graduates include Sir
Walter Raleigh. Also has a successful history of rowing.
Named after the Earl of Pembroke. Notable for having rebellious
and poor Samuel Johnson briefly as an undergraduate. A recent
Master was Sir Roger Bannister.
Queen's
College
High Street, Oxford. Tel: 01865 279379. www.queens.ox.ac.uk
Open: Tours available by prior appointment only.
Founded in 1341 by a chaplain to The Queen of England, hence
the name. Former graduates include Tim Berners-Lee (inventor
of the World Wide Web) and Rowan Atkinson.
Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6JF.
Tel: 01865 284700. www.sant.ox.ac.uk
Open: St Antony's College is not open to visitors
except by appointment.
Founded in 1950, St Antony's is a graduate college specialising
in international studies. Its buildings form an eclectic
mix of styles - from a former Anglican convent built in the
1860s, through 60's brutalism to the modern day.
Its striking buildings of glass and concrete were designed
by the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in 1964. One of the
largest Colleges, it is distinguished by its modernity and
openness..
St Cross College is one of the few colleges in the University of Oxford that specifically cater for graduate students. It was founded in 1965. It is renowned for its friendliness and
informality.
A claim to be the oldest of the Colleges, 1226, although
the precise date of establishment is unknown. Notable graduates
include Terry Jones of Monty Python.
Open: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm. Closed December - Mid January.
All visitors must report to the Porter's Lodge St Margaret's
Road on arrival.
Founded in 1886 by Elizabeth Wordsworth. It has fourteen
acres of self-contained grounds surrounded by lawns, borders
and mature trees making this one of Oxford's loveliest hidden
delights.
St
John's College
St Giles Oxford. Tel: 01865 277300 www.sjc.ox.ac.uk
Open: 1-5pm or dusk if earlier.
Founded by a Roman Catholic Merchant, it is one of the largest
and most attractive Colleges, with extensive grounds.
St
Peter’s
New Inn Hall Street,
Oxford. Tel: 01865 278900. www.spc.ox.ac.uk
Open:
10am-dusk.
Occupying the site of two of the University's oldest Inns,
Rose Hall and New Inn Hall, both from the 13th-century. St
Peter’s was only founded officially as a College in 1929.
Founded as Somerville Hall in 1879, it was one of the first
all women Colleges in Oxford. Today it accepts both men and
women. Famous graduates include Margaret Thatcher.
The College's site has been a place of study since 1286.
Founded in 1555 its fine chapel, dining hall, quads and beautiful
gardens and grounds are open for view. Openings subject to
private functions.
University
College
High Street, Oxford OX1 4BH.
Open: University College is not open to visitors.
The oldest collegiate foundation. The poet Shelley, 1792-1822
was briefly an undergraduate. He was expelled for writing
a pamphlet in support of atheism.
Wadham
College
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PM
Tel: 01865 277900. www.wadham.ox.ac.uk
Open: Term: 1pm - 4.15pm. Out of Term: 10.30am -
11.45am & 1pm - 4.15pm. Closed Christmas and
New Year.
Founded in 1610 by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham - Somerset
landowners. Currently the largest college.
The main buildings are good examples of 18th century pomposity.
The medieval cottages are a rare survivor from the Benedictine
Gloucester College of 1283. The park and lake offer a romantic
setting for drama productions on summer evenings.
