Things To Do

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Ashmolean Museum

Free to the public, the Ashmolean is the University of Oxford's art museum. It's renowned for its cast gallery and collections of ancient Mediterranean artifacts but also has rich holdings of European drawings and paintings, Anglo-Saxon artifacts, and Asian art.

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is the University's museum of archaeology and ethnology located in the same complex as the Museum of Natural History. Filled to the brim with every object imaginable displayed in the museum's unique typological system, it's an overwhelming and enchanting place -- a museum of museums. The PRM was the site of Brittany's classes during her master's degree. She also worked as a tour guide for the museum and helped to create their digital programming during the pandemic. Some of her favorite objects include an Incan quipu, a Hawaiian feather cloak, a parrotfish lamp, and coconut fiber armor.

Modern Art Oxford

A converted brewery, the building now houses a free local gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Brittany spent many happy hours working as a guide and gallery attendant here.

Blackwell's Bookshop

It's the bookstore of all bookstores. Be sure to go all the way to the back and down the stairs to the Norrington Reading Room. We have a tradition of buying each other a book at Blackwell's for Valentine's Day.

Covered Market

A fun place to stroll or take shelter from the rain. Full of cafes, eccentric shops, and, best of all, Ben's Cookies.

Pierre Victoire

The site of all our birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Sandy's Piano Bar

The site of some great dates. Go downstairs for live music and enthusiastic sing-alongs.

Oxford Botanic Garden

A great place for an afternoon stroll on a sunny afternoon.

Christ Church Meadow

Scenic meadow with fancy cows, college boathouses, and footpaths.

Port Meadow

An idyllic escape on the edge of the city featuring a beautiful river path, horses, and cows. Wear sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for mud!

University Parks

During Covid, this park served as a precious escape from the confines of our small dorm rooms and, later, our apartment in Summertown. We spent hours on its paths and benches, watching the ducks, swans, and local dogs go by.

Blenheim Palace

Seat of the Duke of Marlborough, this is the ancestral home of the Churchill family. The palace and grounds are beautiful, and there are frequently special exhibitions. Blenheim is easily reached from Oxford by bus.