Historic sites

Christ Church, Oxford

United Kingdom Oxfordshire Oxford

Christ Church, Oxford
Photo: Dmitry Djouce, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The grandest of Oxford's colleges, founded by Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII in 1546. Its huge Tom Quad, the largest in Oxford, is overlooked by Tom Tower, designed by Christopher Wren. The visit includes the Great Hall, which inspired the dining hall at Hogwarts, the 16th-century staircase seen in the Harry Potter films, and Christ Church Cathedral, which is also the college chapel.


The college has produced 13 British prime ministers, and Lewis Carroll taught maths here. Behind the college, Christ Church Meadow stretches down to the River Thames and the Cherwell, a lovely walk. Book timed tickets online.

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