Things to do in Oxford

Oxford is a working university city, not a single campus: its 39 colleges are independent institutions, and several, including Christ Church, charge separate entry fees of roughly £10-20 and close to visitors during exams in April-June.

Christ Church's dining hall and staircase were used as real filming locations for the Harry Potter films, unlike some sites that only claim the connection. The Bodleian Library's historic reading rooms can be seen on a guided tour lasting about 30-60 minutes; wandering in unguided is not possible. Trains from London Paddington take around 55-65 minutes.

Blenheim Palace, a further 20-minute drive or bus ride from the city centre, adds half a day if visited on the same trip.