Dreaming spires and ancient colleges: this is the Oxford we all know about. But there is so much more to the city than you’ll find in your tourist guides. Long-term residents share their favourite local places to visit - from peaceful riverside walks to a hall full of ancient cultural artefacts.
The Pitt Rivers Museum
After 20 years of living in Oxfordshire and working at the university, the Pitt Rivers Museum is my choice as the city’s hidden gem. The Ashmolean gets all the attention, and the Oxford Museum of Natural History is better known, but hidden round the back is a treasure trove of old artefacts and ancient cultures, which never fails to inspire me. I remember the first time I saw the Pitt Rivers’ collection of shrunken heads – they were the most extraordinary things I’d ever seen. I regularly return to find something new there.
The Pitt Rivers Museum, inside the Museum of Natural History on Parks Road, OX1 3PW
The covered market
I’d advise anyone who comes to Oxford to visit the covered market. Everyone loves coming here to see the universities, visit the pubs and punt on the river, but they often overlook our lovely enclosed market. There is a variety of shops, each with its own personality, selling interesting food or fashion. You can buy wild boar sausages from the butcher, and unusual shoes sourced in Europe. When I come into the city centre I head straight to the fish and meat section, to see what local producers are selling, and always treat myself to a beautiful, freshly baked cookie from Ben’s Cookies.
Oxford Covered Market, Market St, Oxford OX1 3DZ
The Truck Store
I first came to Oxford nine years ago and this place opened not long after. I think it’s now Oxford’s only independent record shop. Among anyone here who cares about music it’s sort of legendary. It’s a really chilled and friendly place. They have loads of old vinyl, including some rare gems, and they put on regular free live events in the evenings. But I come most days for their amazing coffee. It’s just a great place to sit in the window with a cappuccino, watching the world go by, and listening to some amazing music.
The Truck Store, 101 Cowley Road, OX4 1HU
The walk to Binsey
I’ve been in Oxford since 1972 and now live just outside the city in a village called Cumnor. My favourite walk is to join the Thames near Oxford train station, and head north through the beautiful Port Meadow to the tiny hamlet of Binsey. The parish church of St Margaret in Binsey is the site where Oxford’s patron saint St Frideswide performed a miracle – there’s still a well there to commemorate her. It’s the same one that inspired the “treacle well” in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Despite only being a mile or two out of Oxford, the area feels like the deepest countryside. As well as being wonderfully peaceful, the walk really connects you with the ancient history of the city.
The Handle Bar Cafe
I’m a born and raised Oxonian, and my hidden gem is a vibrant, chaotic cafe above a bicycle repair shop in a narrow little street off the main shopping drag. It’s one of those places that built up a reputation by word of mouth. It was recommended to me by a friend – and now whenever I can I make time to drop in for a coffee, or better still a bite to eat. The bustle and noise and crazy décor and vibrant colours never fail to lift my spirits – and their breakfasts are fantastic!
The Handle Bar Cafe, 28-32 St Michael Street, OX1 2EB
The walk from Osney
The part of the river near Osney down to Christ Church Meadows is not really known by tourists but is a lovely way to walk from the train station into town. I love to go crayfish fishing here with the kids, watch the boats go through the lock, or simply stroll along the towpath and think about things in peace. Plus it starts and ends with two great pubs – the Punter at Osney and the Head of the River on the Abingdon Road!
New Theatre Oxford
My best nights out, in nearly 53 years living in Oxford, have always been at the theatre. I saw Chubby Checker at the New Theatre Oxford and, more recently, we went to see an Elvis tribute. There’s a nice bar downstairs attracting a mixed crowd, so you can always make new friends. I used to work at the Mitre pub, on Oxford High Street, and we’d often have customers in from the theatre; I met a lot of stars there. There are plans to redevelop George Street, but I think the theatre will stay. I hope so. It’s my favourite haunt.
New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG
Cowley Road
Most visitors to Oxford don’t really get beyond seeing the colleges and grand buildings, but if you head east there’s a whole other side to the city. Cowley Road runs from just the other side of Magdalen Bridge for about a mile east. It’s packed full with cafes, bars, restaurants and live music venues, with a really cool vibe and a buzzy atmosphere. Catch a band at the O2 Academy or The Bullingdon, or best of all go to Malikas restaurant for the best Indian food in Oxford. I’ve lived here all my life and it’s definitely my favourite part of town.
Tap Social
Although Oxford has many famous tourist sites, it also has a great alternative scene. There’s a bar and microbrewery called Tap Social, about a mile out of town to the west, hidden on an industrial estate. It’s run as a social enterprise, providing training and employment to ex-offenders and serving prisoners, teaching them to brew beer. It’s also just a great place to hang out, with live music and a really cool atmosphere. If you’re in town for a weekend, you should check it out.
Tap Social, 27 Curtis Industrial Estate, North Hinksey Lane, OX2 0LX
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