In this post, members of the Oxford EMI team share some of their inside knowledge of things to see and do in and around the university city.
Oxford is more than just a university city – it’s a living museum where golden-stone architecture and centuries of history meet vibrant modern life. There is so much to do when visiting Oxford, with all the famous sites like the Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs and the Ashmolean museum at the top of many people’s lists. But Oxford’s true magic often hides behind modest wooden doors and down narrow, winding alleys. We asked the Oxford EMI team, as locals and regular visitors to Oxford, about their favourite things to see and do in and around the city.
The covered market
Julie, Oxford EMI director
One of my favourite places in Oxford is Oxford’s Covered Market. I love to go there at lunch time as it’s just across the High Street from the Oxford EMI office and you can find everything from the traditional butchers producing the famous Oxford sausage, to stalls selling Japanese sushi.
A personal favourite of mine for a sweet treat is Ben’s Cookies, which started in Oxford in 1984. There’s always a queue, but the delicious cookies are worth the wait!
The covered market first opened in 1774, and is one of the oldest markets in England. When I was a student at Oxford, it sold mostly vegetables, meat and fish. Today, the market houses over 50 specialist independent traders, many of which are family-owned businesses, passed down through generations.
It’s also a great place for picking up souvenirs, and it even hosts live music and comedy performances, which I think is a great way to modernise the market while keeping its original character. For me, the Covered Market offers something genuinely different – a space where craftsmanship, personal service, and community still flourish under one beautiful historic roof.
An historical neighbourhood
Tom, Head of Training
One of my favourite parts of Oxford is the area known as Jericho. It’s the historic home of Oxford University Press (OUP)who printed their first book in 1478! The Press (as it’s known in Oxford) has influenced the area massively. Many of the traditional “two-up, two-down” houses were for the workers there and a lot of the local pub names reflect the long association with printing.
I particularly like three local pubs in the area which are all within 5 minutes walk of each other. The Rickety Press serves their own beer – called Dodo Lager – and specialise in pizzas and burgers during the week, but they also offer a traditional English Sunday roast. It’s lively and busy with lots of students and young people. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, my second offering is The Harcourt Arms. Just around the corner from The Rickety Press, this pub has open fireplaces (with real wood fires!), a beautiful beer garden out the back and hosts regular quiz nights and live music (and no televisions to distract you from the conversation or the entertainment)! My final recommendation is around the next corner and is called The Old Bookbinder’s Ale House. If you want to try traditional British ale while eating French food, this is the place for you!
Gargoyles and grotesques
Yvette, Projects and Sustainability Manager
Since I was young, I have always enjoyed looking up and seeing the gargoyles and grotesques in Oxford. As an adult, I learned the difference between the two: gargoyles fulfil a very important and practical function, directing the rainwater away from the buildings; and grotesques were initially designed to ward off evil. The oldest gargoyles and grotesques date from the 13th century and there are plenty of modern examples too. Ancient or modern, many of them around the city make you smile, with their tongues sticking out, or waving from their towers and spires.
On a related note, The Oxford Gargoyles is also the name of Oxford University’s a cappella jazz group!
Ice-cream and evening drinks
Emma, International Programmes Coordinator
My ultimate “guilty pleasure” when in Oxford is a trip to the George & Davis’ ice-cream shop on St Aldate’s. Known locally as G&D’s, this is just a two-minute walk from the Oxford EMI office. Opened in 1992 by an Oxford University student, G&D’s was created as a bright, friendly café serving homemade ice cream, and they have since expanded and now have several much-loved locations across the city (George & Danver opposite Christ Church and George & Delila on Cowley Road). One of my favourite summer rituals is picking up a G&D’s ice cream and taking a walk through the University Parks.
For evening drinks, a real hidden gem is The Varsity Club, a rooftop bar with beautiful skyline views of Oxford. I love catching up with friends here over a classic cocktail. Tucked away above the Covered Market, it serves food and drinks all year round, making it the perfect place to unwind in the evening and take in the views of Oxford.
Talks & cinemas
Ben, Educational Designer
One of the joys of living in such a historic place is attending talks from top experts in beautiful buildings across the city. I’ve heard speakers like Oxford COVID vaccine creator Sir Andrew Pollard at the Town Hall, and saw Harry Potter’s Emma Watson (a women’s rights activist and Oxford local) interview youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai at the Sheldonian Theatre (which also hosts world-class musicians and is a stunning setting).
The University of Oxford also hosts lectures open to the public or those with Bodleian Reader Cards. This gives a wider audience the opportunity to hear and learn from global experts in fields from STEM through to humanities. Be sure to check out which are open or require booking on the Oxford Talks site.
I’m also a big fan of Oxford’s historic cinemas. The Phoenix Picturehouse (originally opened in 1913 as the North Oxford Kinema) screens contemporary films in a relaxed, comfortable setting. The community-owned Ultimate Picture Palace has a truly special, hands-on atmosphere and screens classic, international and independent films.
Countryside walks
Simon, Senior Trainer
While I enjoy all the beautiful buildings, cafes and pubs in Oxford, what I most enjoy are the green spaces in and around the city. For example, just a few minutes’ walk from the Oxford EMI office is Christ Church Meadow, a wide open space that is often the home to a herd of friendly cows. It’s a great place to clear your head and get some fresh air at lunchtime.
When I want a longer walk in the fresh countryside air, I make my way over to the north-west of the city for a walk through Port Meadow (a great place for any bird spotters). Following the path, you can cross the river Thames (also known as the River Isis in Oxford) and stop off at a quintessential English pub, The Perch, for great food and drink. For those looking for a longer walk, follow the river path all the way to The Trout Inn (made more famous by the Book of Dust series by Phillip Pullman).
The Oxford EMI Summer Programme
The Oxford EMI team will gladly share many more top tips on places to stay, eat and enjoy in and around Oxford to everyone who joins us for the Oxford EMI Summer Programme in July this year.
To find out more about this two-week programme, including dates and fees, check out our information page.