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Lake School of English: Home > Oxford > Culture and entertainment

Culture and entertainment

Here are some ideas for sightseeing, going out, shopping, doing sport, and eating and drinking in Oxford:

Sightseeing

  • Oxford University colleges, especially Christchurch, Magdalen and Queens
  • The Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren
  • The Bodleian Library, one of the largest libraries in the world
  • Ashmolean Museum, Britain's first public museum, c1683
  • The Botanic Gardens,a peaceful place to relax in the city centre
  • Modern Art Oxford, exciting exhibitions and a great cafe
  • Carfax Tower, a fantastic view of the city
  • Oxford Castle in Oxford's oldest new quarter
  • Oxford University Natural History Museum 

Going out

  • The Oxford Playhouse, see the best new plays and musicals before they go to London.
  • The Phoenix Film House, watch great British movies and world cinema.
  • The Carling Academy, live music and club, hear the latest UK bands and and upcoming stars of the UK music scene.
  • Open-air Shakespeare, in Oxford Castle.
  • Viva Salsa, dance lessons and guest DJs.
  • The Bridge, the best night club for r'n'b, hip hop and soul.
  • Catweazle Club, poetry and performance artists at the Northgate Hall
  • The Holywell Music Rooms, classical, jazz and world music in this intimate, historical setting

Shopping

  • Bookshops: Blackwells, Borders, Waterstones - to mention a few!
  • The Covered Market: specialist shops and cafes
  • The High Street: antiques and women's fashion
  • Cowley Road: cheap and unusual individual shops - for students
  • Bicester Retail outlet centre: designer goods at sale prices

There are department stores and many fashion stores in Queen Street and Cornmarket Street too.

Doing sport

If you're feeling energetic, you can choose from an ice-rink, three swimming pools, free tennis courts and football fields. Membership at sports centres and fitness clubs is usually cheaper for students too. There are also golf clubs, watersports and horse-riding facilities nearby.

Eating and Drinking

There are lots of places but our favourites include The Turf pub, the Brasserie Blanc restaurant, The Kazbar bar, Browns' cafe and the many cafes/restaurants in the Oxford Castle development or along the River Thames.

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