The Most Instagrammable Places in Oxford

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About the author: Hi, I’m Heather! I am a third-year Media, Journalism and Publishing student at Oxford Brookes University, but I am originally from Devon. I am a weekly host on Brookes Podcast, and in my spare time, I love spending time with friends and family, reading and baking.

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Oxford is a prestigious student city recognised worldwide for its historic beauty and timeless charm. Yet, dare we say it, you don’t need a first-class education to know that the city is brimming with perfect Instagram-worthy moments.

In this blog, I’ll give you a tour of the most Instagrammable places in Oxford to help you capture the ultimate uni life aesthetic. Let's jump right in!

Top Oxford Instagram spots

1. The University of Oxford

It goes without saying that the University of Oxford must, of course, take the top spot, with the historic colleges and architecture always being camera-ready.  Around every corner is a sight so picturesque that it could have been taken from a storybook (or maybe a postcard!).

The Bodleian Libraries, as a collective, are utterly captivating. The Radcliffe Camera in particular is certainly a feast for the eyes, and despite being built in 1737-49, its age hasn’t tarnished its beauty. This unique, circular architecture is one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks. Whilst strictly prohibited against walk-in visits, it is possible to visit the inside during a booked guided tour, and if you have the opportunity to do so, I would definitely recommend it.

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Oxford University students are, of course, already entitled to use this library, but unbeknownst to many, Brookes students are also able to get a Bodleian Library Reader card when completing a research project (like a dissertation!). This is both an opportunity to utilise the resources and study spaces for your assignments, as well as take some incredible snaps of the stunning interior.

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If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library is also needed. Here, you can take photographs of the infirmary featured in all of the films. Or alternatively, you could visit Christ Church College, which boasts both beautiful gardens, ‘The Great Hall’, and many hallways seen on-screen.

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A final recommendation when photographing the sights of the University of Oxford is our very own Bridge of Sighs, which is an ornate covered walkway that bridges together Hertford College and New College. Move over, Venice!

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2. The Covered Market

The covered market, located right in the heart of Oxford city centre, offers a maze of endearing independent shops glowing with rustic charm. There are heaps to explore in here, so definitely have your camera at the ready at this Oxford Instagram spot. The Garden of Oxford is easily my favourite, and I have taken many photos of the beautiful flowers and arrangements that they stock out front.

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3. Oxford Botanic Garden

Accommodating over 5,000 plant species and holding the title of Britain’s oldest Botanic Garden, this is certainly not one to be missed. With summer coming up, a sunny stroll through the luscious gardens and greenhouses makes for a perfect day with the guarantee of a great Instagram photo! It is also the ideal place for learning more about biodiversity, environmental conservation and plant evolution for the green-thumbed readers.

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4. The Roof Terrace at The Varsity Club

The Varsity Club is a unique and very popular venue in Oxford. The rooftop terrace is especially one to visit if you have the chance. Dubbed as Oxford’s best cocktail bar, you are able to enjoy a beautiful beverage whilst taking in 360-degree views of the striking skyline of Oxford, spires and all.

The venue also regularly hosts ‘Skyline Sessions’, which take place on the rooftop bar and feature cool DJ sets, a deluxe BBQ, and handcrafted cocktails. If elevating your Instagram feed is important to you, this event is brimming with opportunities for effortless snaps that will leave all of your followers envious!

Learn more about the latest event.

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5. The Lanes

The many winding cobbled lanes of Oxford instantly transport you into serenity, a blissful contrast from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Brasenose Lane is a popular choice for photographs and is a historic passageway that runs between Radcliffe Square and Turl Street. Built within the picturesque, sandy-coloured buildings, you can practically feel the history around you as you walk.

Oriel Street, a lane that has now been completely pedestrianised and cut off from traffic, also makes for a peaceful walk observing the brightly painted buildings.

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6. The Grand Café

Oxford breaks yet another record when it comes to its beautiful sights. The Grand Café is the oldest coffee house in England, established in 1650. But its beauty is to be appreciated equally as much as its history. This luxurious Grade II building stands on the High Street and is characterised by its splendid blue and gold exterior. In addition, a highlight of their menu is the afternoon tea, offering a quintessentially British dining experience.

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Oxford certainly does not disappoint in its opportunities for Instagram photos, and this guide does not even scrape the surface of the extent of the city’s beauty. Get exploring today!

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Searching for student accommodation in Oxford?

If you want to study amongst the best of Oxford’s Instagrammable spots, you’ll need to sort out some student housing while you’re here. UniHomes is proud to work with letting agents and landlords across the country, bringing you some of the best options for student accommodation in Oxford - all with bills included.

And it isn't just the city centre that boasts Instagrammable spots - Headington, East Oxford, and Summertown also hold some spectacular sights. Browse our student housing here and filter by your budget, group size, and student area today.

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Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.