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Church
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
The University's church on the High Street, with a medieval tower and a view over Radcliffe Square.
Directions Website Report a problem with University Church of St Mary the Virgin
A mini guide to
High Street, Magdalen and East Oxford
Colleges along the High Street, Magdalen Bridge and the Botanic Garden, then the shops and restaurants of Cowley Road
Photos
1 / 7Welcome to the area
Colleges along the High Street, Magdalen Bridge and the Botanic Garden, then the shops and restaurants of Cowley Road
The High Street curves from Carfax down to Magdalen Bridge and passes the University Church, All Souls, Queen's, University College and Magdalen. Behind it, lanes such as Queen's Lane and Logic Lane lead to New College and the Covered Market sits just off the street.
Across the bridge, the Botanic Garden and the River Cherwell give a quieter side of the centre. Beyond them, Cowley Road and St Clement's Street form a lively strip of independent cafés and restaurants, with cheaper guest houses along Iffley Road.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
College
All Souls College
Graduate college founded in 1438, on the corner of the High Street and Catte Street. Visiting hours vary: check the college.
College
The Queen's College
College founded in 1341, with a long baroque front on the High Street. Visiting hours vary: check the college.
Directions Website Report a problem with The Queen's College
College
University College
College on the High Street, founded in the 13th century. Visiting hours vary: check the college.
College
New College
College founded in 1379, entered from Holywell Street. Visiting hours vary: check the college.
College
Magdalen College
College founded in 1458 beside the Cherwell, with a tall tower at the east end of the High Street. Visiting hours vary: check the college.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows High Street, Magdalen and East Oxford and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Check college hours
Most High Street colleges admit visitors only at set times or for a fee, and some close during exams. Look at each college's website before you go.
2
Look up the towers
Magdalen Tower and the tower of the University Church are the main landmarks on the High Street. The bridge at the east end gives a good view back.
3
Cross the bridge for Cowley Road
From Magdalen Bridge, Cowley Road and St Clement's Street are a few minutes' walk and have many independent places to eat.
4
Try the Covered Market
The Covered Market off the High Street has cafés, food traders and independent shops. Check opening hours with the traders.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
Everything for High Street, Magdalen and East Oxford
Oxford
More areas to explore
13 sights · 21 places to eat
Christ Church, St Aldate's and Folly Bridge
Christ Church and its meadow, the quiet colleges on Merton Street and the river at Folly Bridge
Open the mini guide →
11 sights · 23 places to eat
Jericho, the Castle and Port Meadow
Oxford Castle, the streets of Jericho and the open common of Port Meadow
Open the mini guide →
17 sights · 21 places to eat
Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and St Giles
The Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian and the museums and colleges of the old university centre
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- High Street, Magdalen and East Oxford (area photo): Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, source
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- All Souls College: chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- The Queen's College: M stone at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- University College: No machine-readable author provided. Man vyi assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain, source
- New College: Simon Q from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, source
- Magdalen College: Alexis O'Connor, CC BY 2.0, source
- Magdalen Bridge: Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- University of Oxford Botanic Garden: JMski, CC0, source
- Carfax Tower: ozeye, CC BY 3.0, source
- Covered Market: Jorge Royan, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Logic Lane Covered Bridge: Ozeye, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Edmund Hall: Bill Nicholls, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ultimate Picture Palace: Motacilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Christ Church, St Aldate's and Folly Bridge: Andy Li, CC0, source
- Jericho, the Castle and Port Meadow: AstacopsisGouldi, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and St Giles: Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits