Top Oxford colleges
I. Christ Church
Though it is largely symbolic now, in its early days, this was to inform all 100 (and later 101) Christ Church scholars to return to the college before the college gates shut. Another interesting trivia to note is the timing - 9:05pm and not 9:00 pm. This is because technically Oxford is 5 minutes behind Greenwich (where the Prime Meridian and GMT is defined). Hence 9:05 is actually 9:00pm in Oxford's time zone! Enter via Christ Church meadow, just off St Aldate's.
For more information about visiting times and admission charges, please visit the Christ Church webpage for visitors.
II. Magdalen College
For more information about visiting times and admission charges, please visit the Magdalen College webpage for visitors.
III. New College
I studied at New College and truly believe that it is amazing college to visit. The college was founded in 1379. The amazing, but eerie pretty cloisters, bell tower, chapel, dining hall, quad, mound, lawn, garden and a 1000-year old city wall, there is quite a bit to see here. Also, while you are here, keep an eye out for the grotesque gargoyles! Entrance is either via the main gate on New College Lane (Easter to early October) or Holywell gate on Holywell Street (winter).
For more information about visiting times and admission charges, please visit the New College webpage for visitors.
IV. Broad Street – Trinity College & Balliol College
If you are on Broad Street (perhaps the broadest street in Oxford), you might want to pop into Trinity college or Balliol college and take a quick look around.V. Between Broad Street and High Street
There are numerous mid-sized colleges between these two major streets in Oxford - Exeter College, Lincoln College and Jesus College on Turl Street, Hertford College on Catte Street and Brasenose College on Radcliffe Square. If you do not have a lot of time, it might be worth quickly popping into see what an old college looks like. Colleges, gardens and lawns are delightful in every possible season and weather condition.