25 Fascinating Facts About Oxford You Need To Know

Nestled within the heart of England lies Oxford, a city steeped in history and renowned for its prestigious university and captivating architecture. Exploring this historic town is more than just a visit, it’s an essential experience that promises to inspire.

As you wander through its quaint streets, you’ll encounter forward-thinking professors lost in contemplation, delve into museums teeming with treasures, and revel in the enchanting ambiance that inspired the magical world of Harry Potter.

But do you truly know this idyllic English town? Further your appreciation of Oxford, ‘the city of dreaming spires’ with these 23 fascinating facts about Oxford.

23 fascinating facts about Oxford that you need to know 

There is so much to Oxford that we cannot wait to reveal to you below. Here are 25 fascinating facts about Oxford.

1. Oxford University is old, very old!

The University of Oxford is roughly 922 years old, making it the second oldest University in the world. It is beaten in age by the University of Bologna which is around 930 years old. In terms of University rankings, however, it is currently ranked no.1 in the world in the Times Higher Education World for 2023.

This is a great reason to come and join us at Summer Boarding Courses for your Oxford Summer School experience.

2. Balliol College was built as a punishment

Founded in 1263 by John Balliol, Mr. Balliol had to pay for this college to be built as a punishment for insulting the Bishop of Durham.

The good news is that Balliol College has produced 3 British prime ministers. In fact, all in all, the University of Oxford has produced 27 British Prime Ministers. 13 have come from Christ Church College, 3 from Trinity College, 2 from Brasenose College and the rest from Hertford, Jesus, St. Hugh’s (where our Oxford College Summer School is), St John’s, Somerville and University College.

3. Oxford is a great place to become an author

Oxford is a literary haven, boasting the highest concentration of published authors per square mile globally. Renowned figures such as J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), and Mark Haddon (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) are all tied to this illustrious city.

4. Many a famous actor has studied at Oxford

Oxford has also served as a launching pad for many aspiring actors. Emma Watson, who famously portrayed Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, honed her talents at Oxford’s Dragon and Headington School. Both of these esteemed campuses are also part of SBC’s Oxford Summer School.

5. Tortoise Wars

Founded in 1555, Trinity College is one of Balliol College’s biggest rivals as they live in such close proximity to each other. Every College has a tortoise that they own, and every Summer in May, the colleges come together to have a tortoise race.

A circle of lettuce is placed on the ground, 8 metres wide, and spectators wait for the tortoises to come out of the middle of the circle to reach the lettuce line to win.

Balliol College currently holds the record for the fastest tortoise winning in 4 hours back in 2004. Yet on this day, when Balliol College took their tortoise out in the city to celebrate, they lost him! They firmly believed that Trinity College were the thieves, and poured washing up liquid into Trinity College’s fountain in retaliation.

6. A grand musical heritage

The city has a rich musical heritage, with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous choirs and ensembles adding to its cultural vibrancy. As well as this, world famous bands like Radiohead and Foals also originate from the area.

7. World class museums

Oxford’s range of fantastic museums include the Ashmolean Museum, which was established in 1683, making it the world’s first university museum. It houses an extensive collection of art and archaeology, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

8. The first four-minute mile

One of the most incredible athletic achievements to occur in Oxford belongs to former middle-distance runner Roger Bannister. It was on the grounds of the Iffley Road track in the city where Bannister etched his name into history, breaking the elusive four-minute mile barrier on May 6, 1954.

9. Home of the Oxford Dictionary

As you might have already worked out, Oxford is renowned as being the home of the Oxford Dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive record of the English language’s usage and development over time. Unlike prescriptive dictionaries, the OED is descriptive, which documents how words are used rather than dictate their correct usage. It continues to be used around the world as a historical record of the English language. 

10. Harry Potter connections

Aside from its inspiration for Hogwarts, Oxford’s Bodleian Library served as a filming location for several scenes in the Harry Potter films. It’s part of what gives the city its magical attraction!

11. A true cycling city

With its compact size and cycle-friendly infrastructure, Oxford is a perfect city for exploring by bike. In addition to this, it also offers a range of other convenient and eco-friendly transportation options.

12. Fit for a feast

Oxford has a celebrated culinary culture that will satisfy your palate. Alongside cosy cafes and bustling brunch spots, Oxford has embraced international flavours like Thai and Lebanese cuisine. There’s something for every taste. 

13. Surrounded by charming countryside

Oxford is nestled within Oxfordshire, a county renowned for its beautiful countryside. The city itself boasts green spaces like Port Meadow, while the surrounding area, especially the Cotswolds, offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and punting on the River Thames.

14. Botanical beauty

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Britain, dating back to 1621. It’s a tranquil oasis featuring over 8,000 different plant species.

15. May Day celebrations

Oxford’s May Day celebrations, also known as May Morning, is a historic tradition dating back over 500 years. Every year on May 1st, thousands gather in the pre-dawn hours to witness a unique series of events that herald the arrival of spring. It’s not something you want to miss.

16. Scientific discovery

Oxford University has been a breeding ground for scientific advancements for centuries. It played a crucial role in developing penicillin, a life-saving antibiotic, and fostered the mind behind the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee.  

17. City of the dreaming spires

You may hear Oxford being described as the ‘city of dreaming spires’. The term ‘dreaming spires’ was coined by the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold to describe Oxford’s skyline, which was dominated by its medieval and Renaissance architecture.

18. Nobel Laureates

Oxford boasts a significant number of Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty, spanning various fields such as physics, chemistry, literature, and medicine. There have been over 70 winners of the prize, including Sir John Eccles, T S Eliot and Joseph Stiglitz. 

19. Taking a punt

Punting on the River Thames (referred to as the River Isis in Oxford) is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike, offering a serene way to explore the city’s picturesque waterways.

20. Rivalry with Cambridge

The rivalry between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, known as Oxbridge, has deep historical roots, dating back to their establishment over 800 years ago as the only universities in England and Wales for many centuries. This exclusivity intensified their competition, which persists today in many forms, including the famous annual Boat Race and various varsity matches in sports like rugby. 

Both institutions have been pivotal in shaping the UK’s educational and cultural landscape, producing many of the nation’s prominent figures in science, literature, politics, and beyond. Despite modern changes, their historic rivalry remains a significant aspect of their identities, enriched by cooperative traditions through ‘sister college’ relationships and efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility in higher education.

21. Legends of poetry

Oxford’s literary legacy extends beyond its authors. It’s also where celebrated poets like Oscar Wilde, T.S. Eliot, and Percy Bysshe Shelley studied or lectured.

22. Festivals and festivities

The city is home to festivals and festivities that celebrate the culture of the area. For a taste of the arts, the Oxford Festival of the Arts offers a two-week immersion into various artistic expressions. Literature lovers can delve into the Oxford Literary Festival, while those seeking cultural immersion can enjoy the vibrant Cowley Road Carnival or the flavours of the Thai Festival. 

23. Medieval marvels

In Oxford, you can explore Oxford Castle & Prison, a Norman castle with a 900-year-old crypt. The University Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate also offer a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

Explore Oxford with SBC’s summer schools

Immerse yourself in the rich history and academic excellence of Oxford with Summer Boarding Courses’ range of Oxford summer school programmes. Located on the campuses of Oxford University and other beautiful settings across the city, our programmes cater to students aged 6-17.

By enrolling, students can explore the stunning city of Oxford while enjoying a stimulating and immersive learning experience in one of the world’s most prestigious academic settings.