Oxford vs Cambridge - Best City To Visit 

Why is there a rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge?

Oxford and Cambridge have been battling in an intense rivalry since the early 1200s. The basis of the rivalry comes from the two universities, both top of their class in the UK, but also two of the best universities worldwide. This rivalry is so famous that it’s known across the globe and spans not just academics, but tradition, sport and culture. 

The University of Oxford was founded around 1096 and is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Cambridge on the other hand was established in 1209 after a group of scholars left Oxford as a result of a dispute and created their own university to compete, thus the rivalry was born.

In the academic world, the competition between these two universities is so intense, that prospective undergraduates applying for further education have to choose to apply for either Oxford or Cambridge, not both. This is a hot topic in many schools where you will often hear groups of friends discussing which of the two they chose to apply for. The application process for both institutions is also fierce, with Oxford and Cambridge being two of very few universities that require specific exams as well as interviews as part of the application process for any prospective student. The prestige of a Cambridge or Oxford education cannot be understated.

In the sporting world, the rivalry can be felt on any rugby pitch, swimming pool, or gymnasium that happens to host a competition between an Oxford and Cambridge team, but it can be most clearly seen during the famous annual Boat Race.

The boat race is a yearly rowing competition between Oxford and Cambridge, featuring separate men’s and women’s races. Originally hosted in Henley in 1829, the race now takes place on the Thames, in London, and is a celebrated (and televised) tradition across the entire of the UK. 

Whilst the competition is fierce between these two institutional powerhouses, it is still friendly, and healthy. There is general respect between the two universities and the rivalry ensures that both are kept to the highest possible standard across academia and sport.

Which city is best to visit?

When it comes to academic prowess, these two universities are neck and neck; both Oxford and Cambridge also have a beautiful aesthetic, which few regions of England can compete with, making them fantastic destinations in their own right. They even both have their very own ‘Bridge of Sighs’. But when it comes to visiting for tourism Oxford just clinches it as the better destination.

Whilst Cambridge has some amazing colleges to explore, some of the best museums in England, and a dozen opportunities to punt, row (and potentially fall into) the river Cam, the lack of nearby experiences and points of interest makes it likely that you would run out of things to do after a day or two. Nonetheless Cambridge would make for a fantastic day trip from London, particularly for those interested in the history and prestige of the University. 

Oxford on the other hand, has just as many rivers, just as many top tier museums, just as many colleges to explore (there or thereabouts) and perhaps even more University history; but in addition boasts one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and is a short drive away from a great many incredible destinations (like Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, the Cotswolds, Warwick castle). As a result it would be very easy to spend a full week or even more immersed in British culture using Oxford as a diving board to access some of the best experiences that England has to offer whilst also enjoying the beauty of the city itself.

For accommodation, both Oxford, and Cambridge have a great selection of hotels and b&bs at all price points and cost is comparable across both cities.

Things to do in Oxford

Walking Tours

Oxford walking tours offer a fantastic way to explore the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and famous landmarks on foot (the second best way to appreciate the city after cycling). Wander through Oxford’s historic streets, discover hidden gems, and truly absorb its atmosphere, all accompanied by a handy guide who can share local insights, fascinating stories and show you parts of the city you’d otherwise miss.

The most in demand walking tour is probably that of the University. These tours will take you to some of the most prestigious colleges including Christ Church, Balliol, and Merton, while sharing stories of past scholars like J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, and Oscar Wilde. You'll also see iconic sites like the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library.

Alternatively Harry Potter fans might find interest in the tours showing off some of the famous filming sites of the film series, you can visit the grand staircase at Christ Church, which inspired Hogwarts’ own entrance, and the medieval Divinity School, which doubled as the Hogwarts infirmary. Along the way, guides share behind-the-scenes details and fun trivia.

If neither of those take your fancy there are also tours for Inspector Morse, ghost tours, literary tours and so much more. Oxford’s walking tours cater to every interest, making them an unmissable part of any visit.

Punting

If you’ve never heard of punting, picture yourself gliding through the canals in Venice on a Gondola while an experienced hand ferries you about the city while gently serenading you. Now replace the ferryman with a university undergrad, the Venetian canals with a British river (potentially in the rain), and the singing with the sound of manual labour as the undergrad drives the boat forward by pushing a long metal stick into the ground under the boat.

Whilst not quite as romantic as a gondola, punting in Oxford is one of the most relaxing and quintessentially British activities you can do. It offers a unique way to see the city from the water, gliding along the River Cherwell in a traditional flat-bottomed boat while taking in the beautiful scenery, you can either get a guide to take you for a ride while you sit and enjoy the view or hire your own boat and take turns crashing into the river bank while you try to figure out how to steer the thing.

Whilst not necessarily permitted, it’s common to see people sneaking picnics and/or bottles of wine onto their boat to enhance the experience. 

Botanic Garden 

If you’re a nature lover, Oxford boasts the oldest botanic garden in the UK and one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1621. It houses over 5000 different species of plant with rare and tropical species, some stored in greenhouses and others in outdoor beds. Additionally the botanic garden houses a medicinal plant collection – A fascinating area that showcases the history of plant-based medicine and the role of botany in healing. In addition to the glasshouses, and medicinal collection, there are several gardens - the walled garden,  A historic section with carefully arranged plant beds, originally used for medicinal research, the lower garden, a peaceful riverside area with beautiful views of Magdalen college surrounded by wildflowers, and the rock garden, home to alpine and Mediterranean plants 

The gardens have a small entry fee (with some concessions) and are best visited in Spring and Summer, although there are seasonal displays year round. As with most parts of Oxford, the gardens have inspired many writers including Lewis Carroll (author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) and Philip Pullman, who set parts of His Dark Materials here.

Museums

Oxford is home to some world class museums, and by and large they are all free (with the exclusion of some paid exhibitions) and accessible for all! Some of the world’s most globally significant artifacts and paintings are stored within these walls, and with displays ranging from mummies and dinosaurs to modern art, there is truly something for everyone. Oxford’s weather can be unpredictable at best, so having a museum you can dive into as a backup plan is a great idea. Here are some of the best.

Ashmolean 

Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums of art and archaeology. It houses treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as Renaissance masterpieces and modern art.

Highlights include: the Egyptian Mummies – A fascinating collection of ancient coffins and preserved remains, Anglo-Saxon Treasures like the famous Alfred Jewel, a gallery of coins and currency from around the world including ancient Roman coins, and some artwork by J.M.W Turner and John Ruskin.

Natural History 

Housed in a stunning Victorian Gothic building, this museum is perfect for science lovers. It features dinosaurs, fossils, gemstones, and the famous dodo remains that inspired Alice in Wonderland.

Several of the displays are very hands-on, making this museum great for kids and adults alike. They also run workshops and talks throughout the year, and have a live bee colony where you can see how bees work and live as they fly in and out of the hive.

Entry is free but there are guided tours if you want to make the most of your trip.

Pitt rivers 

One of Oxford’s most unique museums, the Pitt Rivers Museum is an absolute treasure trove of anthropology and world cultures. Founded in 1884, it is famous for its dimly lit Victorian-style display cases packed with thousands of artifacts, focused on human history. There are a great deal of unique items on display here, including ancient weaponry and armour (think swords, shields, spears) from a range of cultures, intricate tribal masks, instruments, jewelry, ritual objects from throughout time, and other unusual objects like charms and voodoo dolls. The museum was famous for a collection of shrunken human heads but these stopped being displayed in 2020 after an ethical review. Due to the unique nature of the objects displayed here, it’s possible that other items could be removed over time. 

Oxford Castle & Prison

Built in the 11th century, Oxford Castle is a fascinating site that has played an important role throughout England’s history, from a fortress to a prison. It was originally constructed in 1071 by the Normans and has seen many phases, including being used as a royal residence, military stronghold, and later, a prison. Over the centuries, it has witnessed significant events in English history.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Oxford Castle was a working prison. The prison was closed in 1996, and now part of the castle complex offers an immersive prison experience, complete with stories of past inmates and guided tours that give you an insight into the lives of those incarcerated there.

Oxford Castle is also suitable for families. The tours are designed to be engaging for all ages, with interactive displays, activities for kids, and opportunities to ask questions and delve deeper into history.

Day trips from Oxford 

Oxford’s geographical location makes it a fantastic base to visit many of the best points of interest in the UK (notably Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace and many many more). There are a dozen day trips from Oxford that will show you the highlights, or you could rent a car and explore at your own pace!

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is an area in the south of England, near Oxford, known for its charming villages, historic market towns and natural beauty. Nestled amongst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, the Cotswolds boasts some of England’s most stunning villages, with charming cottages, lush rivers and winding roads. Many parts of the Cotswolds could have been plucked straight out of a fairytale. If you love the idea of wandering through idyllic countryside and exploring quaint shops and pubs, then the Cotswolds should definitely be on your travel bucket list!

Some highlights definitely worth investigating are Broadway tower, Burton-on-the-water, Stratford-upon-avon (the birthplace of Shakespeare), and the Cotswold wildlife park. The area is ideal for countryside walks, or an idyllic retreat from the hectic cities and tourist spots. Check here for a full guide to the Cotswolds.

Bath

Bath is another beautiful, less commonly visited city for most tourists. At the heart of the city lie the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Here, you can explore the ancient bathing complex and see the steaming hot springs that have drawn visitors for centuries. If you want to experience some thermal pools first hand, head to Thermae Bath Spa, where you can experience some pampering whilst enjoying some panoramic rooftop views of the city. 

For those Literature lovers out there, the city has strong ties to Jane Austen, and these can be explored either through walking tours or by visiting the Jane Austen Centre. 

Alternatively, for a cultural escape, the Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the city’s many museums offer plenty to discover.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a monument riddled with mystery. Standing for over 4000 years, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site, and only a short drive from the Cotswolds.

While we don’t know a great deal about why the site exists or how it was built, it has been associated with ancient ceremonies, notably as the sun perfectly aligns with the stone during the summer and winter solstices. Note that if you’re planning on visiting this site the solstice periods can be extremely busy so you may want to avoid those specific days.

There are several tours from Oxford, but driving to the site is also a good idea if you don’t want to spend a full day. There is a visitor center, which features interactive exhibits and a museum, that stand alongside the stones so there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the mysteries of Stonehenge.

Warwick Castle

If you’re looking for a bit of medieval thrill, and Oxford castle wasn’t enough for you, look no further than Warwick Castle.

Dating back to 1068, this is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in England. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the castle offers a fascinating look at medieval life with its impressive towers, grand halls, and eerie dungeons. Walk the grounds, learn about the castle’s role as a royal residence, climb Caesar’s Tower and look over the serene landscapes. 

The castle brings history to life with interactive exhibits, live jousting tournaments, and thrilling dungeon experiences and falconry displays, making it great fun for all of the family. Whether you just grab an admission ticket or a full guided tour or immersive experience, be sure to book ahead! 

London

Less than an hour away from Oxford by train, the capital of England is a city that boasts an incredible blend of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and cultural experiences. There are so many things to do in London that you couldn’t possibly tackle the city in a single day, but any amount of time is better than no time in this amazing part of the world. Check out a full guide to London here, but if you don’t have time for that here are some of the absolute highlights.

London Eye

A visit to the London Eye is a must for anyone looking to experience the city from a whole new perspective. As one of London’s most iconic landmarks, this giant Ferris wheel gives you breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, with famous sights like Big Ben, St. Pauls Cathedral, the Shard, and Buckingham Palace all in view.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

Located along the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament are an iconic symbol of British politics and history. Visitors can take a tour of the Parliament building to explore its grand halls and chambers, including the House of Commons and the House of Lords. No trip to the Houses of Parliament would be complete without seeing Big Ben, one of the most famous clocks in the world. 

Buckingham Palace

No visit to London is complete without seeing Buckingham Palace, offering a glimpse into the heart of British royalty. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays at 11am the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place, where visitors can watch soldiers in traditional red uniforms and bearskins perform this centuries old tradition. For a few weeks each year during the summer months, visitors have the rare opportunity to book tickets to attend a guided tour inside the palace.

Windsor castle 

With over 1,000 years of history, Windsor Castle stands as one of the most iconic royal residences in the UK. It's a working royal palace, and a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by history, architecture, or the monarchy. You can grab just an admission ticket, or a full guided tour.

Originally founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, who used it as a weekend escape from  London. The castle is still an official royal residence and continues to be used by King Charles III for state occasions and ceremonies.

Windsor Castle is surrounded by 13 acres of beautiful gardens, with manicured lawns, and picturesque views of the River Thames. In spring and summer the gardens are particularly great to visit due to the vibrant flower displays.

Things to do in Cambridge

Punting 

If you skipped the Oxford section above and you’ve never heard of punting, picture yourself gliding through the canals in Venice on a Gondola while an experienced hand ferries you about the city while gently serenading you. Now replace the ferryman with a university undergrad, the Venetian canals with a British river (potentially in the rain), and the singing with the sound of manual labour as the undergrad drives the boat forward by pushing a long metal stick into the ground under the boat.

Punting is a quintessentially British activity, and much like with Oxford, is a great way to discover more about Cambridge from a unique perspective. The best way to experience this would be to take a guided tour, where you can relax and be chauffeured along the river Cam, learning about Cambridge history and the colleges in style. Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little more daring, you could rent a boat yourself and spend some time trying to battle the current of the river and trying desperately to not fall in.

As with the Oxford punting, packing a picnic to enjoy before, during, or after your punting adventure, would be a great way to get a complete British experience (wine optional).

Walking Tours

A walking tour of Cambridge is the perfect way to learn from expert guides and discover the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and famous university traditions. As you wander through the charming streets, you'll uncover stories of scientific discoveries, literary legends, and centuries-old traditions that make Cambridge one of the most fascinating cities in the UK.

You’ll get to hear fascinating stories about Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and other famous alumni, as you walk past  famous landmarks like the King’s College Chapel, the Mathematical Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs,

Some tours will step inside Cambridge’s most famous colleges, including Trinity College, St John’s College, and King’s College letting you see where generations of scholars have lived and studied while you learn about the university’s 800-year-old history.

If university history doesn’t interest you, there are also spooky ghost tours, Harry Potter tours, and literary tours. Many different tours are available daily, many run by official university guides, local historians, or even Cambridge students. Tours typically last 1.5 to 2 hours, with private and group options available.

Museums 

Cambridge is home to an amazing array of museums (often sponsored or run by the university), these museums cover a great range of topics, and academic interests (earth science, medical science, anthropology and so much more) meaning there’s something for everyone, however some of the best are:

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum has an impressive collection of art and antiquities. With amazing displays from Egyptian coffins to Medieval manuscripts, there is an overwhelming amount of history contained within these walls. 

In addition, the Fitzwilliam is home to some masterpieces of the art world, including works by Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Museum of Zoology 

If you love animals and natural history, the Museum of Zoology is a must-see. Recently refurbished, it showcases thousands of animal specimens, from tiny insects to a giant 21m whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling at the entrance. There are also rare and extinct animal skeletons and specimens collected by Charles Darwin. 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in Cambridge, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is the perfect place to visit. Spanning 40 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this hidden gem is home to over 8,000 plant species from around the world. The gardens are almost fully accessible (being step free almost everywhere) so whether you’re a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing spot to unwind, the garden offers something for everyone.

Similarly to Oxford, there is a small entry fee to access the gardens and whilst the garden is great to visit year round, spring is probably the best time to visit as it’s the only time that the cherry blossoms can be seen. The gardens have a range of glass houses which contain rare plants from all over the globe and from lots of different climates which can be enjoyed year round.

Day trips from Cambridge 

Bletchley Park

If you’re fascinated by history, espionage, or computing, then Bletchley Park is an unmissable destination. A 90 minute drive from Cambridge, this once top-secret site was the home of Britain’s WWII codebreakers, who played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma Code—a breakthrough that helped shorten the war and save millions of lives.

Check out the National Museum of Computing, try codebreaking challenges, explore underground tunnels - and maybe most important of all, learn about Alan Turing, the godfather of computers, and the man who cracked the Enigma code.

London

Much like Oxford, Cambridge is only a short distance away from London (less than an hour by train). Whilst trying to complete all of London in a day would be impossible, some of the highlights mentioned earlier in this article could be packed into a day or two. Here are some more experiences you might want to consider adding to your bucket list!

Tower of London

Visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time, where history comes alive in the heart of the city. As one of London’s most iconic landmarks, it offers a rich blend of royal intrigue, captivating tales, and unforgettable sights. 

ZSL London Zoo

The ZSL London Zoo, located in Regent’s Park, is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world, founded in 1828. It houses over 750 species, offering visitors a chance to encounter a diverse range of animals, from lions and tigers to rare and endangered species. The zoo is known for its innovative exhibits like the "Land of the Lions" and "Gorilla Kingdom," which aim to mimic natural habitats.

Conclusion

Hopefully from this overview of the cities, the rivalry, and the things to do in each city, it’s fairly clear that Cambridge and Oxford are neck and neck in tourism much like they are in sport and academia. Oxford however, almost purely from geographical location, takes the top spot for best city to visit of the two due to the ability for visitors to easily access some of the best points of interest in the UK within an hours drive. With that said, given the opportunity, visiting both cities and making your own judgement is definitely the best option!