The Queen's College is probably the finest example of classical architecture in Oxford. The college was founded in 1340, but the original buildings have gone, and a rebuilding program in the 17th and 18th Centuries resulted in the quadrangles we see today. The architecture of the front quadrangle is particularly noteworthy, and was heavily influenced by the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. The screen wall that fronts the High Street also owes much to Hawksmoor, though it is attributed to a local Oxford mason William Townesend. This college is only open to the public on official city tours.
If you're interested in polo, Kirtlington Park Polo Club to the north east of Oxford is certainly worth knowing about. Tournaments are played from Easter until mid-September. The admission price is very reasonable and full bar facilities are available for spectators.
Completed in 1858, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History contains a wonderful exhibition of dinosaur skeletons, plus numerous curiosities including the remains of a dodo. This is a traditionally styled museum, but nonetheless holds delights for all the family. Venture upstairs to find the vast zoology, mineralogy and geology displays. At the rear, is the Pitt Rivers Museum which houses one of the world's finest collections of anthropological and archaeological exhibits. Also found within the premises of the museum are a souvenir shop and a Café.
St John's isn't on the main tourist trail of colleges, but it has some outstanding features that make it well worth visiting. Founded in 1437 as St Bernard's (a college for Cistercian students), it was dissolved in 1539 and became St John's 16 years later under the patronage of merchant tailor Sir Thomas White. St John's remained a single-sex college until women were admitted in 1979. The peaceful atmosphere of Canterbury Quad, with its impressive classical architecture, is the ideal setting for the gates through to the college gardens. Designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century, they are perhaps the finest to be found in any Oxford college.
When Lt. General Pitt Rivers, a man remembered for his contribution to the development of evolutionary anthropology and archaeology, decided to give his extensive collection to the Oxford University, he did so on two conditions. One was that a museum would need to be built to house the collection and two, that a lecturer would need to be appointed to teach anthropology. The Pitt Rivers Museum is a splendid structure that stands today as the place which houses these rare, precious and beautiful objects which were originally about 18,000 artifacts, but now total up to over half a million in all!
Take a step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and savor the silence as you browse through the wonderful and varied exhibits that are housed within the Ashmolean Museum. John Tradescant's collection of archaeological rarities (both man-made and natural) originally opened to the public in South London in the early 17th Century. The collection was inherited by Elias Ashmole and the Ashmolean opened in 1683. Even if you only have time to enjoy the antiquities galleries, with their exhibits dating from Paleolithic to Victorian times, your visit will have been worthwhile. You'll probably have to come back again if you also want to take in the collections of Eastern and Western art and the Heberden Coin Room. Lectures, guided tours and other special events are often organized and are always well-attended. The museum's galleries can also be hired for private events and receptions.
In 1963, Philip Bate gave his collection of orchestral woodwind instruments to Oxford University. Since that time, the collection has grown and grown in both quality and quantity, and it is now the largest and most comprehensive collection of European woodwind, brass and percussion instruments in England. Bate Collection is housed in the University Faculty of Music, and includes a harpsichord said to have been played by Haydn in Oxford, a complete Javanese gamelan and the world-famous Bressan treble recorder.
Set amid splendid and bountiful greenery is Hill Farm which is an ideal place for families with children or couples in love to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon. The renowned lambing weekends see hectic activity when visitors are taking for tractor rides around the farm and may even have the privilege of watching a baby lamb being born. Fun filled activities for children make sure that will always want to return to experience the simplicity and beauty of farm life. A must visit indeed!
The Limelight Theatre is where you can see stellar performances by the finest talents of the city. For further information do visit their website.
Owned and operated by Friends of Abingdon, the Unicorn Theatre offers a wide variety in performing arts. Different genres like experimental theater, classics, tragedies and the likes are showcased on regular basis. To know more about this place, check the website.
The Great Missenden Baptist Church occupies a stately white building on High Street. It offers a special service every Sunday morning at 10a with communion on the third Sunday of each month. It also hosts choir events and Bible study groups throughout the week. The church facilities can be hired for small events.