Explore Oxford’s most beloved literary spots, including ancient libraries, charming bookshops, and places that inspired classic stories.
Is there anywhere in the UK that bookish fans revere more than Oxford? This historic city, only a short 50-minute train ride from London, is brimming with literary locations. From the shooting of iconic movies like Harry Potter, in the marvelous Duke Humfrey’s Library, to the River Isis, where Lewis Carroll came up with the idea for Alice in Wonderland, if you love a great story, you’ll be in your element in Oxford.
There is no shortage of places for readers to visit when they reach Oxford. To make your exploration that bit smoother, we’ve whipped up our very own book lovers’ guide to the city to help you experience all of the city’s highlights.
Old Parsonage Hotel
The Old Parsonage Hotel is a superb place to base yourself while in Oxford if you’re after a literary-themed stay. A luxury 5-star, centrally located accommodation, reading enthusiasts are invited to stay in their high-end country-style property with trendy decor.
In total, the Old Parsonage Hotel has 35 suites, with a few notable options including the ‘Winston’ and ‘Randolph’ rooms. These have been named in honor of Winston Churchill and his son and feature specific features that represent him, such as images. Then there is the 36 St Giles option, which includes its own bookshelf desk area for guests to enjoy throughout their stay.
Address: 1-3 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6NN, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 3:00PM
– Check-out time: 11AM
Last Bookshop Jericho
Take a walk down Walton Street and pop into the Last Bookshop Jericho. Its red façade gives the impression of a small, unassuming shop, though inside lies one of the finest collections in the city. Across the shelving along the walls and the stock loaded onto the tables in the aisles, you’ll come across a range of themed options, including philosophy and poetry, as well as many rare covers.
The Last Bookshop Jericho’s primary focus is on remainder and second-hand books, but there are a few new options in the store. In terms of pricing, it’s hard to beat this place, as you can easily stumble upon books for as little as a few Pounds.
Address: 25 Walton St, Oxford OX1 2HQ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
Gulp Fiction
There are some bookstores out there that just know how to nail a unique concept, and one of them is Gulp Fiction. Here, they blend everyone’s favorite cocktails with a cracking line-up of literature, including bestsellers and new releases.
Gulp Fiction isn’t just any bar that sells cocktails in its shop; they have some interesting offerings, including their ‘Book Lover’s Happy Hour.’ Those who visit during this time can enjoy deals such as two-for-one drinks, three rounds of cocktails for set prices, and 10% off books. If that wasn’t enough, they also host a pub quiz where winners can secure vouchers worth £75 to use in their store.
Address: Unit 28, 29 Covered Market, Oxford OX1 3DU, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday: 10AM – 5PM
– Thursday to Saturday: 10AM – 10PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 4PM
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Don’t you just love bookshops that have been around for years and still remain popular to this day? One of them is Blackwell’s Bookshop in Oxford. These guys have been selling books since 1879 and have opened 30 locations across the country, delivering a stellar selection of literature for people, libraries, and colleges.
Blackwell’s Bookshop’s inventory is sizable to say the least. Visitors are treated to lots of general fiction and non-fiction options. They also house a wealth of signed texts and rare written material, with some items from pre-1650.
Address: 48-51 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BQ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
Blackwell’s Sci-fi, Manga & Games
Did you know Blackwell has another shop on Broad Street dedicated to sci-fi, manga, and games? A specialty bookstore directly across the road from their main branch, it’s the first choice for many looking for graphic novels and science fiction.
The interior is tidy and modern with a multi-level layout. Manga and games dominate the first floor, with a solid range of fantasy titles available upstairs on the second.
Address: 27 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BS, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
Duke Humfrey’s Library
The Duke Humfrey’s Library is one of those that will really blow you away. Part of the Bodleian Libraries, it is the University of Oxford’s oldest reading room, which was built between 1450 and 1480. Among its finest features are the medieval design, dark-oak accents, and arched windows that truly make this place stand out. It’s no wonder this one earned 4th place on our list of the most beautiful libraries in the world for 2025.
If you have plans to visit the Duke Humfrey’s Library, you can only gain access by going on a guided tour. These last only 30 minutes, with tickets available to purchase in person. However, during certain periods, some are released online. For this reason, it’s best to show up well in advance to get tickets, especially for anyone who only has a day to spare, as they sell out fast.
Address: University of Oxford, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 5PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Radcliffe Camera
Did you really think we would close off our book lover’s guide to Oxford without mentioning Radcliffe Camera? Following a Palladian design, it makes a strong impression with its huge dome and decorative columns. The library itself serves as the repository for the Bodleian Library’s film, history, and English archives.
As with many libraries in Oxford, the only way to visit Radcliffe Camera is to take a guided tour. The good news is that there’s currently a tour available which takes you to both this one and Duke Humfrey’s Library.
Address: Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 9PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
All Souls College Library
Yes, there is another library in Oxford with a historic collection, and that’s All Souls College Library. You’ll find an assortment of 185,000 books here, some dating back to the pre-1800s, alongside 11th-century manuscripts that are amazing to witness.
All Souls College Library is visually striking, with dark bookcases framed by a surrounding balcony with railings and fabulous floor designs. In front of the shelves stands a large white statue, while the upper windows let in fresh light.
Address: All Souls College, High St, Oxford OX1 4AL, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Closed
– Tuesday to Thursday: 10AM – 5PM
The Fellows’ Library
Adding to Oxford’s list of gorgeous libraries, the Fellow’s Library was constructed between 1676 and 1677 and, even after its 2008 renovations, has retained much of its historic charm. The estimated size of the collection is around 11,500 texts, including notable picks such as a Greek Bible from 1545.
Access to the Fellow’s Library is only possible by making an appointment directly with the Fellow in advance, which can be arranged via email. Please ensure the appointment is made at least one week before your visit to Oxford.
Address: Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DW, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 5PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Christ Church Library
Located in a Georgian-era building, Christ Church Library boasts one of the most extensive holdings of early printed texts in the city. Around 80,000 books from this period can be found here, along with more than 1,500 manuscripts.
Christ Church Library is separated across multiple sections, including the Main Library, Burn Law Library, and the Upper Library. Certain areas, such as the Upper Library, are accessible to the public, but visits are granted only to those who contact library staff directly.
Address: 27 Oriel Square, Oxford OX1 4EJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 1AM
– Saturday and Sunday: 9AM – 1AM
St Philip’s Books
Those hoping to freshen up their stock of secondhand volumes back home should swing by St Philip’s Books. Focusing on pre-owned and rare material, you can find all sorts of covers here on topics such as theology and history. There are also a few unique sections, including options specifically related to Oxford, as well as some on Catholicism.
In total, St Philip’s Books’ collection exceeds 10,000 books. As a result, the shop can feel slightly cramped, but it’s quiet enough that you won’t feel too claustrophobic. Plus, the staff here are brilliant and know exactly where everything is, so you’ll be able to locate anything you’re searching for, especially if you already have a title in mind.
Address: 82 St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1RA, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Sunday: Closed
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Oxfam Bookshop
You can bet a second-hand book chain as big as Oxfam has established a presence in Oxford. They have multiple locations in the city, but their shop over on Turl Street has been hailed for its variety of topics. You’ll be able to get your hands on books related to religion, food, politics, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
If you’re on a tight budget, Oxfam is the place to go as they stock quite a few discounted titles, ensuring everyone has something to read. Best of all, they regularly update their shelves as the shop gets lots of donations, so every time you visit, you’ll have more new options to discover.
Address: 15 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DQ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Sunday: Closed
Arcadia
If we had to sum up Arcadia in one word, it would be adorable. This rare and vintage bookstore is on the smaller end of the scale, but it’s oozing with charm. Between the abundance of flowers sharing the space with a delightful line-up of second-hand texts, and the small row of covers tucked beneath the front window, there’s such a lovely atmosphere here.
Not only does Arcadia showcase many great titles, but they also sell a variety of other items, including newspapers from previous periods and postcards. You won’t be able to miss it as you walk down St Michael’s Street, as they often have a brown table with wooden baskets of books out front, up for grabs.
Address: 4 St Michael’s St, Oxford OX1 2DU, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10PM – 6PM
Waterstones Oxford
Waterstones is a well-known name across the UK, as it’s one of the country’s leading chains. They recently opened a new shop in Oxford on Queen Street, and it’s a real treat for bookworms. Spanning two floors, the main level is reserved for the latest written works, while the lower level offers a diverse mix for everyone to have a look.
This Waterstones store is far more than just a place for people to come and restock their personal libraries. There is also a café on site, which draws many for its hot drinks, and the shop regularly hosts events like its upcoming one with bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell.
Address: 22 Queen St, Oxford OX1 1EP, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
Daunt Books
Are you interested in world literature? Daunt Books has an abundance of travel and international books, with each shelf organized by different regions around the world. So, no matter if you’re looking for something from Southeast Asia or India, you’ll find it here. It’s not one of those places where you have to go rooting around, either, as the sections are well-lit with their own spotlights.
While it might be tempting for some to order what they need from their website instead of visiting their physical location, their online options are limited compared to what you can get in-store. Plus, if you have kids, their children’s options are fantastic, with plenty of stationery items too.
Address: 247 Banbury Rd, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7HN, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
