21 Instagrammable Spots in Oxford – By A Local

I love this pub. With lanterns and flowers galore, it’s one of the prettiest places in Oxford. It’s worth a photo or five despite being a bit of a walk from Oxford city centre.

If you’re looking for beautiful places in Oxford, you’ve just found one of the best!

In the summer I could spend all day snapping photos in this wildflower meadow. I can’t believe it’s in a city as it feels like being lost in the countryside miles from anywhere.

Don’t miss this impressive venue or the Sheldonian Heads on the outside. Being so iconic, it’s one of Oxford’s prime photo spots whether you’re a local or tourist spending a day.

Many of the prettiest places in Oxford are nestled away in the ancient colleges. If you can visit during wisteria season DO, but if not the quad and gardens are pretty all year.

As Instagrammable spots in Oxford go, you can beat an old-fashioned street entirely made of colourful houses! I like the yellow one. What about you?

“This is the land of Narnia, where we are now; all that lies between the lamp post and the great castle of Cair Paravel on the eastern sea.”

My favourite hidden gem in my hometown is the Narnia Door Oxford.

C.S Lewis lived on this street and it’s thought to have been the inspiration for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. There’s indeed a nearby lamp post which leads to a fawn-like carving above the door to Brasenose College. He could definitely be Mr Tumnus and the doorway is maybe Narnia.

The ultimate top photo spot in Oxford is the Radcliffe Camera, known as the Rad Cam by locals. It’s part of the Bodleian Libraries and has been around since the 1700s – a newbie in terms of Oxford architecture!

Insider tip: for a stunning aerial view, head to the top of St Mary’s Church.

This hidden gem is one of my top photo spots in Oxford, probably because I always get it to myself.

Cowley is an alternative area of Oxford boasting food from all over the globe and colourful urban art. I like this creative interpretation of the Radcliffe Camera as well as the enormous lion on Catherine Street.

Related read: 17 best cafes and restaurants on Cowley Road, Oxford

Possibly the cutest place to stay ever?

I’ve never stayed myself but I have wandered past it on many a lunch break while en route to the colourful houses further down Holywell Street.

In the summer you’ll see people punting, rowing and pedallo-ing (did I just make up a word?) up and down the Oxford river. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. And if you can’t afford to join them, stand on Oxford Bridge and snap photos for free.

More pretty painted buildings can be found on the High Street. This central location will brighten up any Oxford Instagram shot.

If you visit Cowley while in Oxford, the High Street is en route from the centre of town.

This little alley off the High Street is a hidden gem. Oriel Street doesn’t look much from the entrance but if you know where to look (thanks to this blog), you’ll find one of the most Instagrammable places in Oxford nestled further down.

Merton Street is gorgeous in any season. It runs adjacent the High Street so walk it instead to skip the crowds.

Tip – if exploring the yellow houses of Oriel Street, you will connect from High Street to Merton Street,

The Bridge of Sighs is a photo-worthy walkway connecting Hertford College over New College Lane. It’s a big Oxford tourist attraction so it’s worth spending a good few minutes here trying to crop out the crowds.

If you’re looking for a different take on the usual Oxford Instagram snaps, why not get a bird’s eye view?

I already mentioned the High Street’s colourful buildings but they’ve never looked better than from above. Climb the windy staircase of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for £6 and you’ll see for miles around.

If you don’t want to pay to climb a tower, buy a happy hour cocktail at the Varsity Club and gaze out over the many beautiful places in Oxford.

To visit TVF, find the staircase beside the High Street entrance to Oxford Covered Market. Climb to the top and – voila – spectacular views!

I already mentioned the pink Rose & Crown pub but actually, this whole street is lovely. Visit on the second and fourth Saturday of the month to visit one of Oxford’s best markets, North Parade.