One of the beauties of a city like Oxford is that you’re never too far from an iconic landmark. Whether it’s the Saxon simplicity of St. Michael at the North Gate, the Palladian elegance of the Radcliffe Camera, or the gothic splendour of Magdalen College Tower, it only takes a short walk down the city streets to take in a potted history of English architecture. However, as beautiful as Oxford’s buildings are, many are all too often out of reach to those who want to explore further within. That is, except for one very special weekend; from the 10th-11th September, Oxford Open Doors, organised by the Oxford Preservation Trust, gives visitors the chance to explore Oxford institutions normally closed off to the general public. From guided walking tours to virtual events, Oxford Open Doors gives you an annual chance to get up close and personal with the city’s more hidden treasures.
Of course, the jewels in Oxford Open Doors’ crown are the hallowed halls of the University’s many colleges, normally only open to students and faculty. The University’s buildings are the soul of the city’s architectural identity, the ‘dreaming spires’ of its skyline instantly recognisable; but inside, there’s even more to be discovered. Particular highlights include the sprawling gardens of Lady Margaret Hall, the vivid stained-glass of Christ Church Cathedral’s Frideswide Window, or Merton College’s beautifully preserved 13th century chapel.
For lovers of literature, this weekend allows you a glimpse into the lives of the celebrated authors that called Oxford home. In the Kilns you can experience the fully restored home of C.S. Lewis, the internationally renowned author of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, where he stayed for three decades while teaching at Oxford and Cambridge. Or if you’re a fan of the Bard, you can find Shakespeare’s Painted Room tucked away on Cornmarket Street, a perfect Elizabethan time capsule. This was the site of the Crown Tavern, where Shakespeare would spend the night on long trips between Stratford-upon-Avon and London, and his room, including its elaborate wall paintings, remains preserved in all its glory.
It’s not just Oxford’s buildings that are welcoming new visitors; over this weekend, its many green spaces will be more accessible than ever. The city’s botanic garden boasts a vast array of flora and fauna, with thriving fishponds, exotic rainforest greenhouses and picturesque flower gardens. For a unique and moving perspective on nature and heritage, ‘Before the Ashes Lose their Leaves’ takes you on a guided sonic tour of Wolvercote Lakes, produced by Oxford based composer and audio producer Hannah Fredsgaard-Jones.
For the budding ecologists out there, Dr. Keith Kirby will be hosting a two hour tour of Wyndham Woods, the site of countless scientific discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the natural world. If you’d prefer to be your own guide, Harcourt Arboretum showcases hundreds of acres of wildflower meadows and tree species from around the globe, only 10 minutes drive from the city centre. For more central nature trips, you can download one of the many Hidden Heritage Walk maps the OPT has available on its website; each route comes with a family activity and a list of exciting things to spot on your journey!
If you’re not able to make it to in-person events, don’t fret; there’s also an exciting lineup of virtual resources to enjoy. Hear from celebrated academics, archaeologists and OPT members about the city’s hidden histories, including a history of the Covered Market from Dr. Malcolm Graham, a talk on recent archaeological discoveries in the city from David Radford, and an (intriguingly titled!) look at ‘Oxford’s Most Hated Buildings’ with OPT chairman William Whyte.
For a full list of the weekend’s activities be sure to check out the Oxford Preservation Trust’s website. Oxford Open Doors is part of the Trust’s goal to build a better understanding of Oxford’s cultural legacy and preserve it for future generations. If you’d like to help share Oxford with the world, you can sign up to volunteer for the weekend or even become a member to keep Oxford Open Doors free for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. So get out there and explore; after all, the door’s wide open!