Photo Journal: Around Oxford

I have deep roots with Oxford. I was born there, and although I’ve never actually lived in central Oxford, I do feel a strong sense of familiarity each time I return. My grandparents still live just outside the centre, and when I go back to visit my stays involve a walk around town and usually a trip to Balliol College, of which my grandfather and aunt are both alumni.

I’m not sure whether it’s the colour of the stone, the city’s hidden passageways, or all the photo opportunities for bikes leant up against walls, but something just draws me to Oxford and I feel enamoured with it whenever I’m there. I’ve recently added Oxford local food to that list of loves too; having just written a piece on the subject I’ve been lucky enough to eat at some of the most delicious and unique spots in the city. Oxford is the gift that keeps on giving.

When I was going around taking photos of Oxford, I kept finding myself looking up. I have a little obsession with the shapes created by roofs and chimneys anyway, but Oxford’s spires, turrets, and domes had me gazing at the sky more than usual. You’ll notice it as a running theme through these photos. On the few days I visited, the winter sun was slicing its way across Oxford’s colleges, courtyards, and main streets, creating sharp shadows that zigzagged through town.

Balliol College & Broad Street

The tops of Balliol College – look closely for the heart-shaped antenna

A couple walk past the dozens of bikes locked against railings outside Balliol College

One side of Balliol College as looking at the from Broad Street

A view down Broad Street, with Balliol College on the right in the sunshine

Plants creep along the buildings on Broad Street, dry and grey in winter

Lincoln College & Turl Street

A bike leant up against Lincoln College – Turl Street

Looking through a door of Lincoln College from Turl Street into a secret courtyard beyond

A courtyard in Lincoln College

Sun creeping down the walls of a courtyard in Lincoln College

High Street

The sun on Oxford’s High Street

The ornate turrets of Oxford’s buildings

I loved the colours in this photo – the pastels up again the deep blue sky

A classic Oxford alleyway

Looking out onto High Street from one of Oxford’s alleyways

Christ Church

One of two of the most beautiful trees in Oxford – both climb up the walls of Christ Church

Have you ever visited Oxford?
Do you see any of your favourite parts in these photos?