Oxford University England - Guide to a Walk Around Oxford University England

Worcester College to the Ashmolean Museum

From the Porter's Lodge at Worcester College, Oxford, a row of 18th century neoclassical buildings (top) faces picturesque 15th century monks cottages, now used as student rooms.

©Ferne Arfin

Once on the edge of town, Worcester College has extensive grounds, rolling down to the Oxford Canal, with sports fields and lovely gardens.

The Oxford Colleges

But the colleges are more than student residences. Teachers associated with the colleges supervise each student's studies and provide personal guidance through regular "tutorials". The tutorial system is the backbone of an undergraduate education at Oxford and, in fact, Oxford students are not required to attend lectures at all.

Officially, Worcester College is not open to the public until 2 p.m. but the Porter will usually allow one or two people, on their own, to enter the grounds at any time. Ask politely at the Porter's Lodge, just under the arch at the entrance.

• On leaving Worcester College through its main gate, bear left.
• Cross at the first set of lights onto the left side of Beaumont Street
• Continue straight on Beaumont Street, across St. John Street to The Ashmolean Museum on the corner of St. Giles.

• Oxford Rail Station: The Start of a Half-Day Walk Around the Oxford Colleges
• Worcester College to the Ashmolean Museum
• The Ashmolean Museum to Balliol College, Past the Martyrs Memorial
• Balliol College to The Sheldonian Theatre
• The Sheldonian Theatre to Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera
• Radcliffe Square to the Radcliffe Camera
• Radcliffe Camera to Turl Street
• Turl Street to Oxford Covered Market
• Oxford Covered Market to Lunch and Retail Therapy