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

The Sheldonian Theatre to Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera

The Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford University

©Ferne Arfin

The façade of the Sheldonian that faces Broad Street and fascinates most visitors is actually the back of the building. It was designed to face a courtyard with more important University buildings including the Bodleian Library and the chapel of Exeter College. The twelve grotesque stone heads on pillars (see insets above) are sometimes identified as the Twelve Caesars or the Twelve Apostles, but they are simply decorative. They were replaced in the 1970s after pollution destroyed the originals. When not in use for University functions, or concerts, the Sheldonian is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 10a.m. to 12:30p.m. and 2p.m. to 4:30p.m. (3:30p.m. closing, November to February). Admission is £2 (£1 for seniors).

After visiting the Sheldonian Theatre:

• From the Broad Street side of the Sheldonian, turn right around the building, and go through the narrow passage, between the Sheldonian and the Clarendon Building, into Old Schools Quad.
• In the courtyard, you will be facing the north side of the Bodleian Library, currently covered in scaffolding.
• Turn left and exit the courtyard through an arched gateway, turning right onto Parks Road.
• Continue on Parks Road to Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera.

• 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