Oriel College
Founded in 1326, Oriel College is one of Oxford's oldest, blending medieval and classical architecture with a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Oriel College
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Founded in 1326, Oriel College is one of Oxford's oldest, blending medieval and classical architecture with a rich history.
"Smaller college but beautiful quad, with a feeling of cosiness as well as being beautiful. "
🎯 Admission Fee
Expect a small visitor entrance fee, typically around £3 per person.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Visitors can usually access the yard, chapel, and dining hall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Quadrangle
Main Quad
A beautiful, cozy, and historic courtyard offering a glimpse into college life.
Oriel College Chapel
Chapel
Home to a significant portrait of the Queen, for which she personally sat.
Rhodes Statue
Near the Quad
A notable statue commemorating Cecil Rhodes, a significant historical figure.
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Planning Your Visit
Visitor Access & Fees
Embrace the History
Best Times
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🎯 Admission Fee
Expect a small visitor entrance fee, typically around £3 per person.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Visitors can usually access the yard, chapel, and dining hall.
☕ Senior Common Room
If invited, enjoy a civilised coffee experience in this historic room.
🥞 Pancake Race Fun
Catch the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake race for a unique student tradition!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Admission Fee
Expect a small visitor entrance fee, typically around £3 per person.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Visitors can usually access the yard, chapel, and dining hall.
☕ Senior Common Room
If invited, enjoy a civilised coffee experience in this historic room.
🥞 Pancake Race Fun
Catch the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake race for a unique student tradition!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find Oriel College to be a beautiful and historically significant college, appreciated for its cozy yet grand quad and the unique royal portrait in its chapel. While smaller than some other Oxford colleges, its charm and historical depth are frequently highlighted. Some visitors note the admission fee as a drawback, and the college's reputation for conservatism is also mentioned. +1
"Smaller college but beautiful quad. The first college to have the monarch as it's "Visitor". The quad has a feeling of cosiness as well as being beautiful. In the chapel is a painting of the Queen, for which she sat personally. It is the largest proper portrait of her outside of the Royal collections. Do not miss the board with the former Chaplains, it is very frank in some of their failings.
We were kindly invited for coffee in the Senior Common Room a very civilised experience.
For some reason the college is colloquially known by some as "Toryial". Well worth a look.🙂"
Peter Clark
"Nice college to visit. A little smaller than some of the other Oxford colleges. The visitor entrance fee was £3 per person. Visitors can visit the yard, chapel, and the dining hall."
Han Stw
"Generally known as one of the most conservative colleges at Oxford. This building has the Rhodes statue."
Grant Hammond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oriel College is located on the High Street in Oxford. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center and many other Oxford attractions. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the nearest train station is Oxford Station, about a 15-20 minute walk away.
On-street parking in central Oxford is very limited and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of the city's park-and-ride facilities and take a bus into the center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, typically there is an admission fee for visitors to explore the college grounds, chapel, and dining hall. The fee is usually around £3 per person.
Opening hours can vary, especially during term time or for special events. It's best to check the official Oriel College website or inquire at the reception for the most up-to-date visitor information.
During university events like Open Days, access might be more extensive, allowing you to experience the college more fully.
Accessibility can be a concern in historic buildings. While the main quad might be manageable, some areas may have steps or uneven surfaces. It's advisable to contact the college directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can typically explore the beautiful main quad, the historic chapel (which features a notable portrait of the Queen), and the dining hall. You might also see the Rhodes statue. +1
Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, while during peak tourist seasons or special events, it can get busier.
Oriel College is colloquially known by some as 'Toryial,' reflecting its reputation as a more conservative college.
While official guided tours might not always be available for general visitors, exploring the accessible areas on your own allows for a personal discovery of its history and architecture.
The chapel houses a significant portrait of the Queen, notable because she personally sat for the artist, making it one of the largest proper portraits of her outside royal collections.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While visitors can see the dining hall, formal dining is typically reserved for students and fellows. However, some visitors have been invited for coffee in the Senior Common Room.
Generally, Oriel College is an academic institution and does not have public cafes or restaurants within its visitor areas. Dining options are available in the surrounding Oxford city center.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted in the public areas like the quad and exterior, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions, especially inside the chapel or dining hall.
The main quad offers beautiful architectural shots. The chapel interior, with its notable portrait, is also a popular spot, provided photography is allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the chapel with its significant royal portrait and the board detailing former Chaplains, which is noted for its frankness. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Oriel's History
The college has a unique tradition of having the monarch as its 'Visitor,' a role that underscores its historical significance. This connection to royalty is perhaps most visibly represented by the large portrait of the Queen in the college chapel, a piece for which she personally sat.
Oriel is also known for its association with figures like Cecil Rhodes, whose statue stands within the college grounds, and for its reputation as a more conservative institution, sometimes colloquially referred to as 'Toryial.'
Student Life and Traditions at Oriel
+1Formal dinners in the dining hall are a significant part of the student experience, offering a chance to dine in historic surroundings. Even when the main hall is undergoing renovations, students find charming alternatives, sometimes in spaces adorned with books.
Beyond academic pursuits, students engage in music, sports, and various societies. The college library, the Pantin Library, offers 24/7 access during term and vacation periods, supporting students throughout their studies.
The college also holds Open Days, welcoming prospective students and showcasing its unique atmosphere. 
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