Oxford Open Doors

Last night I joined the launch of Oxford Open Doors at Rhodes House – the perfect start to a weekend of exploration and discovery. The sense of welcome was tangible, and it set the tone beautifully for what followed.

At its heart, Oxford Open Doors is about throwing open the doors of our city’s most remarkable buildings and spaces – some famous, others usually hidden from view – and inviting everyone in. It’s a chance to wander, to learn, and to see Oxford through fresh eyes: from medieval chapels and quads to striking modern architecture, from civic spaces to sports courts.

This morning, Mark and I began at the BMW Mini museum at Cowley, where we were warmly greeted by Shaun, volunteering for the day. The museum captures both the heritage of Oxford’s car industry and the continuing story of the Mini – a reminder that the city’s history isn’t only about dreaming spires but also about making and industry.

From there, we headed into the city centre and on to County Hall, where we were pleased to find Tim Stimpson in his element, introducing visitors to the Council Chamber with his usual knowledge and enthusiasm. Next came the Blavatnik School of Government – a building whose bold curves and layered glass never fail to divide opinion. Whatever one thinks of the architecture, it is undeniably striking, sitting in deliberate contrast to the honey-coloured stone around it.

Our next stop was St John’s College, where the quiet dignity of the chapel was balanced by the joy of a wildflower meadow bursting with late-summer colour in the front quad. From there we strolled to Jesus College, taking in its chapel, the Elizabethan quad, and a reminder of its most famous alumnus, T.E. Lawrence, whose story continues to capture imaginations.

We paused for a simple pleasure – lunch at Browns in the Covered Market – before the afternoon took us to Merton College. The soaring space of the chapel and the splendour of its organ left us momentarily hushed, while a view through the railings offered a glimpse across Merton and Christ Church meadows – a scene as timeless as any painting. Not far away, we stopped at the Real Tennis Court, a reminder that Oxford still plays host to the world’s oldest racket sport.

Threading through all this were the vintage buses, weaving their way through town as if the city itself had momentarily slipped back in time. Watching them rumble past the modern bustle gave the day an extra touch of magic.

Oxford Open Doors continues throughout the weekend – a celebration of the city’s architecture, history, and hidden corners. We can’t recommend it highly enough.