What is it?
Slap bang in the middle of Oxford, the Ashmolean dates back to the 17th century and is the oldest public museum in Britain, specialising in art and artefacts.
Is it worth visiting?
Undoubtedly one of the finest museums in the world, the Ashmolean’s many highlights include Pre-Raphaelite paintings, a Stradivarius violin probably worth more than an entire country, and art from some guys you might have heard of: Picasso, da Vinci, Michelango and Raphael. The Ashmolean has always been impressive. When a renovation helped it double in size 15 years ago, it became even more impressive.
Is the museum free to visit?
You’ll only be charged if you want to eat something or take something home with you in a bag. Looking at the exhibits is wonderfully, blissfully free. The museum recommends booking (free) tickets in advance if you want to jump the queue for particularly popular features. If this all feels too good to be true, you can, of course, always contribute a donation while you’re there.
Where’s good to eat nearby?
If you’re feeling flush then straight across the road is Oxford’s poshest hotel, the Randolph, which offers afternoon tea and a cracking steak among other things. But, if you want to walk a bit farther but spend a lot less, Ramen Kulture is a great and cosy Japanese joint on St Giles’. In the other direction and closer to the city centre is Gloucester Green’s Sichuan, whose spicy Chinese food – including frogs’ legs – is bound to wake you up.
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