Turl Street Oxford
A historic Oxford street lined with charming independent shops and adjacent to iconic university colleges. Perfect for a picturesque stroll.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Turl Street Oxford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Oxford street lined with charming independent shops and adjacent to iconic university colleges. Perfect for a picturesque stroll.
"Turl Street offers a magical blend of academic charm and unique retail therapy, a true Oxford gem."
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Turl Street is best enjoyed by strolling. Discover unique shops and soak in the historic atmosphere.
☕ Coffee Break Essential
Grab a coffee at The Missing Bean for a local experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scriptum Oxford
Turl Street
A haven for stationery lovers, this shop boasts exquisite pens, paper, and gifts. A must-visit for unique souvenirs.
The Missing Bean
Turl Street
Fuel your exploration with artisanal coffee and delicious pastries at this popular local cafe. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
Knoops Chocolate
Turl Street
Indulge in decadent hot and cold chocolate drinks made with a variety of vegan options. A sweet treat for any time of day.
Historic College Architecture
Adjacent to Turl Street
Marvel at the stunning architecture of Oxford University's historic colleges, many of which are visible from or near Turl Street.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Academic Charm
Navigating Turl Street's Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Turl Street is best enjoyed by strolling. Discover unique shops and soak in the historic atmosphere.
☕ Coffee Break Essential
Grab a coffee at The Missing Bean for a local experience.
🍫 Sweet Indulgence
Don't miss Knoops for amazing hot chocolate, including vegan options.
📚 Stationery Lover's Paradise
Visit Scriptum for beautiful pens and paper.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Turl Street is best enjoyed by strolling. Discover unique shops and soak in the historic atmosphere.
☕ Coffee Break Essential
Grab a coffee at The Missing Bean for a local experience.
🍫 Sweet Indulgence
Don't miss Knoops for amazing hot chocolate, including vegan options.
📚 Stationery Lover's Paradise
Visit Scriptum for beautiful pens and paper.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Cobblestone streets are charming but require good walking shoes.
📸 Capture the Magic
Oxford's streets are incredibly photogenic, especially in the fall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Turl Street is celebrated for its charming atmosphere, historic architecture, and unique independent shops, particularly Scriptum and Knoops Chocolate. Visitors appreciate the picturesque setting and the academic ambiance of the surrounding university. Some find parking challenging and may encounter crowds during peak university times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turl Street is centrally located in Oxford, easily accessible on foot from most city center attractions. If arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from Oxford train station. Numerous bus routes also stop near the city center, making it convenient to reach.
Absolutely! Turl Street is very walkable and connects to many other key Oxford sights like the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and various university colleges.
The best way to experience Turl Street is by walking. This allows you to fully appreciate the historic architecture, browse the unique shops, and discover hidden corners.
Parking in Oxford city center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or park at a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts of the city and take a bus in.
Cycling is a popular way to get around Oxford, and Turl Street is often included in scenic cycling routes. You'll see many students cycling through the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Turl Street itself is a public street and does not require any tickets to walk along. You can freely explore the shops and admire the architecture.
The shops on Turl Street are open to the public, and there are no entrance fees to browse. You only pay if you decide to purchase items.
While you can walk past the Bodleian Library, to enter and explore its historic spaces, booking a tour or specific exhibition ticket is highly recommended, and often required.
Opening hours for shops on Turl Street can vary, but most independent shops are typically open from around 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Some may have shorter hours on Sundays. It's always best to check individual shop websites if you have a specific place in mind.
Yes, many Oxford University colleges are located near Turl Street. Some colleges allow visitors to explore their grounds for a fee, while others may have restricted access. It's advisable to check the specific college's visitor policy beforehand.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Turl Street is known for its unique independent shops, including stationery stores like Scriptum, artisanal chocolate shops like Knoops, and various boutiques offering gifts and homeware.
The Missing Bean is a highly recommended spot on Turl Street for excellent coffee and pastries, popular with locals and students.
Yes, Knoops Chocolate offers a range of vegan hot and cold chocolate drinks with various dairy-free milk alternatives.
Beyond The Missing Bean and Knoops, the surrounding streets of Oxford offer a wide array of dining options, from traditional pubs to international cuisine. Market Street, mentioned by a Reddit user, is also nearby and worth exploring for food.
While Turl Street focuses on unique independent shops, you can find lovely souvenirs, especially at places like Scriptum, which offers beautifully crafted stationery and gifts.
📸 📸 Photography
Turl Street itself offers charming views with its historic buildings and shopfronts. Look for picturesque angles of the colleges bordering the street and the unique displays in shop windows.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light and fewer crowds for photography. Autumn also provides stunning fall colors that enhance the street's aesthetic.
Yes, Turl Street is close to iconic Oxford landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, and various university college buildings, which are excellent for photography.
Drone photography is generally restricted in urban areas and around historic university buildings due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to avoid using drones in this area.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens (e.g., 35mm or 50mm) is great for capturing the street scenes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for wider shots of the colleges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage little ones to spot the different architectural details on the colleges or to imagine stories set in these historic surroundings. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential for everyone, as the cobblestones can be uneven. Consider a guided walking tour that's family-friendly, as they often make history engaging for younger audiences.
📚 Students and Academics
Cafes like The Missing Bean are popular study spots, offering good coffee and a conducive atmosphere. The unique shops, such as Scriptum, can be great for finding study aids or thoughtful gifts. The general ambiance of Turl Street and its surroundings fosters a sense of academic tradition and intellectual curiosity.
🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds
Take your time to browse the displays and chat with shop owners. The street itself is visually appealing, with charming shopfronts that add to the overall shopping experience. It’s a perfect place to find a unique souvenir or a special item that you won’t find anywhere else.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Turl Street's Independent Shops
Another gem is Knoops Chocolate, which has brought its renowned chocolate experience to Turl Street. They offer an incredible array of hot and cold chocolate drinks, with a fantastic selection of vegan chocolates and dairy-free milks, making it a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts of all preferences.
Beyond these, Turl Street is home to other boutiques and specialty stores, each contributing to its unique character. Wandering through these shops offers a more personal and engaging shopping experience compared to larger commercial areas.
Architectural Wonders and Academic Atmosphere
The street is also adjacent to several historic Oxford University colleges. Walking along Turl Street, you can catch glimpses of their impressive facades and courtyards, offering a tangible connection to the university's rich past. The atmosphere here is palpable – a blend of scholarly pursuit and timeless beauty.
For those interested in the university's history and architecture, consider joining a walking tour. Many tours depart from or pass through this area, providing insightful commentary on the colleges, the city's history, and its famous alumni.
Culinary Delights on and around Turl Street
For those with a sweet tooth, Knoops Chocolate is an absolute must-visit. Their dedication to crafting the perfect chocolate experience, with a wide range of vegan options, makes it a standout destination for a decadent treat.
While Turl Street itself offers these key culinary spots, the surrounding areas of Oxford boast a vast array of dining experiences. From traditional pubs serving classic British fare to diverse international cuisines, you'll find plenty of options to suit any taste and budget. A Reddit user specifically mentioned exploring Market Street for food, which is conveniently located nearby.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit