Turl Street - Image 1
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Turl Street Oxford

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Turl Street - Image 1

Turl Street Oxford

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Turl Street offers a magical blend of academic charm and unique retail therapy, a true Oxford gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scriptum Oxford

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

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Academic Charm

Turl Street is steeped in history, home to historic colleges and charming shops. Plan your visit to coincide with university terms for a lively atmosphere, but be mindful of student schedules. Consider booking popular attractions like the Bodleian Library in advance to avoid disappointment.

Navigating Turl Street's Delights

This picturesque street is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets. Turl Street is known for its unique independent shops, so allow ample time for browsing and discovering hidden gems.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful fall colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Early evenings
Why
Magical ambiance, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It doesn't get much more magical than evenings in Oxford.. ✨️⚡️ #oxford #oxforduniversity #darkacademia #darkacademiaaesthetic #visitengland #fürdich #hogwarts #harrypotter
@co.nfused
367.7K likes • 1.8M views

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Turl Street is best enjoyed by strolling. Discover unique shops and soak in the historic atmosphere. Instagram+1

☕ Coffee Break Essential

Grab a coffee at The Missing Bean for a local experience. Instagram

A must visit shop in Oxford, UK @scriptumoxford #scriptum #scriptumoxford #oxford #oxforduniversity #uk #england #travel #traveltiktok #stationery #PlacesToVisit
@dinahrakhim
96.9K likes • 707K views
How much does it cost to live in Oxford?! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 📍Turl Street, OX1
arireidproperty
4.8K likes • 210K views

🍫 Sweet Indulgence

Don't miss Knoops for amazing hot chocolate, including vegan options. Instagram

📚 Stationery Lover's Paradise

Visit Scriptum for beautiful pens and paper. TikTok

Ok Monday let’s goooo 💪 Just two days ‘til my exam so I’m fuelling myself with coffee and croissants 🥐 What’s your go-to morning order? ☕️ 📍 The Missing Bean, Turl Street, Oxford @missingbeancoffeeroasters #oxfordcoffee #passionforcoffee #coffeemakesmehappy #bestcoffeeever #timeforcoffee #morecoffeeplease #lattelove #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeinsta #coffeeislife #coffeeshopcorners #motivationt...
whatshotblog
0 likes • 10.3K views

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. Instagram+1

☕ Coffee Break Essential

Grab a coffee at The Missing Bean for a local experience. Instagram

🍫 Sweet Indulgence

Don't miss Knoops for amazing hot chocolate, including vegan options. Instagram

📚 Stationery Lover's Paradise

Visit Scriptum for beautiful pens and paper. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Cobblestone streets are charming but require good walking shoes. Instagram

📸 Capture the Magic

Oxford's streets are incredibly photogenic, especially in the fall. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Charming historic street
Unique independent shops
Beautiful architecture

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Can get crowded

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. Instagram

Absolutely! Turl Street is very walkable and connects to many other key Oxford sights like the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and various university colleges. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🛍️ 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. TikTokInstagram+1

The Missing Bean is a highly recommended spot on Turl Street for excellent coffee and pastries, popular with locals and students. Instagram

Yes, Knoops Chocolate offers a range of vegan hot and cold chocolate drinks with various dairy-free milk alternatives. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Turl Street offers a charming experience for families, though it's more about the atmosphere and unique shops than dedicated children's attractions. The Scriptum stationery shop can be a hit with kids who love drawing or writing, and the novelty of Knoops Chocolate with its customizable drinks is sure to be a winner. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

📚 Students and Academics

As Turl Street is at the heart of Oxford University, it's a natural hub for students and academics. The proximity to major libraries like the Bodleian Library and numerous university colleges makes it a convenient and inspiring location. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds

For those who love discovering independent boutiques and artisanal products, Turl Street is a treasure trove. Forget the chain stores; here you'll find places like Scriptum for beautiful stationery and gifts, and Knoops Chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Turl Street's Independent Shops

Turl Street is a delightful escape from mainstream retail, offering a curated selection of independent shops that are a joy to explore. Scriptum Oxford is a standout, a true haven for anyone who appreciates fine stationery, exquisite pens, and unique paper goods. It’s the kind of place where you can find a perfect, thoughtful gift or a special treat for yourself. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Architectural Wonders and Academic Atmosphere

Turl Street is nestled within the heart of Oxford University, meaning its surroundings are steeped in centuries of academic history and breathtaking architecture. While Turl Street itself has its own charm, it serves as a gateway to some of Oxford's most iconic sights. You're mere steps away from the grandeur of the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the striking Radcliffe Camera, a beloved symbol of Oxford. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

Culinary Delights on and around Turl Street

When it comes to satisfying your appetite on Turl Street, you have some excellent choices. The Missing Bean is a local favorite, renowned for its quality coffee and delicious pastries. It’s the perfect spot to refuel during a day of exploring, offering a cozy atmosphere that’s popular with students and visitors alike. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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