As a fan of dark academia, there could be no better place than taking a trip through the lanes of Oxford! So, all my dark academia lovers, looking for things to do in Oxford?
Keep reading as we dive into the beauty of dark academia and how the town brings the best out of it!
This is Dark Academia in the corridors of Oxford, a place that time forgot, yet legends haunt it. As such, one is in a very exciting space.
This is an aesthetic that goes beyond fashion; it is a lifestyle!
All mysterious, intellectual, moody, and nostalgic romantic elements! Thus, Oxford, being older than many centuries, becomes quite the attraction toward this captivating fascination of the aesthetic!
Wander through richly woven traditions of universities, cafes, and libraries with many leather-bound volumes.
You will also encounter the ghastly beautiful Gothic architecture that captures the idea of knowledge mixed up with beautiful perfection. Go into Oxford’s maze of knowledge and find your romance of Dark Academia.
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7 Things To Do At Oxford As A Lover Of The Aesthetic
We asked Oxford majors and tourists walking the streets of the beautiful Oxford! Plus, I added a few of my own experiences, and here is the ultimate list of things to do in Oxford.
The Enchanting Candle-lit Evensong
Dark academia lovers and the allure of candles go hand in hand!
Reconsider your hesitation about attending a church service, especially one as captivating as a candle-lit evensong in a spacious chapel.
This eerie yet incredible experience is sure to hold your attention.
The quiet, solemn setting, excellent acoustics and a beautiful blend of voices will give you chills.
It’s the perfect setting to get some scholarly vibes!
Magdalen College in Oxford is known for its outstanding 40-minute evening singing service. Watch for posters outside other colleges as you stroll by; they usually announce when the next evening song will take place.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this enchanting musical experience in a unique and atmospheric setting!
St.Mary’s Passage
Dark, narrow passages, with aesthetic lamps, are the perfect symbolism of dark academia. Walking through these alleys in the dark with a book, especially when it’s raining, is what these aesthetic lovers want.
A street lamp post in St Mary’s Passage could remind you of the one in Narnia where children go in through the wardrobe. This modest lamp post was said to inspire the snowy forest scene.
A little way down the passage leading to High Street, there is a decorated doorway into Brasenose College.
A closer peek shows how decorated it is, the designs being familiar to Mr. Tumnus’ face!
You might also get to meet the magical Aslan (of course, a statuette!).
It is an experience similar to discovering a secret way to Narnia, passing through St Mary’s Passage, and having an opportunity to stroll towards the familiar lamp post and magic-like college doorway.
You might want to re-read Chronicles Of Narnia while walking through this alley!
Colleges Are Equal To Dark Academia
Quick!
Name three things that come to mind when thinking of Drak academia!
For me, it is –
Tweed jackets!
Leather-bound books!
&
The dark halls of an ancient college.
Can we go any more ancient than the university halls of Oxford? So, a college visit should be a must part of your things to do in Oxford.
Christ Church College
Take a walk into the Oxford campuses, beginning with Christ Church College. Stroll in the lovely Christ Church, known for the ancient squares and the impressive Great Hall.
Find its connection with renowned tales such as ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ turning it into a world of magic and imagination.
Yes, right into that Dark Academia rabbit hole!
Because that was where I was when the visited this college last Autumn.
Did I mention that autumn is the perfect time to do so?
Magdalen College
Later, go to Magdalen College, where a walk through its tranquil cloisters and the Deer Park offers a soothing and spooky mood.
You cannot be anywhere this Halloween other than this beautiful location with the most melancholy, moody autumn!
Trust me, all the Vivaldi and Chopin would make sense as you walk through this place!
The classical corridors provide a peaceful atmosphere for deep thoughts. The Deer Park, surrounded by the beauty of nature, provides a calm corner within the college. Explore the back stories of Magdalen Tower as seen in literature and culture.
The tower is a sign of both academic achievement and a source of inspiration. These colleges provide more than education; they also tell stories and traditions that are timeless.
As you walk through these historical grounds, the tales inscribed on the walls and the whispers in the air invite you to explore the magic. Indeed the moody mystery that makes Oxford’s colleges nothing short of Hogwards!
The Mysterious Libraries
What is dark academia in Oxford if you do not visit the libraries?
&
Honestly, sniff those old pages a little!
That is certainly a dopamine release for us wannabe scholars!
So, let me give you the best ones I visited when looking for things to do in Oxford.
Bodleian Library
First, visit the magical Bodleian Library. Experience walking through its ancient halls with secret passageways. Just look at the special books that speak beautiful stories from the past.
If you are a fan of the aesthetic, do not miss to go for more fascinating books at Duke Humfrey’s library.
Blackwell’s bookshop
Then, move to the famous big Blackwell’s bookshop, one of the world’s oldest and largest. Walk around to discover new books on the shelves, but do not forget the ancient ones.
Yes, handling them delicately is very important!
But do not worry; you will have hospitable workers helping you make your academic exploration come true!
There are various departments with rare books for people who love to learn in the store. It is not just a shop but a sacred place for us!
Even the streets of Oxford have plenty of stories, knowledge, and awesome things wherever!
Other than these two places, plenty of cozy roadside bookstores that will quench your thirst for knowledge and everything moody!
Dark Academia & Oxford
Going to dark academia at Oxford is like stepping into a magical world. Among the things to do in Oxford, pretending to be a scholar from a time gone by is a must for us.
The nearby Christ Church College whispers tales out of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” making all the more wonder.
Magdalen has delightfully moody corridors, and the Deer Park tells old stories behind their hedges. Blackwell’s Bookshop is like a labyrinth of discovery.
The Dark Academia in Oxford goes beyond buildings in offering fascinating stories that allow anyone to ramble, explore, and be lost in the mix of mystery and knowledge.
This was a small excerpt of my most special adventures; if you have more, why not tell our readers in the comment section below?
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