Central · Founded 1714
Worcester College
The standout is its landscape: some of the largest and loveliest college gardens in Oxford, and the only college grounds with their own lake, ringed by lawns and mature trees.
Official site ↗Founded 1714. Founded in 1714 through the benefaction of Sir Thomas Cookes, a Worcestershire baronet, on the site of the medieval Benedictine Gloucester College (from 1283) and later Gloucester Hall.
An unusual blend of surviving medieval monastic cottages along one side of the main quad and 18th-century classical ranges on the other, opening onto famously beautiful gardens with a lake.
Don’t miss
- Extensive landscaped gardens
- A lake within the grounds, unique among Oxford colleges
- Medieval monastic cottages on the main quad
- 18th-century classical ranges and terrace
Notable names
Rupert Murdoch (media proprietor) · Richard Adams (author of Watership Down) · Thomas De Quincey (essayist) · Famous gardens and lake
Visiting
Set on the western edge of the centre near the canal, it has historically welcomed visitors to its gardens at set hours; current opening and any restrictions should be confirmed with the college.
Opening hours, admission and current access change often — check the official site before you go.