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.
The college
A closer
look.
Worcester Street, western edge of central Oxford near the canal
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.
On the same walk
Closest to
this one.
On a visit
Don’t miss.
- 01Extensive landscaped gardens
- 02A lake within the grounds, unique among Oxford colleges
- 03Medieval monastic cottages on the main quad
- 0418th-century classical ranges and terrace
Connected to
Notable
names.
- Rupert Murdoch (media proprietor)
- Richard Adams (author of Watership Down)
- Thomas De Quincey (essayist)
- Famous gardens and lake
Before you go
Visiting Worcester College
Restricted Public Access. Published visitor access: University members, alumni, prospective applicants and OX1/OX2 residents daily 12:30–16:00; other visitors by official tour only. Admission: Free. Confirm arrangements before travelling.
Opening hours, admission and access change often — check the official site before you travel.
- Founded
- 1714
- Area
- Worcester Street, western edge of central Oxford near the canal
- Type
- College
Keep exploring