Visit Oxford City Centre to be immersed in the history and culture of one of the U.K.’s most recognizable places. Dating back to the 9th century, the town has been a center for scholars for more than 800 years and is an architectural treasure trove. Stroll down cobbled streets to discover Oxford’s striking buildings, intriguing museums and shooting locations for Harry Potter movies.

Compact Oxford City Centre is filled with attractions. Climb the spiral staircase of the historic Carfax Tower for stunning bird’s-eye views. The nearby Town Hall and St. Aldates Church, which has origins in the 12th century, are also worthwhile stops for history buffs. Don’t miss Modern Art Oxford, an art gallery that showcases modern and contemporary art and hosts regular events.

One of the biggest attractions in Oxford is the university, with its colleges and museums. Tour the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, which was founded as a cabinet of curiosities in 1683. Continue to the Science Area for the University Museum of Natural History and its skeletons of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.

Also at the University of Oxford is the Radcliffe Camera. This striking circular building houses one of the world’s greatest collections of scientific books. Just behind the area is the Bodleian Library, a stunning neoclassical structure housing more than 13 million items, including every book ever published in Britain.

Fans of the Harry Potter movies should visit the city’s famous locations that were used when shooting the first, second and fourth films of the popular series. Hallways of the Christ Church College became the corridors at Hogwarts, while the Christ Church dining room served as an inspiration for the Great Hall. The New College Cloisters were used as the location for some of the Hogwarts scenes in the fourth film. Look for the oak tree, the setting of Draco Malfoy’s transformation into a ferret.

While touring the University of Oxford, be sure to stop at Exeter College. Many of its top attractions, such as the dining hall where J.R.R. Tolkien ate, are open to the public.

At the heart of one of the oldest university towns in Europe, Oxford City Centre is a history enthusiast’s dream. Enjoy its museums, galleries and attractions that are part of today’s popular culture.