What to do in oxford for 30th birthday?

[HoHoHomeTimeFinally]

We (DP and I) have booked a weekend in Oxford for my 30th birthday next month. Neither of us have ever been there before and don’t know where to start. I want to go somewhere nice/fun for drinks on the Saturday night as that is my
Actually birthday and maybe a pub on the Friday night? I just want to do something special to celebrate/commiserate the start of my 30’s!

Thanks!

Forgot to say so if anyone has any recommendations on what to do and anything a bit different to make it a bit special that would be great.

The Ivy has opened a branch there very recently. I’ve heard good reports of it. Probably a good idea to book well ahead for a Saturday night.

There are almost too many pubs to suggest!

The Westgate shopping centre has a roof terrace that overlooks the city and has loads of restaurants and places for drinks. Personally I really like Dirty Bones or The Alchemist for dinner and drinks. There's also Junkyard golf and an Escape Room in there so I'd recommend for one of your evenings.

There's lots of old pubs, some frequented by Tolkien etc I think it's the Eagle and Child but you'd have to check.

During the day I'd recommend the botanic garden and the covered market....both very central. Also take a wander round the back streets and the Bodleian library and some of the University buildings....it's very pretty.

Thank you so much, I’ll put all of those places on my list. We are staying at Malmaison, the converted prison. The reviews seem good so I’m hoping it’s lovely!

Have to say I wouldn’t personally want to go anywhere near the Westgate even on a normal day, let alone a celebration. (But we’re all different!)

I find all the restaurants strung along the city end of Cowley Rd much more fun than the centre of town. To be absolutely honest the city centre is ... a little less glamorous than one might wish. There are decent restaurants but you wouldn’t want to be wandering around Cornmarket on a Saturday night without a plan.

The Ashmolean has a rooftop restaurant - go more for the venue than the food, perhaps!

If you like afternoon tea then the Old Parsonage Hotel is lovely for that.

I always recommend for people to climb the tower of St Mary's church (as long as you're OK with heights and spiral staircases) as it has amazing views over the city and only takes about 20-30 mins.

Quod is a lovely restaurant with great ambience.

Both lovely, yes. Depends how genteel the OP wants her weekend to be.

As regards entertainment - what d’you like doing? (Perhaps you’re not planning to leave your hotel room more than once? )

Cafe Coco on the Cowley Road is still lovely, even after all these years, and there are lots of other nice bars on the first bit of the Cowley Road just off the Plain.

I always go to get some fudge at Fudge Kitchen in Broad Street when I'm in Oxford. You can watch them making it or even book a Fudge Making Experience

Malmaison is lovely

I haven't done late night drinking / clubbing in Oxford for many years so will defer to anyone who has!!

For great 360 degree views of the city walk up the steps of Oxford Cathedral. It is taller than Carfax tower and overlooks a more picturesque part of the city.

Otherwise it depends on what you like? If you enjoy reading and books then do visit the various Blackwell's Bookshops on Broad Street. There are also a variety of walking tours that link to Harry Potter / Alice in Wonderland / Inspector Morse etc. And there are lots of connections with His Dark Materials, including the Botanic Gardens as mentioned.

As others have said, Quod, the Ivy brassiere and Westgate roof top restaurants are great, but for quick bites visit The Nosebag or eateries in the Covered Market. In fact, visit the Covered Market anyway, it's nice!

If the weather is kind, then it's lovely to walk along the river, either from Christchurch Meadow or in University Parks.

Have a great weekend!

Thank you everyone! In terms of what I like doing ( when/if we leave the hotel room @SurpriseSparDay ) I like looking at historical buildings, nice little walks, having a look in quirky shops, stopping for drinks and cocktails and eating cakes! I’m
Hoping it stays dry at least, I’ve always wanted to go to Oxford so I’m really excited!

The alchemist at the top of the westgate does cocktails like potions which can be pretty cool with effects. Food is good there too.

Christ Church Picture Gallery.

Pitt Rivers Museum.

Maybe try to get to Evensong or an organ recital at a college chapel if there are any happening while you’re there. (Even if you’re not religious!)