Queen's College
Queen's College
4.5
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The "hall of the Queen's scholars at Oxford" was founded in 1341, which was named after Queen Philippa.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
55 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
15
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Simon K
Portsmouth, UK383 contributions
Sep 2021
Towards the end of January, 2017, I was staying in Oxford on business and discovered by chance that The Queen's College - normally firmly closed to casual visitors, unlike many of its neighbours - was staging a free public piano recital.
Jumping at the unexpected opportunity to get past the Porter's Lodge I was able to see a bit of this lovely College (and to take a few photographs) on my way to and from the Music Room.
My appetite for seeing more having been thus whetted, I discovered in mid-September 2022 that (Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding) The Queen's College was providing Bed and Breakfast accommodation for tourists (for £85 pppn) which could be booked online through the "Oxford University Rooms" web site.
So a few days later I found myself hauling a heavy holdall up the steep flight of steps which lead from the bustling, noisy, tourist-thronged High Street to the calm and peaceful Front Quad,.
Having collected my room keys from the Porter's Lodge I was firmly on the inside, living the life of a typical Oxford University undergraduate, even if for just one day!
My suite of three rooms (Bedroom, Study and Washroom with toilet, shower and washbasin) was small but adequate and there was a lovely view from the window across the centre of town. The bed was comfortable enough and there was no traffic (or other) noise to keep me awake at night. The steep staircase to my room posed no problems for me but it might for a less mobile individual. There was a kettle and welcome tray in my room with fast, complimentary wireless internet access,
Because I was going out for the evening and returning after the Porter's Lodge had closed, I let myself in through a back entrance using the access code provided.
Breakfast was an all-you-can eat buffet (including a cooked English Breakfast) taken in the stunning Dining Hall, although it was a bit chilly because the external doors had to be kept open to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Being out of term time there was no opportunity to attend Choral Evensong but I was able to use the beautiful Chapel for private prayer.
So I checked out on Sunday morning just before the deadline of 10:00 hours and walked off into the morning rain pleased that I'd finally explored The Queen's College properly from the inside, even if it cost me £85 to do so!
For my next move, I'll try to wangle myself an invitation to dine at High Table!
Jumping at the unexpected opportunity to get past the Porter's Lodge I was able to see a bit of this lovely College (and to take a few photographs) on my way to and from the Music Room.
My appetite for seeing more having been thus whetted, I discovered in mid-September 2022 that (Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding) The Queen's College was providing Bed and Breakfast accommodation for tourists (for £85 pppn) which could be booked online through the "Oxford University Rooms" web site.
So a few days later I found myself hauling a heavy holdall up the steep flight of steps which lead from the bustling, noisy, tourist-thronged High Street to the calm and peaceful Front Quad,.
Having collected my room keys from the Porter's Lodge I was firmly on the inside, living the life of a typical Oxford University undergraduate, even if for just one day!
My suite of three rooms (Bedroom, Study and Washroom with toilet, shower and washbasin) was small but adequate and there was a lovely view from the window across the centre of town. The bed was comfortable enough and there was no traffic (or other) noise to keep me awake at night. The steep staircase to my room posed no problems for me but it might for a less mobile individual. There was a kettle and welcome tray in my room with fast, complimentary wireless internet access,
Because I was going out for the evening and returning after the Porter's Lodge had closed, I let myself in through a back entrance using the access code provided.
Breakfast was an all-you-can eat buffet (including a cooked English Breakfast) taken in the stunning Dining Hall, although it was a bit chilly because the external doors had to be kept open to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Being out of term time there was no opportunity to attend Choral Evensong but I was able to use the beautiful Chapel for private prayer.
So I checked out on Sunday morning just before the deadline of 10:00 hours and walked off into the morning rain pleased that I'd finally explored The Queen's College properly from the inside, even if it cost me £85 to do so!
For my next move, I'll try to wangle myself an invitation to dine at High Table!
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madalyn H
Huddersfield, UK1,902 contributions
Sep 2019
We stayed here for three nights recently. The accommodation is not luxurious, but very functional and pleasant and well located in the centre of the university area of the city. The quads are peaceful and pleasant and it was good to eat in the refectory and to see the chapel
Written 8 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas H
London, UK20,576 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
It’s hard to miss this college if you’re coming into the City from the Thornhill Park & Ride, because the bus stops more or less opposite it. Unfortunately, it was closed to visitors but you get a good impression of the style and elegance from the Porter’s Lodge entrance as you look at the quad. Although the college dates back to 1341, many of the current buildings were constructed in the 18th century. Definitely worth making the effort to be here in early September when this and many other colleges are open to the public.
Written 7 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham R
Transylvania, Romania66 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Although one of Oxford's oldest colleges (dating from 1341), Queen's was completely rebuilt in the late 17th and early 18th centuries making it entirely composed of the most wonderful baroque architecture within and without. Much of the architecture is based on designs my Nicholas Hawksmoor, the famous contemporary of Sir Christopher Wren and architect of seven magnificent churches in London.
Queen's is on the main High Street in Oxford and throngs of tourists pass it by every day but it is not generally open to the public and the porters are vigorous in keeping the curious away. However, a visit to the college's website or notices at the gate or in local media will tell you about the many concerts in the chapel and the regular programme of evensong and services therein and these are usually open to the public.
We were visiting Oxford briefly and saw the notice for an organ concert which was open to all and free admission (donations accepted), We took the opportunity to see a little of the buildings and the quadrangle which we had seen on "Inspector Morse", "Lewis" and "Endeavour" and then took our pew in the beautiful chapel for an hour of transcendental organ music.
A visit to Queen's College is highly recommended and rewarding but should be planned in advance as you will not generally be allowed in.
Queen's is on the main High Street in Oxford and throngs of tourists pass it by every day but it is not generally open to the public and the porters are vigorous in keeping the curious away. However, a visit to the college's website or notices at the gate or in local media will tell you about the many concerts in the chapel and the regular programme of evensong and services therein and these are usually open to the public.
We were visiting Oxford briefly and saw the notice for an organ concert which was open to all and free admission (donations accepted), We took the opportunity to see a little of the buildings and the quadrangle which we had seen on "Inspector Morse", "Lewis" and "Endeavour" and then took our pew in the beautiful chapel for an hour of transcendental organ music.
A visit to Queen's College is highly recommended and rewarding but should be planned in advance as you will not generally be allowed in.
Written 1 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PBPG
Yorkshire, UK6,007 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Having gone to many colleges in the day we were on our way back to the park and ride and came across Queens college We only got as far as the Porters lodge but it has a very attractive quod
Written 28 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mindy C
Oxford, UK77 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
A rather exclusive College. My first time in 25 years in Oxford. It has spectacular views of the Oxford skyline.
Written 20 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave_Cowley_Road
Oxford, UK948 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
The Queen's College, Oxford, is not usually open to the casual visitor, so most people only get to see it from the outside. The view from the High Street is quite impressive, especially the view through the gateway entrance, across the Front Quad. You will be able to enter the college if you attend a service or concert at the chapel. I was fortunate to visit during the Oxford Open Doors visiting days, 8 and 9 September this year. Although the college is much older, many of the buildings date from the early 1700s, and present light, open spaces. The Chapel and hall are very elegant, beautiful places and there is the lovely Back Quad and gardens at the back of the site.
Written 17 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ken p
Hereford, UK32 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We were very fortunate inbeing able to stay here recently for a family visit .A very friendly welcome at the lodge and a fascinating tour of the chapel ,library and grounds.Very beautiful buildings and amazingly peaceful gardens .Stayed in a guest room overlooking the fellows garden=a huge room with lovely furniture! Breakfast was also first class with lots of choice and it was a privilege to eat in the magnificent dining room. We hope to return soon! Thankyou very much for such an enjoyable stay.
Written 24 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jlowe4
west midlands69 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We dropped in early in the day for a brief float around and decided to return for Evensong at 6.30. Wow! What an experience. Such a wonderful and moving service. I can’t say too much - but the choir are incredible. Just incredible. I can’t understand why it wasn’t packed to roof other than the weather was so good outside. A definite must for any adult visitor although I truly wish my teenage children were with us. It was mesmerising.
Written 6 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK20,414 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Saturday 24th March and we visited this impressive Queen's College, which is situated on the HighStreet.
Access to the College is restricted to prospective students, old members and people attending Chapel services and concerts.
We were unable to enter the College however we were able to stand in the gateway and get a glimpse of the grandeur of this magnificent yellow sandstone building.
We did see a beautiful building with a domed clock tower. It was worth visiting here even for our brief glimpse.
Access to the College is restricted to prospective students, old members and people attending Chapel services and concerts.
We were unable to enter the College however we were able to stand in the gateway and get a glimpse of the grandeur of this magnificent yellow sandstone building.
We did see a beautiful building with a domed clock tower. It was worth visiting here even for our brief glimpse.
Written 24 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Queen's College
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Queen's College:
- City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From ₹ 1,932.31)
- Oxford Bike Tour with Student Guide (From ₹ 3,219.41)
- 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford (From ₹ 2,415.81)
- Oxford by Rail Day Tour with Harry Potter Highlights Tour (From ₹ 8,597.03)
- Prospective Oxford Students Entry Advice- Private Group tour (From ₹ 21,470.49)
- Hotels near Queen's College:
- (0.15 km) Old Bank Hotel
- (0.14 km) Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel
- (0.26 km) Bath Place Hotel
- (0.27 km) Magdalen College, University of Oxford
- (0.31 km) Egrove Park
- Restaurants near Queen's College:
- (0.03 km) Middleton Madras
- (0.03 km) The Grand Cafe
- (0.03 km) Fantastea
- (0.04 km) Queen’s Lane Coffee House
- (0.05 km) QL