Hotels near the Bodleian Library

Oxford's eminence as one of England's most beautiful cities and an outstanding academic centre is encapsulated in the sprawling Bodleian Library. The complex of historical buildings contains one of the most comprehensive collections of literature in Europe.

Opened in 1602, the library's reputation for academic and literary excellence is supported by the calibre of students, such as Oscar Wilde, C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien, who have studied in its chambers.

Modern-day visitors can arrange a tour through the grounds to appreciate the scale of its facilities - in the UK it is second in size only to London's British Library and it houses over six million books. Highlights among the many buildings are the Divinity School, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Convocation House and the Radcliffe Camera.