This Norman castle was once the site of a Victorian-era prison, and now exists as a luxury hotel.

A theatre built to house the rowdy Oxford graduation ceremonies became the stage for a debate about God's existence.

The shop where the girl who inspired the beloved character once bought sweets is now a book-themed commercial curiosity.

This 11th century tower is said to be the oldest building in Oxford.

This centuries-old pub boasts a collection of more than 4,500 snippets of neckties from around the world.

Hidden in plain sight, this creepy sculpture watches from above.

Once one of the largest rooms full of books in the world, this bookstore basement is still a treat for bibliophiles.

The fantastic charm of England's oldest botanical garden has made it a place of writerly inspiration for centuries.

A 26-foot shark sculpture—a statement about bombs—set off a municipal battle royale.

An extraordinary collection of scientific instruments - and Einstein's chalkboard - inside the world's oldest purpose built museum building.

Ancient Egyptian wigs, South American feather headdresses, a bounty of anthropological artifacts in Oxford.

Home to the most complete dodo remains known - one head, and one foot.

Oxford University's stateliest library seems designed to make students truly feel the weight of knowledge.

Used as an example in one of the first dictionary entries for "museum" in 1706.

One of Europe's oldest libraries.

Perfectly preserved ancient monastery in an impossibly dramatic location on a rocky island in the Atlantic.

The gorgeous library at Trinity College is home to remarkable treasures of Irish identity.

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

In Zanzibar, a historic 19th-century palace is a reminder of the world's shortest war.

This slowly crumbling mansion was home to one of East Africa's richest and most powerful slave traders.