The High
The High is what Oxford calls its High Street, the curving main street that runs from Carfax east to Magdalen Bridge past several colleges and the Examination Schools. Oxford people drop "Street" from several central streets in the same way: the Broad for Broad Street, the Turl for Turl Street, the Corn for Cornmarket.
In practice
Along the High stand the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, The Queen's College, University College, the Examination Schools, the Covered Market's entrances and, at the eastern end, Magdalen College and its tower. The gentle curve of the street, which opens a new view every few steps, has been admired for centuries. Traffic is restricted for parts of the day, and buses dominate.
Why it matters to newcomers
Directions in Oxford assume the nicknames: "it's off the High", "turn left at the Turl". The High is also where the city's big moments happen, from May Morning crowds to students leaving Finals, so check for closures on those days. The Covered Market, entered from the High and Market Street, is the place for lunch.
Related
- Finals - sat at the Examination Schools on the High
- May Morning - when the High fills at dawn
- Rad Cam - just north of the High through Catte Street
Source: Oxford City Council.