Alice's Shop in Oxford — located at 83 St Aldate's in a 15th-century ancient building, one of the most famous literary shops in the world. In 1862, Charles Dodgson (pen name Lewis Carroll), a mathematics tutor at Christ Church, Oxford, took the Dean's three daughters punting on the River Cherwell and improvised the story that would later change children's literature worldwide for 10-year-old Alice Liddell. And this little shop was where young Alice used to buy sweets — it was also the inspiration for the "Old Sheep Shop" in Through the Looking-Glass, with John Tenniel's illustrations almost perfectly replicating this red door. Today, push open that red door and you'll find a treasure trove of Alice-themed merchandise, first editions of Tenniel's illustrations, pocket watches and teapots, transporting you back to that golden afternoon chasing the White Rabbit.
From the red door shop to Christ Church, follow in Alice Liddell's footsteps and step into the birthplace of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Start your morning by walking from Oxford city centre to 83 St Aldate's and push open the red door of Alice's Shop — a two-storey stone building constructed in the 15th century, virtually unchanged for 500 years. The shop covers only about 20 square metres but is packed with everything Alice: first editions of Tenniel's illustrations, talking pocket watches, Mad Hatter teapots, Cheshire Cat plush toys, playing card sets, and hand-painted bookmarks. Portraits of Alice Liddell and reproductions of Carroll's manuscripts hang on the walls, and the staff enthusiastically share stories of young Alice buying sweets here. Then cross the road to enter Christ Church College — where Carroll taught mathematics for 30 years and where the Liddell family lived. Visit the Great Hall, which served as the filming location for Hogwarts' dining hall in Harry Potter and was also where Carroll and Alice dined together. In the afternoon, stroll through Christ Church Meadow, the green space where Alice played as a child, and walk along the River Isis (Cherwell), recreating that "golden afternoon" of 1862 — the starting point where Carroll rowed and told stories. In summer, you can rent a punt and drift along the river, feeling the wonderland echoes in the breeze and willow shade. Finish the day with an English afternoon tea at a nearby restaurant for the perfect ending.
A historic café on Oxford High Street, reputedly on the site of Oxford's first coffee house (1650). Victorian-style decor, three-tier afternoon tea (scones, cucumber sandwiches, macarons) from £15-£25 per person — the perfect choice to honour Alice's tea party tradition.
The literary pub where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to meet, an 8-minute walk from Alice's Shop. Signature beef pie with dark beer gravy, full of collegiate atmosphere, £15-£25 per person.
A stylish restaurant converted from an old bank, with a glass atrium and collegiate art collection. Recommended mains include Oxford roast lamb and local trout, £25-£40 per person.
Oxford's legendary handmade ice cream shop. Thyme honey and Earl Grey flavours are full of British creativity — perfect for a scoop while strolling along High Street on a summer afternoon. Single scoop from £4.