The largest, most beautiful, and the most popular college to visit looms large in children’s literature; it was copied for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films, and it was where Lewis Carroll (aka mathematician Charles Dodgson) befriended the little girl for whom he wrote Alice in Wonderland. The college chapel, which dates from the 12th century, also serves as Oxford Cathedral for the local diocese; and bowler-hatted “custodians” still patrol the pristine lawns. Its Meadow, still grazed by cattle, is a delightful place to watch punters on the rivers Isis and Cherwell. Just being here makes you feel smarter.