Our poetic expedition begins with a visit to the heart of academic Oxford - the famous Bodleian Library. This impressive institution, with a 4.6-star rating, is not only one of the oldest libraries in Europe, but a true temple of knowledge and literature. Founded in 1602, the Bodleian Library impresses with its majestic architecture and rich collections of more than 13 million volumes.

Passing through the main entrance on Broad Street, one enters a world where history meets the present. The library's interiors, with their Gothic vaulted ceilings and rows of antique bookcases, transport us back in time. Here, among the dusty volumes, you can almost feel the spirit of the great poets and writers who drew inspiration from these collections.

Of particular note is Duke Humfrey's Library, the oldest part of the Bodleian, where medieval manuscripts sit side by side with modern editions. This is the place where such literary giants as Oscar Wilde and J.R.R. Tolkien studied.

For Harry Potter fans, the Bodleian Library hides an additional attraction. Some of the scenes from the popular film series were filmed here, which adds to the library's magical charm.

The next stop on our tour is The Divinity School, located right next to the main library building. This gem of Gothic architecture, with an impressive 4.6-star rating, impresses with its openwork vaulted ceiling and rich history dating back to the 15th century. Once serving as a place for theological lectures, today The Divinity School offers an unforgettable aesthetic and historical experience.

The interior of The Divinity School is a true work of art. An intricately carved vault with 455 vaulting keys, each with a unique design, creates a breathtaking sight. It's the perfect place to contemplate and admire the craftsmanship of medieval artisans.

Interestingly, The Divinity School, like the Bodleian Library, also hosted the Harry Potter film crew. Fans of the series will recognize the place as the Hogwarts hospital from the first two films.

Both the Bodleian Library and The Divinity School offer a variety of guided tours that provide a deeper insight into the history and secrets of these unique places. It's worth booking tickets in advance, especially during the summer season, when visitor numbers increase significantly.

When comparing the two locations, it's worth noting that while the Bodleian Library offers a wider range of collections and the opportunity to actually use library resources, The Divinity School focuses more on the architectural and historical aspects. Both locations, however, are an indispensable part of Oxford's literary identity and are the perfect start to our poetic journey through Oxfordshire.

Continuing our literary journey, we can't leave out the iconic Blackwell's Bookshop, which has been an integral part of Oxford's intellectual landscape for over 140 years. With an impressive 4.7-star rating, Blackwell's is a true paradise for book lovers.

Crossing the threshold of the Broad Street bookstore, one enters a world where tradition meets modernity. Blackwell's is famous for its huge collection of books spread over several floors. Particularly impressive is the Norrington Room, a 10,000-square-foot subterranean room listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest single book-selling room in the world.

Blackwell's features not only bestselling new releases, but also rare and antiquarian editions. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in poetry - from classic sonnets to contemporary literary experiments. The bookstore often hosts author meetings and poetry evenings, making it a vibrant literary center for Oxford.

Moving on to a more contemporary look at literature, we will visit The Story Museum. This place, rated 4.5 stars, uniquely combines the tradition of storytelling with interactive experiences. Located in the center of Oxford, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the world of storytelling for visitors of all ages.

The Story Museum is no ordinary museum - it is a living, changing space where stories come to life. Interactive exhibitions allow you to literally enter the world of your favorite books. Here we can find everything from a magical closet leading to Narnia to a room full of flying carpets from 'One Thousand and One Nights'.

Especially recommended are 'Whispering Wood' - a magical forest where trees tell stories, and 'Story Craft' - a place where visitors can create their own stories. The museum regularly holds creative writing workshops and meetings with authors, making it an ideal place for aspiring writers and poets.

For those looking for a more intimate poetry experience, the Oxford Poetry Library is a must-stop. With a maximum rating of 5 stars, this small but unique library specializes exclusively in poetry and offers a unique experience for lyric lovers.

Oxford Poetry Library, although smaller than the other places we visited, stands out for its specialization and atmosphere. It is not only a library, but also a center for poetry events. Regular poetry evenings, writing workshops and meetings with poets create a lively literary community.

The library offers a wide selection of poetry volumes - from classic anthologies to the latest collections by contemporary poets. What's more, Oxford Poetry Library also organizes 'Open Mic' events, where anyone can present their own works.

When comparing the three venues, it is worth noting their unique features. Blackwell's Bookshop offers the most extensive selection of books and is ideal for those who want to combine shopping with literary discovery. The Story Museum, on the other hand, focuses on interactive storytelling experiences, making it particularly attractive for families with children. The Oxford Poetry Library, though the smallest of the three locations, offers the most specialized and intimate experience for poetry lovers.

Each of these venues brings something unique to Oxfordshire's literary landscape, allowing visitors to experience diverse aspects of the literary world - from classic works to contemporary poetic experiments.

Our poetry tour of Oxfordshire is coming to an end, but the inspiration and impressions we gathered will stay with us for a long time. Each of the places we visited - from the majestic Bodleian Library to the intimate Oxford Poetry Library - offers unique insights into the region's rich literary tradition.

The Bodleian Library, with its impressive collections and historic atmosphere, remains the heart of academic and literary Oxford. It's a place where the past meets the present, and each bookcase tells its own story. The Divinity School, on the other hand, though smaller, impresses with its Gothic architecture and atmosphere that takes us back to the days of medieval theological disputes.

Blackwell's Bookshop, a true institution among bookstores, offers an unparalleled experience for book lovers. Its vast collections and unique atmosphere make it a place where you can spend hours discovering new titles and authors. It's the perfect place for those who want not only to read about poetry, but also to buy it and take a piece of literary Oxford with them.

The Story Museum brings an element of interactivity and fun to our literary journey. It's a place that reminds us that literature is not just about serious volumes in libraries, but also about vivid stories that we can experience with all our senses. Highly recommended for families with children, The Story Museum shows how the love of literature can be creatively passed on to the next generation.

Oxford Poetry Library, although the smallest of the institutions we visited, has its own unique charm. It is a place where poetry is not only read, but also created and shared with others. Regular poetry events and an atmosphere conducive to creativity make it a true gem for lovers of lyric poetry.

Comparing all the places visited, it is worth noting their complementarity. While the Bodleian Library and The Divinity School offer a deep immersion into history and tradition, Blackwell's Bookshop puts you in direct contact with the contemporary book market. The Story Museum adds an element of interactivity and fun, while Oxford Poetry Library provides an intimate and specialized poetry experience.

Each of these venues has its own unique atmosphere and offerings. The Bodleian Library and The Divinity School impress with their history and architecture, but may be less welcoming to the youngest visitors. Blackwell's Bookshop offers the largest selection of books, but can be overwhelming in its size. The Story Museum is the most family-friendly, but may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more academic approach to literature. Oxford Poetry Library, while the most intimate, offers the most personalized experience for poetry lovers.

All in all, Oxfordshire is a true paradise for lovers of literature and poetry. From historic libraries to modern storytelling museums, the region offers an incredibly rich and diverse literary landscape. Whether you're a beginning reader or an avid bibliophile, Oxfordshire has something to offer for anyone who loves the written word.

We encourage you to explore these places on your own, soak in the atmosphere of literary Oxfordshire and perhaps find inspiration for your own work. Because who knows - maybe it is here, in the shadow of Oxford's centuries-old walls, that the next great poet or writer will be born?