Oxford
The city of 'dreaming spires' and ancient colleges
is one of Britain's historic gems. While Oxford
did not come to prominence until well into the second
millennium, with the help of royal and ecclesiastic
patronage it was rapidly established as an important
centre of learning and endeavour.
Oxford is dotted with 39 colleges - which together
make up the University - and the city still attracts
students from around the world. For the visitor,
the college architecture is of more importance, and
much of it ranks as Britain's most impressive contribution
to the medieval age. With the earliest colleges
dating from the early 1100's, the intellectual tradition
at Oxford is now into its tenth century.
Oxford straddles the Thames and Cherwell rivers,
and punting remains a popular pastime of both students
and visitors. In good weather the Cherwell in particular
will be busy with picnic-laden punts, many inexpertly
steered by tourists, although most are skilfully
handled by students. Punts cost in the vicinity of
£10 per hour, and a deposit is often required
to ensure the safe return of the craft. The Magdalen
Bridge is the busiest spot for hiring a punt.
Many colleges can be viewed from High Street, one
of the main thoroughfares that leads eastwards past
All Soul's and Queen's towards Magdalen Bridge. To
the north and south of High Street lie more colleges
of world renown, and these university precincts can
easily be traversed on foot. Make a note of college
opening times (some now also charge admission), as
much of the Oxford tradition is hidden behind the
college facades, requiring more persistent exploration.
Christ Church is Oxford's largest and - some would
say - most prestigious college. The Cathedral
features a mixture of architectural styles, and other
points of note at the college are the Tom Quad, and
the Christ Church meadow, which leads you to the River
Cherwell.
The Radcliffe Camera is a fine Italianate rotunda,
a short walk from the High Street, and one of Oxford's
most photographed buildings. The adjacent University
Church offers excellent views from its imposing tower
if you can survive the 129-step climb.
The Ashmolean is one of Britain's best museums,
and was originally established as a repository for
the university's vast collection of art and historical
treasures. The Egyptian and ancient Greek galleries
are popular, and more esoteric artifacts include Oliver
Cromwell's death mask and the lantern of Guy Fawkes.
Admission is free - for more information check out
www.ashmol.ox.ac.uk.
With such a strong student presence, Oxford has
plenty of eateries and pubs, although the nightlife
is fairly restrained. Less clubland than the home
of the reasonably-priced classical recital. This
Month In Oxford is a publication aimed at tourists
and details what's on in town.
Getting There
Oxford is just one hour from London Paddington
by train, and approximately double that by bus.
Several of each service depart daily.
Bus Info 01865 772250 or 0990 808080.
Train Info 08457 484 950.
More Information
Located in the 'Old School House' at the end of the
Gloucester Green Road Bus Station, the Tourist
Information Centre has plenty of help on hand
for the visitor.
There is a range of walking tour and hop on-hop off
bus tours available to help you explore the city.
For more Oxford tourist information, check out the
official web site at www.oxfordcity.co.uk.
Karibuni Small Group Tours
Karibuni Tours takes small groups on a 'Best of the
Shires' weekend tour that visits Oxford (not to mention
a number of other great spots such as Stratford
and Avebury). At only £80 per person, this tour
is well worth checking out. For details, visit the
Karibuni website at www.karibuni.co.uk.
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