Things to do

Oxford

Oxford is renowned worldwide for its many historic colleges and quads. Most of these are based around the city centre, and offer tours. The availability of these tours varies depending on the time of year and day, and it is best to look up individual colleges for the details of their tour dates. See www.ox.ac.uk/visitors.

Along with the colleges are many historic places of interest, such as the Bodleian library, Oxford Castle and Prison, Christ Church Meadows, and the Botanical Gardens. There is also the Ashmolean Museum, Natural History Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum and the Museum of Oxford. During the warmer months of the year, tourists can rent punts along the river.

Shoppers can also enjoy a range of stores available. They can visit the Oxford High street, the Clarendon Centre, and for something more traditional, the covered market. Cowley road offers a wide variety of independently owned stores, and Jericho suburbs provide catering for every style and budget.

For further information, please visit www.oxfordcityguide.com.

Surrounding areas

Oxfordshire has a great range of activities for all interests.

If you like history and architecture, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is a must see. Woodstock itself is one of a number of picturesque market towns in the Oxfordshire region, and Barton-on-the-Water, Iffley and Thame are also popular tourist destinations.

The Cotswolds are only an hour’s drive away from Oxford, providing scenic views and nature walks. At the other end of the scale, London is also only an hour’s commute, providing access to urban clubs, bars and city attractions.

If you prefer shopping, Bicester Village is an internationally renowned retail outlet that is only twenty minutes by train from Oxford.