I’ve been reminded of why the Brits are governed by the weather. The plan for several weeks had been to go to Oxford, but with the daily grey skies and impending rain, thoughts would always turn to something more local and with the fun being contained indoors. It’s true, here’s a place where you really need to pack a rucksack for any weather. Having waited a few weeks to go to Oxford the family decided the day to “chance it” was finally here. With grey skies above we got ready and headed off from my parents house in Solihull with the hope we’d see some of the sights of Oxford whilst staying dry.
By car the best way to gain access to the town centre is to park a few miles outside in one of the two Park and Ride schemes set up to beat congestion. We opted for the Pear Tree Park and Ride. Locking the car behind us we scrambled to the waiting bus and took our seats upstairs just in time before the bus lurched into motion. The journey only takes about ten minutes by which time you’ve passed several buildings of architectural interest, large family homes and cricket pitches.
On the bus ride to Oxford I unfolded the small printed map my Dad had given me. The first thing that struck me was the number of colleges dotted all over the city. Historic colleges such as Corpus Christi, Queen’s College, Exeter College and Magdalen College along with numerous others make up what is collectively known as Oxford University. This gives the appearance to a visitor that all of Oxford is a university campus even though this is not true. The city of Oxford does however blend seamlessly into the grounds of various university buildings.
Stepping off the bus we took a stroll directly to the castle. The location has been used as a place of incarceration since 1071, its imposing stone walls only dwarfed by the castles towers. Interestingly the castle was converted to a prison years ago until its closure in 1996. It’s modern use as hotel MalMaison http://www.malmaison-oxford.com/ offers a seriously swanky stay with rooms from £160 a night or if you can afford it £385 for The Governor’s suite. The hotel advertises the price as a steal, but for us we were only able to steal a look around. Having entered the hotel from the back we wandered around the cell area, now converted to rooms. Most rooms have one or two cells knocked into one, something I’m sure the inmates would have appreciated. Thinking it would be fun to eat in an old prison we sat in the exercise yard and ate sandwiches.
Walking around Oxford is the best way to appreciate the city and is very easy with or without a free street map. With ours in hand we headed along several roads, some pedestrian and others not. For all the walking around central Oxford it felt safe, clean and welcoming. The city is awash with intellectuals; with national and international students mixing to create a multi-racial and cosmopolitan city whose history is echoed in the halls of the old college buildings still standing hundreds of years after the first bricks were laid. The city holds its charm and you only have to take an idle stroll around the meandering footpaths next to the River Cherwell, as we did to appreciate the quiet spaces found in the city. Passers by smile and laugh, engrossed in their conversations as they gently make their way up river by boat. Students earn a few extra pounds by punting the boats and their passengers along the tree canopy lined river route. This could perhaps be a perfect place to feel creatively inspired or to cram for those all important exams.
As we continue onwards to the next curve in the path, cows happily graze on their field of long grass undeterred by the sound of Drum n Bass blaring from a party boat moored to the side of the river. About one hundred people were ready to board, all with drinks in hands and smiles on their faces. It was a shame to suddenly break the peace and quiet, but if I’d just graduated from Oxford I’d probably want to party too.
After a brief visit to Christ Church Cathedral, known to be the smallest cathedral in the country we managed to walk past a gaggle of foreign tourists all following their flag waving tour leader. That being said, it was my first visit to Oxford and in our group of six we all had a camera. It’s amazing how it’s still possible not to get the right photo! I blame the bad lighting that day!!
Oxford lives up to its colorful, history infused reputation by offering a myriad of things to see and do. This includes several museums such as the University Museum of Natural History with its dinosaur skeletons and the Museum of Oxford which offers an introduction to the city’s history. There are plenty of streets and paths lined with beautiful buildings to gaze upon and the river and botanical gardens will keep you occupied and relaxed for hours. With plenty of tea rooms and cafes alongside restaurant options for most budgets, Oxford is well worth a visit.
Take a look at the WorldRamblers photos of Oxford Castle
Take a look at the WorldRamblers photos of Architecture around Oxford
Take a look at the WorldRamblers photos from the river
If you have a chance to stay in Oxford and are looking for a hostel to book then check hostel availability here.
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