THINGS TO DO IN oxford: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Oxford, in southeast England, draws crowds of visitors each year and it’s easy to see why. It’s steeped in history, dating back to the 11th century, and is full of architectural marvels. What it is most famous for, however, is its university, the second oldest in the world.

Oxford isn’t a large city, and it doesn’t take much time to walk between the attractions. Nevertheless, it is filled with a wide variety of things to do. Take a tour of some of the university’s colleges and their beautiful gardens, explore one or two of the many museums, or enjoy punting on the river.

Our two-day itinerary gives you one day exploring Oxford and a second, options of day trips close to the city.

Day 1

Morning: Christ Church Cathedral

After a hearty breakfast to prepare you for a busy day, begin your tour of Oxford by visiting Christ Church Cathedral on the grounds of Christ Church College, one of the 39 colleges making up Oxford University. It has a dual purpose, on the one hand being the city’s cathedral, and on the other, the college’s chapel.

It is small as far as cathedrals go, but it is nevertheless, impressive. It was built in the 12th century and is a mixture of styles with features added over the centuries. Originally built in the Norman style, you will also see Gothic and Victorian features. Highlights include the stunning stained-glass windows, created during different periods in history, the stone vaulted chancel ceiling, and the Shrine of St. Frideswide which attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

The Story Museum

Just a two-minute walk from the Cathedral is the Story Museum which is fun for the whole family from toddlers to the young-at-heart. Celebrating the joy of the written word, there are different sections to visit. Fairy tales and nursery rhymes come alive in Small Worlds, trees tell stories in The Whispering Wood, The Treasure Chamber introduces you to dragons, and The City of Stories recounts the literary history of Oxford. To entertain everyone, shows are put on in the Woodshed.

Carfax Tower

Another short walk takes you to Carfax Tower, a 23-metre bell tower which is all that is left of the Mediaeval St. Martin’s Church. No other building in the city is meant to be built any higher, but the Blavatnik School of Government broke this rule. However, it remains one of the highest buildings in Oxford so it is well worth climbing the 99 steps to the top as you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the city.

The Covered Market

A 3-minute walk takes you to the historic Covered Market, an indoor market which has been in existence since 1774 and has operated continually since then. It is open every day and you will find independent sellers displaying a myriad of interesting and often unusual items including food, crafts, flowers, clothes, and jewellery. Chances are high that you will find a unique souvenir or gift to take home with you. By this time breakfast will seem like a distant memory and you are probably in need of refreshment. The market has some lovely cafes where you can grab a drink or a snack before continuing your exploration of the city.

Trinity College

You shouldn’t visit Oxford without visiting at least one of the colleges and a 7-minute walk will take you to Trinity College, founded in 1555, originally built to train priests. You can visit the Dining Hall and Chapel, but the highlight is the stunning garden, which is enormous and is more like a park than a garden. There are different areas to explore including formal gardens with lawns and colourful borders, and a wilderness.

Bridge of Sighs

This bridge is named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, although it looks more like the Rialto Bridge. It doesn’t cross a river but is built over a road connecting two parts of Hertford College. The architecture is impressive, and it seems as if it was built centuries ago. However, it was constructed in 1914 and designed by Sir Thomas Jackson. It is one of the most photographed sites in Oxford, with tourists flocking to have their photo taken standing under it. Perhaps you will do the same to remind you of this iconic bridge.

Radcliffe Camera

The Radcliffe Camera is another stunning piece of architecture. Built in the neoclassical style in the 18th century, it is a massive round building which houses the reading room of the Bodleian Library. Although not open to the public, it is worth seeing from the outside. Take a stroll around it and admire its size and beauty.

The Radcliffe Camera is made of sandy-coloured stone which is in keeping with many buildings in the city. It is 42.67 metres high and has the third-largest dome in the UK. It was designed by James Gibb who created other important buildings in the country, such as St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London.

By this time, you will probably be ready for lunch, so head to Broad Street, a few minutes’ walk from the Radcliffe Camera. There is a wide choice of restaurants and pubs here to suit different tastes.

Day 1, Morning - oxford Tour Map

Afternoon: The Sheldonian Theatre

The first stop after lunch is The Sheldonian Theatre which belongs to Oxford University. It hosts ceremonial events for the university as well as concerts, but it can also be visited on a guided tour. It is an architectural masterpiece so is well worth seeing. It was created by Sir Christopher Wren who also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Portraits of previous chancellors of the university adorn the walls as do beautiful and intricately designed frescoes. The highlight, however, is the Cupola, which you can climb for amazing views.

Ashmolean Museum

A brief six-minute walk brings you to the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, also part of Oxford University. Founded in 1683, it celebrates archaeology from all over the world as well as artwork. The great thing is that it’s free to enter, but it’s still better to book in advance to guarantee that you get in as it is very popular.

You can spend some time here as there are 39 galleries to explore with more than a million artefacts on show. Highlights include Egyptian mummies, and a large collection of Minoan pottery collected by Arthur Evans who discovered Knossos on the island of Crete, Greece. When it comes to artwork, look out for paintings by Picasso and drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael.

Oxford Castle and Museum

The last stop on your exploration of Oxford city is the Oxford Castle and Prison. It has a history going back 1,000 years, first being a Mediaeval Castle built for William the Conqueror and then becoming a prison after the English Civil War.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the castle which takes you to the prison cells and the 900-year-old crypt. Climb the 101 steps in St. George’s Tower for stunning views of the city. The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining and give you the lowdown on the history of the castle. The castle is reputedly haunted so you never know what or who you might see.

Oxford Castle and Prison holds special events so you could be lucky to catch one of these on your visit such as the Oxford Shakespeare Festival.

Day 1, Afternoon - oxford Tour Map

Day 2

For your second day, we are suggesting days out at nearby locations. There is so much to see in the area that it would be a pity not to take advantage of them.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is just 21.24 km north of Oxford and can easily make a full day out as there is a lot to see and a selection of restaurants and cafes to choose from for lunch.

The palace was built in the 18th century and is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. It was the birthplace of the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and there is an exhibition in the palace dedicated to his life. It displays artefacts from his childhood to adulthood and even his crib and locks of his hair are on show.

The palace is enormous and there is a free 45-minute guided tour on offer. However, you are still welcome to explore the palace in more depth on your own. The highlight is the Great Hall which covers 278 m2 and has a beautiful painted ceiling and houses marble statues and busts. The number of paintings throughout the palace is staggering and you will see works by famous English artists such as Anthony Van Dyke and Joshua Reynolds.

Having explored the palace and enjoyed lunch, head into the gardens which cover a massive 2,000 acres. There are formal gardens to be admired as well as parkland. Water fountains and statues adorn the gardens and there is even a man-made lake where you can rent a boat. Children will enjoy the maze and the adventure playground, and for Harry Potter fans, the tree which appeared in The Order of the Phoenix can be seen in the grounds if you’re prepared to take a longer walk.

Silverstone

Silverstone, 63 km north of Oxford is home to the British Formula 1 Grand Prix which is held in early July each year. If you are in the area at this time, it is an experience not to be missed. However, if you’re not, why not indulge in a driving experience in a supercar? There are many experiences on offer, and you will have an exhilarating time driving a car which can exceed 300 km per hour. You will be accompanied by a fully qualified and licensed instructor and can choose between a McLaren 620R, an Aston Martin, or a Ferrari. There is even an experience which lets you drive all three and another in which you drive a single seater, making you feel like a Formula 1 driver.

Highclere Castle

If you are a fan of the TV series, Downton Abbey, you will enjoy visiting Highclere Castle where much of it was filmed. 52 km south of Oxford, it was originally built in the 17th century but was renovated in the 1840s to give it a Jacobethan style. It is a lived-in castle owned by the Earls of Carnarvon who welcome you to visit their home. Back in the 1920s, the Earl of Carnarvon funded the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and the castle houses an Egyptian exhibition.

You can take either a guided or self-guided tour of the castle and spot rooms used in the TV series. The grounds, designed by Capability Brown, cover 5,000 acres so take a stroll after visitng the castle. You will find a variety of terrains to explore including landscaped gardens, a woodland, a park, and even farmland.

The Living Rainforest

30 km south of Oxford in Hampstead Norreys, is The Living Rainforest which is a fantastic experience for animal lovers. Here you will experience not only the sights of the rainforest, but the sounds and smells. Explore a series of glasshouses made to look like the rainforest and containing over 800 species of animals and plants. Perhaps you’ll see the two-toed sloth green iguana or a channel-billed toucan. It is a popular attraction, so you need to book online to make sure that you get in.

Stratford Upon Avon

If you are a fan of William Shakespeare, a day in Stratford Upon Avon is a must. It is 90 km north of Oxford and offers more than enough places for you to see on a day trip, as well as plenty of pubs and restaurants for lunch.

Buy a Shakespeare combo ticket which saves you money. You can then visit five properties associated with the bard, Shakespeare’s birthplace, Mary Arden’s Farm which belonged to his mother, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where his wife grew up, New Place where Shakespeare lived when he got married, and Hall’s Croft, the house which belonged to Shakespeare’s daughter and her husband.

Stratford Upon Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company so if you can get tickets, it’s well worth going as they have some of the best actors in the country. They don’t only put on Shakespeare plays but contemporary productions as well. If you don’t have the time to catch a performance, the theatre offers guided tours.

Other Things to See In Oxford

• Pitt River Museum: Pitt Rivers Museum belongs to Oxford University and is another one of the free museums in the city. Oxford is the place to go if you enjoy museums as many of them don’t charge an entry fee. It houses archaeological and ethnographic objects from all over the world, as well as collections relating to film, photography, and sound. It has more than half a million artefacts on show so it is another museum where you can spend some time.

• University Church of St. Mary the Virgin: The Church of St Mary the Virgin was built in the 13th century and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture with the addition of a beautiful Baroque porch. Outside you will see imposing spires and inside elaborate stained-glass windows. There is a tower to climb, and you will be rewarded with superb views of the city.

• Magdalen College: Magdalen College was founded in the 15th century making it one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. It is worth visiting if only to admire the tower which is 44 metres high, with octagonal turrets and bells which are still in use. The gardens are beautiful with water meadows and a deer park as well as plenty of other wildlife such as otters and kingfishers.

• Museum of the History of Science: Belonging to the university, this museum is another one which is free to enter. It was established in 1924 and houses more than 20,000 objects relating to science. You will see scientific artefacts from ancient times right up to recent discoveries. There is a reference library in the museum where you can learn more about scientific instruments and photographic materials.

• Botanic Garden and Arboretum: The Botanic Garden in Oxford is the oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom, having been founded in 1621. It is the perfect place to take a peaceful walk and admire the many plants of which there are over 5,000 different species. There are greenhouses housing tropical plants and formal and informal gardens. In 1963, the Harcourt Arboretum was added to the park so you will see a magnificent collection of trees. The Botanic Garden and Arboretum covers 130 acres, and you are welcome to bring a picnic. In addition, there is a pop-up cafe from spring until autumn where you can get drinks and snacks.

• Port Meadow: Port Meadow, just outside the centre of Oxford, is a beautiful place to take a stroll and have a picnic. It is a large meadow with the River Thames running through it, home to many river birds. There are also horses, and cattle to be seen in the meadow.

• Balliol College: Balliol College is one of Oxford’s oldest colleges, founded in 1263. It has produced several British Prime Ministers, including Harold Macmillan, Edward Heath, and Boris Johnson. It is possible to visit the college and its historic buildings, as well as the stunning grounds.

• Museum of Oxford: The Museum of Oxford tells you about the history of Oxford and is divided into three main sections, Mediaeval, Victorian, and Town and Gown which examines the relationship between the university and the people of Oxford. There is artwork and artefacts on show, including Roman pottery found in the area.

• Oxford University Parks: This is a lovely park belonging to the University of Oxford where you can relax and have a picnic. It has a genetic garden which is devoted to the variety found in the plant kingdom and its evolution. It was first planted in 1964.

• Tom Tower: Tom Tower is an impressive tower at Christ Church College. You can’t climb it, but it is worth going to see. The bell rings 101 times at 9.05 pm, coinciding with 9 pm Oxford time, which is five minutes before Greenwich Mean Time. Oxford time is a strange tradition of holding events five minutes later than GMT.

• Merton College: Merton College was founded in 1264 and is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. It is open to visitors and has beautiful gardens to explore. Head to the 13th-century quadrangle to see the impressive mediaeval architecture. The quadrangle is the oldest in the city.

• Iffley Lock: Iffley Lock is just south of Oxford on the River Thames. It was built in the 1920s and is a pretty lock, often visited for photo opportunities. Trees and gardens are on either side of the lock and it is close to the village of Iffley with its charming cottages and historic church.

• Oxford Canal: The Oxford Canal runs for 126 km from Oxford to Coventry, further north. Here you can take a cruise on a narrowboat or hire one yourself. Alternatively, take a walk or cycle along the paths that run beside the canal.

• The Headington Shark: The Headington Shark is an unusual sculpture on the roof of a house in Headington. It is a shark with its head embedded in the roof weighing a massive 200 kg and measuring 7.6 metres. It is supposed to represent bombs crashing into buildings and is worth taking a photo of.

• Cornmarket Street: Cornmarket Street runs north to south in the city between Magdalen Street and Carfax Tower. It is a pedestrianised zone and is a major shopping street in the city. Here you will find both high-street chain stores and independent shops, as well as plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Day Trips From Oxford

• Cotswolds: The Cotswolds cover a large area from Stratford-Upon-Avon in the Midlands to Bath in the southwest. It is beautiful countryside covering 2072 square km., with plenty of market towns, charming villages, historic homes, rivers, and canals.

• Bicester Village: Bicester Village, 28.7 km from Oxford, is in the Cotswolds and is well-known for its designer shops, with many stores offering up to 60% off the price. There are a total of 150 shops in the village and many fine dining restaurants. It is a place to spoil yourself.

• Waddesdon Manor: Waddesdon Manor, 40 km from Oxford, was commissioned by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874. He spent a massive 1.5 million pounds having it built which was a lot of money back then. It was built in the French Renaissance style and inside you can see a fantastic collection of paintings and sculptures. Explore the beautiful gardens and have a traditional afternoon tea in the restaurant.

• Henley-On-Thames: Henley-On-Thames, 40 km from Oxford, is an English market town with many independent shops, cosy pubs, and tearooms. Visit the River & Rowing Museum which is all about the town and its passion for rowing and the River Thames. Greys Court is also worth visiting. It has homely living rooms and a lovely organic kitchen garden.

• Uffington White Horse: This is a prehistoric hill figure of a horse dating back about 3,000 years. It can be found on Whitehouse Hill in Oxfordshire and is massive at 110 metres long. Trenches have been carved into the hill in the shape of a horse and filled in with crushed white chalk. It is 40 km from Oxford.

• Wallingford: If you have watched the TV Series, Midsomer Murders, Wallingford will interest you as many scenes were filmed here. Apart from this, there is plenty to see in this market town. There are regular markets, cobble-stoned streets, the ruins of a castle, and a 14th-century bridge over the River Thames. The Corn Exchange Theatre, built in 1856, offers both plays and films. It is 20 km from Oxford.

• Abingdon-On-Thames: Dating back to the Saxon era, Abingdon-On-Thames, 10.5 km from Oxford, is a busy market town with plenty to see. It is the UK’s oldest continually inhabited town, and the Abingdon County Hall Museum displays artefacts telling you about the town. Other historic buildings to visit include St. Nicholas Church, the Abbey Buildings, Trendell’s Folly, and St. Helen’s Church.

• Goring and Streatley: Goring and Streatley are two quaint villages on the River Thames, 27 km from Oxford. Streatley Hill, across the river from Goring, is a good place for a gentle hike. The river offers many opportunities for leisure activities, such as boating, fishing, and gentle riverside walks.

• Chipping Norton: Chipping Norton, 39 km from Oxford, is a market town in the Cotswolds with houses made from yellow limestone as most are in this region. There is plenty to see in the town, including the Church of St. Mary which is a mixture of Gothic styles including 12th-century and Victorian Gothic revival. Chipping Norton Museum tells you about the town while Chastleton House is a Jacobean mansion which has been kept as it was when it was lived in.

• Newbury: Newbury is another market town, 42 km from Oxford, and is the largest town in Berkshire. It is close to Highclere Castle, and Shaw House, an Elizabethan manor house. There is also Donnington Castle, an imposing ruin of a 14th-century stronghold. Learn about the town at the West Berkshire Museum or hire a boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

• Stonor Park: Stonor Park is in Henley-on-Thames, 39 km from Oxford, and has been occupied by the Stonor family for 850 years, making it one of the oldest family homes in the UK. The house is beautiful with its Gothic revival hall, and there are 250 acres of grounds to explore. Children will love Tumblestone Hollow, an adventure playground for four to twelve-year-olds.

• Basildon Park: The 18th-century house is set in 400 acres of parkland and is designed in the neoclassical ‘Adamesque ‘style. After you have explored the house, take a woodland walk. There are four walking trails to choose from. It is 41 km from Oxford

• Devil’s Quoits: Devil’s Quoits is close to the village of Stanton Harcourt, 21.6 km from Oxford. It is a fully restored henge and stone circle, thought to date back 4,000 - 5,000 years.

Racecourses In or Near Oxford

• Newbury Racecourse: Newbury Racecourse, 42 km from Oxford, offers 31 race days each year and has three grandstands. There are two restaurants which both give views of the racecourse, the Hennessy for fine dining, and the Racegoers Restaurant for a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Royal Windsor Racecourse: Occupying a large island, 70 km from Oxford, Royal Windsor Racecourse is on the banks of the River Thames. It holds 25 race days between April and October every year. The 1866 Restaurant is a luxurious a la carte restaurant which overlooks the finishing straight.

Wineries Near Oxford

• Chiltern Valley Winery: About 40 km from Oxford, this family-run winery and brewery offers two-hour tours and tastings. Learn how the different alcohols are made and then taste a selection of beers, wines, and spirits. There is a food truck, and they also have a bed and breakfast business.

• Sunnyhill Vineyard, Horspath: This family-run winery, 5.6 km from Oxford, offers tours and tastings for private groups. Enjoy your tastings with cheese and other nibbles.

Golf Courses Near Oxford

• Hinksey Heights Golf Club, South Hinksey: Just 1.6 km away from the centre of Oxford, this golf club offers visitors green tees and a footgolf course. There is a restaurant, the 19th Hole, which is open to everyone. They have a drinks licence and offer breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

• Oxford Golf Club: The Oxford Golf Club, 11.7 km out of Oxford, is the oldest golf club in the county. It offers visitors an 18-hole golf course, a full practice ground, and a putting green. The clubhouse, serving drinks and food, is open to all.

• Studley Wood Golf Club: 12.8 km out of Oxford, Studley Wood Golf Club offers visitors golf time up to four days ahead. Everyone can use the clubhouse which serves breakfast until midday and meals and snacks all day.

Things To Do in Oxford with Kids

Oxford lies where the rivers Cherwell and the Thames meet so children will love simple things like going on a boat cruise or punting. However, there are also plenty of attractions you can take them to. We have already mentioned The Story Museum but here are some more places that they will enjoy.

• University Museum of Natural History: This is another museum that is free to enter and with over 7 million specimens on show, you can spend many hours exploring. Children will love the dinosaur skeletons and there are plenty of interactive exhibits that they can have fun with. There are family trails on offer for all ages from preschoolers to teenagers.

• Take a Harry Potter Tour of Oxford: Oxford is heaven for Harry Potter fans. Many of the buildings inspired the films and places such as the Divinity School, were used as filming locations. There are tours on offer which will entertain and intrigue your children.

• Take a Self-Guided Alice in Wonderland Tour: Many children love the Alice in Wonderland story and Lewis Carroll wrote the book based on a real Alice who lived in Oxford. There are some places you can visit in Oxford with connections to Alice. To pick up some memorabilia, head to Alice’s Shop, close to Christ Church College. Stop for an Alice-based afternoon tea at the Mad Hatter restaurant or visit the Alice in Puzzle Land Escape Room where your children will help the Mad Hatter escape from the Queen of Hearts.

• The Board Game Cafe: Even in these days of computer games, many children enjoy board games and there is a cafe in Oxford dedicated to them. There is a choice of 2,700 different games on offer so your children could easily spend a few hours here, especially on a rainy day. You can enjoy a drink or meal while you are enjoying the games.

• Partyman World of Play: This is an indoor play centre suitable for ages up to 12. The area is massive and there are themed play structures, a football area, and slides.

• The Oxford Playbarn: Sprouts Playbarn is indoors, and everything is themed around barns and animals. Here kids can climb, have fun on slides, crawl, and jump.

• Magdalen College Deer Park: This college is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It is set in 100 acres of parkland which includes a deer park with lovely fallow deer. The best places to see them are from the archway at New Buildings and on the path between New Buildings and Grove Quad.

• Cotswold Wildlife Parkland Gardens: 36 km away from Oxford is Cotswold Wildlife Parkland Gardens which kids will love. Stroll along the walkways and see a wide variety of animals, including giant tortoises, meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, white rhinos, Asiatic lions, ostriches, wolverines, and red pandas.

• Fairytale Farm: Fairytale Farm is in Chipping Norton, 39 km from Oxford. There are interactive exhibits which will entertain younger children. It has seven zones to explore, including Alfie and Friends where kids can meet a group of friendly animals, and Jack’s Yard where they can meet fairytale characters.

• Punting: Kids will love punting on the River Cherwell. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat operated by one person who uses a long pole to propel the boat. Also available on the River Thames are boat cruises.

• Crocodiles Of The World: Crocodiles of the World is in Brize Norton, 28 km away from Oxford which is interesting for the whole family. Meet crocodiles, caimans, and alligators, as well as meerkats, otters, and Galapagos tortoises. There are talks about conservation, you can watch the wildlife being fed, and enjoy animal encounters.

• British Motor Museum: The British Motor Museum is 67 km north of Oxford in Warwickshire. It tells you about the British motor industry and has over 400 cars on show, from the earliest cars to the present day. There are guided tours on offer, family-themed trails, an interactive zone where you can learn how a car works, and an outdoor playground.

• Aston Martin Heritage Trust: The Aston Martin Heritage Trust is 20 km away from Oxford. The collection showcases Aston Martin cars from the earliest, the A3, to contemporary models. There is also a model collection of Aston Martins, possibly the largest in the world.

Where To Eat In Oxford

There are so many restaurants in Oxford that you will be spoiled for choice. Whether you want a pub for a casual meal or you would like to indulge in a more formal environment, you will find somewhere to suit. Because England is a multicultural society, you will also find many international restaurants.

Pubs

• Kings Arms: The Kings Arms is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford and is located on Holywell Street. It is a traditional English pub where you will find classics such as haddock and chips and steak and ale pie. Enjoy your meal with a pint of real ale, a popular and traditional beverage in the country.

• The Bear Inn: This pub is on Alfred Street and boasts that it is the oldest pub in the city, having been operating since the 13th century. It offers sophisticated pub classics such as South Coast lamb shoulder shepherd's pie and there is a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy live jazz on Tuesday evenings.

International Restaurants:

• Arbequina: This restaurant on Cowley Road is reputed to serve the best tapas in England. It has a long bar where you can enjoy your food, and sharing dishes are in the forefront. Try the patatas bravas, tomato and Ventresca tuna belly, or the beetroot borani with feta and walnuts. They serve hand-crafted cocktails so try something new like a pistachio martini or a rum and raison old fashioned.

• Mowgli’s Street Food: Situated in the Westgate shopping centre, this Indian restaurant is the ideal place to refuel during a heavy shopping expedition. Despite its name, it is a sit-down restaurant and offers authentic Indian cuisine with plenty of vegan options.

• Branca: Branca, in the heart of Jericho, serves exciting flavours inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean. There is pasta, risotto, and pizza on offer and from the grill, you can try Moroccan lamb kebab with red cabbage slaw, harissa flatbread, and hummus. Enjoy a bellini or raspberry cosmopolitan with your meal. It has a deli section which is open from 8 a.m. so you could enjoy breakfast here.

• Brasserie Blanc: Also in Jericho, Brasserie Blanc offers exciting food from the south of France. For something different, try the escargots, or indulge in a rich beef bourguignon. However, on Sundays, they serve a traditional British Sunday roast with all the trimmings including cauliflower cheese, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings.

Fine Dining

• Cherwell Boathouse: This restaurant is right by the River Thames in a stunning setting, and you can eat on the terrace overlooking the river. It is a family restaurant run by John Verdin, and he offers a seasonal menu using fresh local ingredients. There are vegan options and on Sunday, a traditional roast is offered.

• The Folly: The Folly on Folly Bridge, not far from the Westgate shopping centre, has a terrace that floats on the water offering an experience like no other. It offers both tasting and a la carte menus and in the afternoon you can indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and cakes.

• Parsonage Grill: The Parsonage Grill is in the Old Parsonage Hotel on Banbury Road. It serves classic British dishes using fresh local produce, either in the dining room or on the terrace when the weather is good. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a traditional English afternoon tea.

Where To Stay In Oxford

• The Store: This 5-star hotel is in what used to be a department store. It has 101 luxurious rooms, two bars, with one on the rooftop, a restaurant, and a spa. The restaurant serves an exciting menu with both Asian and British cuisine on offer. A full English breakfast is available with vegan and vegetarian options.

• The Randolph Hotel: Another 5-star hotel, The Randolph offers opulent rooms and a wellness centre. It has all-day dining at The Alice, named after Alice in Wonderland. Have afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and a drink in the Morse Bar where the author of the Morse books, Colin Dexter, enjoyed a drink or two.

• Old Parsonage Hotel: This five-star hotel is situated in a building dating back to 1660, but it offers modern facilities. It has 35 luxurious rooms and suites including the Churchill Suite which is a tribute to Winston Churchill and houses rare memorabilia related to him. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, as well as a library exclusively for guests. In the library you can read a newspaper or book while enjoying a coffee or something to eat.

• Malmaison Oxford: This is an unusual four-star hotel. The building used to be a prison in the Victorian era, and you will spend the night in a converted cell. However, the cells are now luxurious rooms with a power shower and mood lighting. The Malmaison Bar & Grill offers fusion dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Best Time to Stay In Oxford

England has unpredictable weather but your best chance of having better weather is if you visit in the summer. It can still rain in July and August but there are often warm or even hot days. It can, however, get very busy during the school holidays so if you want to avoid the crush, visit in June or September when it will be quieter. Most of the attractions stay open all year so you can visit in the winter if you don’t mind the cold. You can always pop into a pub and sit by a roaring fire with a pint of real ale if it rains.

Festivals In Oxford

Oxford hosts a wide range of festivals throughout the year celebrating many different things such as art, music, literature, and food. We have chosen a few which we think are the best and worth attending if you are in Oxford at the appropriate time.

• Oxford Music Festival: This festival is held in January and February and showcases performances by young classical musicians.

• Turl Street Arts Festival: This one-week-long festival in February celebrates performance arts. You will have the opportunity to see new plays, attend poetry readings, and listen to jazz.

• Oxford Fashion Week: It isn’t only London, Paris, and New York that have fashion weeks. Oxford has its very own and both graduate and professional designers showcase their work at different venues throughout the city.

• May Day: Oxford celebrates May Day in style. Morris dancers and bagpipe players entertain the crowds and there is a parade at midday.

• Oxford Wine Festival: This is held in September and there is a varied programme of events on offer including talks about wine and wine production as well as wine tastings.

• St. Giles Fair: This is also held in September and dates to 1625. Streets are closed and instead are filled with fairground rides, food vendors, and games.

• Oxford Round Table Fireworks & Bonfire: November 5th is an important date in the British calendar, celebrating the failed plot by Guy Fawkes to blow up the House of Lords in 1605. There is a spectacular fireworks display and a massive bonfire which can be seen throughout the city.

• Christmas Light Festival: In December, Christmas is celebrated with a light festival. It starts with a parade of light sculptures and then you can enjoy fairground rides and music, as well as stalls selling Christmas gifts.