Summer's here: a day out in Oxford
Oxford, can you get any more typically British than that? This summer we're celebrating all this British. With one major event over (Jubillee, anyone?) and the Olympic Games just ahead, we're taking off to Oxford for a day to experience this essentially British town. Get your books everyone, we're going back to school!
Oh so medieval, yet Oxford's young students which arrive every September to stuff their noses in books by day and party on the river banks by night, breathe fresh new life into the city's old architecture and age-old institutions.
- Take a stroll along the Thames River, picnic packed. Head out in the direction of Jericho. There are no shortage of pleasant places to rest your feed and feast your eyes on the lazy river. Spread out your blanket and tuck into your picnic. Save a little bread for the ducks though.
- Jericho is a special place with a lot of character. Visit the old bookshops and stop for a cup of tea
- With so many students around and young hopefuls, you can bet that this city has a lot of "up and coming" talent. Head to a small student pub for an open-mic session. You're bound to hear something good.
- The New College dates back to 1379 and is worth adding to your "to-see" list. Head to the old cloister, it's like being time warped back several centuries.
- Magdalen College is known for its nearby meadow, covered in rare flora, particularly the snakes-head fritillaries which have been growing wild here since the late 1700s.
- Port Meadow is a bit of wilderness in the middle of the city. Originally a flood plain, this patch of greenery hasn't been ploughed in decades and is home to some horses and many birds. Even in winter, this place is magical as locals ice skate all over the field.
- Exeter College has a lovely garden. The terrace there even gives you a view of the Radcliffe Camera.
- The Bridge of Sighs, a replica of one of Venice's bridges. Although, this one doesn't cross any canals, rather it is used as a passage between two buildings and you have to look up to see it.
Ever visited Oxford on a day out? What would you recommend others see and do while visiting?