Oxford: an alluring city
Home to royalty and scholars throughout history, Oxford is a world-famous city known for its academic excellence, stunning architecture and glorious riverside locations. With its ancient university heritage, Oxford is also a cosmopolitan city attracting visitors from all over the world enthralled by its beauty and captivated by its charm.
20 quintessentially Oxford experiences
It takes years of living and breathing the city to truly be able to call yourself an Oxonian and to know the true idiosyncrasies of the city. But we thought we'd give you a quick guide to knowing the city well with 20 quintessentially Oxford experiences for you to choose from when you come and visit...
- Down a pint at the newly-refurbished Trout Inn at Wolvercote, the favourite watering hole of Inspector Morse.
- Get up at the crack of dawn on May Day morning to hear the choir sing from the top of Magdalen College Tower.
- Soar above the city on a Ferris Wheel at the St Giles Fair. Since the 1600s a fair has taken place in St Giles on the first Monday and Tuesday after September 1.
- Read a copy of The Hobbit in The Eage and Child pub (JRR Tolkien's local) on St Giles (also a favourite of CS Lewis).
- Take a punt out on the River Isis (the Thames at Oxford).
- Pound the streets in Oxford's Town and Gown 10k fun run (or support the runners as an onlooker).
- Marvel at the views from the top of University Church of St Mary the Virgin - the hightest of Oxford's 'dreaming spires'. From here you will see one of the most breathtaking views of the city.
- Take tea at the Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street.
- For a traditional way to get around the city take a cycle ride around Oxford. Various hire shops can be found in the city including several on Cowley Road.
- Take a bus tour around central Oxford - an excellent way to gain an overview of the city's past and present, with stops at the colleges, museums, attractions and rivers.
- Take a tranquil stroll around Christ Church Meadow, which runs from Christ Church down to the Isis. Open until dusk every day, the Meadows provide opportunites for picnics and river walks.
- Gaze out over Oxford's skyline from the top of Carfax Tower.
- Browse for bargains at Gloucester Green Market.
- Fill your basket at the famous Covered Market, where you'll find an eclectic range of stalls, unique shops and coffee houses.
- Meander through the beautiful Botanic Garden on Rose Lane. Lying on the banks of the river, the garden was created in1621, making it the oldest botanic garden in Britain. There are 7,000 different types of plants.
- Watch open air theatre at the Oxford Castle (a former prison).
- Bike along the picturesque Oxford Canal - one of England's most peaceful waterways. There are routes of varying length taking in the beautiful scenery along the canal towpath.
- Ascend above the city's spires aboard a hot air balloon from the picturesque Cutteslowe Park, off Banbury Road. This large free park features a duck pond, aviary, children's playground, mini-golf, tennis, mini steam train and flower gardens.
- Enjoy a secluded picnic at Parson's Pleasure, safe in the knowledge that you no longer have to remove youre clothes (traditionally Oxford dons were said to sunbathe naked)!
- Spend a balmy summer's evening sitting outside one of the city's many traditional pubs discussing the vast range of local beers on offer and planning your trip to the Oxford City CAMRA Beer Festival, which takes place this year on Oct 11 and 13.