Search:

Home | Travel

Oxford City guide, including Oxford Hotels

By: Maria Williams

Oxford, UK is a holiday destination to which the traveler can happily
return again and again. One could spend days wandering through Oxford’s
myriad cultural treasures which boast some of the world’s best
exhibits. The winding streets are full of restaurants ranging from
inexpensive local fish and chips shops to world class gourmet dining.
Opportunities for recreational pursuits abound; all of this in a city
which can easily be traversed on foot.

It should be noted that Oxford is a haven for the pedestrian. The
center city is virtually car free. Public transportation is highly
advised as it is frequent and inexpensive. Visitors who may be used to
long commutes in many holiday towns will find that Oxford has literally
dozens of interesting locales within blocks of one another and each
side street holds its own jewels ready for discovery.

Oxford is a bonanza for the history lover. Museums and storied
historical buildings sit on almost every corner. Trip after trip could
be made here and there would still be cultural vistas to explore.

  • The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Architecture an arm of University
    of Oxford. Established in 1683 it is one of the world’s oldest and
    finest museums. Admission is free although donations are accepted and
    appreciated.

  • Sheldonian Theatre. This magnificent structure offers unparalleled
    views of the city. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built
    over a four year period from 1664-68. Self guided tours available at a
    modest cost.

  • Bodleian Library. Dating back to the fourteenth century and housing
    more than six million texts, the Bodleian is one of the premiere
    libraries in the world.

  • Christ Church. Founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1524, Christ Church is
    the oldest college in the Oxford University system and serves as
    Oxford’s Cathedral. The site is familiar to many tourists via its
    connection to Lewis Carroll and the Alice books and more recently its
    appearances in the Harry Potter movies. Lines can be long but the
    galleries and gardens are well worth the wait. Admission.

  • Museum of the History of Science. This unusual museum is devoted to
    the history of scientific instruments and its collection of almost
    10,000 of these instruments is without peer. Rotating exhibits, many
    with free admission.

    • After mornings spent in cultural endeavors, a tourist will find a wide
    variety of activities to fill the rest of the day. No visitor should
    leave Oxford without at least a short water excursion.

  • Have a punt. Located on the Thames River, known as the Isis within
    Oxford proper, Oxford is home to legendary rowing teams. While rowing
    is a sport not learned in an afternoon, most people can manage a punt
    with a short lesson and a little effort. Try picking one up at the
    Magdelen Bridge Boathouse.

  • Picnic on the river. The banks of the Isis make for cool and
    inviting picnic locales and many shops are available for impromptu food
    purchases to fill a basket.

  • Self guided architecture tours. Walking the streets of Oxford is a
    feast for the eyes. Be sure and find the Bridge of Sighs on New College
    Lane and heads up for the gargoyles which can be found on almost every
    historic building.

  • Oxford Covered Market. Don’t miss this walk through center. It
    features stalls full of items from tourist kitsch to upscale as well as
    quick eats and groceries. Be advised that skinned animal carcasses hang
    from many meat market displays.

  • Hop a sightseeing bus. Although Oxford is totally foot travel
    friendly those who have only a short time in Oxford might enjoy a trek
    around town on a bus. This is also a good way to get an overview of the
    abundance of things to see and do in town. Tours are reasonably priced,
    easy to hop and make frequent stops.

  • Alice’s Shop. The small shop is the true inspiration for the shop
    in “Through the Looking Glass” and the real “Alice”, Alice Liddell, was
    a frequent visitor.


    • A quick stop at a pub will leave one refreshed for an afternoon spent
    on foot exploring Oxford’s side streets. Pubs can also be a fun
    atmosphere for an afternoon or evening spent watching football or
    rugby. Multi course gourmet meals of almost any cuisine are also
    readily available at fine restaurants throughout Oxford.

  • Eagle and Child. This pub was for years a favorite haunt of both C.
    S. Lewis and Tolkien and remains largely authentic.

  • The Exeter Hall. A lively venue further out than most, Exeter
    offers pool, two bars and a growing reputation for live music.

  • The Jack Russell. Open to both dogs and children this family
    friendly bar is also largely handicapped accessible.

  • Rosamund the Fair. This cruising restaurant specializing in
    distinctly British cuisine requires advanced booking but offers
    excellent food and a varied wine list.

  • Head of the River. This busy outdoor restaurant is a favorite of
    students. It has heat lamps for cool evenings and a few hotel rooms for
    evenings spent with beer in hand.

  • The Navy Oak. Located north of the Ring Road this restaurant may
    take a little effort to find but a reasonably priced and tasty menu
    make the hunt worthwhile.


    • Oxford Hotels & Accommodation

    As a university town, Oxford offers lodging running the gamut from bed
    and breakfast to the most luxurious of accommodations. However, the
    wise traveler will begin booking early as the city is busy year round
    and any sort of hotel or self catering establishment can be difficult
    to find on short notice.

  • The FEATHERS

  • Westwood Country Hotel Ltd

  • The Oxford Hotel

  • Cotswold Lodge Classic Hotel

  • A Lakeside Town Farm B & B

  • Holiday Inn Oxford

  • Victoria House Hotel

  • Express by Holiday Inn Oxford Kassam Stadium

  • The White Horse

  • The Bat & Ball Inn


    • For those seeking a little nightlife, Oxford has several lively venues
    including The Zodiac and Oxford Brookes Student Union. Most name acts
    visiting Oxford will be found at one of these sites. If the play’s the
    thing try New Theatre located on George Street or the Oxford Playhouse
    across the way from the Ashmolean. Oxford also has four cinemas with
    currently popular offerings as well as foreign and art house fare.

    Those who make a first visit to Oxford may well find that there are
    drawn there many times over. History, food and pleasant recreation are
    all to be found within easy walking distance. Couple these advantages
    with hospitable people and climate and Oxford becomes a destination of
    choice for almost any holiday.

    Biography

    Name: Maria Williams
    Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
    Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of hotels in Oxford.

    Article Source: http://www.articledestination.com

    Biography
    Name: Maria Williams
    Website: www.sleepuk.com
    Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK providers of discounted uk hotels


    Please Rate this Article   

    Not yet Rated

    Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Travel Articles Via RSS!

    Additional Articles From - Home | Travel

    Sign Up for a free account.
    learn more.
    Home
    Member Login
    Submitting Articles Info
    Top Authors
    Most Popular Articles
    Submission Guidelines
    Ezine Notifications online
    Article RSS Feeds
    About Us
    Contact Us
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Service
    Copyright © 2005-2008  ArticleDestination.com  All Rights Reserved.

    Powered by Article Dashboard