OxfordImage:Bodleianoxford.jpg|frame|the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford '''Oxford''' is the oldest university city in England, situated in its own county of Oxfordshire on the rivers Thames and Cherwell. Together with Cambridge (England)|Cambridge (the second oldest university city and Oxford's great rival), Oxford has long represented the English academic establishment and elite, a haven of tradition and endeavour. Oxford's "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval colleges that dominate the town in all their Gothic splendour. The picturesque buildings set in the countryside of Oxfordshire make this a great place to visit. ==Understand== Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was initially known as "Oxanforda". It began with the foundations of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century, and was first mentioned in written records in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the year 912. In the 10th century Oxford became an important military frontier town between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and was on several occasions raided by Danes. The '''University of Oxford''' [http://www.ox.ac.uk] was founded in the 12th century and therefore constitutes the oldest English-speaking university. Oxford, like Cambridge (England)|Cambridge, differs from many other universities in that there is no 'campus' as such, and no central university building. Instead, the University consists of approximately 30 colleges and associated buildings, such as the Exam Schools (on the High Street, closed to the public), the world-famous Bodleian Library (main buildings in Radcliffe Square, off the high street - limited access to the public), and several world-class museums. Each college has its own individual character, some date from the 13th century, others are merely a few decades old. Many of the colleges are closed to the public, particularly during term times; some, however, are open at different times. For example: Christ Church (the college of "Brideshead" fame) is mostly open, and has the added bonus of having a (small) cathedral attached, where excellent music is performed at Evensong everyday, it also has an excellent art gallery [http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/gallery/index.html/]. Some of Christ Church's buildings are used in films such as "Harry Potter". Other colleges of note are Magdalen (pronounced 'maudlin'), which has a deer park, and those along the High Street, all of which have an impressive list of alumni. Shelley fans should visit University College. Former women-only colleges such as the pretty Somerville (Woodstock Rd) further to the North of the centre are interesting to get a feel for the range of colleges in Oxford. ==Orientation== Central Oxford is built around two intersecting throughfares which intersect at Carfax: *east to west is the '''High Street''', or '''"the High"''' [http://www.headington.org.uk/oxon/high/index.htm] - the main road running in from Headington and the London road *north to south is a road, essentially continuous, but with separate names for its various stretches - '''St Aldates''' and '''St Giles''' [http://www.headington.org.uk/oxon/stgiles/index.htm], separated by the '''Cornmarket''' ==Get in== ===By car=== Oxford is linked to London, the capital of England, by the 50 mile (80 km) south-eastern stretch of the M40 motorway (depending on traffic - which can be heavy - the journey varies between 50 - 90 minutes). The north-western continuation of the M40 links Oxford with England's second largest city Birmingham (Midlands)|Birmingham and the Midlands. Parking and access restrictions are deliberately stringent in the narrow streets of central Oxford, policed both by wardens and by cameras, with heavy fines applicable. Visitors driving to Oxford, especially during weekdays, are advised to use the local [http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/info/parking.html/ Park and Ride] services which are located in the city outskirts on all sides of Oxford (these are well signposted). A small daily parking fee applies (60 p) and the return, dedicated bus charges £1.80 for the trip to the city centre. ===By train=== Oxford has a large train station situated in the western part of the city (immediately west of the city centre and south of Jericho). Trains run regularly here from London, Birmingham (Midlands)|Birmingham and Manchester. ===By bus=== Frequent and comfortable coach services run from several convenient (particularly central and west London and the London-area airports) to the '''Gloucester Green coach station''', conveniently located in Oxford city centre. A recent addition to the Oxford travel scene is the [http://www.megabus.com/ Megabus] service, with fares as low as £1 each way from central London. Otherwise, you may use the [http://www.stagecoach-oxford.co.uk/oxfordtube/ Oxford Tube] bus service from Victoria station, with stops in west London. The [http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/ Oxford Bus Company] runs buses from Gatwick to Oxford for £26 return. ==Get around== You cannot generally drive through the city centre; the Oxford [http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/info/parking.html/ park-and-ride system] is excellent, however (see above, Get in). Everything in Oxford is within easy walking distance; for destinations further afield there are many buses that run regularly. Tours of the city are available on foot or by bus, with live commentary talking about the history and tradition of the university and city. Locals either walk, or use bicycles. ==See== Visitors to Oxford should definitely visit at least one museum, visit at least one college and - if possible - hear one of the world class college chapel choirs. A walking tour (see 'Do' below) is a good way of achieving this. ===Landmarks=== *the '''Bodleian Library''' [http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/] *the '''Sheldonian Theatre''' [http://www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk/] - this unusual building was Sir Christopher Wren's first major architectural commission. At the time he was a Professor of Astronomy at the University. There are a series of busts outside the theatre facing Broad St with strange expressions and facial hair. It is not symbolic of anything but is instead a 19th century study in beards *the '''Radcliffe Camera''', Radcliffe Square - built 1737-1749, the round Camera functions as a reading room for Oxford students and so is not generally accessible - the grand exterior, however, is well worth viewing... *the '''University Church of St Mary the Virgin''' [http://www.university-church.ox.ac.uk/], entrances from the High and Radcliffe Square - some of the best views of Oxford are afforded from the tower of the church, dating to 1280. The church itself, rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries (with various additions after this time), is full of architectural and historical interest. The church has a coffee shop, "The Vaults and Garden", tel 01865 279112, now re-opened under the management of Will Pouget (already known for his 'Alpha Bar' in the Covered Market) and specialising in organic food and fair trade tea and coffee. ===Colleges=== *'''Christ Church''' [http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/] - the college of ''Brideshead Revisited'' fame, Christ Church was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey as "Cardinal College". Noted for associations with Lewis Carroll (''Alice in Wonderland'') and was a location for the filming of the first ''Harry Potter'' film. The Christ Church Meadows south of the college is a beautiful green space offering nice views of the spires and quiet corners to relax. *'''Magdalen College''' [http://www.magd.ox.ac.uk/], far east end of the High Street; tel 01865 276000; open 1 Oct-27 June 1pm-6pm or dusk (whichever is the earlier), 28 June-30 September 12 noon-6pm; admission adults £3, seniors, children, students £2; maximum 20 people in a group; visitor shop and afternoon café - founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, Magdalen is frequently the first college seen by many visitors if coming into Oxford on the London Road. Famous alumni include CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney and Edward Gibbon. ===Museums and Galleries=== *the '''Ashmolean Museum''' [http://www.ashmol.ox.ac.uk/], Beaumont Street (''between Worcester and St. Giles''), +441865278000. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 2-5PM. Vast and impressive, the Ashmolean is Britain's oldest public museum, having been founded in 1683. The collections feature ancient and medieval art from Europe and Eastern cultures. Free. *the '''Pitt Rivers Museum''' [http://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/], Parks Road. Oxford's museum of anthropology and ethnology. Still largely arranged in Victorian style, making this a rare museum experience. Requires time and effort but gives great satisfaction. *'''Oxford University Museum of Natural History''' [http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/], Parks Road. Situated in the same building as the Pitt Rivers, this museum holds a collection of zoological, entomological and mineral specimens. It has some big skeletal structures which impress children, and is free. There is a pleasant café, but the museum is only open from 12-5. *'''The Oxford Story''' [http://www.oxfordstory.co.uk/] - museum and ride popular among tourists *'''The Museum of Oxford''' [http://www.aliceinoxford.net/Museum.htm] - the museum tells the tale of the growth of the city and University. *'''Covered Market''' [http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/shops/market/], High Street. Oxford has the oldest covered market in England. Unusual small shops, including a chocolate shop, cake shop, fine butchers, hat shop, florists, glassware, and charming cafes. *'''Modern Art Oxford''', 30 Pembroke Street. A free entry art gallery often showing temporary exhibitions of art and photography by renowned contemporary artists, which are accompanied by well designed talks and workshops. ===Parks, Gardens, Open Spaces=== *'''University of Oxford Botanical Gardens''' [http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/], Rose Lane and the High Street, opposite Magdalen College, tel 01865 286 690, open daily 9am-4.30pm (November-February), 9am-5pm (March-April & October), 9am-6pm (May to September), last admission approx 30-45 mins before closing ==Do== ===Tours=== Walking tours, that last about two hours, from St Aldates, near the centre, are an excellent way of visiting some of the more famous colleges, such as Christ Church and Merton. Blackwell's, the famous Oxford book store located on Broad Street, runs 3 differently themed walking tours of Oxford from its premises from 30 March - 30 October each year: *the Literary Tour of Oxford (every Tu 2 pm, Th 11 am, Sa 12 noon) *the 'Inklings' Tour (We 11.45 am) *Alice in Wonderland Tour (Fr 2 pm) Tickets cost £7 adults, £6.50 concessions (Literary Tour is £6 / £5.50). Booking and enquiries tel: 01865 333 606, fax: 01865 794 143, email: oxford@blackwell.co.uk A number of general and ghost tours also start in Broad Street. ===Sport and Recreation=== *'''Punting''', [http://www.oxfordpunting.com/ Magdalen Bridge] (''for punt rental''). In the summer, punting is an ever popular activity, involving propelling a wooden boat along the river with a pole. You can also hire someone to do the punting for you, although it is easy and fun to do it yourself). Bring a bottle of wine and good balance along for a more interesting trip (Though it helps to have a sober crew member along!). Also available from [http://www.salterbros.fsnet.co.uk/hireboats.html Salter's] at Folly Bridge. ===Stage and Screen=== *'''Cinema'''. There are 3 cinemas, showing mainstream (Odeon) and art films (Phoenix Picturehouse). The latter sometimes has showings at 11.30pm for night owls. *'''The Oxford Playhouse'''. Worthwhile plays. http://www.oxfordplayhouse.co.uk/ *'''New Theatre''' Popular shows, musicals and ballets. *'''The Sheldonian Theatre'''. Recently voted the most uncomfortable concert hall in England, the Sheldonian never has a shortage of both professional and amateur classical music concerts. Oxford has a lively student-drama scene. The following theatres put on amateur student productions during term-time, which are often very good value for money: *'''Burton Taylor Theatre''' - tickets sold at the Box Office of the Oxford Playhouse (see above) *'''Old Fire Station Theatre (OFS)''', George Street ==Eat== There are many cafes and restaurants of all cuisines in Oxford city centre, and along the Cowley Road. More restaurants are found in the Jericho area. There are also kebab vans which appear in the evening; these are only advisable once drunk. If vegetarian or vegan, you are well-catered for in Oxford, given the "alternative" lifestyles of many Oxford residents. *'''Alpha Bar''', Covered Market. This place serves organic, fairly traded and much vegetarian and vegan food and is great for a bite to eat at lunchtime. ===Budget=== * '''G&D's''', St Aldates and Little Clarendon St - offers superb ice-cream, and has an endearing love of cows. Try the chocolate brownies! *'''Jamal's''', Walton St - cheap Indian in Jericho perfect for those on a budget. BYO alcoholic beverages. *'''Cafe Zouk''' [http://www.cafezouk.co.uk], High St - this is an Indian found centrally along the High Street. Meals are unusually presented, and perhaps more authentic. Appeared to be closed April 2005? *'''Georgina's''', upstairs, Avenue 2, Covered Market, tel 01865 249527 - fairly groovy, hippyish decor and atmosphere in this small café, good for young and old, eclectic music and posters on walls / floor / ceiling, wooden tables and strewn magazines, reasonable (if not the cheapest) prices: mug of tea £0.90, croissant and jam £1.40, good pasta dishes for lunch. *'''Noodlebar''', Gloucester Green - Cheap, filling, tasty Japanese-based cuisine. The closest thing in Central Oxford to a Wagamama. *'''Cafe de Sofi''', Covered Market - you can't beat one of their baked potatoes for value-for-money at lunchtime. Hot, cheap, and a wide variety of tasty fillings. Also does good baguettes, paninis etc. ===Mid-range=== *'''Quod''' [http://www.quod.co.uk/pages/Oxford.html], 92-94 High Street, tel 01865 202505, daily 12noon-11pm - convenient in its location and of good quality. Emphasis on grills and fish, great desserts. Popular and a bit noisy and exposed, but well worth a visit. *'''Gee's''', Banbury Road. This is a stunning restaurant in a Victorian Conservatory simply oozing opulent charm and elegance. A mix of British/Mediterranean cuisine, quite the place to go. *'''Petit Blanc''', Walton St. Raymond Blanc's Oxford French brasserie is full of charm. It is small and intimate, and the food is unquestionably marvellous. *'''Joe's Cafe''' [http://www.joes-cafe.co.uk], Cowley Road - not far from Magdalen College is this trendy cafe, which does brunch during the day and turns into a popular restaurant at night, even if the menu is a little restrictive. Main courses approx £10. A good list of cocktails, perfect for couples wanting a not too posh intimate meal. *'''Qumin''' [http://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/food/rest/qumin.htm review] - very good Indian restaurant on St. Clements (just past Fishers on the other side of the road). About £8-12 per person. *'''Savannah''' [http://www.savannah.co.uk/] - close to the train station, this restaurant provides lovely food at a more reasonable price than the Randolph, and you get to see it cooked in front of you too! Can do large parties. *'''Zizzi''', George Street. Chain pizza restaurant, more upmarket than Pizza Express, with reasonably priced wine list. Good pasta too. ===Splurge=== *'''Randolph Hotel''' [http://www.therandolphhotel.com/] - excellent but expensive. Predominantly English cuisine, with a la carte or fixed price menus. The bar is also lovely, with a wide selection of drinks including some rather extortionate champagne! *'''The Grand Cafe''', 84 High St, tel 01865 204463, open daily 9am-8pm, no cards - only in England could you take afternoon tea in such opulence - their 'Champagne Tea' is an afternoon extravagance that you'll never forget *'''The Lemon Tree''', 268 Woodstock Rd, Oxford, tel 01865 311936 - a couple of miles north from the city centre, but well worth the trek, The Lemon Tree is regarded by many as the finest restaurant in Oxford ==Drink== Oxford has many old pubs, as well as newer nightclubs. ===Pubs and Bars=== *'''Turf Tavern''', 4 Bath Place (off New College Lane), tel 01865 243235, open 11am-11pm, Su 12noon-10.30pm - a well-hidden pub, but also well known by locals. Good range of beers. Nice beer garden with coal fires where you can roast marshmallows on chilly evenings in spring and autumn. This ancient pub (a favourite with ''Inspector Morse'') is an unmissable Oxford institution that many consider to be the best pub in the city - in the summer watch out for drenched students enjoying the end of their exams. Pint £2.15. *'''Eagle and Child''', 49 St Giles. Also known as "the bird and baby", this pub was the frequent haunt of the Inklings, a group of Oxford literary dons that included CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien *'''The Bear''', Blue Boar Street. Small pub, but curiously full of old school ties. The oldest pub in Oxford by its own description, founded in 1492, and probably has the lowest ceilings of any pub in Oxford. *'''King's Arms''', opposite the Broad Street and the Sheldonian Theatre. This is a mainstream popular pub where prices are a little high, food takes for ever, but people just keep on returning. Its central location may play a large part in this. *'''Hobgoblin''', St. Aldates. Small and traditional but with adequate seating, with drinks varying in price depending on how early you get there. *'''The Old Bookbinders' Arms''', hidden in the backstreets of Jericho (go down Great Clarendon Street, turn right into Canal Street). Has eccentric decorations, but friendly and with lots of beers. *'''Frevd's''', Jericho. Pronounced 'Freud's', this bar and restaurant occupy a grand church building producing a unique, slightly austere atmosphere. When buzzing with people, this becomes a great place for an evening out; the restaurant area is cleared to become a dance floor later in the evening. They serve a range of cocktails from about £3 upwards. *'''Raoul's''', Jericho. A trendy and upmarket cocktail bar. Often very busy at weekends. *'''The Beat Cafe''', Little Clarendon Street. Adjacent to the much loved G&D's, this small bar offers an extensive range of seriously potent cocktails from about £4. Happy Hour until 9pm. *'''The Duke of Cambridge''', Little Clarendon Street. Fashionable for young students wanting great cocktails with some cheeky bar staff. Swisher than you might expect. *'''The Bullingdon''', Cowley Road. Lively and unpretentious with a mixed clientele. Live music and club nights in the back room. Jazz club on Tuesday nights. *'''Half Moon''', St. Clement's. Ignore the plastic faux-Irish outlets in the city centre and head out along the High St and over Magdalen Bridge and enjoy the relaxed vibe in this small, friendly pub. *'''Angel and Greyhound''', St. Clement's. Popular with Friday evening after-work crowd, letting their hair down. In quieter moments good for board games. Food is average. *'''Head of the River''', Folly Bridge. Perfectly located, right on the Thames. This place buzzes on summer evenings, when the large garden gets extremely busy. The interior is pretty miserable, so avoid if the sun isn't shining. ===Nightclubs=== *'''The Bridge'''. Nightclub frequented by students. Two floors - R&B on one, dance on the other. Plenty of acceptable seating, long bars and quite importantly clean bathroom facilities! *'''[http://www.maxwellsoxford.co.uk/ Maxwell's]''', 36-37 Queen Street, (01865) 242192. 11:30AM-2AM every day. Bar and restaurant by day; cocktails and nightclub by evening. Claims to have the longest bar in Oxford. £3-£5 cover (''after 10PM''). *'''[http://nightclubnetwork.co.uk/parkend/ Park End]''', 37-39 Park End Street, (01865) 250181. M-W 9PM-2AM, Th-Sa 9:30PM-2AM. Nightclub frequented by students and locals. Oxford's young and beautiful meet here to drink heavily and dance to uninspired pop tunes. £1-£5 cover, £3 pints, £3 mixed drinks (''some nightly drink specials''). *'''Filth'''. Nightclub frequented by students. Watch out for the sticky floors. Situated above Sainsbury's in The Westgate Centre, go here for pure cheese. *'''[http://www.the-zodiac.co.uk/ The Zodiac]''' - live, usually loud, music and eclectic, fashionable nightclub. *'''Po Na Na's''', 13-15 Magdalen Street. Don't be put off by the inconspicuous entrance- below is a relatively small, mysteriously decorated (apparently its Moroccan), funky cave, with great not-too-loud music, and an unusual and relaxed atmosphere. Cocktails 2 for 1 between 9 and 10:30. ==Sleep== Oxford has a large number of B&Bs and guesthouses, located both centrally and in the suburbs. Check the website of the [http://www.stayoxford.co.uk/ Oxford Association of Hotels and Guesthouses] to get some ideas of available options. Most hotels in the city centre are pretty expensive, and you pay almost London prices. *'''[http://www.therandolphhotel.com/ Randolph Hotel]''' - offers a very English accommodation experience and is centrally located directly opposite the Ashmolean Museum. Can be hired for conference also if required. Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN Tel:+44870 4008200 Fax:+441865 791678. *'''[http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/hotels/oldbank/ The Old Bank Hotel]''', 92-94 High Street, Oxford. ==Buy== A number of shops in the city centre specialise in the ubiquitous Oxford University range of souvenirs. ===Books=== Not unsurprisingly for a university city, Oxford is noted for both antiquarian, specialist and new books. *As well as being a great book store, '''Blackwell's Books''' in Oxford (founded in 1879) is a tourist attraction in itself, the 10,000 square foot Norrington Room excavated beneath Trinity College Gardens laying claim to being the largest space dedicated to book sales in Europe. The main store is centrally located at 48-51 Broad Street, opposite the Sheldonian Theatre, while another 9 specialty branches dot the city ===Equipment=== *'''Elmer Cotton Sports''', 18-19 Turl Street, tel 01865 241 010, fax 01865 790 768 - probably the most convenient sports store in the heart of the city, official suppliers of Dark Blue label sportswear and Oxford University Sports [http://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/] kit and memorabilia ==Get out== *'''[http://www.blenheimpalace.com/ Blenheim Palace]''' - located 8 miles north-west of Oxford in the picturesque and historic town of Woodstock on the A44 Evesham Road - well worth a visit ==External links== *[http://oxford.openguides.org/ Oxford OpenGuide] *[http://the.earth.li/~kake/cgi-bin/openguides/vegan-oxford.cgi Oxford Vegan OpenGuide] *[http://www.visitoxford.org/ The official City of Oxford Tourism website] *[http://www.ox.ac.uk/ University of Oxford Hompage] *[http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/ BBC Online Oxford Homepage] *[http://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/ Daily Information for what's on in Oxford] *[http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/oxfordtour/ Virtual Tour of Oxford] - a great preview website, with lots of Quick Time movies and panoramas, put together by one of the Chemistry faculty staff members First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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