Oxford is not just the University although it does play a huge part in the reason people visit Oxford in huge numbers. There is so much more to see and some really quaint pubs in which you may appease your appetite with some really delicious food.
Some streets are a must to see. They are:
a. The High Street. Described as "one of the world's greatest streets" because of the gentle curve lined by some of the most beautiful buildings. Looking toward Carfax there are the Examination Schools on the left, University College also on the left and then on the right are Queen's College,All Souls and Brasenose Colleges. Worth visiting is St. Mary's Church with a climb to the top of the tower a must to appreciate the views of the top of Oxford. Many beautiful buildings line the High Street the last being Carfax Tower, the last remains of the 12th century St Martin's Church. Climb to the top for a beautiful view down The High.
b. Cornmarket Street. Closed to traffic and very busy. There are a few amazing buildings in this street the most interesting being the tower of St Michael of Northgate. It is ther oldest building in Oxford and dates back to about AD 1000 - 1050. Worth seeing also is the timber-framed building on the corner of Ship Street. It is the surviving half of a building which was completed in 1386.
c. Broad Street. A beautiful wide street which is a must to explore. There is The Oxford Story, book shops, gift shops, Balliol and Trinity Colleges and, just after Trinity, The White Horse which is possibly one of the most delightful pubs to enter and have a pint in.
Other streets worthy of a wander and explore are Holleywell, Turl and Merton Streets. Merton Street is a beautiful untouched cobblestone street so be careful when walking along the street.
Rose Lane off of the High Street, right beside The Botanic Garden is a must. It leads down to Dead Man's Walk which runs behind Merton and Corpus Christi Colleges, onto Broad Walk to The back of Christ Church then down to the River Isis, or River Thames anywhere else other than Oxford.
Pop over to the other side of Magdalen Bridge for a great photograph looking back toward Magdalen College. Once taken head back then walk down between the bridge and Magdalen College. There is a great little gift shop there and it is here also where you are able to hire a Punt. Hop on board and punt your way upstream to the The Victoria pub with its beer garden.
Oxford Castle has been brought back to life and is no longer used for a prison as seen in the T.V. series, Porridge. It is beautifully restored and, dare I say, changed in some areas but well worth the time to explore.
There are many hidden gems in Oxford to keep you exploring for hours or even days depending on what you like to look at. All this looking of course makes you thirsty and hungry and my favourite place to satisfy both is the Eagle and Child in St Giles. The Inklings, an Oxford writer's group met at least one day a week in the pub. The group included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
A good meal can also be picked up in the Covered Markets which has quite a selection of food as well as apparel and gifts.
There is something for everyone in Oxford so my advice is go have a long wander around and take in the delights it has to offer. Down at the curve in Beaumont Street is the tourist information. Best advice........... visit it first.
No comments:
Post a Comment