A wander around Oxford Part 1

 

    No matter whether you are staying in Oxford or coming into the city to visit time is important.  There are so many potential places to visit and rushing can only cause stress which should really be left to those attending any one of the beautiful colleges that make up the University of Oxford.


     A few facts to get your head around in planning your visit.  Most important are:
a.  Colleges are not always open to the public.  It pays to select which you want to see and either contact the college or look on their website before you visit.
b.  There are times of the year when museums and galleries are not open on a Monday. Check websites for opening times.
c.   Bicycles are in great numbers, about twenty thousand come into Oxford each day, they are quiet and bells are not often rung.  LOOK before stepping onto the road or lane.
d.   Be aware that there are those around that would like to lighten your load so be careful of your wallets and bags.
e.   Cars are not permitted to enter certain streets in the city. They are:
      i.   High Street between 7.30am and 6.30pm.
      ii   Broad Street western end closed 24hr.
      iii  Park End Street beyond the car park access. 
      iv  Turl Street during daylight
      v   Cornmarket Street has all traffic banned seven days a week.
f.    I was once asked, "Where is the University?"  The reply, "You are standing in the midst of it."  The University of Oxford, like Cambridge University, is a collegiate university meaning it is made up of colleges and departments.  There are thirty eight colleges and six permanent private halls as well as many departments making up the University so it all comes back to time.  How much do you have to look around?
g.    The University also has Museums, libraries, parks and gardens.  These, along with the rest of the sights of Oxford means planning is paramount.
h.    Purchase, download or find a map of Oxford for it is easy to get around yet also easy to get lost and end up walking around in circles and not seeing all you planned to see.
i.     Parking is time limited and expensive.  In saying that, if you happened to collect a parking ticket from one of the obliging parking inspectors, pay it immediately and you will receive a discount.  Better still, use the Park and Ride.

     I am sure there is much more  you would like to know in your planning.  Simply ask and I will try to answer your questions.   I will give you my favourite places to visit, eat and drink as well as money changing and quality souvenirs. 

Helping you get the best out of Oxford Part 2

    Before exploring the city of Oxford it is, if time permits, worth skirting around the edges looking in.

    There are a few elevated places to enjoy a view of the dreaming spires.  Outside the ring road is the great viewing locations of Hinksey Hill and Boars Hill located off the A34 close to the intersection of the A34 and A423.  Take the Hinksey Hill Road and follow directions although asking locals is always a sure way of arriving at exactly the best spot to view.

    Closer to Oxford and within walking distance of the city centre is South Park.  There is a stunning view across Oxford to the countryside beyond from the top of the hill.  I summer the park is filled with frisbee throwing students and is a wonderful place for a picnic.

    For those more energetic the walk along the Oxford Canal to Wolvercote, across to the River Thames then back to Oxford is a wonderful way to spend a few hours.

    Taking the tow path at Hythe Bridge Street where it crosses the Castle Mill Stream.   This is easily reached from the Seacourt Park and Ride on Botley Road just off the A34.  It is a very interesting walk along the tow path although care must be taken at certain times of the year.   Some problems as well as advantages are:

     a.    Nettles grow profusely during summer and intrude onto the edges of the tow path.   They do sting although sticky tape wrapped around the hand sticky side then dabbed on the sting is a good way of removing the fine stinging hairs.

    b.     Nesting geese can bail you up along the way.   Be wary for they do like to protect their territory.

    c.    Cyclists share the tow path which is not overly wide so keep an eye out for them and listening ear for their warning bell.

    d.     Blackberry grows very well along the tow path and, although pruned in winter, is strong and larger than life in summer.  One benefit is the fruit so easily picked when in season.   Enjoy while you  take in the sights.

   Points of interest along the Canal beginning at the cast-iron single arch Oxford Canal Roving Bridge (243) are:

     a.     The site of the Castle Mill Boat Yard, cause of much protest back in 2007, as well as St. Barnabas Church.

     b.     The residential mooring toward Wolvercote.  Maybe have a chat with one of the locals.

     c.      The St Edward's Lift Bridge (238)

     d.      Balls Bridge (237) a Grade II listed building at Wolvercote.

     e.      The Plough pub just a short walk across Ball's Bridge.

     f.       Wolvercote Lock

     From Wolvercote Lock take the steps up to the road bridge and head west toward the River Thames.   Points of interest along the way are:

     a.     Port Meadow across which is afforded a good view of the Oxford  spires.

     b    The Post Box store where a delicious somosa can be purchased.   Say hello to Carl.

     c.   The Red Lion pub where a delicious meal can be bought along with a satisfying ale.

     d.     Airmen's Bridge named in memory of two airmen killed in a plane crash nearby.

    e.    The Trout Inn where a delicious meal and ale can be consumed beside the fast flowing River Thames.   This is one of the locations used in the Inspector Morse series.

    Cross the River Thames then turn downstream making sure you have a look at the Godstow Nunnery ruins then the Godstow Lock.  This is an electro-hydraulic lock operated by a Lock-keeper. Stop and have a chat and watch how the boats navigate this part of the river.

     Follow the path back to Oxford taking in the sights along the way.  This is a peaceful walk with views of the spires, the expanse of Port Meadow with the free roaming horses and cows.  Be aware that the free roaming cows you pass along the way can be dangerous if you cross between mother and calf.

   Crossing the Medley Footbridge gives a good view up and downstream before you continue on downstream to Osney Bridge where you are able to catch the Park and Ride back to your vehicle at Seacourt.

     If you feel energetic before heading down the River Thames you could always keep going to Wytham which is a quaint little village with possibly one of the nicest pubs, The White Hart which is quaint, warm and welcoming.   Check its opening times before visiting to make sure you are not disappointed.

Helping you get the best out of visiting Oxford Part 1

    Oxford is an amazing city to visit and easy to get around at the right time of year being either side of summer.  In summer the place is packed with tourists filling the footpaths and the places of interest.  If you do not mind crowds then this is a good time to visit to see Oxford filled with colour from the many flower boxes filled with spectacular blooms hanging from shop fronts and light posts.

    Spring offers the burst of colour along the roads with the plentiful showing of daffodils and other tubular plants growing wild along the verges.

    Autumn is the opposite with the golden glow of many shades of yellow, orange, red and the countless shades in-between as the trees and shrubs turn and begin to shed their leaves.

    Whichever season you choose to visit you will be assured of an amazing spectacle of beautiful buildings, delightful walks and delicious food.  Oxford is a must for Harry Potter, Lewis and Inspector Morse fans with many locations from the films and series easily recognised.  My suggestion is to research before you arrive to make sure you know the colleges, locations and pubs used in the series of your interest.  I recall one lady with her son in tow, when I was working at the Examination Schools, asking, "Where is the Harry Potter college?"  The college she was seeking was Christ Church.

    Suggestions to help make your visit much more enjoyable:

   a.    If possible, spread your visit over two days at least for there really is so much to            do and take in,

    b.    Look for accommodation out of Oxford for it will be cheaper and, if a B&B or self catering, much more interesting.

    c.    Do not drive into Oxford and park for it is expensive and time is limited.  The best

solution is to take advantage of the Park and Ride.  This does cost yet is no where near the cost of two hour parking in the city.  Park and Ride can be found at:          
          i.    Thornhill - located off the A40 from Thame, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, London             and the M40 to the east of Oxford, just before the ring road.
          ii.   Redbridge - located off the A34 from Abingdon, Didcot and Newbury, located south of Oxford.
          iii.  Seacourt - located off the A420 from Swindon and Bath, to the west of Oxford on the Botley Road. 

          iv.   Peartree - located to the north of Oxford and can be accessed off the A40 from Witney and Cheltenham, the A4260 from Kidlington, the A34 from Banbury, Bicester and Northhampton and the M40.
          v.    Water Eaton - located to the north of Oxford accessed off the A40, A4260, A34 and the M40.
    d.   Look for quality and not quantity while visiting.  It is better to spend time in a few colleges than rush through them all.  This is obvious also when dropping in to one of the many pubs.
    e.   Go out and look in.  There a many locations outside of the city where a view of the dreaming spires can be truly appreciated. 

    In the next blog I will skirt around the edge of the city then follow up with a tour around the more interesting sites within Oxford itself.

Getting the best out of Visiting England

    This blog is for all those people who are thinking of visiting England and are looking for information to help them with their planning of where to visit.

    I spent four years living in Oxford and, apart from visits to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France, searching out beautiful and quaint villages occupied the occasional weekend.

    All that is written is of experiences enjoyed while visiting each of the villages.  The blog will have routes taken using Oxford as the start point with hints as to how to gain the most from the experience. Public transport is only used to travel from Oxford to London, Hop-on Hop-off busses and Park and Ride where applicable.  Rail is not considered except in Wales where a steam train trip is written about.

     Most journeys are day trips although there are two extended stays which include accommodation.  Best times to visit are explained as are satisfactory snack/meal locations.

    Most of the locations will be from Warwick through to Lands End with a brief look at Dover and making the trip across to France and beyond using  the tunnel or Chunnel as it is affectionately called.

    I trust the information will be of use to those who are looking to visit the areas shown in this blog and are looking to do it on a budget.  There is no five star accommodation and certainly no, other than pub or cafe, dining experiences although this should not deter those who wish to indulge from experiencing the locations visited.