Oxford
is situated about 55 miles north-west of Central London. It is therefore
well within the range of a day trip.
It is
known as the "city of dreaming spires", in reference to
the harmonious architecture of the university buildings. The River
Thames runs through Oxford, where for a distance of some 10 miles
it is known as the Isis.
By
far the most popular activity for visitors is to take a walking tour
of the colleges. |
Bridge
of Sighs Oxford |
Just a few miles north of Oxford is Blenheim
Palace, a world heritage site, home of the Duke of Marlborough
and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. |
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Walking
Around Oxford |
Many
of Oxford's most interesting sights are clustered near the centre
of the city. Even if you are pushed for time you can fit in a visit
to a significant proportion of the main attractions. There is a choice
of walks that depart regularly through the day from in front of the
main tourist office and in front of Trinity College in Broad Street
on a whole range of themes and duration's.
Self Guided Walk & Guide To
Main Sights
For those who prefer the convenience, flexibility and of course low
cost option of a self guided walk, there is a very good self guided
walk and guide to all that is worthwhile seeing in Oxford at the link
blow.
Set
of Three Self Guided Walks Of Oxford
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Oxford
Colleges
There
are 39 official Colleges of the University spread throughout the centre
of the city.
Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world and
lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. There is no
clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in 1096 and
developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students
from attending the University of Paris.
In the 13th century, rioting between townspeople and student hastened
the establishment of primitive halls of residence.
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Typical
Oxford College |
These
were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval
'halls of residence' or endowed houses under the supervision of a
Master. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, established between
1249 and 1264, are the oldest.
Walking tours of the city, which include visits to college and university
sites, are offered each day by the Oxford Guild of Guides. Tours last
two hours and leave the Tourist Information Centre at 15-16 Broad
Street at 11am and 2pm, with extra tours during high season.
Which colleges are visited differ day to day, depending on the activities
of individual colleges.
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Oxfam
Along Broad street near the tourist office is the first permanent
charity shop was opened by Oxford Committee for Famine Relief in 1948.
It is still an Oxfam shop, and a small plaque marks its historical
importance.
The
Oxford Committee for famine relief was formed in 1942 to provide
relief to the people of Greece who were starving under Nazi occupation
and allied blockade. Subsequently it extended its work to victims
of other wars and famines, and became a powerful and well-known
force for lobbying and education: addressing the causes of famine
as well as emergency relief.
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City
Sightseeing Bus
Like in many towns and cities in the UK popular with tourists, a hop
on, hop off open top bus operates in Oxford. There
are stops at all the main attractions and also the bus and rail stations.
Commentary is available in 9 languages in addition to English.
Departures are around every 15 minutes daily, a curcuit taking around
an hour if you don't get off.
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