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.

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:

Biography: Maria writes for - providers of .