Oxford, Oxfordshire
If you’re staying within easy reach of Oxford on your large group holidays in the UK, you should plan a day out visiting this famous city. Oxford is known all over the world for its university colleges and was aptly named the ‘city of dreaming spires’ by poet Matthew Arnold – when you go there you’ll see that it makes perfect sense.
The thing is, there is so much to look at and so much to do in Oxford; the sightseeing is usually top of everyone’s list, to see those hallowed halls and quads, the Bridge of Sighs, and of course, those dreaming spires. What really stands out is the mix of ancient and modern; historic buildings stand alongside mid-century architecture in the bustling city centre, where big names stores line the streets and little alleys and courtyards are home to independent boutique shops; it’s a very eclectic city with the vibe changing from distinctly cosmopolitan to almost romantically old school, depending on which part of it you’re in. Shopaholics will love it because there are big arcades, a historic covered market and regular street markets.
If you want to take in a bit of culture there are plenty of art galleries and libraries to lose yourself in; the Pitt Rivers Museum is fascinating with over half a million archaeological and anthropological objects from all over the world, including shrunken heads and Egyptian mummies, but equally incredible are the displays in the Ashmolean Museum, which include The Alfred Jewel and Guy Fawkes’ lantern.
When you feel the need to escape the crowds in the city centre, go for a wander in the Botanic Gardens, head to the Cherwell for an Oxford River Cruise, or hire punts from Magdalen Bridge Boating House. When you come back, go to The Folly for afternoon tea, or if it’s not too late for lunch, tuck into pub classics at The Angel & Greyhound. Whatever you do, take lots of photos, make lots of memories.
All information correct at the time of writing