Oxford is one of the most beautiful cities in England. It’s amazing, noble buildings are awe-inspiring, whilst the streets feel like you could be strolling around in a period piece, which is why it’s been the setting for countless television programmes and films, from Harry Potter and The Golden Compass to Inspector Morse and Downton Abbey! Check out our guide to the city!
Start off with a hearty breakfast
You’ll need a good meal in you to start off the day of exploring the city, so head to Oxfork for the best in local, fresh and sustainable produce. Oxfork serves up great customer service along side their delicious food, with their quirky décor adding to the charm of the place. Their huge breakfasts will leave you feeling ready to take on the world, with an array of egg dishes and fried breakfasts and, our favourite, The All American – a big stack of fluffy American-style pancakes with bacon, fried egg and maple syrup. Yes please!
Head off for a stroll
You can’t really walk anywhere in the city without stopping to appreciate the architecture and gorgeous sites. The University buildings are particularly impressive so make sure to swing by St. John’s, All Souls, and Hertford and Christ Church, home to some scenes from the Harry Potter films! The University Botanic Garden is also a beautiful place to explore 5000 or so different plant species growing in the gardens.
Explore
The Ashmolean Museum is the world’s first University museum, established in 1683 to house the cabinet of curiosities that Elias Ashmole gave to the University of Oxford in 1677. Nowadays, it hosts fantastic exhibitions and collections, from drawings and paintings by Michelangelo, Picasso and Leonard da Vinci to artefacts owned by Lawrence of Arabia and manuscripts from the Old and New Testament of the Bible. Currently hosting an Andy Warhol exhibition, this year will also see exhibitions in Chinese and Asian art and shipwreck treasures from the Sicilian Seas!
Time to refuel?
Need something in your belly to keep you going for the rest of the evening? Then head straight to Edamame, an authentic and affordable Japanese restaurant. This place has a great community vibe with people often sharing tables due to how busy the place gets, but don’t be put off by that because when it’s busy the atmosphere is fantastic! If you’re in town on a Thursday make sure to book in on their sushi night, for amazing quality sashimi, nigiri and gunkan.
Wander around the stalls
The Covered Market stalls are a brilliant place to explore, with the aromas of fresh bread, coffee and flowers drifting through the air. The historic market has been open since 1774, offering up handmade gifts like jewellery, clothing and homeware to fresh local produce such as cheese, meats, bread and fish.
Need a drink after all that?
Need a good drink but don’t want to sit in a boring pub? Head on over to Big Society, a large space that is undoubtedly cool. With weekly craft markets, local art displays, quizzes and even ping-pong tournaments this place is all about the fun! The array for drinks are great, with specially sourced craft beers from the likes of Brewdog, Brooklyn, Beavertown and Flying Dog. Their house pale ale, brewed by Oxford Shotover, has some amazing depth and character. If you need a snack to keep you dancing along with the late night DJ’s, then the kitchen services up daily specials alongside fat cheeseburgers and sticky hotwings till 10PM.
