While holidaying in the Cotswolds, we wanted to visit Oxford for the day. Oxford is such a historic city. Aside from its famous University, there are so many other things to see and do. This was our first time visiting and we wanted to see some of its splendours.
We had chosen our base, which you can read about – Kirtlington – a Cotswolds Holiday. Kirtlington is just 12 miles north of Oxford, so we decided to drive down for the day. Rather than driving into town, we opted for a park and ride on the outskirts.
City Centre
The park and ride bus dropped us at George Street. We headed south down Cornmarket Street and soaked up the atmosphere of a bustling shopper’s delight. There is a mix of both old and new structures, intermingled with historic university and college buildings. Along with the usual chain stores, there are many independent shops. To the end of Queen Street is a modern shopping complex, the Westgate.
We were more interested in the architecture than the shops, but given that it attracts over 9 million a year, there must be enough in Oxford’s centre to cater for most people’s requirements and interests.
Oxford Castle and Prison
Off of Cornmarket Street is Queen Street and then New Road, which took us to Oxford Castle and Prison. Like a lot of attractions, this was still closed due to the COVID lockdown restrictions. It looks like a great place for the visitor from what I read after our visit. We opted for lunch next door, but soon realised it was still a tad too chilly for al fresco dining in springtime – yet another restrictive rule of COVID. Once all the restrictions are lifted, Oxford has plenty of lovely eateries with dining for all weathers.
University of Oxford
Tracking back and further down Cornmarket Street is a junction. We headed east along High Street with its amazing buildings on either side of the road to the Church of St Mary the Virgin. There is a walkway on either side of the church that opens up to Radcliffe Square. The magnificent buildings we had stumbled upon were all part of the University. There are many impressive premises, one of which is the Radcliffe Camera. It’s a round structure with a domed roof, constructed circa 1740 as a science library.
To the east of Radcliffe Camera is All Souls College, founded in 1438. Again, a very imposing building with magnificent architecture.
To the north is the Old Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in the land. There is an underground passageway. the Gladstone Link, connecting it with the Radcliffe Camera.
To the west, is Exeter College and Christ Church, the home of Oxford’s cathedral.
A little further around this mix of amazing buildings is the Bridge of Sighs. Well, a little more quaint and smaller than the one in Venice, it is actually Hertford Bridge that links two parts of Hertford College. It looks old but was completed in 1914.
East to Magdalen Bridge
We continued the walk along High Street with yet more grand buildings. It eventually opens out and onto Magdalen Bridge which spans the River Cherwell. Looking over, you see all the traditional punts, so synonymous with Oxford, lined up ready for hire.
It is said that there has been a crossing at this point since 1004. A likely wooden structure has been replaced over and over. During the 1700s one of the stone replacements collapsed. It was rebuilt, and then in the 1800s widened to accommodate a tramway. This explains why the bridge appears so wide today.
By now, it was getting late in the day, so we wandered back into town, still marvelling over the overwhelming architecture of the many structures.
Oxford is well worth a visit. It would be good to return when COVID is long forgotten to see a much more vibrant and bustling city of bicycles, eateries and punts on the river.
We considered that Oxford would be a good base for a Cotswolds holiday. There would be a great deal going on both day and night, and good public transport and excursions to popular Cotswolds attractions. Here is a list of hotels, guest houses, and holiday accommodations in Oxford.
Here is a wider collection of hotels and properties if you are interested in a Cotswolds holiday.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has inspired you to visit Oxford someday. If you have already visited, share your experience and any ideas or recommendations below.
