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Oxford Travel Guide, United Kingdom

Oxford Overview - The City of Dreaming Spires

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Oxford is the University of Oxford, Britain’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher education. However, not many people know that this Oxfordshire city is a little jewel when it comes to touristic value. The city of Oxford has a lot to offer to the discerning eye. Although at the first glance it seems to be nothing more than a university town, albeit one with very fetching architecture, Oxford has many attractions that can keep the curious visitor busy for a long time. If you’re looking for a quiet holiday spent visiting churches and bookshops, Oxford will surpass even your wildest expectations. If you’re expecting to have a blast in a nightclub, again you won’t be disappointed, Oxford is a university city after all, and has been so for more than half a century.

Oxford Overview - Transport

Oxford is easily reachable if you choose to travel by train or bus. The railway station is close to the city centre, and it is serviced by a large number of routes. With the Cross Country service you can catch direct trains as far as Edinburgh or Manchester. The Oxford Bus company runs regular services to London, but smaller companies operate on other routes as well. Unfortunately for those who travel by plane, there is no airport in close vicinity to Oxford. The nearest airports are Heathrow and Gatwick, two of London’s busiest airports. On the plus side, these tow airports have incoming flights from all major cities in the world.

Oxford Overview - Accommodation

Oxford hotels can be every bit as expensive as in London, but there are numerous B&Bs and guesthouses that can suit any wallet. Just a piece of advice from this Oxford Travel Guide: always make a reservation well in advance. Especially in summer, the city is thronged with tourists. The Oxford Association of Hotels and Guesthouses is a good starting point, as it offers a list of establishments complete with addresses and phone numbers. Backpackers will definitely love the Central Backpackers Hostel and the Oxford Backpackers, which offer good conditions at very reasonable prices. For those who want to indulge in a bit of English luxury, the Burlington House Hotel provides five-star rooms

Oxford Overview - Architecture

Founded in the 9th century, Oxford is like a time capsule that carefully preserves little bits of England’s history. The city is a mingling of old and new, of medieval architecture and modern technology. Oxford is called ‘the city of dreaming spires’ precisely because of its wealth of gothic towers which have not yet been overshadowed by modern structures. Cathedrals, churches and obviously the various colleges make up most, if not all, of Oxford’s architectural charm. Some buildings date back to pre-medieval times, but the most noteworthybuildings of the city are built in Gothic-Revival style, just like in Cambridge, Britain's other famous university town. The Oxford Travel Guide recommends the tour of the University, it is guaranteed to give you an eyeful of the city's best features.

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Oxford
travel tip by johnnybravo posted more then 30 days ago
Know how to ride a push bike, as thats what everyone does!
Pitt Rivers Museum
travel tip by Guinevere1988 posted more then 30 days ago
The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford has a great display of culturaland archeological items. Everything is categorized by topic, so it is easier for the visitor to understand what he/she is seeing. There are collections of Religious items,...
Sightseeing in Oxford with the bus
travel tip by Guinevere1988 posted more then 30 days ago
Sightseeing buses may seem as a waste of time and money, but in the case of towns like Oxford I would say that they are the perfect choice. Oxford official tour bus tickets have an affordable price and if you purchase a ticket you get...