Renting a holiday flat or cottage is a lovely way to experience Oxford. With its many colleges and long history, there is an amazing amount to see and do in the area. By renting an Oxford apartment, you can create an experience that would be similar to that of a university student - well, probably much nicer - or you can just enjoy the many activities that the town offers. Regardless of the type of experience that you are hoping to create, a holiday flat or cottage has many advantages. Many rentals now offer Wi-Fi and even a washer/dryer. If you're lucky, you also may find a well-stocked kitchen in which you can prepare a few meals during your stay.
As with any university town, there are many high- and low-brow ways to amuse you. You'll find good theatre, interesting restaurants and great museums. And, if you prefer, you can take yourself on a pub crawl and experience many of the brilliant pubs in Oxford.
Oxford is located just 50 miles outside London so it's easy to get to without a car. If you do take advantage of the railway, you may want to stay in town or make sure that your holiday cottage has bicycles, a wonderful way to see Oxford and the surrounding countryside. Most cottages offer roomy accommodations, full kitchens and a sitting room with a fireplace. A holiday cottage is a wonderful place to find peace and inspiration. The location is also perfect for exploring Oxfordshire and the Cotswold.
If you decide to stay in town, an Oxford apartment is a fabulous way to feel like you are a part of the local history. From your flat, the best way to experience the town is on foot so that you can notice all the nuances that you might otherwise miss. The town is steeped in architectural history and should be appreciated at a slow pace. Most holiday flats are filled with charm and architectural finishes that aren't found in more modern accommodations.
If you want to have an authentic experience, you should spend your morning in a café, soaking in the local culture. You may want to spend your afternoon punting on the Cherwell, weather permitting, or in a museum. And, after retiring to your flat to smarten yourself up, you should have a good meal at one of the nearby restaurants and then spend your evening in one of the many pubs, two of the better known of which are the Bear Inn with its diverse crowd or the Turf Tavern, frequented by Thomas Hardy and Bill Clinton.
But whether you stay in town or in the country, you will leave Oxford better educated, whether in the traditional sense or in the more contemplative. You will have traveled well-worn paths, and left all the better for it.
