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Oxford is located to the west of London. Oxford is a town to enjoy, viewing the Colleges, punt on the river and marvel at the Oxford architecture.
Oxford has long been a symbol of England's elite academic society. Located about 50 miles west of London in the Thames Valley, Oxford makes for an ideal day visit from London or can be used as a base for exploring some of the nearby villages of Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.
Oxford is home to the prestigious Oxford University, England's equivalent of Ivy League. The university is actually made up of 36 colleges, many of which were founded between the 13th and 16 th centuries. A few of the more well-known colleges are All Souls College, Christ Church College, Corpus Christi College, Lincoln College, Magdalen College, Merton College, New College, Queen's College, St. John's College, and Trinity College. Each of these colleges are architectural wonders and retain many of their original features. Several of them are surrounded by lush, manicured gardens.
Oxford has a rich literary heritage and is a bibliophile's paradise. Aside from the numerous bookshops that can be found along the high street, the Bodleian Library is a must-see. Founded in 1320, the Bodleian is one Europe's oldest libraries and one of Oxford's most treasured historic sites. The Divinity School is also housed within the library. Its intricately carved vaulted ceiling, depicting biblical scenes and a myriad of strange mythical beasts, will leave visitors spellbound.
Oxford is home to a number of impressive museums and galleries. For a true sense of the city's and the university's history, visitors should check out the Museum of Oxford. The Ashmolean Museum is Britain's oldest public museum and one of the best museums outside of London. The Ashmolean boasts a stunning collection of art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and a variety of paintings by renowned artists like Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Admission is free.
Oxford isn't all work and no play. As one might expect with most university towns, Oxford has a thriving nightlife. There are a number of pubs and restaurants within the city, as well as cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and Oxford hotels.
While in Oxford, visitors must participate in one of its most traditional activities: punting. Visitors can hire a boat (punt) and spend a relaxing afternoon on the River Cherwell. Chauffeured punts are also available.
Oxford is a small city, and most of its main sites are within walking distance of each other. Buses and cycles are other popular means of travel. Oxford is well linked to London and its neighboring towns and cities by trains and buses.
Oxford has a compact city centre with twisting lanes, buildings and hidden places to explore. Broad Street provides a good feel of the city with Trinity and Balliol College, the Oxford tourist information centre and Blackwell's bookshop. The main central street is the High Street with its shops stretching down from the Carfax to the River Cherwell at Magdalen Bridge. Surrounding Oxford is the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside with villages and historic houses to visit.
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