Heading to Oxford?
These Oxford journey ideas and strategies for the very best issues to do there are the right strategy to just remember to’ve obtained the true scoop on what it’s like to go to Oxford and the way to verify your journey is successful, whether or not you’re spending sooner or later in Oxford or a couple of days or extra.
From transportation to sights to basic need-to-knows, take pleasure in these journey ideas for Oxford from somebody who loves visiting this nice English metropolis!
1. You don’t want a automobile
Oxford is likely one of the most walkable cities within the UK, and also you don’t want a automobile and shouldn’t deliver one to Oxford (until you simply occur to be on a street journey there, during which case park it someplace after which stroll!)
Once within the metropolis, strolling and utilizing public transportation just like the buses if essential is way simpler than driving and can just remember to actually profit from your time.
2. Make time for the Harry Potter walks
Most folks affiliate London with being the filming location for Harry Potter, and certainly the studio work was performed there.
However, a lot of the outside units and on-location pictures for Harry Potter have been truly filmed in and round Oxford.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make room in your schedule for a Harry Potter stroll in Oxford to see well-known filming areas.
3. Find the Sheldonian Heads
One of essentially the most distinctive issues to do in Oxford is to seek out the Sheldonian Heads (there are 6 in complete). These humorous head statues have an extended historical past in Oxford, and you will discover them on a stretch of street that ends with the Museum of the History of Science (the place you’ll discover two).
Challenge your journey companions to stroll down the road and see who can discover all of them first.
4. Avoid the Summer months if potential
While summer time is arguably the very best climate time within the UK, it’s the worst time to go to Oxford if you wish to keep away from crowds.
Oxford itself isn’t large, and what occurs in the summertime is that visiting college students from around the globe in addition to loads of vacationers descend upon town and trigger what can solely be described as a little bit little bit of chaos.
If you’ve got flexibility in your schedule, go to Oxford within the “shoulder season,” which is April, May, September, and October for fewer guests to compete with.
5. Use the general public transportation connections to London
Oxford is a really well-connected metropolis, however one in all its closest connections is to London.
Whether you’re coming from London to Oxford otherwise you wish to take a day journey to London whereas staying in Oxford, you’ll be able to both take the practice from Oxford Station into Marylebone Station in London, or you’ll be able to hop on the Oxford Tube, which is definitely a fast service bus!
Bus tickets are cheaper with extra stops all through Oxford, however whichever method you journey, benefit from that straightforward hyperlink to a different stunning and iconic English metropolis.
6. Eat within the Covered Market
There are so many eating places in Oxford to select from, however among the best locations to eat is definitely in what is named the Covered Market.
The “Covered” half is superb for in case you get caught within the rain, however there are additionally loads of cafes and meals choices right here to select from, making it a wonderful place for lunch.
If you’re within the temper for a candy deal with, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with Moo’s Milkshakes (the flavour choices are out of this world).
7. Understand the distinction between Oxford University and Oxford Colleges
Often, you may even see indicators for various “colleges” in Oxford, like Christ Church College or Brasenose College.
If you’re not acquainted with the UK instructional system and the Oxford University system particularly, this may be complicated.
Are these random “colleges” or small instructional establishments? Where precisely is Oxford University?
Oxford University is definitely a mix of 44 schools unfold all through town. So a scholar shall be attending “Oxford Uni,” however they are going to truly apply to one of many particular schools throughout the college to dwell and examine at.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for assist
Oxford residents are usually very pleasant and welcoming and more than pleased to assist level you in the fitting course or inform you extra about what they love about Oxford.
As lengthy as you don’t interrupt an individual holding a briefcase who appears to be flying down the road late for a gathering, it’s best to work together with and get to know the native college students and residents who name this beautiful metropolis dwelling. They received’t chew!
One of the very best locations to satisfy the locals, after all, is in a pub!
9. Go punting
Punting means various things to totally different folks relying on the context, however in Oxford, if somebody tells you to “go punting,” it means a kind of boat journey that occurs on a river.
The boat itself is known as a “punt,” and you’ll have another person steer it for you or you’ll be able to attempt it with associates.
Go punting from the Magdalen Boathouse in the summertime months to soak up Oxford from a wholly totally different perspective and participate in one of the vital fashionable native pastimes when the climate is heat.
10. Save cash by consuming picnics within the parks
Oxford is an extremely inexperienced metropolis with loads of parks, and among the best methods to save cash whilst you’re in Oxford in case you’re on a little bit of a finances is to eat lunch (and dinner within the hotter, lighter months) within the parks.
Simply cease by any meals store like Sainsbury’s and seize your self a “meal deal,” which usually features a sandwich, crisps, and a drink, and take it to someplace like Oxford University Parks to sit down on a bench and eat whilst you watch the world go by.
You’ll save a ton of cash, get some Vitamin D, and get to understand what Mother Nature has to supply in Oxford!
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Kalyn runs Girl Gone London