Things to see and do in Oxford

There is more to Oxford than just a world renowned centre of learning. The city is awash with culture, architecture, shopping, entertainment and sport. Its situation is also ideal with London is just about an hours drive away and the beautiful Oxfordshire country side just on your doorstep.

Enjoy lazy summers days by punting along the river Isis. The hugely popular past time of punting along the river is the perfect way to relax and let the stress and strains of the day slip away as you float gently down the river. Reminiscent of gondola rides through Venice, it’s also one of the best ways to explore the city.

Oxford is fast becoming as famous for its literary creations and scenic film locations as its University. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis were both university lecturers and were living in Oxford when they wrote there most famous works. A tour is available which will take you through the city to see the locations where they lived, spent their free time and visit the location that inspired them most. Film and TV fans will also find plenty to keep them busy. Scenes from the Harry Potter films where filmed throughout the city, the Universities ancient halls and colleges were used to recreate the wizerding school Hogwarts. The long running TV series Inspector Morse was filmed in the city. Tours are now available so that you can walk in the footprints of Morse and see the sights that have become so familiar to millions of us.

Oxford is a shopper’s haven. All the very best of the high street and department stores can be found in the main shopping streets of Oxford and its two shopping centres. Oxford also has a wealth of independent and boutique shops. Try exploring some of the smaller streets where you will find one-of gift shops jewelers, silversmiths and a whole host of shops selling most things you could ever think of. Some streets of note to explore include Gloucester Green with is open air markets and Golden Cross, the former square of a medieval inn where Shakespeare Players often performed en route from London to Stratford-upon-Avon.

The cosmopolitan city of Oxford can also boast great museums like the Ashmolean Museum, fantastic theater, Opera, live music and stand up shows, including spotting the stars of the future at a student production. There are also many bars and clubs to guarantee a good night out is had by all. It’s easy to see why oxford is one of the only areas in the country where house prices continue to rise.