Oxford

**WHERE**: United Kingdom, Northwest of London
**WHY**: Excellent history, easily accessible, beautiful streetscapes.
**TIME**: 1 night.

As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a fantastically unique and historic institution. Easily accessible as a day trip from London, Oxford is well worth the patronage of any visitor to the UK. While I’ve not been able to find a clear date of foundation of the University itself, some form of teaching has existed at Oxford since at least 1096 AD, and is known to have developed rapidly from 1167 AD , when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. And yes, a scene in one of the Harry Potter films was also filmed here. So ditch the dreaded group walking tours and sign up for our personally verified day-long walking tour of Oxford.

Start the day at Carfax Tower, located at the junction of St Aldate’s, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and the High Street. If feeling generous, you can pay the fee to ascend the tower for a commanding panorama of the city (editors note, I didn’t bother). However, the tower itself is gorgeous, even from a street level, and does provide a nice foundation to your day - being the onyl remains of St. martin’s Church, the original church of Oxford. Sick of history? Yep, me too - so get moving, it’s coffee time head to ‘The Handle Bar’ café on St. Michael’s street. The coffee here is awesome, and I can provide my personal testimony to the deliciousness of the Pancakes – truly inspiring stuff.

After fuelling up, your next move is going to be to head towards the Christchurch College. This awe-inspiring and imposing little complex can be easily reached after ten minutes. Once there, step right past the daunting walls to the public gardens right next door. Whilst technically owned by Christchurch College, these gardens are freely available to the public every day of the week until 6 pm.

Follow the brown dirt path along the fields containing some very urbanised cows until you reach the Thames – take a hard left here and following the river. You’ll pass by scores of students walking to and from college, and may even pass by several of the prestigious rowing teams sluicing up and down the river. Carry on, following the path until it winds back towards Christchurch college – this was my favourite part of the walk – you’ll wander beneath vast, sweeping willow trees and by a babbling river that feeds into the Thames. After following this trail for another 15 minutes, you should have wound your way back to where you started. When you leave Christ Church, turn right on St. Aldates street and then turn right on High Street. On the left side of the street, you’ll find a tiny entry into the Covered Market. If you’re in the market for Oxford themed trinkets, you’re now in luck - for anything else, maybe just walk on by.

Now, in the name of seeing a bit more history, it’s time to make your way through town to the Motte and Bailey Oxford Castle that dominates the skyline just to the west of the city. It should be about a five minute walk from your current location. You can choose to do a tour of the old castle gaol once here – however, I’d advise you save your money and just pay the 1 pound entry fee to ascend the old hill fort – the views are truly arresting, and you won’t find a better viewpoint to survey Oxford from for such a price. To pay, just enter the small gift-shop (beware, Harry Potter merchandise dominates) and pay at the counter – you’ll be given a small code to enter.

After descending the fort, you’ll have hopefully worked up a small appetite, and it’s time to see a slightly different historical slant to this fabled city of learning. Make your way to the ‘Turf Tavern’ – access is strictly by foot, as you’ll be wandering through a few tightly woven alleways to get here. However, this pub is absolutely worth the walk. Said to have been established in the 12th century, The Turf Tavern is everything you’d want from a pub in Oxford – low hanging ceilings, tiny rooms, and a distinctly homely feeling. Pick out a table, order some food (slow cooked pork is my pick) and while away an hour or so. For those visiting of an Australian background, no visit to The Turf Tavern would be complete without visiting the plaque in the back patio area where our former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke set the world record for the fastest drinking of a yard glass full of beer in history – 11 seconds – if that hasn’t done wonders for our international image, then I don’t know what will.

Read my guide to the best pubs in the U.K here.

Once re-fuelled, get moving once again – it’s time to walk to some of the more fabled buildings in Oxford, the Bodleian Library. Enter through the ornate gate opposite the Bridge of Sighs on Catte Street, and then walk straight and turn left when you get to a doorway. As the second largest library in England, both the Building and its contents are equally impressive here. And yes, yes, The Bodleian was used in the filming of Harry Potter.

Your final official stop is rather of the more commercial nature. Now head to Blackwell’s Bookshop, which is located right near Trinity College. this is a personal pick of mine - a bookstore with 4 levels, a series of passageways below ground, and every Hemingway, Coetzee or Knausgard book that I’d ever need. This is an absolute must do for anyone visiting Oxford - spend a few pounds here, you won’t regret it for the experience of exploring alone.

Now, footsore and weary, you need to haul yourself for your final locale, The Bear Inn - located close by to Blackwells on St. Alfred Street, The Bear has been servicing weary intellectuals and travellers alike since the 13th century, and will provide whatever tonic your weary body needs at this stage. Post up, drink up, and enjoy, the night is yours!

Featured