Holidays in Oxford

Located in the south of England just 50 miles west of London, Oxford is the oldest university town in the United Kingdom. In fact its university is the oldest in the English speaking world, and along with its fierce rival Cambridge University, the city is representative of centuries of English academia. Oxford holidays offer an unforgettable glimpse into the history of this city which is home to many important discoveries and groundbreaking figures.

Oxford Holidays: Getting Around

It is easy to get to Oxford via train from airports such as Birmingham Airport and London Heathrow. The city itself is easy to get around on foot, and there are guided tours available between the sights. The best time of year to visit is in the summer, when visitors can enjoy sitting in one of the city's parks and the universities are quieter. The time zone is GMT.

Oxford Holidays: Where to Start

Often called the city of "Dreaming Spires" because of its many impressive churches and buildings, Oxford is a great place to wander around with many beautiful medieval streets. Take a tour of the Bodleian Library, the main research library of the University of Oxford. The Bodleian was opened in 1602, making it one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Nearby in Radcliffe Square is one of Oxford's landmarks, the Radcliffe Camera. Completed in 1749, the circular building features a grand reading room for students.

Many of the colleges are open for visitors on certain days. Christ Church College has a stunning green space offering great views of the spires, and doubled as the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films. For a world class museum, head to the Ashmolean, Britain's oldest public museum, founded in 1683. The museum displays ancient artefacts and has exhibitions suited to all the family.