Oxford

Oxford

Oxford stands at the confluence of two rivers: the Cherwell and the Isis, as the Thames is known at this point. Originally a Saxon town, it was not until the twelfth century that its Augustinian abbey began to attract students. The first colleges were built in the thirteenth century, and others followed, right up to the twentieth century, in order to keep pace with the growing student population.

The city's industrial side took off after the canal system was built, linking Oxford with the Midlands, and car manufacturing at Cowley began in earnest in 1912. The divide between 'town and gown' has always been in existence and to this day students rarely mix with locals. Tourism is always evident in Oxford because its wealth of historic buildings and world-famous museums draws visitors from around the world. Do not forget to visit the famous covered market - at Christmas the traditional butchers there have fantastic displays of game such as wild boar and venison for sale.

Colleges have visiting hours and entrance fees, but when they are off-limits there are plenty of other things to do and see: beautiful walks by the canal and rivers, and punting during the summer, museums such as the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers, art galleries and of course hundreds of restaurants, pubs, bars and night clubs. Stroll around this historic city and soak up the atmosphere by day, and in the evening listen to a classical music concert. Some of the interesting places to visit are like Magdelen College, Balliol College, Christ Church, New College, Radcliffe Camera and Sheldonian Theatre.