About Oxford

The city of Oxford is home one of the most illustrious and ancient universities in the world - the University of Oxford - which was founded in the 12th century.

Like Cambridge, Oxford's great rival, the city has had an endless list of talented alumni over the years, including great scientists, Nobel prize-winners, kings, prime ministers and presidents.

Some of Britain's most prolific writers sprung from Oxford including the authors C. S. Lewis (of "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" fame) and "Lord of the Rings" author J. R. R. Tolkien, whose works have recently become box office smashes after decades as bookshop best sellers.

The University itself has grown up over many centuries since it's foundation, and this is reflected in the range of architectural styles you can see as you pass through the immaculately manicured courtyards of the colleges.

But the countryside never seems that far away as Oxford has a generous number of parks and open spaces, some council owned and some, like the University Botanic Gardens, as the name suggests, by the university; these gardens are home to a myriad of interesting and exotic plants and are well worth a visit.

Of course the best way to really see the city is from the relative comfort of a punt (chauffeur optional) - these are available for hire for a small deposit.

For those on foot there are a number of retail and recreational opportunities on offer: several museums of interest, including the Ashmolean Museum (the oldest in Britain) and the Museum of Natural History which houses the remains of a Dodo; a variety of shopping areas and a large covered market; and many historic pubs and theatres.

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