Best In Oxford & Oxfordshire 2018

OX F O R D T H E

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B E S T

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O X F O R D S H I R E

AT TR ACTI O N S | ACTI V I TI ES | RESTAURANTS | HOTELS | SHOPS

Edited by Lorna Waterfield

Editor’s Welcome

Welcome to Oxfordshire and the city of Oxford, visitors and locals alike.

Thank you for choosing The Best in Oxford & Oxfordshire.

With this guide we hope to provide a deeper look into some of the gems (both hidden and thoroughly uncovered) that Oxford and its surrounding areas have to offer. Featuring our pick of the must-see attractions, shops, restaurants and more, you will undoubtedly find the spark of motivation to explore this wondrous slice of English heritage. Listings are in no particular order; just how the reviews and listings have come together in their relevant sections.

Not being from Oxford originally myself, a compilation such as this one is fascinating and extremely handy in its pocket format. I find myself wanting to visit each and every one of the establishments represented. There is a perfect suggestion for any trip you might be planning.

Lorna Dodson Editor

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Contents 6 8 14 32 34 50 56 70 78

Facts & Figures Oxford Stories Attractions Activities Month by Month Events Guide Colleges Entertainment Galleries Restaurants

96 Accommodation 102 Bars & Pubs 112 Shopping

Published by the In Oxford Group Address: PO Box 388, Kidlington, OX5 9EH Tel: 01865 742 211 Web: www.theiogroup.net The In Oxford Group also bring to you: Editor/Illustrator: Lorna Dodson Design: Rob Scotcher/Emma Davis Photography: Rob Scotcher/David Stroud Proofreader: Sue Rosser Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the permission of the publisher and advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.

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Welcome to Oxford Oxford University has educated 27 British Prime Ministers including Sir Robert Peel, Harold Macmillan, Margaret Thatcher, David Cameron and Theresa May.

The first book was printed here in 1478 and now the Oxford University Press is one of the largest publishers in the world.

The University of Cambridge was actually founded by Oxford scholars who were fleeing Oxford following riots that erupted in 1209 between students and townspeople.

Bodleian Library is almost five centuries old and currently houses more than 12,000,000 documents on 153 miles of shelving.

Oxford attracts over

9.5 million visitors per year 6

Westgate Oxford recently underwent a huge ÂŁ500m redevelopment. It is now almost 800,000 square feet (74,000 m2) of retail, restaurant and leisure space.

Oxford University is the oldest English speaking university in the world, dating back to the end of the 12th century.

The Ashmolean Museum is Britain's first public museum and the oldest university museum in the world.

Oxford is home to the creators of Alice in Wonderland, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Inspector Morse and the His Dark Materials trilogy as well as providing a filming location for Harry Potter.

Oxford has 1,500 listed buildings and 18% of the city is devoted to conservation areas.

Oxford has more published writers per square mile than anywhere else in the world.

Population of 150,000, of which 33,000 are students.

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Oxford Stories

Inspector Morse Iconic TV series filmed in Oxford

Alice's story first came to be on 4th July 1862 as Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson), his friend Duckworth and the Liddell sisters (including Alice) were rowing on the River Isis. During the trip Carroll begin telling a tale of a girl named Alice who was after an adventure in life. The Liddell sisters loved the story and convinced Carroll to write “Alice’s Adventures.” A few years after that fateful day, Carroll presented Alice with his hand-written manuscript of Alice’s Adventures Underground. The story was published in 1865, just 3 years after its conception.

There are numerous locations around Oxford were you can see little mementos and nods to Carroll's story. In Christ Church College's Dining Hall there is a small window, known as the Alice Window. The top left hand pane has Alice’s face on it and the right hand pane has Carroll's. The window also has a lot of other figures and scenes from the story on it, like Alice and the Dodo. Oxford also celebrates "Alice's Day" annually on 7th July with fun events like a Mad Tea Party and The Caucus Race. You can also find a quaint shop called "Alice's Shop" on St. Aldates in the city centre, the number ‘83’ stamped on its red door - The very shop where Liddell loved to buy sweets. Today the shop sells Alice themed souvenirs.

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Oxford was a prime location for the filming of Inspector Morse and Lewis.

The bar at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street in Oxford was named after the Inspector. Pop in and have a drink, or take a stroll around some of Inspector Morse's favourite haunts: The Eagle and Child, The White Horse, The Kings Arms and The Bear have all featured in episodes and are easily accessible from the centre of the city.

You can visit the spot where John Thaw acted Morse's heart attack scene at Exeter College on Turl Street. Or take a trip northwards to The Trout Inn at Wolvercote, where Morse was often seen with a pint in hand. 'The Hunt in the Forest' painting featured in the 'Point of Vanishing' episode can be seen in the Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street, and the museum also featured in an episode called 'The Wolvercote Tongue', as well as Didcot Railway Centre.

Other Oxford locations include the likes of University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Martyr's Memorial, The Sheldonian Theatre, and Blackwell's bookshop and can all be visited.

Alice In Wonderland Famous story written in Oxford

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Oxford Stories Walking around Oxford and its historic architecture immediately gives you a real sense of the atmosphere in the films. Quite a few locations in Oxford feature in many of the Harry Potter films, creating the iconic backdrop for various locations in the prominent Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The Divinity Hall at The Bodleian Library was used as the Hogwarts infirmary, and its classic gothic architecture and vaulted ceiling is unmistakable.

At once point in the films, Harry (in his invisibility cloak) explores the Hogwarts library looking for clues, which is actually the University of Oxford's Duke Humphries Library.

In 'The Goblet of Fire' there is a scene where Harry finds Malfoy sitting in a tree, a tree which can be found at the New College Cloisters.

Aside from those above, there are many more locations which you can spot in the films.

The Four Minute Mile Sir Roger Bannister World sporting record broken in Oxford

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Harry Potter

Blockbusters filmed in Oxford

25-year-old Roger Bannister, a medical student, was the first man to run a mile in under 4 minutes. The record was broken in 1954, when Bannister ran the mile in 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds at the Iffley Road track in Oxford, watched by over 3000 spectators.

Roger was president of the Oxford Club and was running for the Amateur Athletic Association against his old university during an annual race when he broke the record.

The race had been planned carefully by Bannister and his two pacemakers, Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway, with Brasher taking the lead as the first pacemaker with Bannister behind and followed by Chataway. As Brasher slowed, Bannister gave the sign for Chataway to take over. Bannister then took the lead with a sprint about 180m from the finish. The spectators went wild when the news reached them, that Bannister had not only won the race but beaten the 4-minute-mile.

Sir Roger’s spikes worn for his record-breaking achievement were sold at auction for in excess of £50,000.

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Oxford Stories Tolkien dwelled in Oxford during the entire time he spent writing The Hobbit and the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tolkien had always been a master of the English language, and spent 14 years teaching English language and literature at Merton College in Oxford.

Try visiting Merton College, one of the oldest in Oxford, to get a feel for the kind of environment that inspired Tolkien. While there, head next door to Exeter College as this is where Tolkien was a student from 1911 until 1914 when the First World War began.

Another college which played a big part in Tolkien's life was Magdalen College.

There is a wonderfully picturesque walk in the grounds, called "Addison's Walk", which Tolkien often strolled along. There are tall, ancient trees surrounding the path, which may very well have been the inspiration for some characters or settings within the books. Tolkien was also known to spent quite a bit of time in the University of Oxford's Botanic Gardens, sitting at one tree in particular which is now known as "Tolkien's Tree".

Oxford Union

Famous debating society in the centre of Oxford

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J. R. R. Tolkien Famous fantasy novels written in Oxford

The Oxford Union is a highly prestigious debating society in the centre of Oxford.

Many famous guests both international and national have spoken here. The Union was established over 190 years ago with the goal of promoting debate and discussion across the globe.

The Union has a rich history - Founded in 1823 as a forum for free speech (an idea which was decidedly foreign to the University authorities at that time), it went on to become a place where students at the University of Oxford could come to freely discuss politics. Former Prime Minister W. E. Gladstone was one of the most prominent figures in the Union's formative years, having been its President in 1830 before moving on to enter the House of Commons.

Many other members of the Union have followed Gladstone's footsteps in to politics, becoming nationally and internationally prominent figures.

Nowadays the Union also often invites guest speakers from non-political areas, such as Jon Bon Jovi, Natalie Portman, Philip Pullman and hundreds more.

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Oxfordshire Attractions The ‘must see’ buildings and landmarks around Oxford for locals and visitors alike.

You’ve not visited Oxford if you’ve not seen these!

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p.16 Bodleian Library p.18 Sheldonian Theatre p.20 Rhodes House p.22 Ashmolean Museum p.23 Blenheim Palace p.24 Botanic Garden p.25 TOAD

p.26 Oxford Castle & Prison p.27 Radcliffe Camera p.28 Museum of Oxford p.29 Oxford Castle Quarter p.30 Various Listings

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Bodleian Library Oxfordshire Attractions

Oxfords’ libraries are among the most celebrated in the world, not only for the incomparable collections of books and manuscripts, but also for their buildings, some of which have remained in continuous use since the Middle Ages. Among them the Bodleian, the chief among University’s libraries, has a special place. First opened to scholars in 1602, it incorporates an earlier library erected by the University in the fifteenth century to house books donated by Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester. Since 1602 it has expanded, slowly at first but with increasing momentum over the last 150 years, to keep pace with the ever- growing accumulation of books and papers but the core of the old buildings remain intact.

These buildings are still used by students and scholars from all over the world, and they attract an ever- increasing number of visitors.

You can enjoy a number of guided tours; the 30 minute and 60 minute tours include visits to the Duke Humfrey Library, the oldest reading room in the University and the Divinity School, a medieval masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. The 90 minute tour also visit the iconic Radcliffe Camera (Camera, meaning "room" in Latin) which is known to locals as “the Rad Cam" or "the Camera".

There is also the option to take a self-guided tour audio tour of the Divinity School (as featured in the Harry Potter films) and Quadrangles (often seen in the Inspector Morse series). Combine your tour with a visit to the newly refurbished Weston Library, home to the Bodleian Libraries Special Collections, some of which can be seen in the new exhibition rooms (check website for current exhibition details). Take a break and enjoy a coffee in the Bodleian café or browse the Zvi Meitar Bodleian Shop for exclusively designed gifts and books.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of the great libraries of the world.

A: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG T: (01865) 287 400 W: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk E: tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk TW: @bodleianlibs 16

Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-22:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 11:00-17:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr +

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Sheldonian Theatre Oxfordshire Attractions

Enjoy a one hour guided tour of Oxford’s historic city centre plus the iconic Sheldonian Theatre. The tour fee includes access into the Theatre and Cupola, where visitors can enjoy memorable panoramic views of Oxford’s famous skyline.

Key tour highlights: • Experience an unforgettable tour through 900 years of Oxford University’s eccentric, rebellious and violent history. Discover the history of the Sheldonian Theatre, the University's ceremonial hall and Sir Christopher Wren's first major building, which opened in 1669.

• Visit the Sheldonian Theatre's Ladies Gallery, Cupola and Attic with its fascinating story boards, as well as the Clarendon and Bodleian Quadrangles, the University Church and Radcliffe Square.

Price: £8.00 per person. Concession rates are available at £6.00 per person; concessions apply to under 18, students, over 60's, University staff and registered disabled and one companion. Under 6's go free.

Booking a Tour: Bespoke tours run throughout the year. Contact us with your preferred date and we will check our availability and confirm the date or offer possible alternatives.

For further information visit www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk

A: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ T: (01865) 277 299 W: www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk TW: @OxUniVenues

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Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:30 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr

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Rhodes House Oxfordshire Attractions

Rhodes House is the home of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships, which since 1903 have brought exceptional young people – chosen on the basis of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service – from many countries around the world to study in Oxford.

Rhodes Scholars have gone on to be presidents and prime ministers, leaders in business, medicine, law, and academia, and in many other fields. The Rhodes Scholarships aim to nurture ‘leaders for the world’s future’, and to promote international understanding.

Rhodes House was completed in 1928, and was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, who had been Cecil Rhodes’s architect in South Africa, and also worked on the design of New Delhi.

A hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford, Rhodes House is a beautiful venue, steeped in history. Ideal for weddings, dinners and garden parties.

For businesses needing complete privacy, Rhodes House offers three rooms of varying size and atmosphere, ensuring the venue is a great choice for board meetings, informal gatherings of executives, conferences and hospitality events.

Why choose Rhodes House for your event?

• Central location • Prestigious history • Architecturally stunning • Functions from 20 – 200 guests • Gourmet catering • Exclusive hire • Available for corporate or private hire • Award-winning gardens

A: South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RG T: (01865) 282 599 W: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com TW: @rhodes_trust

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Oxfordshire Attractions

Ashmolean Museum Founded in 1683, being the world’s first public museum, the Ashmolean have exhibitions for art and archaeology. Their vision is to be an open door to the excellence of Oxford, providing interested and curious visitors with various exhibitions and collections. It is a centre for object-based teaching and research with internationally acclaimed galleries and display spaces.

Not only does the museum serve its purpose to educate and inform the public about art and archaeology, it is also a teaching and research department of University of Oxford, providing it with research and publications. The present building was built in 1845 and the museum opened in the 1890’s.The museum was refurbished in 2009 and the galleries within are all interlinked by the theme Crossing Cultures, Crossing Time, which encourages visitors to make connections between the collections and exhibitions of the Ashmolean.

A: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH T: (01865) 278 000 W: www.ashmolean.org TW: @ashmoleanmuseum

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Open: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1 - 2hrs

Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This National Treasure houses some of the finest antique collections in Europe and boasts over 300 years of history to discover.

Explore this World Heritage Site set in more than 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland and tour the array of Formal Gardens, or take the miniature train to the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with a wealth of events, themed tours and exhibitions throughout the year.

A: Woodstock, OX20 1PP T: (01993) 810 530

W: www.blenheimpalace.com Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-18:00

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Oxfordshire Attractions

The Botanic Garden The Botanic Garden was founded in 1621 with a mission “To promote the furtherance of learning and to glorify nature”. In the almost 400 years since then, although many people and plants have been involved in the history of the Garden, they continue to educate as many people as possible about the importance of plants, to help conserve plants around the world and to support teaching and research at the University and beyond. The Botanic Garden consists of both outside areas (The Gardens) and inside areas (The Glasshouses). In total the site covers 2 hectares and is bounded to the north by the High Street, to the east by the river Cherwell, to the west by Rose Lane and to the south by Christ Church Meadows. The Glasshouses cover approximately 600m². There are approximately 5000 different plants species growing at the Botanic Gardens, making it one of the most biodiverse areas of land in the World.

A: Rose Lane, Oxford, OX1 4AZ T: (01865) 286 690 W: www.obga.ox.ac.uk TW: @obgha

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Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00 Suitable Weather: Sunny, Cloudy Time Required: 1-2 hours

TOAD The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) is one of very few distilleries in the UK to produce a range of spirits from grain to glass, making it a very rare, true craft distiller with the highest standards in total provenance. Its main ingredients are unique populations of ancient heritage grain - all grown and harvested in fields close to Oxford. Not just organic, they are grown with sustainable farming methods, once common in medieval England, which replenish the soil and support wildlife. Worldwide, these populations of grain are only found in Oxfordshire – and are grown exclusively for TOAD. Some of TOAD’s botanicals are hand-picked from The University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden – the oldest garden of its kind in the country and the inspiration behind many of the distiller’s recipes. The magnificent copper stills, Nautilus and Nemo, were designed by TOAD and hand-built by the engineers at South Devon Railways, the team who re-built the famous steam engine, The Flying Scotsman.

A: The Oxford Artisan Distillery, Old Depot, South Park, Cheney Lane, Oxford, OX3 7QJ T: (01865) 767 918 W: spiritoftoad.com TW: @thespiritoftoad

Open: Mon-Sat 11:00-15:00, Sun 14:00-16:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

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Oxfordshire Attractions

Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford Castle & Prison is a visitor attraction with a past stretching far beyond your imagination. Visitors will learn about the real people and events from the sites turbulent past: the first Oxford teachings, the owners, visionaries, activists and inmates. People like Marshall William Smith, the King’s prison keeper, who in the 1600s made Oxford Prison as feared and as notorious as Colditz; Mary Blandy a convicted murderess, who became an 18th-century celebrity; Jack Ketch, the public executioner and the man after whom the Punch & Judy hangman character was modelled; and Anne Green, who survived her own hanging and narrowly escaped being anatomised by an Oxford medical student in 1650.

You can visit the Saxon St. George's Tower, the 900 year old crypt, the 18th century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing as well as the Mound of the 11th century motte-and-bailey castle.

A: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY T: (01865) 260 666 W: www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk TW: @oxfordcastle

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Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:30 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1 - 2hrs

Radcliffe Camera The Radcliffe Camera is a building from the 18th century in Oxford, England. The rotunda at the Radcliffe Square near the city centre originally housed a library and is now used as a reading room. However the access is restricted to students of the Oxford University.

The building is named after its founder, physician Dr. John Radcliffe (1650-1714).

He provided 40,000 pounds for the construction of the library. Since 1860 the Radcliffe Camera is part of the Bodleian Library. It houses two reading rooms in which books of English literature and history can be viewed. The building, surrounded by the Bodleian Library and the University Church of St. Mary, is one of the main attractions and one of Oxford’s most photographed buildings.

A: Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 T: (01865) 277 162 W: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-16:00, Sun 11:00-17:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 20mins

Oxfordshire Attractions

Museum of Oxford The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. It opened in 1975 and immediately intrigued people with the story of Oxford and how it has developed. Bringing together a diverse collection, the Museum of Oxford wove the story of the city from the prehistoric to the modern day.

In 2011 the Museum of Oxford brought together the Museum’s collection and the heritage of Oxford’s Town Hall. The “Explore Oxford galleries“ opened in June 2012. Exploring the past, you can look and read about who and what have shaped the city we see today. You will also find various exhibitions and activities to get the community involved.

The Museum of Oxford is currently undergoing redevelopment and is operating out of the Gallery instead, with a brand new building opening in Summer 2020.

A: St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1BX T: (01865) 252 334 W: www.oxford.gov.uk/museumofoxford TW: museumofoxfor

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Open: Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1 - 2hrs

Oxford Castle Quarter Oxford’s stunning Castle Quarter was once home to the Norman Oxford Castle and the infamous Oxford Prison, before becoming the food, drink, and historic destination it is today.

Echoes of the past remain and have shaped Oxford Castle Quarter as it stands today, now home to a vibrant hub of bars and restaurants.

History buffs can climb the Normal Castle Mound and enjoy panoramic views from St George’s Tower before relaxing at one of the Quarter’s vibrant bars and restaurants including the Brasserie and Visitor’s Room Bar at Malmaison, 1855 Wine Bar, Castleyard Cafe, Pizza Express, Prezzo, and The Slug and Lettuce.

A: Castle Street, Oxford, OX1 1AY T: (01865) 201 657 W: www.oxfordcastlequarter.com TW: @oxcastlequarter

Open: See website Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr +

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Oxfordshire Attractions

Carfax Tower

A: Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1ET T: (01865) 792 653 Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-16:30 Carfax Tower is at the junction of St Aldate's, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and the High Street in Oxford. It is considered to be the centre of the city. The name "Carfax" derives from the Latin "quadrifurcus" via the French "carrefour", both of which mean "crossroads". Carfax delivers excellent views of the rooftops of Oxford, great for a photo or two.

St. Michael at the Northgate A: Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3EY T: (01865) 240 940 W: www.smng.org.uk Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00

Host to many concerts and choirs, St Michael at the Northgate is Oxford's oldest surviving church. It was originally situated just within the North Gate, of the city, protected to the north by the city wall. The doors are open every day to invite in those who would benefit from a few moments of reflection, or to see one of the day's events.

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin A: High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ T: (01865) 279 111 W: www.university-church.ox.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat 09.30-17:00, Sun 11.30-17:00

Standing in the very centre of Oxford, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is the spiritual heart of the oldest university in Britain, and has been the focus of Christian worship and of debates about religion, politics, and morality for over seven hundred years. Enjoy some excellent views from the church spire, or relax in the Cafe.

Museum of Natural History

A: Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW T: (01865) 272 950 W: www.oum.ox.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sun 10:00–17:00

Founded in 1860 as the centre for scientific study at the University of Oxford, the Museum of Natural History now holds the University’s internationally significant collections of geological and zoological specimens. Housed in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, the Museum’s growing collections underpin a broad programme of natural environment research, teaching and public engagement.

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Tom Tower

A: Christ Cathedral, St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP T: (01865) 276 150 W: www.chch.ox.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sun 10.00-16:00 Tom Tower is a bell tower in Oxford named for its bell, Great Tom. It is over Tom Gate, on St Aldates, the main entrance of Christ Church College which leads into Tom Quad. Great Tom, housed in the tower, is the loudest bell in Oxford. It weighs six and a quarter tons and was moved from the 12th-century Osney Abbey after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

River & Rowing Museum

A: Meadow Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF T: (01491) 415 600 W: www.rrm.co.uk Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 The River & Rowing Museum has three galleries dedicated to Rowing, Rivers and the history of Henley on Thames. The Museum is also home to the magical Wind in the Willows exhibition, which brings to life the much-loved story with 3D models, lighting and music. With a constantly evolving calendar of temporary art and photography exhibitions and a year-round calendar of nature trails, craft workshops and family days, there is always something new to see and do.

Oxford University Press Archive

A: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP E: archives@oup.com W: www.global.oup.com Open: Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00

Book a guided tour of the historic Oxford University Press Museum, with displays including OUP buildings, the 17th century Fell types, the Oxford Almanacks, Alice in Wonderland and the Oxford English Dictionary, as well as printing equipment, a 19th century printing press and access to OUP's latest publications online.

Bridge of Sighs

A: New College Lane, Oxford, OX1 3BW Architect: Thomas Graham Jackson Opened: 1914 The Bridge is often referred to as the Bridge of Sighs because of its supposed similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice. It was completed in 1914, despite its construction being opposed by New College. The bridge is always open to members of the College, who can often be seen crossing it.

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Oxfordshire Activities There is always something to do in Oxford no matter the time of year. See our month-by-month guide overleaf for some ideas of traditional Oxford events.

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Photo by www.davestroudphotography.co.uk

p.34 Month by Month Calendar p.35 Visitor Information Centre p.36 City Sightseeing Tours p.38 Chiltern Railways p.40 Official Guided Walking Tours p.41 St Giles’ Fair p.42 Punting at Cherwell Boathouse p.43 Wychwood Brewery p.44 Gloucester Green Market p.45 May Day

p.46 Encaenia p.47 Ghost Tours p.48 Christmas Market p.49 Christmas Light Night

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Month by Month Calendar of Events

With so many great things to see and do in Oxfordshire, we’ve put together a handy calendar of the most common annual events which you won’t want to miss.

Please check www.inoxford.com for up to date listings.

January

Cowley Road Carnival

Stargazing Oxford

Henley Regatta

Oxford Music Festival

Truck Festival

February

Cornbury Music Festival

Oxford International Art Fair

Swan Upping

Oxford International Women's Festival

August

March

Oxford Royal Regatta

Torpids

Oxford Proms

Henley Youth Festival

Foodies Festival

Dancin' Oxford Festival

Wilderness Festival

Oxford Literary Festival

The Big Feastival

Oxford Fashion Week

September

April

Oxford Canal Festival

Bumping Races

St Giles' Fair

Oxford Folk Weekend

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

May

October

May Day Celebrations

Oxford Beer Festival

Town & Gown

Oxford Half Marathon

Oxfordshire Artweeks

Ghost Fest

Bike Oxford

November

Common People Festival

Oxford Round Table Fireworks & Bonfire

June

Christmas Light Night

Oxford Pride

Oxford City Festival

The Lord Mayor's Celebration

Remembrance Day Service & Parade

Oxford Festival of the Arts

December

Oxford Green Week

Oxford Christmas Market

July

Santas on the Run

Alice's Day 34

Oxford Visitor Information Centre The Oxford Visitor Information Centre, based on bustling Broad Street in the heart of the city, is the first point of call for visitors and locals alike, for information and inspiration about Oxford and Oxfordshire.

The centre provides maps and information about local attractions and a bureau de change. You can also find discounted tickets to a number of attractions and a luggage storage service. One section of the centre is dedicated to upcoming events, advertising theatre, music and arts in Oxfordshire. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to help with visitors’ questions, local transport information and suggestions for getting the most out of a visit to Oxfordshire. The offer is completed by a wide range of Oxford-themed gifts and books.

A: 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS T: (01865) 686 430 W: www.experienceoxfordshire.org TW: @ExperienceOx

Open: September to June: Mon-Sat 9.30am – 5pm, Sun 10am-3.30pm July to August: Mon - Sat 9am – 5.30pm, Sun 9.30am - 4pm

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City Sightseeing Tours Oxfordshire Activities

City Sightseeing offers a very informative account of the history of Oxford and provides a unique view of the city. This really is the only way to see Oxford!

The views are amazing and on a clear day an open double-decker bus is an invigorating place to be!

This tour will take you on a smooth and steady trip around the main streets of Oxford, giving you a glimpse over the city walls as well as providing a comprehensive commentary throughout. For an elevated view of the city, you can take in the history of the Colleges, some interesting facts about local landmarks and famous names linked to the city. Being able to peek in to all of the private colleges and see their lovely quadrangles and immaculate lawns for free and for the first time was a real treat!

There are two types of buses to choose from; one that has a taped commentary and one with a live guide. We opted for the guide and the live commentary really brought the cityscape alive for me. The recorded commentary does come in handy, though, especially since City Sightseeing offer commentaries in German, French, Spanish and Japanese. All seats have headphone sockets and headphones are provided so you can digest the tour at your own pace and tune in at your chosen volume. One full tour lasts one hour and you are free to hop on and off to your heart’s content. The ticket price also includes an optional walking tour (subject to guide availability) and the Meadows and Bridges tour (April-October) – 1 ticket, 3 tours, great value!

Spending the day as a tourist in the city in which you live is liberating. It was great to do the tourist thing and see people from all over the world enjoying our beautiful city. It made me very proud to be a resident and compelled me to reevaluate and appreciate the architecture that I take for granted on a daily basis.

A: No. 1 Shop, Oxford Train Station, Oxford, OX1 1HS T: (01865) 790 522 W: www.citysightseeingoxford.com

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Open: See website for timetable Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

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Chiltern Railways Oxfordshire Activities

Chiltern Railways and Network Rail’s new rail link connecting central Oxford with the capital is now open, following a unique £320m investment by the franchise operator and the infrastructure manager.

The completion of the new rail link to London – the first from a major British city in more than 100 years – sees central Oxford connected to Marylebone via successful new stations Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village. The first year has seen over 1.5 million passengers using the line; this is expected to grow with the extension into the city.

Oxford residents now have an alternative way of getting into London. The new service will offer two new trains per hour throughout the day between Oxford and London Marylebone with journey times to the capital from just over an hour.

A close collaborative partnership between Chiltern Railways and Network Rail has delivered high levels of performance and Chiltern is consistently one of the top rated franchise operators for customer satisfaction in the National Rail Passenger Survey.

Dave Penney, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways said: “This is a significant milestone in the history of Chiltern Railways. The new line delivers meaningful benefits for those living and working in the region and will be economically advantageous for the regional economy. It creates direct competition in the rail market between Oxford and London giving customers a real choice and flexibility, as well as delivering the first new service between a major British city and London for over 100 years.”

T: (03456) 005 165 W: www.chilternrailways.co.uk TW: @chilternrailway

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Oxfordshire Activities

Oxford Official Walking Tours Discover the history and heritage of Oxford by taking an Oxford Official Walking Tour; the best way to explore the city. Accommodating all interests, tours range from the popular University and City tour through to Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland, Inspector Morse, as well specialist themed tours.

Your tour will be conducted by a professionally trained guide who holds a Blue or Green Badge awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, the national professional body. Tours are for all walking abilities, covering between 1-2 miles, and lasting for approximately 1-2 hours depending on the tour.

Begin your journey around Oxford today, and book your public or private tour online or at the Oxford Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street in Oxford.

A: 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS T: (01865) 686 442 W: www.experienceoxfordshire.org/official-tours TW: @ExperienceOx

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Open: Mon-Sun 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 & 16:00 Suitable Weather: Sunny, Cloudy Time Required: 1-2 hours

Photo by www.davestroudphotography.co.uk

St Giles' Fair St Giles' Fair is an annual fair held in St Giles', a wide thoroughfare in central north Oxford. It is unusual for an English fair, being held in a major street of a city and blocking traffic for its two-day duration in September each year.

The fair is adorned with some exciting modern rides, suitable for most ages, but it does manage to maintain its more traditional rides and stalls. These include The Waltzer, Dodgems, Coconut Shy, Carousel and one or two shooting galleries. No fair would be complete without a host of different foods and treats to enjoy and some arcades.

Another fair, the longest street fair in Europe, takes place in Abingdon which is a short trip from Oxford with many similar rides and a fun atmospere.

A: St Giles, Oxford

Open: See inoxford.com Suitable Weather: Sunny, Cloudy Time Required: 1-2 hours

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Oxfordshire Activities

Punting at Cherwell Boathouse Punting is a truly timeless, slightly eccentric, quintessentially oxford, idyllic pleasure: sailing leisurely upstream or down river, trailing fingers in the silky water, admiring the wildlife, picnicking on a river bank, dropping in at the Vicky Arms or drifting downstream past the University.

There are over 80 traditional hand crafted punts, built on the premises, that are available to rent. We also have rowing boats and canoes for hire.

Life-jackets (of all sizes) are available if required. Maximum 6 people per punt. A sport for all ages from 7 to 77; from enthusiastic athletes to partying groups, romantic couples to family days out, punting pleases everyone. Dogs are welcome.

Picnics can be ordered in advance or bring your own.

A: Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST T: (01865) 515 978 W: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

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Open: Mon-Sun 10:00-DUSK Suitable weather: Fair Time required: 1hr+

Wychwood Brewery Wychwood Brewery is home to the legendary Hobgoblin strong dark beer and today brews more than 60,000 barrels of high quality traditional ale each year.

The beers are now exported in ever increasing quantities all over the world.

To show you where the magic happens, the brewery offers tours regularly throughout the year. The tour costs ÂŁ8.50 and lasts approximately 2 hours and takes you through the brewing process of Wychwood & Brakspear Beers. After the tour you are invited to sample our flagship Legendary Hobgoblin and our range of Wychwood and Brakspear bottled beers.

The tours are extremely popular so pre-booking is essential. To check availability, or to make a booking on-line, please visit our website or call us on 01993 890800.

A: Eagle Maltings, The Crofts, Witney, OX28 4DP T: (01993) 890 800 W: www.wychwood.co.uk TW: Hobgoblin_beer

Open: Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 17:00, Closed Sundays Suitable weather: Any Time required: 2hr+

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Oxfordshire Activities Photo by www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

Gloucester Green Market The Gloucester Green market is a traditional and vibrant open air market offering a range of general produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and plants, household goods, cheeses, pet food, frames, books, fabrics, DVDs, mobile phone accessories, haberdashery, bags, hats, watches and watch batteries, clothing, cakes, sweets, and much more.

Markets are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. Gloucester Green is located in the centre of the city, off George Street and next to the bus station.

Wednesdays - General market, all types of traders welcome Thursdays - Antique, Vintage, Art & Craft Saturdays - Funky Food, Crafty Craft, all things Vintage & Arty A: Gloucester Green, Oxford, OX1 2BU T: (01384) 877 336 W: www.lsdpromotions.com/oxford TW: @Markets_LSD

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Open: Wed, Thu, Sat 09:00-16:00 Suitable weather: Fair Time required: 1hr+

Photo by www.davestroudphotography.co.uk

May Day May Morning in Oxford is a traditional celebration of the coming of Spring and brings together Oxford's communities to enjoy dancing, singing and revelry from around the city. May Morning is celebrated on 1st May every year. The celebrations begin with the choristers of Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. This will be followed by the bells ringing out over the city for approximately 20 minutes.

Many bars and restaurants across the city will be open for breakfasts including eateries in the city centre and East Oxford. Impromptu cricket matches, Morris dancing displays, the May Queen’s procession and the inevitable parties are the modern counterparts of ancient pagan fertility rites. These days the fun and games focus more on merrymaking than they do on celebrating the countryside.

A: Magdalen Bridge, Oxford

Suitable weather: Fair Time required: 1- 2hrs

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Oxfordshire Activities Photo by www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

Encaenia Encaenia is the ceremony at which the University of Oxford awards honorary degrees to distinguished men and women and commemorates its benefactors. It is held annually on the Wednesday of ninth week during Trinity Term.

The Oxford Encaenia is the surviving part of a more extensive ceremony called 'The Act'. On the morning of the ceremony, the Heads of Colleges, university dignitaries and the honorands assemble, in full academic dress, in one of the colleges, where they enjoy Lord Crewe's benefaction of peaches, strawberries and champagne. They then walk in procession to the Sheldonian Theatre on Broad Street. The University dignitaries enter the theatre in procession; those who are to receive honorary degrees wait in the Divinity School where they sign their names in the Honorary Degrees Book.

W: www.ox.ac.uk

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Open: 10:30 Benefaction, 11:30 Ceremony, 16:00 Garden Party Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

Ghost Tours This ancient seat of learning holds many dark secrets. Oxford’s streets have played host to agony and horror, torment and terror. Morbid phantoms of the past stalk shadowy recesses in colleges, condemned to rehearse their lamentable ordeals for all time. The ‘Dreaming Spires’ is a place of nightmares. The Ghost Walk is an unsettling journey through the bleakest moments in University history.

Meet outside Oxford Castle Unlocked every Friday and Saturday at 18:30 for a trail lasting 1¾hrs or outside the Visitor Information Centre, Broad Street at 19:00 for a trail lasting 1¼hrs. (Note additional summer trails may start at different times - Check ticket details) Illustrated with props and illusions your guide, a costumed professional actor, will entertain and horrify you through the streets of Old Oxford. Come rain or shine!

A: Trinity College, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH Starts: Thu-Fri 19:00 T: (07790) 734 387 Suitable Weather: Any W: www.oxfordghosttours.com Time Required: 1 - 2 hours

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Oxfordshire Activities

Christmas Market The Oxford Christmas Market that takes place in the heart of the city on the historic and beautiful Broad Street and includes beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering wonderful Christmas gifts and seasonal treats.

The market is very popular with both locals and tourists alike. You will find lots of great delicatessen including German Bratwurst and GlĂźhwein, and great handmade crafts. During the market you will also often hear carollers and see other street performers along Broad Street, lending even more to the lively and festival atmosphere the market creates.

The 2018 Oxford Christmas Market will take place from 7-22 December.

A: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS W: www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

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Open: Thu-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun-Wed 10:00-19:00 Suitable weather: Fair Time required: 1hr

Christmas Light Night Taking place at the start of the Christmas period, Oxford's Christmas Light Festival is a city-wide celebration, offering late night opening of museums, galleries and cultural venues around the city.

In 2013, the three-day festival included a central event in St Giles', one of the main streets in city. As well as a children's fun fair and a Christmas market with over 100 hand-picked stalls, temporary stages gave local bands and community groups the opportunity to perform to an audience of thousands. While there was no lantern parade or event in St Giles in 2014, there were free Christmas activities and shows at dozens of venues across the city. The event is a collaboration between more than 20 venues in Oxford providing live music and dance performances, arts installations and free cultural activities for the communities of the city.

A: Oxford City Centre T: (01865) 249 811 W: www.oxford.gov.uk/christmas TW: @OXChristmas

Open: See website for timetable Suitable Weather: Any Time Required: 1 - 2 hours

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Oxford Colleges The colleges of the University of Oxford are an integral and formative part of the city’s history. They have shaped the way Oxford has evolved and fostered many a great mind.

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p.52 Christ Church College p.52 Balliol College p.52 Corpus Christi College p.52 Exeter College p.53 Hertford College p.53 Jesus College p.53 Lincoln College p.53 Magdalen College p.54 Mansfield College p.54 Pembroke College

p.54 St John’s College p.54 The Queen’s College p.55 Trinity College p.55 University College p.55 Wolfson College p.55 Worcester College

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Oxford Colleges

Christ Church College

A: St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DP T: (01865) 276 150 W: www.chch.ox.ac.uk Christ Church is a unique institution, one of the largest colleges in the University of Oxford and the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Oxford. It has a world famous Cathedral Choir; scholarly collections of books and art; and is enjoyed by many people as visitors or guests at conferences and Summer schools. Christ Church has a fascinating history and many distinguished people have studied here including John Locke, Robert Hooke, John Wesley, Robert Peel and David Dimbleby,

Balliol College

A: Oxford, OX1 3BJ T: (01865) 277 777 W: www.balliol.ox.ac.uk Balliol College welcomes visitors who wish to tour our buildings and gardens. We are open as often as we can be, but from time to time there are College events that require the College to be closed. As part of admission, you will be able to visit the Chapel and Gardens and often the Hall. Please be aware that Balliol College is a place of study all year round; therefore, you are asked to keep to the route indicated on the map

Corpus Christi College

A: Merton Street, Oxford, OX1 4JF T: (01865) 276 700 W: www.ccc.ox.ac.uk Corpus Christi College was founded in 1517 as a centre for new learning in the University of Oxford. Over five centuries its fellows and students have striven to advance their understanding and to think in new ways. Today Corpus remains a close-knit, humane, and welcoming college, committed to the pursuit of academic excellence.

Exeter College

A: Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DP T: (01865) 279 600 W: www.exeter.ox.ac.uk Exeter College is located in the heart of Oxford, next to the world famous Bodleian Library. The College is committed to excellence in teaching and research, and to supporting the best students. Founded in 1314 by the Bishop of Exeter. The Chapel in the front quad is open to visitors. Old members include Phillip Pullman and Imogen Stubbs.

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Hertford College

A: Catte Street, Oxford, OX1 3BW T: (01865) 279 400 W: www.hertford.ox.ac.uk Hertford College, a community of undergraduates, postgraduates, Fellows and staff located in the heart of Oxford, straight across the road from the Bodleian Library and within a few minutes' walk of all the other principal libraries and laboratories of the University of Oxford. A visitors' guide to the college for tour groups and walking trips can be found on the website.

Jesus College

A: Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DW T: (01865) 279 700 W: www.jesus.ox.ac.uk Jesus College combines academic excellence in teaching and research with an informal, vibrant, and supportive community. The College was founded in 1571

by Queen Elizabeth I, at the request of a Welsh Lawyer and Clergyman, Hugh Price.

The compact central College site has beautiful quadrangles tucked away off Turl Street, right in the heart of Oxford.

Lincoln College

A: Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DR T: (01865) 279 800 W: www.lincoln.ox.ac.uk Located in the heart of Oxford, Lincoln is a compact and friendly college, with excellent cultural and sporting facilities and a famously good kitchen. Lincoln welcomes visitors to the College and does not charge an admission fee. However, we only allow small groups; no large tour groups will be admitted. Please see the website for more information.

Magdalen College

A: High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AU T: (01865) 276 000 W: www.magd.ox.ac.uk Magdalen welcomes visitors throughout the year. As a busy and lively working academic community we like to ensure you will enjoy your visit whether it is as a potential student here, an alumnus, an academic visitor, or as a tourist. We do this by making the College accessible at regular times of the day and with particular facilities open for you to see.

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Oxford Colleges

Mansfield College

A: Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TF T: (01865) 270 999 W: www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk Mansfield occupies one of the most attractive sites in Oxford, close to all the libraries and shops, yet in a quiet position near to the University parks and River Cherwell. The late nineteenth-century buildings, which house the College's main public rooms, are regarded as amongst the finest work of the important Victorian architect, Basil Champneys.

Pembroke College

A: St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DW T: (01865) 276 444 W: www.pmb.ox.ac.uk Pembroke College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, located in Pembroke Square. The college was founded in 1624 by King James I of England / VI of Scotland, using in part the endowment of merchant Thomas Tesdale, and was named after William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain and then-Chancellor of the University.

St John's College

A: St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3JP T: (01865) 277 300 W: www.sjc.ox.ac.uk Today, St John's is home to approximately 390 undergraduates, 240-50 graduate students, 100 fellows and 25 College lecturers. Nearly every subject studied at the University is represented in St John's. A vibrant international community, it fosters intellectual rigour, creativity, and independence in its students, teachers, and researchers.

The Queen's College

A: High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AW T: (01865) 279 120 W: www.queens.ox.ac.uk Prospective students and Old Members are always welcome to visit at any time when the College is open. Members of the public can arrange access by contacting the local Tourist Information Office. Additionally, the Chapel holds a number of public services, and during term there are frequent public concerts and recitals.

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Trinity College

A: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH T: (01865) 279 900 W: www.trinity.ox.ac.uk Trinity College was founded as a training house for Catholic priests in the sixteenth century. The site of the college, now very much in the city centre, was originally chosen for its quiet, rural aspect. Trinity became a pillar of the Anglican establishment in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and a centre of educational reform in the nineteenth century.

University College A: Oxford, OX1 4BH T: (01865) 276 602 W: www.univ.ox.ac.uk

University College is home to an accomplished and world-renowned body of academics. From Languages to Biochemistry and from Law to Economics (and more!), the Fellows and lecturers of the College are leading researchers in their respective fields. Our tutors, fellows and lecturers, are a key element of what makes a Univ education so valuable.

Wolfson College

A: Linton Road, Oxford, OX2 6UD T: (01865) 274 100 W: www.wolfson.ox.ac.uk The College grounds also boast a bog garden, containing a water cascade feature fed by the adjacent River Cherwell, a woodland walk and a winter garden. All of these areas are linked by sweeping informal lawns which provide an excellent canvas to show off the plantings.

Worcester College

A: Walton Street, Oxford, OX1 2HB T: (01865) 278 300 W: www.worc.ox.ac.uk As one of the colleges within the University of Oxford, Worcester is characterised by diversity. We have a vibrant academic community of fellows and lecturers, a lively and varied student body, and a group of dedicated staff, all of whom come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. See website for more information.

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Oxfordshire Entertainment Oxford is not just a city of learning. There is something here for all tastes, whether it’s cinema, theatre, live music, art, anything!

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p.58 Creation Theatre p.60 Old Fire Station p.62 Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra p.64 The North Wall p.65 New Theatre p.66 Oxford Shakespeare Company p.67 Phoenix Picturehouse p.68 Oxford Playhouse

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Creation Theatre Oxfordshire Entertainment

Creation Theatre is Oxfordshire’s largest producing theatre company, having been producing shows in Oxford for 22 years. We love classic stories and Shakespeare, and we specialise in bringing them to life in unusual venues all over the city. Over the last 22 years, we’ve created 70 shows and performed to over half a million audience members. We’ve performed in Oxford colleges, castles, parks, rooftops and the basement of bookshops, to name but a few. Our adaptations are eccentric and creative using music, movement, puppetry and magic to transport our audiences into the stories they love.

We opened 2018 with an acclaimed production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, staged in The Norrington Room in Blackwell’s Bookshop. Every summer, we also pop up in one of Oxford’s beautiful outdoor spaces to present a theatre experience like no other. This summer, we’re bringing a new adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World to the Westgate Oxford; audiences will be seated on office chairs and wear wireless headphones, as the show unfolds around them. We’re also setting sail with Swallows and Amazons in the beautiful University Parks – pack a picnic and enjoy the perfect day out for all the family.

At Christmas we stage a classic family tale for everyone to enjoy. Following the success of last year’s A Christmas Carol, we’ll be returning to The North Wall Arts Centre this Christmas with J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan. We’re spreading the love for classic stories every week and every holiday through our education programme too. At Drama Clubs and Workshops across Oxford, kids take a classic story and create their own performance for friends and family to watch.

There’s always plenty going on at Creation, check our website for information on upcoming shows.

T: (01865) 766 266 W: www.creationtheatre.co.uk TW: @creationtheatre

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The Old Fire Station Oxfordshire Entertainment

Arts at the Old Fire Station (OFS, formerly the Old Fire Station Theatre and Old Fire Station Arts Centre) is a social enterprise in Oxford comprising a gallery, theatre and studio for dance, drama and music, workshops for artists as well as a shop selling original work by artists and designers.

There are studios available to hire for classes, rehearsals and meetings. Arts at the Old Fire Station were redeveloped in 2011 for use as a Crisis Skylight Centre. Crisis Skylight Oxford is a training centre providing creative and formal learning opportunities to homeless and vulnerably housed people and a dedicated employment service which helps them find and keep jobs. The Crisis Skylight Cafe provides on-the-job training, as well as great city centre food and drink to the wider public.

The Gallery at the Old Fire Station is dedicated to showcasing the best of contemporary art from across the UK, with a particular focus on emerging artists from Oxfordshire, supporting their professional development. They provide a platform for artists from all disciplines. Previous exhibitions have included print, sound, installation, painting and sculpture.

They have a wide selection of regular classes here at the Old Fire Station from Zumba to Tap, Salsa to Ballet.

A: 40 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AQ T: (01865) 263 980 W: www.oldfirestation.org.uk TW: @ArtsatOFS

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Photo by James Alexander Sutton

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Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Oxfordshire Entertainment

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the UK. Praised as ‘excellent’ by Gramophone Magazine and ‘thoroughly impressive’ by BBC Music Magazine, the Orchestra’s reputation is based on the uncompromising artistic standards of its founder and music director, Marios Papadopoulos, and maintained by some of the finest musicians in and around Oxford and London. Since 2002, the Philharmonic Orchestra is the University of Oxford's first-ever Orchestra in Residence.

The Orchestra has performed with a remarkable roster of distinguished artists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Nicola Benedetti, Valery Gergiev, Hélène Grimaud, Nigel Kennedy, Lang Lang, Menahem Pressler and András Schiff.

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s achievements include an extensive concert season at the Sheldonian Theatre; outstanding recordings of Haydn’s Creation with New College Choir, and the Handel/Mendelssohn Acis and Galatea with Christ Church; major celebrations of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven; hugely popular family concerts; and its annual Piano Festival and Summer Academy. An acclaimed Chamber Music Series and a Summer Baroque Festival both showcase The Soloists of Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra – described by The Times as the Orchestra’s ‘glorious individual players’.

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra has been firmly committed to community and education work from its earliest days. Its projects in the community focus on taking music in areas of social and economic disadvantage. The Orchestra’s work in special schools and hospitals has been honoured with a major award for its excellence and effectiveness. As part of its University Residency, the Orchestra takes part in educational programmes for the student community. It's partnerships with regional councils provide performance and tuition opportunities to hundreds of talented young musicians.

T: (01865) 987 222 W: www.oxfordphil.com TW: @oxfordphil

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Oxfordshire Entertainment

The North Wall The North Wall is an Arts Centre in Oxford that has been created for the benefit of emerging artists across a range of disciplines. Our aim is to provide opportunities for artists, young people and the general public to make and experience art of the highest quality, placing emphasis on new and innovative work.

Based on the campus of St Edward's School, this award winning facility was completed in 2006, and offers a fully flexible 200-seat theatre, a public art gallery and studios for dance and drama. Our ‘arts laboratory’ is a place where people of different ages, experience and disciplines can come together, make connections and explore new ideas and The North Wall Trust provides a range of home-grown artistic outputs, including vocational training, productions, co-productions and a range of participatory and educational initiatives for the community.

A: South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JN T: (01865) 319 450 W: www.thenorthwall.com TW: @thenorthwall

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New Theatre The New Theatre Oxford is the main commercial theatre in Oxford, England and has a capacity of 1,800 people. It is located on George Street in the centre of the city, and puts on a wide variety of shows, from musical theatre (Annie, West Side Story, and Chicago) to stand-up comedy (Ross Noble, Jimmy Carr, French and Saunders and Ricky Gervais) to gigs (Status Quo, Elkie Brooks, Rufus Wainwright, Motรถrhead and Mcfly).

The New Theatre's renowned annual pantomimes attracted many star names, and became an Oxford family Christmas ritual.

Oxford's audiences can once again see leading opera and ballet companies, from Welsh National Opera to the English National Ballet, contemporary dance, hit musicals like Chicago and Guys and Dolls, and pop concerts.

A: George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG T: 0844 871 3020 W: www.atgtickets.com TW: @newtheatreox

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Oxfordshire Entertainment

Oxford Shakespeare Company The Oxford Shakespeare Company (OSC) is the perfect open-air experience in Oxford. It has been resident for a summer season in Wadham College Gardens since 2002. They have presented twenty productions and achieved critical and audience acclaim.

The Gardens at Wadham are a wonderful setting for Shakespeare and other classic texts, and provide an added appeal to audiences, both local and visiting. The quality and reputation of the OSC has allowed them to work with pre-eminent directors since its foundation including Bill Bankes Jones, the acclaimed Opera director and now, for the second year, Gemma Fairlie. OSC have a reputation for excellence in their field, receiving Time Out Critics Choice and 4* & 5* recommendations from national and local press on many occasions.

A: Wadham College, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PN T: 0844 879 4418 W: www.oxfordshakespearecompany.co.uk TW: @osctheatre

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Phoenix Picturehouse The Phoenix Picturehouse screens a diverse and interesting mixture of arthouse, independent, quality mainstream and foreign cinema to ensure a stimulating diversity. The picturehouse was first opened as a cinema in 1913. It has undergone several changes of ownership, becoming the Phoenix Cinema in 1989.

The building is small but the available space is well used, with one bigger (about 200 seats) and one smaller (about 100 seats) screening room as well as a cosy upstairs bar/cafe. The fully licensed roof-top bar is a welcome addition to this two-screened cinema. The Phoenix Picturehouse is, above all, a place where it is easy to enjoy cinema. It has the pleasing effect of seeming luxurious without the prices being higher than the bigger cinema outlets. The staff are helpful, the seats are comfortable and the food and drink is superior. All the conditions are in place for a good experience.

A: 57 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AE T: 0871 902 5736 W: www.picturehouses.com TW: @PhoenixPH

Open: Check film times on the website Suitable Weather: Any

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Oxfordshire Entertainment

Oxford Playhouse Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce a wide range of live performance. The programme includes the best of British and international drama, family shows, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.

We also create live performance here in Oxford. The Playhouse produces and tours its own shows, hosts Artists in Residence and presents Playhouse Plays Out, an ongoing series of off-site events which happen at locations across the county.

The theatre's Learning team works with over 15,000 people each year through post show discussions, workshops, work experience, holiday schemes, a youth theatre and a young people’s theatre company.

A: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW W: www.oxfordplayhouse.com T: (01865) 305 305 TW: @oxfordplayhouse FB: OxfordPlayhouseTheatre 68

Oxfordshire Galleries Oxford cultivates a rich art society, from fine artists to illustrators, we even have our fair share of comicbook artists. Check out the galleries available for a taste.

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p.72 Christ Church Picture Gallery p.74 Modern Art Oxford p.76 Aidan Meller Gallery p.77 Sanders of Oxford

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Christ Church Picture Gallery Oxfordshire Galleries

Christ Church is unique among the Oxford and Cambridge colleges in possessing an important collection of Old Master paintings and drawings.

In 1765, General John Guise, a soldier and art collector, bequeathed his collection of over 200 paintings and almost 2000 drawings to his former college. This extraordinary gift enabled Christ Church to introduce art into Oxford education without the necessity to travel to Italy or to gain access to stately homes (which held the majority of art collections in the country). At that date the collection was unequalled by any other Oxford institution.

The collection is strongest in Italian art, from the 14th to the 18th century. Some of the early religious panels are painted by now-anonymous masters, but they allow the viewer to trace the beginnings of the professional ‘artist’ as we know him. Later works in the collection include paintings by highly- acclaimed artists such as Filippino Lippi, Tintoretto, Veronese, Annibale Carracci, and Salvator Rosa.

There are also some remarkable works by northern painters such as Anthony van Dyck, Frans Hals, and Hugo van der Goes.

Christ Church Picture Gallery have an array of fantastic exhibitions throughout the year. Please visit our website for up to date information. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A: St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP T: (01865) 276 172 W: www.chch.ox.ac.uk/gallery TW: @chchgallery

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Open: Please check their website for opening and closing times as operating hours do vary throughout the year.

Time required: 1- 2 hrs

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Modern Art Oxford Oxfordshire Galleries

Modern Art Oxford is a leading UK contemporary art space with an international reputation for inspirational and innovative programmes. The gallery is located in central Oxford and all exhibitions and the majority of events are completely free of charge.

Founded in 1966, Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s most exciting and influential contemporary art spaces, which aims to make contemporary art accessible and engaging to the widest audience through free and exciting workshops, free film screenings and free weekly exhibition tours with curators.

Hosting at least four major exhibitions a year, in the last fifty years Modern Art Oxford has exhibited some of the most famous and popular artists from across the world including Yoko Ono, Joseph Beuys, Sir Howard Hodgkin, Louise Bourgeois, Donald Judd, Tracey Emin, Barbara Kruger and Jenny Saville.

Across its Project Space and full calendar of related events, the gallery also provides a platform for upcoming, young artists. Each year Modern Art Oxford hosts over 80 free events, from film screenings to exhibition tours, workshops to academic talks. Giving access to this rich programme to the public allows the gallery to promote the importance of arts education.

Modern Art Oxford is a charity registered in the UK and with the support of individuals, companies, trusts and organisations; they help the gallery to create inspirational programmes of contemporary art and culture. The generosity of Modern Art Oxford’s supporters is vital to the growth, success and future life of the gallery. There are a lots of ways in which you can get involved including becoming a Friend for £30 a year or leaving a legacy in your will. Every bit of support ensures the championing of the arts and offers exciting opportunities to get involved in life at Modern Art Oxford.

A: 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP T: (01865) 722 733 W: www.modernartoxford.org.uk TW: @mao_gallery

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Open: Tue-Sat 11:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-17:00 Price: Free

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Oxfordshire Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery Aidan Meller gallery on Turl Street offer private collectors access to the best examples of original work by the world's masters from John Constable to Millais, Picasso and Warhol.

The gallery, exceptional outside London for the quality of work exhibited, is located in the heart of Oxford’s city centre. Exclusively featuring rare original work from internationally acclaimed artists, Aidan Meller has earned a reputation as one of the foremost galleries in the UK. Amongst the most popular exhibitions launched in 2016 were The Bloomsbury Set, Calder and Miro, School of Paris, and Old Masters. Other shows featured work from artists including John Constable, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol. The gallery’s programme of events is engineered not only to benefit individual clients but also to contribute to the artistic life of the local community.

A: 13 Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DQ T: (01865) 250 550 W: www.aidanmeller.com TW: @aidanmeller

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Open: Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-17:00 Time required: 30mins

Sanders of Oxford Sanders of Oxford, situated in the 17th century Salutation Inn, is one of the largest printsellers in Britain. One of the few antiquarian print and map galleries left outside London, Sanders’ selection is extensive and varied, dating from the early 16th century to contemporary works, and encompassing a vast range of subjects, engravers, and prices.

Established in 1927, Sanders of Oxford continues a tradition begun in 1834 of selling antiquarian prints, maps, and books from its historic premises. Its holdings range from early maps and rare views of Oxford, to fine prints and mezzotints, natural history and botanical illustrations, and a collection of exquisite Japanese woodblocks.

Located on Oxford’s picturesque High Street, Sanders has long been a landmark of the University City.

A: 104 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BW T: (01865) 242 590 W: www.sandersofoxford.com TW: @sandersofoxford IN: sanders_of_oxford

Open: Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00 Sun 11:00-17:00

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Oxfordshire Restaurants Being a restaurant in Oxford is hard work – the competition is vast and many are award winning. Check out some of our top picks here!

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p.80 The Crown p.82 Cherwell Boathouse p.84 The Anchor p.86 Jamal’s p.87 Pint Shop p.88 Pierre Victoire p.90 The Oxford Kitchen p.92 La Cucina p.93 Acanthus at the Randolph p.94 Cuttlefish

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The Crown

Oxfordshire Restaurants

The Crown Inn is a grade 2 listed 18th century boutique hotel B&B and restaurant with characterful dĂŠcor set in the heart of historic Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

There are 5 en-suite bedrooms which all feature superking beds, Lefroy Brooks showers or baths, Cowshed products, smart TV, Apple TV, Bose sound dock, DB radio, 300 count Egyptian cotton, lovely soft fluffy robes, freshly ground coffee, and Rare Tea loose leaf teas. Each bedroom has a bold colour scheme and an inspired mix of styles that blend together brilliantly: retro sofas, antique drawers, modern art and vintage lighting.

The Crown serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks and coffee, and every Thursday is Spanish Night when you can enjoy Tapas, Paella, Spanish desserts and live music from 7.30pm.

The cuisine is Modern British, with delicious dishes such as hand-made woodfired pizzetta, braised short rib of beef with watercress and creamed horseradish, pan fried Pollock with braised fennel, mussels and clams and more, all with a variety of tasty side options. Swing by on a Sunday for their exquisite Sunday Roasts.

Desserts include such classics as panna cotta with poached rhubarb, freshly made ice cream, cheese platters and more.

Bus stops for both the S3 (three times hourly; 30 minutes to Oxford) and the 233 (hourly; 10 minutes to Hanborough Station, rail connections to Oxford and London) are just metres from the hotel. The gates to Blenheim Palace are just five minutes’ walk away.

A: 31 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TE T: (01993) 813 339 W: www.thecrownwoodstock.com TW: @crownwoodstock Instagram: @crownwoodstock 80

Open: Mon-Sat 08:00-23:00, Sun 08:00-22:00

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Cherwell Boathouse Oxfordshire Restaurants

Having served generations in Oxford since 1904, The Cherwell Boathouse is long renowned as a place to enjoy fine wine and dining in an idyllic water meadow setting. This is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant situated right on the river; the location is nothing short of superb and makes for a truly scenic spot.

The Verdin family set up shop here 50 years ago and their riverside restaurant continues to go from strength to strength. With a brightly lit conservatory and a glorious terrace to match, The Cherwell Boathouse is a year round treat: icy white in winter and leafy green in summer. The walls are dressed in a fresh minty green, fairy lights trail the timber-oaked beams and people nestle in the corners of each bay window, giving the place a most welcoming ambience.

If you can take your eyes off the water and the punters passing by, pick your way through a lovely looking menu. Expect a concise menu that specialises in imaginative and intriguing combinations, as well as being able to deliver the wonderful signature dishes so well. Fresh, modern, and British – this menu has been designed to delight! Paul Bell head chef and team have gone to great lengths to create a brilliantly balanced menu that stays true to locally sourced, specialised, seasonal produce. Also be sure to check out their award-winning wine list. There is a beautiful Marquee overlooking river available to hire for private parties and functions.

The teahut bar and cafĂŠ is open mid March to mid October serving everything from sweets and treats, ice-creams and cold drinks to new delicious freshly made cafĂŠ lunches, afternoon teas and evening drinks such as Pimms, on an outdoor riverside terrace.

So push the boat out with this delightful restaurant. It really is rather stunning and is provides the perfect setting for supper outside on a summer evening.

A: 50 Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST T: (01865) 552 746 W: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk TW: @cherwellboath

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Open: Mon-Fri 12:00-14:15 18:00-21:00, Sat-Sun 12:0014:30 18:00-21:30

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The Anchor

Oxfordshire Restaurants

The Anchor is a light-filled, redbrick gastropub with an open fire, patio and dining room in the heart of Oxford’s Jericho serving simple, honest food including great meat and fish dishes from the Josper Grill, Steaks, Burgers and Salads. Situated near the beautiful countryside expanse of Port Meadow, The Anchor is a wonderful, cosy destination with an open fireplace in the bar area.

There are daily changing seasonal specials, cask ales, Wadworth beers and an excellent wine selection.

The menu is vast, catering to all palates. Dishes include such delights as: Cheese and confit onion tart, flat iron chicken with garlic butter, soft herb gnocchi with mushroom and truffle, Chateaubriand steak and much more. Desserts include mouth-watering options like sticky toffee pudding, baked yoghurt, homemade profiteroles, and lemon custard with raspberries and honeycomb. You can also get a morning coffee and cakes and weekend brunches.

There are also two private dining rooms which can seat 14 and 16, a lovely conservatory that can accommodate up to 10 and a beautiful sunny terrace. The ideal place to relax, unwind and socialise.

A: 2 Hayfield Rd, Oxford, OX2 6TT T: (01865) 510 282 W: www.theanchoroxford.com TW: @theanchorinn Instagram: @theanchoroxford 84

Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 08:0023:00

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Oxfordshire Restaurants

Jamal’s We invite you to sample the most fascinating and superbly flavoured dishes of the East. Our Indian Cuisine encompasses a wide range of delicacies from many parts of the country. Mild curries that are rich and creamy, or with tangy fruits, others hot with abundant chillies. Succulent vegetables and subtly flavoured pulses. Our speciality is traditional tandoori cooking. Meat that has been marinated is cooked in seconds in the searing heat of the clay tandoor ovens.

The real secrets of our cuisine are the spices and herbs which enhance the flavour and also possess medicinal qualities. Only our chef’s years of experience can create that subtle blend.

Indian food is an adventure, one which you can savour.

A: 107-108 Walton St, Oxford, OX2 6AJ T: (01865) 554 905 W: jamalsoxford.com TW: @JamalsOxford

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Open: Mon-Sat 11:00-15:00, Sun 14:00-16:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

Pint Shop Meat. Bread. Beer (and 100 odd gins).

Pint Shop based on the busy George Street is all about creating a place that embraces eating and drinking in equal measures. A place where you feel equally at home having a few beers, a light lunch or a full-blown feast.

With a large downstairs dining room, including various private dining options there is certainly more to Pint Shop that meets the eye.

Pint Shop takes the spirit of original beer houses – namely craft beer, gin, intimacy and fun – and throws in some killer food cooked on the coals, just as it was in 1830 and has it all delivered in the heart of the city by an amazing people.

A: 27-29 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AU T: (01865) 251 194 W: pintshop.co.uk TW: @PintShop

Open: Mon-Thu 12:00-23:00, Fri 12:00-00:00, Sat 11:00-00:00, Sun 11:00-23:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

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Pierre Victoire Bistrot Oxfordshire Restaurants

Reviewed by Alice Salive & Ambre Poibeau.

We had the wonderful opportunity to visit Pierre Victoire on Little Clarendon Street for lunch and were not disappointed by its truly authentic French cuisine.

We were received by a friendly French waiter - as French girls ourselves it was a pleasure for us to chat with another French speaker. The decoration was traditional with lovely wooden tables, roses in vases and French songs like Edith Piaf and Patrick Bruel creating a lovely relaxed ambience.

To start, we chose a Soupe du Jour and a Parfait de Volaille - mushroom, potato and pepper soup and chicken liver. They were both very well presented and delicious. For the main course, we chose Saumon - a salmon with very tender potatoes and an excellent sauce, and a Steak-Frites with succulent pepper sauce.

Finally, for our desserts we picked a Vanilla Panna Cotta with a Raspberry Compote, which was truly delicious, and also a Mousse au Chocolat which were “exquis” as we say in France.

We will definitely go back to dine again at Pierre Victoire Bistrot. The prices were reasonable, with the prix fixe menu offering three courses for just £25.00, and the pre-theatre menu of two courses and a coffee for £12.50.

A delicious and authentic French dining experience.

A: 9 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX1 2HP T: (01865) 316 616 W: www.pierrevictoire.co.uk

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Open: Mon-Sat 12:0014:30, 18:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00

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The Oxford Kitchen Oxfordshire Restaurants

The Oxford Kitchen, though still relatively new compared to others, has steadily grown in popularity as word spreads that there are Michelin quality chefs working in Summertown!

The restaurant is in the heart of Summertown, when you first arrive it is beautifully presented, with steel and wood fittings, an exposed brick wall, a couple of booths, and pop-art decoration, all contributing to a contemporary stylish ambiance in which it’s hard not to lean back and forget all the troubles of the day.

Relaxed, fine dining is what The Oxford Kitchen is aiming for. They have created a vibrant as well as relaxed atmosphere - there are no Royalty here. However, that does not lower the quality, one tiny bit. The Oxford Kitchen is somewhere to go as a family for lunch and where you don’t have to dress up for dinner, but with a menu and quality that will suit, and impress, everyone.

The food is eminently presented and taste delicious, they have a good, not overly long wine list, with a wide range. On top of this, the staff are very welcoming and friendly, always serving with a smile and eager to help if you are in doubt about which wine matches your food best.

Top quality food, a stylish setting and the overall value for money is indeed very good. This addition to the Summertown and Oxford restaurant scene has undoubtedly become a firm favourite for locals and a destination for the County.

The Oxford Kitchen is a must visit for any foodie in town.

A: 215 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7HQ T: (01865) 511 149 W: www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk TW: @Kitchenoxford 90

Open: Tue-Sat 12:00– 14:30, 18:00–09:30 Sun 12:00–16:00

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Oxfordshire Restaurants

La Cucina Alberto and his team at La Cucina bring a true taste of Italy to Oxford. From the open kitchen in summer months you could enjoy specials such as black linguine and spicy crab sauce to lobster and courgette ravioli. During winter you’ll see specials like “osso bucco,” pigs trotter and lentils or venison “tagliata” and polenta to name a few.

The La Cucina shelves are plentiful with the finest Italian deli products: Gluten free pasta, balsamic onions, mustard fruits and Italian cheeses etc. can be bought from the kitchen.

Many local La Cucina followers drop in for an espresso one day, an aperitivo e assaggi the next, then arrange a family birthday treat on another. Whatever the occasion, La Cucina really is a home from home. Some people like the food so much they utilise the outside catering team and delivery service too!

A: 39-40 St Clements, Oxford, OX4 1AB T: (01865) 793 811 W: lacucinaoxford.co.uk TW: @LaCucina_Oxford

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Open: Mon-Sun 11:00-22:30 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

Acanthus at the Macdonald Hotel Acanthus at Macdonald Randolph Hotel, is the perfect blend of contemporary city centre bistro combined with unique character and of course, outstanding British cuisine. Diners can enjoy a mouth-watering seasonal menu, a place to relax and enjoy company with friends and family, making it a popular choice with both visitors and locals. Our acclaimed chefs prepare the finest dishes from our à la carte menu, complemented with our handpicked selection of fine wines.

A: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN T: (01865) 256 410 W: macdonaldhotels.co.uk/randolph TW: @MacdonaldHotels

Open: Breakfast - Monday - Friday 7.00am 10.00am and Saturday & Sunday - 7.30am 10.30am. Lunch - Monday – Sunday 12.30pm 4.00pm. Dinner - Monday - Sunday 5.30pm – 9.30pm 93

Oxfordshire Restaurants

Cuttlefish Cuttlefish is the new fish restaurant on the block, bringing the best seasonal, sustainable fish to Oxford from the shore at the fairest of prices.

The Cuttlefish chefs deliver seasonal daily specials such “Seared Scallops with local English asparagus, Grilled tuna steak, sea-spinach with Mediterranean Salsa, Cod tongue with chilli and lime salsa – the list goes on. There are mussels three ways, Colchester oysters and great meat and vegetarian options too.

The extensive menu includes the Cuttlefish seafood platter, mixed fish grill and possibly Oxford’s best fish and chips. Non fish eaters and vegetarians have an eclectic choice too. Many locals also pop in for the weekly fixed price menu offering great variety for a 1, 2 or 3 course meal whilst on a budget. Others join for the week night evening promotions, such as homemade fish pie night during winter months, Paella and Estrella, Mussels and Belgian beer, all available from 12pm!

Such a steal.

A: 37 St Clement’s Street, Oxford, OX4 1AB T: (01865) 243 003 W: cuttlefishoxford.co.uk TW: @CuttlefishOx

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Open: Mon-Sun 11:00-22:30 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

Oxfordshire Accommodation There’s so much to do in Oxford that you’re bound to need a place to stay. If you’re a local it might even be nice to try one just for a weekend of luxury.

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p.98 Macdonald Randolph Hotel p.99 The Manor p.100 The Royal Oxford Hotel p.101 Oxford Eastgate Hotel

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Oxfordshire Accommodation

Macdonald Randolph Macdonald Randolph Hotel is the leading 5-star hotel in Oxford and offers luxurious accommodation, delicious food and a sensuous spa haven in the heart of this world-famous University City.

Located in Oxford's city centre, our hotel is a landmark building with elegance and charm aplenty. Guests will love our Acanthus Restaurant, serving mouthwatering seasonal dishes prepared by our highly skilled chefs.

Our hotel has played host to prime ministers and presidents, and our renowned Morse Bar is instantly recognisable as the watering hole of Colin Dexter's worldfamous detective, Inspector Morse.

Our meeting and conference facilities are unlike any other, the hotel's beautiful architecture and historic setting provides the perfect venue for fairy-tale weddings, and enjoy afternoon tea at Macdonald Randolph Hotel - it is an Oxford Institution.

A: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN T: (01865) 256 400 W: macdonaldhotels.co.uk/randolph

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The Manor Country House Hotel Celebrate the seasons at The Manor Country House Hotel with changing menus to reflect the best in local, seasonal produce.

Take your time to enjoy 2 AA Rosette dining at The Manor with a 5 course tasting menu in the oak-panelled Baron’s Hall; or for a more relaxed occasion try our delicious Afternoon Tea overlooking 12 acres of landscaped gardens.

The Manor can cater for all your requirements from a private dining experience in our Tudor Room to an exclusive use for your wedding day. Finish your evening off with an after dinner drink in our recently refurbished, cosy Bertie’s Bar.

A: Northampton Road, Weston-on-the-Green, OX25 3QL. T: (01869) 350 621 W: themanorweston.com TW: @themanorweston

Open: Mon-Sun 12:00-21:00 Suitable weather: Any Time required: 1hr+

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Oxfordshire Accommodation

The Royal Oxford Hotel 3 Star privately owned hotel located in Oxford city centre. The hotel is within a 10-minute walk of many of Oxford University’s Colleges. Riverside pubs and restaurants are just a minutes’ walk, whilst Oxford Bus Station is 0.2 miles away.

The hotel is located within walking distance to the train and the bus stations as well as all Oxford tourist attractions.

Our dedicated and attentive staff will ensure that your stay at the hotel is as enjoyable as possible. Reception is open 24/7 and we offer a wide range of services. In addition to porter's service, wake-up calls and administration services, we offer express check in and check out, dry-cleaning, luggage storage and much more. Our en-suite rooms have their own individual style and charm. All rooms are comfortable, well appointed and offer various facilities including wireless internet, double glazed windows, air-conditioning, access to an iron and ironing board. Full English and Continental breakfasts are served every morning at the Bamboo Restaurant. The restaurant caters for lunch and dinner which is also available as a room service.

A: Park End St, Oxford, OX1 1HR T: (01865) 248 432 W: royaloxfordhotel.co.uk TW: @TheRoyalOxford

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Open: 24hr

Oxford Eastgate Hotel Recently refurbished, the 17th century building which is home to the Mercure Oxford Eastgate is located in the centre of Oxford opposite part of the University buildings and gives a personal welcome for a stay in the historical University City.

The famous novelists J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis frequented the hotel whilst being Fellows at Merton College and Magdalen College respectively.

The Eastgate Townhouse boasts the newly opened Marco's New York Italian restaurant and with onsite parking (chargeable), it is the ideal place to stay while in Oxford.

A: 73 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BE T: (01865) 248 332 W: www.mercure.com TW: @mercurehotels

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Oxfordshire Bars & Pubs From historic taverns frequented by writers and scholars of days gone by to contemporary cocktail bars and nightclubs, you will find something to suit all tastes in Oxford.

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p.104 The Duke of Cambridge p.106 The Bear Inn p.107 Morse Bar p.108 The House p.110 The Varsity Club p.111 The Turf Tavern

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The Duke of Cambridge Oxfordshire Bars & Pubs

The Duke of Cambridge is an Oxford institution, mixing great drinks in Oxford since 1981.

Nestled beneath the starry lights of picturesque Little Clarendon Street, between the bohemian eateries of Jericho and the city's coolest clubs this atmospheric bar is perfectly located to serve up cocktails with serious style, always bursting with atmosphere at the weekends with a more chilled vibe during the week. The main bar area is also available for private hire for parties or meetings.

The bar is a moodily lit space of dark wood, rich colours, worn leather and quirky art, with a mix of low hanging vintage lights creating comfortable nooks and deco touches injecting understated glamour. Fresh ingredients, cool interiors and friendly staff give The Duke genuine character and style.

They only use the finest spirits and source the freshest ingredients to make their contemporary and classic cocktails. The cocktails here are an experience too, using the finest spirits and sourcing the freshest ingredients, with perfectly executed classics as well as innovative concoctions such as the Lemon Meringue and a Black Forest Martini.

Here, reclined on a curved sofa with a perfectly dry martini in hand you can admire the sumptuous surroundings as the throng mill around the bar, searching for that perfect mix. Now that's cool.

A: 5-6 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HP T: (01865) 558 173 W: www.dukebar.com TW: @dukebars Instagram: @dukeoxford 104

Open: Sun-Wed 16:00-00:00, Thu-Sat 16:0001:00

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Oxfordshire Bars & Pubs

The Bear Inn The Bear Inn is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, dating back to 1242, and is hidden on Alfred Street off the busy High Street that goes through the city. The pub is popular with students, locals and tourists. They offer pints of real ale, lagers, ciders, stouts, world wines and home-cooked traditional pub food. The food is made of the fresh local ingredients, and they have seasonal specials too.

One thing that has made The Bear well-known is its collection of over 4,500 ties.

The tie ends have been cut off with a pair of scissors in exchange for half a pint of beer. The tradition was started early on by the landlord and the ties were originally pinned to the wall, but today they are all in glass-fronted cases on the walls and the ceiling. The ties represent clubs, sport teams, schools and colleges in the Oxford area and also around the globe.

A: 6 Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH T: (01865) 728 164 W: www.bearoxford.co.uk TW: @inn_the_bear

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Open: Mon-Thu 11:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-00:00, Sun 11:30-22:30

Oxfordshire Bars & Pubs

Morse Bar Located in one of the most popular and famous hotels in Oxford, The Macdonald Randolph Hotel, The Morse bar is a landmark for the city. The name originates from the character in Colin Dexter’s bestsellers, Inspector Morse, who has spent several scenes in the bar together with his sergeant Lewis trying to solve complex and exciting cases. It is still featured in the follow-on TV series with Lewis in the lead role.

The bar is decorated in a classic and elegant style and hosts several events throughout the year, for example whisky tastings and cocktail master classes.

A: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN T: (01865) 256 400 W: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk TW: @randolphhotel

Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-01:00

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The House

Oxfordshire Bars & Pubs

A buzzing young bar in central Oxford with its own games room, private terrace with trendy Philippe Starck sofas and a seriously well thought out cocktail list.

The House is a modern, intimate yet lively venue, with leather upholstery, monochrome lamps and low mood lighting, and a dark wood bar dotted with chic tea lights.

The bar has attracted plenty of attention since it opened in early 2009, gracing the pages of Vogue, as a fashion shoot location and featuring in Elle magazine's Top 25 Bars 2010.

The House only uses the finest spirits and source the freshest ingredients to make their contemporary and classic cocktails. The selection is large, with nearly 40 cocktails available for under £5. House Classics include Bloody Mary, Negroni, and White Russian to name just a few. The contemporary cocktails are inventive and sumptuous, with options such as the Tiki House (Koko Kanu, crème de banane and coconut cream shaken with pineapple and lime juices) the Gecko (Morgan’s Spiced rum, apple schnapps, lime, apple juice and passion fruit), the Basil Jam (Stolichnaya vodka and fraise liqueur, shaken with strawberry and basil, then topped with ground pepper) and many more.

There is a Games Room with a Pool table available for exclusive use for up to 70 guests, a comfortable garden, free Wi-Fi, and daily Happy Hour.

For value, quality, and a fabulous wide variety of drinks to enjoy in a sleek and chic environment then House Bar is the place to go.

A: 11 Wheatsheaf Yard, Blue Boar St, Oxford, OX1 4EE Open: Sun-Wed 17:00-00:00, Thu-Sat T: (01865) 724 433 17:00-01:00 W: www.housebar.co.uk TW: @thehouseoxford Instagram: @thehouseoxford 108

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Oxfordshire Bars & Pubs

The Varsity Club Occupying a stylishly designed four-storey building on the High Street, this well situated cocktail bar is in the heart of the busy city centre of Oxford, within a stone’s throw of Oxford Town Hall and Carfax Tower. TVC is different, different on every level. The Cocktail Lounge and Bar found on the first floor has eclectic contemporary dÊcor mixed with quirky traditional period features. The second floor Club and Dancefloor has a state of the art DJ booth and serious sound system, making it the perfect party venue. Members Lounge and Private Hire can be found on the third floor.

The crowning glory is The Roof at TVC, the newly opened stunning roof terrace with bar and lounge seating overlooking the skyline of Oxford, the University Quods and its Dreaming Spires. We serve high quality cocktails on every level, using premium spirits mixed with flair by our expert bar-tenders.

A: 9 High St, Oxford, OX1 4DB T: (01865) 248 777 W: www.tvcoxford.co.uk TW: @VarsityClubOx

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Open: Sun-Thu 12:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-LATE

The Turf Tavern The Turf Tavern is a popular but well-hidden historic pub in central Oxford. Its foundations date from the 13th century and the low beamed front bar area from the 17th. It was originally called the Spotted Cow but changed its name in 1842, probably as a reaction to gambling meetings held on site.

It is located down a narrow winding alley, St Helens Passage (originally Hell's passage), between Holywell Street and New College Lane, near the Bridge of Sighs.

Running along one side of the pub is one of the remaining sections of the old city wall. Local legend has it that it was at the Turf Tavern where former U.S. president Bill Clinton, while attending Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, infamously "did not inhale". The Turf is still a frequent gathering place for the Rhodes community in Oxford as the site of Turf Tuesday every week during term.

A: 4-5 Bath Place, Oxford, OX1 3SU T: (01865) 243 235 W: www.turftavern-oxford.co.uk TW: @TheTurfTavern

Open: Mon-Sun 11:00-23:00

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Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure From the chic designer shopping outlets at Bicester Village, to the fresh and local produce available at our various Farmers’ Markets, to handmade souvenirs and clothing in Oxford’s Covered Market – You’ll find what you’re looking for here.

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p.114 Spa at the Macdonald Randolph p.115 Frilford heath Golf Club p.116 Bicester Village p.118 University of Oxford Shop p.120 Alice’s Shop p.121 Bodleian Libraries Gift Shops p.122 Clarendon Centre p.123 The Covered Market

p.124 Cowley Road p.125 Jericho p.126 Summertown p.127 Westgate Shopping Centre

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Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

Spa at the Macdonald Randolph The spa at the Macdonald Randolph provides you with the perfect oasis to unwind and relax. Our calm and tranquil Oxford spa provides the most luxurious of retreats from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Recommend treatments: Elemis Pro-Collagen Age Defy Elemis Couture Touch Elemis Freestyle Deep Tissue Massage Elemis Biotech Facial Spa includes - Steam room, Aromatherapy steam, Bio sauna, rock sauna, hydrotherapy bath, ice fountain. New Deluxe couples treatment room now available.

A: Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN T: 0344 879 9132 W: macdonaldhotels.co.uk/randolph TW: @MacdonaldHotels

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Open: Mon-Sun 8:00am – 8:00pm and 8:00am - 6:00pm on Sundays.

Time required: 1hr+

Frilford Heath Golf Club Frilford Heath Golf Club is a 54 hole golf club in Frilford, Oxfordshire and is set amongst 500 acres of heathland to the south of Oxford city. Visitors are always welcome at Frilford Heath Golf Club and with 54 holes of championship golf, tee times are something that doesn't have to trouble you. Generally you can turn up and play, but it might be worth checking with the office first in case there are any course restrictions on that particular day.

The delightful old clubhouse was originally a country manor house and has been extended and refurbished to a high standard to provide the ideal environment for relaxation and socialising before and after a game of golf. With our first-class restaurant and bars, members and visitors can be assured of top quality catering and a comfortable and welcoming setting in which to eat and drink. Whether it's a mid-morning snack that takes your fancy or a formal fine dining experience, our helpful and friendly staff will be on hand to cater for your requirements.

A: Frilford Heath, Abingdon, OX13 5NW T: (01865) 390 864 W: frilfordheath.co.uk TW: @FrilfordHeathGC

Open: Mon-Sun 07:30-19:30 Suitable weather: Fair Time required: 4hr+

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Bicester Village

Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

The ultimate shopping experience.

Discover the UK’s leading luxury shopping experience at Bicester Village, located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds, where spacious boutiques showcase the world's finest fashion and lifestyle brands.

Indulge in savings of up to 60%* all year round, as well as tax-free shopping in more than 130 luxury boutiques, including Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Saint Laurent Paris and many more.

Enjoy open-air boulevards, attentive service and a friendly, unhurried atmosphere for a truly unique retail experience – and with Bicester Village open from 9 am, Monday to Saturday, why not start your day in style with breakfast in one of the many restaurants and cafés.

Travelling to the Village is effortless, take the train with Chiltern Railways to the new Bicester Village Station, just a five-minute walk from the Village, or travel by the S5 or X5 Stagecoach bus from Oxford. Alternatively, drive and exit at junction 9 of the M40 motorway.

Find out more about travel options, the latest boutique news and opening times at BicesterVillage.com *on the recommended retail price.

A: 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, OX26 6WD Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00, T: (01869) 366 266 Sat 09:00-20:00, Sun 10:00W: www.bicestervillage.com 19:00 TW: @bicestervillage

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University of Oxford Shop Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

The University of Oxford Shop is ideally located on the High Street, in the heart of the Dreaming Spires of Oxford. Established in 1990, the shop is the University’s official retail store, specialising in a wide range of clothing and gifts bearing the University of Oxford trademarked crest.

Inside the shop, I found cabinets, shelves and displays full of quality products, leaving me spoilt for choice! Displayed at the front of the shop, college enamel cufflinks, lapel pins and tie slides are perfect for those who have a favourite college and wish to show their allegiance or connection to it. The clothing section situated at the rear of the shop includes hoodies, T-shirts and polo shirts in a variety of sizes colours and designs to suit all ages and tastes. Many of the designs are exclusive to the shop and are supplied by companies committed to ethical trade.

Owned by the University, the shop likes to commission items that have a direct link to Oxford. For instance, the fritillary collection of jewellery, cushions and handmade silver spoons, features the small delicate flower that blooms in Magdalen College meadow in spring. Alternatively, Oxford’s famous architectural landmarks provide the theme for the popular Oxford Cityscape collection by UK artist Lizzie Prestt, my favourite items being the candy coloured plates and mugs.

In all, the shop is a treasure trove of beautiful and quality products just waiting to be discovered, and unlike the other souvenir shops in Oxford, all profits are returned to and benefit the University. If like me, you wish you’d bought more, don’t despair, as the majority of items are also available online at www.oushop.com.

A: 106 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BW T: (01865) 247 414 W: www.oushop.com FB: facebook.com/UniversityOfOxfordShop

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Open: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:30, Sun 11:00-16:00

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Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

Alice’s Shop One of the most famous little shops in the world can be found in Oxford just across the road from Christ Church College. It was formerly frequented in Victorian times

by Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, who used to buy sweets there.

She lived at Christ Church with her father Henry Liddell, who was Dean of the College and Cathedral.

Alice’s Shop is one of the most tangible links to an entire episode in the Alice in Wonderland adventures and offers lovers of the stories a moment of intimate connection with the World of Alice as well as an insight into Carroll’s creation. The small shop was dubbed “Alice’s Shop” locally as soon as the stories became well known, even as it continued as a grocery shop. The Shop is now a treasure trove of Alice in Wonderland themed gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia.

A: 83 St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1RA T: (01865) 723 793 W: www.aliceinwonderlandshop.com

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Open: Sun-Fri 10:30-17:00, Sun 09:30-18:00

Bodleian Libraries Gift Shops The Bodleian Libraries shops offer a curated range of gifts and books inspired by the vast Bodleian collections and fascinating programme of temporary exhibitions.

Visit the Zvi Meitar Bodleian Libraries Shop in the Weston Library for contemporary gifts, furniture and accessories, or the Bodleian Library Shop, in the tranquil Old Schools Quadrangle, to browse exquisite and timeless souvenirs inspired by our historic setting.

Our diverse range includes the famous Bodleian Reader’s Chair and ever-popular ‘Silence Please’ homeware selection, as well as many more exclusive library and reading-inspired gifts to suit all budgets. You can also browse a wide range of general interest, gift and scholarly books from Bodleian Library Publishing, all drawn from or related to the Bodleian collections. Visit our shops at the Bodleian Libraries, shop online at www.bodleianshop.co.uk or call us on 01865 277 001.

A: Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG T: (01865) 277 001 W: www.bodleianshop.co.uk

Open: Mon-Fri 10.00-17.30, Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun 11.00-17.00 (Opening hours subject to change)

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Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

Clarendon Centre The Clarendon Centre is a shopping centre in central Oxford. It is located to the west of Cornmarket Street and to the north of Queen Street. It is accessible from both of these streets and is in the form of an L-shape between them. There is also an entrance on Shoe Lane, off New Inn Hall Street.

The area was the site of an early archaeological study in the 1950s. On this site was the Clarendon Hotel in Cornmarket that grew from two former coaching inns, the King's Head and the Star. The Clarendon Centre was built in 1983–4, designed

by Gordon Benny and Partners. It is your first destination for fashion with top retailers including Zara, French Connection, H&M, Gap and River Island. What’s more you can relax over a coffee at Costa or a smoothie at Boost Juice as well as getting your hands on the latest gadgets from Currys Digital and Phones4U.

A: 52 Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3JE T: (01865) 251 493 W: www.clarendoncentre.co.uk TW: @clarendonshops

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Open: Mon-Sat 08:00-19:00, Sun 10:30-17:00

The Covered Market The market was officially opened in 1774 and has a unique and wonderful atmosphere. It provides its visitors with the wonderful aromas of fresh fruit, coffee and fresh baking and to a feast of sights and sounds. Fruit and vegetable stalls still make colourful displays but much of the produce is now imported from all over the world.

The Covered Market is home to numerous traders selling a captivating variety of goods. Fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and cakes, meats, cheeses, seafood, fine foods, flowers, leather goods, shoes, watches and jewellery, clothing, gifts, hats and so much more are on offer - the mix is electrifying. When taking a break from browsing the goods there's a mouth-watering choice of places to eat and drink to choose from. Whatever you are tempted with - a ciabatta, a cappuccino or a cake - you will always find something to satisfy in Oxford's Covered Market.

A: Market St., Oxford, OX1 3DZ W: www.oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk

Open: Mon-Sat 08:00-17:30, Sun 10:00-16:00

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Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

Cowley Road Cowley Road is the main shopping street of east Oxford, and in the evenings it is the area's main leisure district. The Cowley Road area has played a prominent part in the Oxford music scene. A number of successful bands made their formative performances in local venues such as the O2 Academy Oxford (formerly known as The Zodiac), and The Art Bar (formerly the Bullingdon Arms).

Cowley Road is also home to the Cowley Road Carnival, an annual event during which the road is pedestrianised, and which features live music, static sound systems, a parade, and food from around the world. In 2014, the Cowley Road Carnival attracted 45,000 visitors, and has become an integral part of contemporary Oxford.

A: Cowley Road, Oxford W: www.livinginoxford.com

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Jericho Jericho is an historic suburb of Oxford. It consists of the streets bounded by the Oxford Canal, Worcester College, Walton Street and Walton Well Road. Located outside the old city wall, it was originally a place for travellers to rest if they had reached the city after the gates had closed. The name Jericho may have been adopted to signify this 'remote place' outside the wall.

Jericho retains a strong community spirit. The Jericho Community Association runs the Jericho Community Centre in Canal Street, maintains the community website, Jericho Online, publishes the local newspaper the Jericho Echo and organizes the annual Jericho Street Fair which is held in mid-June each year, around the feast day of the patron saint Barnabas (11 June). Appropriately for its biblical name, Jericho is also known for its iconic places of worship.

A: Jericho, Oxford W: www.livinginoxford.com

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Oxfordshire Shopping & Leisure

Summertown Summertown in north Oxford is a vibrant shopping and business centre and an attractive residential area. Bounded by the Cherwell River to the east and the Oxford Canal to the west it offers easy access to an incredible range of shops and services of all kinds, and to sports and leisure facilities and open countryside.

The 1960s brought enormous changes to Summertown, which had until retained its architectural diversity and village atmosphere. In the last years of the 20th century, Summertown evolved into the vibrant shopping, business and residential centre that it is today, a prosperous suburb to an historic city. Summertown is home to much of Oxford's broadcast media. BBC Radio Oxford and the BBC Television's Oxford studios are on Banbury Road. The studios for JACK FM, Glide FM, and Six TV Oxford (no longer broadcasting) are on Woodstock Road.

A: Summertown, Oxford W: www.livinginoxford.com

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Photo by Nick Caville

Westgate Shopping Centre Westgate Oxford is the city’s newest premium retail and lifestyle destination, with more than 125 stores and restaurants, plus a luxury cinema and rooftop terrace.

Need a fashion fix? Westgate is home to all of your favourite high street names as well as some lesser-known premium fashion gems, from H&M and John Lewis to Cos and Uniqlo.

With more than 20 restaurants, many new to the city, Westgate is a foodie’s paradise. From grab-and-go options in Westgate Social to exquisite evening dining on the centre’s rooftop terrace, you’re never short of options to please everyone, from family to friends. Can’t agree on where to eat? Westgate Social is the perfect place to dine and socialise. With an eclectic mix of street food from around the world, and indoor crazy golf like you’ve never seen before at Junkyard Golf Club, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Getting to Westgate Oxford couldn’t be easier, with a newly-opened taxi rank, a members-only Cycle Hub, and a regenerated onepayment Park and Ride service.

A: Castle Street, Oxford, OX1 1NZ T: (01865) 263 300 W: www.westgateoxford.co.uk TW: @WestgateOxford

Open: Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 09:00-20:00, Sun 11:00-17:00

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City Sightseeing stops Tourist Information

Transport Despite Oxford being a driver's nightmare there are so many different ways for you to get about the city. In some respect, you'll find travelling around Oxford a lot easier than trying to drive yourself!

Park and Ride/Bus Services

Take the stress out of driving and make the most of one of five Park and Ride facilities located within the Ring Road.

This is a convenient and inexpensive way of getting to and from Oxford.

Thornhill: East of Oxford at A40/M40. Bus number 400, journey time 15 minutes to City Centre, departs every 10 minutes from 6am to 7pm Monday to Saturday (last bus at 11pm) and 8.30am to 7pm Sundays.

Water Eaton: North of Oxford at A4260. Bus number 500, journey time 12 minutes to City Centre, departs every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, no service on Sundays.

Oxford Bus Company T: 01865 785400 W: oxfordbus.co.uk Stagecoach T: 01865 772250 W: stagecoachbus.com

Pear Tree: North of Oxford at A34/A44. Bus number 300, journey time 12 minutes to City Centre, departs every 8 to 10 minutes from 6am to 7.45pm Monday to Saturday (last bus at 11pm) and 8.30am to 4.30pm Sundays (last bus at 7pm).

Seacourt: West of Oxford at A420. Bus number 400, journey time 10 minutes to City Centre, departs every 10 to 12 minutes from 6am to 7pm Monday to Saturday (last bus at 11pm) and 8.30am to 7pm Sundays.

Redbridge: South of Oxford at A4144. Bus number 300, journey time 10 minutes to City Centre, departs every 10 minutes from 6am to 7pm Monday to Saturday (last bus at 11pm) and 8.30am to 5pm Sundays (last bus at 7pm).

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Oxford City Buses Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach are the two main bus companies that operate around the city offering a comprehensive network of routes. Check the respective websites for a full up to date list of prices and for more information.

Oxford to London Coach There are two direct, 24hr, high frequency coach services to the capital. The journey takes approximately 100 minutes and takes you from city centre to city centre.

Oxford X90: T: 01865 785 400 W: oxfordbus.co.uk Oxford Tube: T: 01865 772 250 W: oxfordtube.com

If you're traveling into or out of Oxford by aeroplane, try booking a taxi direct with the airport on 01865 290600. Or hop on the daily shuttle from Oxford Station: www.oxfordairportshuttle.com

Train A frequent direct train service operates from London Paddington and Oxford Station (approximately 30 minutes), London Marylebone and Oxford Parkway (approximately 40 minutes), and between Birmingham New Street and Oxford Station via Banbury and Coventry. For details see the National Rail Enquiries website.

Oxford Train Station is located on Park End Street. There are frequent train services to all major UK destinations from Oxford.

Getting to London takes roughly an hour and there are direct and indirect services running throughout the day. A frequent, direct train service operates between Oxford and Birmingham New Street via Banbury and Coventry.

Car Hire/Taxi

Budget: 01865 724 884 Avis Cars: 08445 446087 EuropCar: 01865 246373

Taxis

Hackney Cabs can be picked up from taxi ranks at St.Giles, Gloucester Green, or the railway station, or you can hail them in the street.

001 Taxis: 01865 240 000 ABC Taxis: 01865 775 577 Royal Cars: 01865 777 333

For information call: National Rail Enquiries 0845 7 484950 24hr information line or visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Chiltern Railways 03456 005165 Mon-Sun 07.00 to 22.00 or visit: www.chilternrailways.co.uk

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E D I T I O N

The Best In Oxford & Oxfordshire is a compendium of reviews and listings selected for your enjoyment.

We not only independently review a wide range of restaurants, hotels, shops and places of interest each year, we only select those which we feel are of a certain quality and will be sure to meet our high standards for The Best In Oxford & Oxfordshire.

Why not try them for yourself? www.inoxford.com