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bargain british breaks

Oxford’s cityscape hides inspiring activities for young families

Inspired by Oxford

The beautiful university city has plenty going on to inspire and entertain young families touring within a budget, as Alice Griffin discovers Alice Griffin is a travel writer. Along with her husband, young daughter and dog, she loves touring adventures in their motorhome

manageable scale than somewhere like London. The time was right to set off in ‘Harold’, our cosy home on wheels, and try a city break in a more budgetfriendly way, safe in the knowledge that we could put Isabella to bed in comfort and still enjoy a glass of wine in the shadows of the bright lights.

ibrant, diverse and with a buzz permanently in the air, there is no doubt that cities can be intoxicating places, and in my 20s I thrived on occasional bright-light breaks, soaking up all they had to offer with energy and enthusiasm. However, these days I tend to prefer more peaceful retreats. Aside from age, this is partly due to the arrival of my young daughter. Nowadays, the wonders of a city lose their charm when I find myself trying to keep her occupied, rested and engaged amid the hustle and bustle. Then there is the expense aspect of accommodation and meals out to consider. All-in-all cities have been off my radar for some time now, but what if a city does not feel quite like a city? What if there are activities to keep everyone smiling and even peaceful areas to retreat to? Best of all, what if you have your own accommodation? Suddenly, the idea of a city starts to sparkle again for me. My husband, Scott, and I decided that a weekend in beautiful Oxford might be a wonderful idea. A couple of days to wander the museums and show our six-year-old daughter, Isabella, some of the things she has read about in books, and all on a smaller and more

staying close to the centre I began by searching for a suitable campsite and was surprised to find several that were within public transport distance. However, the very central Oxford Camping and Caravanning Club campsite was too good to ignore, with the Park and Ride bus service outside the door as well as the option to walk into town. Despite being next to a train track the site was relatively quiet and you can’t put a price on being so close to the centre. We arrived late morning on a Friday and, while there was still sunshine before the predicted rain, we didn’t want to waste any time in getting out and about so after a quick lunch in the ’van and a peruse of an Oxford city map, we decided to stroll into town along the river. This is possibly the most endearing thing about Oxford; the easy access to peace when you need a breather from the bustle. You could spend a busy afternoon indulging in one museum after another, yet within minutes be down by the river feeding ducks with nothing but the sound of rowers’ oars gliding through the water. It really is a magical place. We sauntered along, soaking up the wildlife, the boats, the runners and

“You could spend a busy afternoon in a museum, yet within minutes be by the river feeding ducks”

From left to right River boat cruises give a different view of the city. Wander by the river, watch the oarsmen and feed the ducks. Isabella has it all planned out with the help of her map of Oxford 32 | Summer Special 2014 | www.practicalmotorhome.com

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british breaks

the atmosphere that all this creates. The rain didn’t quite hold off, but as true Brits our brollies were packed! When we got into the centre, aided by our map we wandered along the picturesque streets before stopping for coffee and cake at the insistence of our daughter. We found a lovely coffee shop – Combibos – that served huge frothy milkshakes, fancy coffees and double-chocolate muffins. Yes, it made a dent in our small budget, but we could make the rest of the weekend as cheap or expensive as we wanted to. picking up a few artist’s tips We came across a charity shop where the young Oxford artist, Andrew Manson, could be found painting. Much to our daughter’s delight,he invited us in and we were able to watch him create as well as receive

The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most iconic buildings. It is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library

Watching the activity along the river is time out from the bustle of busy museums

“Isabella skipped through the corridors soaking up the history like a sponge, seeking out rabbits of all sizes” a few tips about what to do before heading on our way to the Ashmolean. The oldest public museum in Britain, the Ashmolean is a real treasure trove with lots of family-friendly activities and helpful staff to assist. We settled on the Rabbit trail – perhaps in deference to the roots of Alice in Wonderland being in Oxford. Isabella skipped through the corridors and rooms soaking up the history like a sponge, seeking out rabbits of all shapes, sizes, ages and cultures along the way. In fact, even if you don’t have kids, I recommend one of the trails! After a few hours walking we were tired and took the Park and Ride home to our cosy motorhome and had dinner in comfort with a glass of wine, while Isabella slept off her adventures. On Saturday morning we woke early and decided to save our feet a little by hopping on the Park and Ride straight into town. Rain fell on and off: it didn’t spoil our fun, although it did dictate the order of which we chose to do things. We began with cake from the indoor market then strolled around the arts and craft market and cobbled streets that this city is famed for. You could simply spend your time doing this; stopping for coffee here and there, watching the street entertainers and buskers, browsing an old book

go there now! Stay at

The 100-year-old Hertford Bridge or Bridge of Sighs is a famous Oxford landmark store or museum when the fancy takes you, and still feel satisfied that you have soaked up the atmosphere. While wandering about trying to decide what to do, a ‘Messy Play’ sign caught our eye. We wandered into a lovely church to make some stained glass windows and paper plate masks. This is the great thing about Oxford, there is always something to do and often in the most unlikely places! seeking out an oasis of calm As a lover of herbs and plants I really wanted to slot a visit to the Botanical Gardens into our itinerary, but was resigned that this would be

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thwarted by rain. However, the sun came out just in time to make it happen so we strolled to the edge of town and left behind the busy road to enter into an oasis of calm where we were able to see pepper trees, cocoa pods and cinnamon bark, watch students punt their way hilariously along the river and allow Isabella to expel some energy running around what she believed to be the real secret garden. Of course, the best thing was that a break in the weather meant we could enjoy our picnic lunch in pleasant surroundings. The bus museum displays 100 years of Oxford public transport

Cake and milkshake give energy for the busy day ahead. The Club site is very central After we left the Botanical Gardens the heavens opened again so we dived into the Museum of the History of Science to join in with a children’s activity afternoon collecting a ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. Again, this was a freebie laid on by the museum and although I had already searched it out, staff in the Tourist Office on Broad Street were very knowledgeable and helpful about any activities that might be of interest. We all enjoyed this museum and Isabella loved making her own cabinet along with other children, all under the watchful eye of the staff. However, the highlight was the Moon engraving by 18th-century artist John Russell. This breathtaking work took 20 years for the artist to complete. We closed a busy day with dinner at the Nosebag Restaurant, one of Oxford’s longest established

independent restaurants. It serves good, wholesome, homemade food and even caters well for us vegetarians! It has a relaxed and cosy ambience and the highlight was yet more artistic inspiration for our daughter when the artist, Andrew Freidin, who just happened to be enjoying afternoon tea across from us, felt inspired to sketch her. He very kindly presented us with the drawing and she was so thrilled that her pencils have not stopped shading since. That’s the thing that makes Oxford so appealing – it is small enough to make real connections. Our visit was a wonderful reminder of the city life we once relished. Visiting Oxford in our ’van made a city break cheap and cheerful, and it saved heartache because once everyone was tired and fed up, home – with all its comforts – was just a bus ride away.

Been to this site?

Oxford C&CC Write a review, and get automatic entry into our Site, 426 Abingdon monthly prize draw! Road OX1 4XG Tel 01865 244 088 Web http://bit. www.caravansitefinder.co.uk ly/1kprDJa For Practical Motorhome’s Top 100 sites in the area, try http://po.st/JMVMyi For Caravan Sitefinder’s selection of sites in the area, try http://bit.ly/1kpsoSJ

Park and Ride

Park and Ride Return £4.80 (kids go FREE) Web http://bit.ly/1mzk71i

Fun for free

Ashmolean Museum Great galleries and fun activities for youngsters Web http://bit.ly/1ku7g2B

Break the bank

Enjoy live family theatre at the Oxford Playhouse Web http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/

Walk the walk

Those who like long walks will enjoy the Roman Way; tracing ancient pathways. Web http://bit.ly/1rphx4W