I don't go to Oxford often, but when I do go back, I always forget how pretty it is, and how every building seems steeped in history and just generally so interesting. The last time I was in Oxford was the day after the fire at the Randolph hotel, I remember standing on top of the Ashmolean overlooking the hotel and seeing how the fire had completely ripped through. It was good to see it looking in a little better shape these days! It was of course another completely rainy day (I haven't had much luck with the weather on visits lately!) and a good portion of the day was spent under a tree with a thousand other tourists by the Radcliffe Camera before running into a standard Jamie's Italian.
Recommendations:
Drink: The Eagle and Child (49 St Giles, OX1 3LU). Purely because it's where various authors including C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien would meet to discuss their material and was the pub where C.S.Lewis handed out proofs for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The Lamb and Flag (12 St Giles, OX1 3JS). The pub is run by St John's College and they use the profits to fund scholarships for graduate students. Pretty genius.
Sit: Ashmolean Museum (Beaumont Street, OX1 2PH). Obviously after a wander around the museum, their roof terrace is worth a visit for really nice views and even better mochas.
Eat: Olive's Delicatessen (42 High Street, OX1 4AP). By far the best sandwich place in Oxford and I have a real soft spot for their duck pate.
See: Worcester College (Walton St, OX1 2HB). The only college with a lake, and one of the most beautiful with it's 15th century architecture - with the added plus that admission is free.
St Catherine's College (Manor Rd, OX1 3UJ). I wouldn't have known about this college had a family member not studied there, as it's a bit of a walk out of town. But the minimalist architecture is something entirely different to the rest of Oxford. The architect even went as far as designing the cutlery for the college.
Hertford Bridge (New College Lane, OX1 3BL). Otherwise known as the Bridge of Sighs of Oxford. Always a bit jarring to see a road underneath rather than water.
Radcliffe Camera (Radcliffe Square, OX1 4AJ). Although you can't go in, the exterior is worth seeing.
