Finally, because we have long wanted to visit the city and we eventually managed to get there last week, along with our friends from Essex (the China couple, as we have never actually called them). Additionally, the miracles of posting technology means that although I am writing this a ridiculously long time after the actual event, a little musing wizardry means it will appear in the listings in its chronologically correct place.
We arrived one day earlier than originally anticipated, stopping at the Hilton Garden Inn (perfectly OK) in Abingdon the night before. Had a brief walk around the town, which I quite liked, Mrs. No Name less so. Then on to Oxford itself, for a four night stay at the Voco Oxford Spires, which proved an excellent choice. I’ll be honest, it’s all a little hazy now, so I’ll have to be content with a sadly incomplete list of the activities whilst there….
- Saw the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ (Hertford Bridge) on a stroll around whilst we waited for our friends to arrive, along with an initial look at the Sheldonian (Christopher Wren)
- The first full day, we took a trip round Magdalen College, including the grounds/gardens, the Cloisters and Garden Kitchen, with evidence of the filming of “Shadowlands” very much present and correct
- Took a trip to Oxford Castle, which was far better than anticipated and where you got a real sense of both the castle history and its later life as a prison –
View from the Mound, Oxford Castle all the way from the 11thC to the prison closure in 1996. Famous inmates included Donald Neilson (the Black Panther) and Thomas Wisbey, part of the Great Train Robbery Gang who was convicted in 1964, a year after the train heist itself. Three of us took the steps up to the Mound, which was tough but worth it!
- Another day, another dollar! On to the Bodleian, an imposing building and pretty impressive structure to house a library (not quite Sheffield University library, it has to be said)! Also viewed the Rotunda Museum and the inside of the Sheldonian, which again involved more stairs to reach the Sheldonian Dome. Lovely views vs weary visitors, you decide 🙂 Oh yes it was.
- In the afternoon, we had a timed entry ticket to Christ Church college, which included an informative audio guide to chaperone us round what was quite an extensive tour.
Early political graffiti Of particular note was the very fine Refectory and Masters table (TV famous now of course), some early political graffiti (see photo), the Great Quadrangle and the college library and college chapel (also Oxford Cathedral and home to the world famous choir). We then returned to the Bodleian, to get access to the Divinity Room (Divinity School), which is the University’s oldest teaching and examination room – built in the 15thC and a fine example of late Gothic architecture.
The hotel was, I thought, a near perfect choice. The breakfast was a buffet, but comprehensive in its choice and the staff were very friendly. Mrs. No Name couldn’t sleep on the first night (she’s very fussy…) and the hotel moved us without fuss. What they didn’t tell us (and what we didn’t as for) was that they scrubbed the cost of the first night when we checked out. Very customer service orientated and very much appreciated. That, and its location (a short walk along the river banks past the Universty College Boathouse took you into the City) meant we would definitely revisit if or when we ever return.