A Day In Oxford...

I thought I would write about what to do if you were visiting Oxford for a day. 2 of my friends from high school, Kendle and Meaghan (teaching in Cambridge), are coming to Oxford for the weekend, so I have to put my tour guide and host cap on.

Of course the weather would be lovely: sunny and 14 degrees is fair to ask of the Oxford weather. I would start the tour along the River Thames...

There is a little homestead along the River path that opens for a few hours a day. You can stop in for a "simple meal", coffee or a drink - whatever you fancy really.

Walking into the city, across Folly Bridge, you pass the 'Head of the River' restaurant/pub. It's a great location to have a pint on a beautiful day, and enjoy the river scenery. They have heaters too, in case it's a little chilly!

Continuing up St Aldates Road, you will get to Christ Church and the Christ Church Meadow. This is one of the first places I toured when I first got to Oxford. It is absolutely stunning. Christ Church dining hall was also the inspiration for the one seen in Harry Potter! You can walk through the meadow, admiring the buildings and architecture, as well as the beautifully kept grounds.

Eventually you get to the Botanical Gardens (oldest in Britain!)...a beautiful view and walk! After viewing the Gardens, you can hire a punter to take you under the Magdalen Bridge and down the river. Otherwise, head back down High Street, towards the city centre.

If you fancy a fancy tea, the Grand Cafe (first coffee house in England!) is the place to go. (Every time I see this place, I think that my mom and her friend Margaret would absolutely love it!)

After tea, take a tour of the Covered Market. Its full of...well, everything! A very unique place. You can choose a local spot to have lunch, or purchase lunch from a deli, butcher, cheese shop and take it on a picnic or home! You can also do some shopping at the Covered Market.

The Oxford Castle is worth a look. I wouldn't personally spend the money on getting a guided tour inside, but I would spend the £1 on access to the Castle Mound. It is a cool piece of history to climb, and a very good view of the city.

Heading up Cornmarket Street, especially on a Saturday, is quite an experience! But before braving the crowds, it would be fun to climb the Carfax tower. I haven't done this yet, but apparently it is a great view of the city. There are no cars allowed on Cornmarket, but the traffic of people is always jam packed! The street offers everything from Starbucks to The Gap to local merchants. Eventually, you will get to The Eagle and Child pub...which is well known for being the meeting place of friends, J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis.

Throughout hitting all of these places, you are bombarded with College after College and University after University. It's virtually endless!

These are just a few of the things I am thinking of doing with my friends, of course there is SO much more to see and do in Oxford.

I am working tomorrow in an elementary school (!!) teaching Year 3 (Grade 2 equivalent) - should be interesting for me. I was talking with another secondary teacher, and we agreed that one of the reasons we enjoy teaching high school is because you can say goodbye to the students after an hour of class...with the Year 3s I will be with them ALL DAY LONG. Hoping I have the energy for tomorrow...

Much love! xo