Local attractions Angus recommends

OXFORD, A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

Renowned for its dreaming spires and ancient University, stunning architecture and riverside setting, these are just some of the aspects of Oxford's unique appeal. With over 900 years as a seat of learning, most sightseers to the city come to see the buildings and quadrangles of the 39 colleges that comprise Oxford University. Perhaps the most popular of these are Christchurch, Magdalen and Trinity College. Visitors in Spring can enjoy college boat races, or from April onwards there is cruising on the Thames and punting on the Cherwell.

Despite its academic aura, the city enjoys a youthful and cosmopolitan feel with a wide variety of modern and historic restaurants, pubs, entertainment and shopping. Combine this with an amazing array of world-famous museums and libraries and 2 thriving theatres and you will understand why there is always plenty to do in Oxford whatever the season.

Any trip to Oxford should ideally begin with a guided walking tour or bus tour of the city. A wide variety of tours cater for all tastes - one can enjoy the Oxford University and City Tour, or Inspector Morse Tour or the more daring might take the evening Ghost Tour of the city.

Oxford is also a wonderful destination for the shopper with its compact city centre offering an excellent combination of well known and independent retailers, a historic Covered Market and some of the best bookshops in the world. Bargain hunters may also wish to venture 10 miles from the hotel to Bicester Outlet Village to find some 90 international designer discount stores.

OXFORD, AN IDEAL TOURING BASE

Situated on the edge of the city, makes The Oxford Hotel an ideal location from which to visit The Cotswolds or Shakespeare country for a day trip or evening out. Just 6 miles from the hotel is the magnificent Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. To the west of Oxfordshire are the many pretty stone villages of The Cotswolds, designated the largest area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain. Those seeking family attractions will find Cotswold Wildlife Park, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Didcot Railway Centre and Legoland, Windsor all in easy reach.

VINTAGE PLEASURE FLIGHTS - OXFORD FLIGHTS

Oxford Pleasure Flights - The ultimate sightseeing experience - Click here to view their website

Re-live the golden age of flight in an Art Deco bi-plane - soar above historic lansdscapes with tapered wings framing breath taking views of Oxford and its colleges.

Taking to the skies in a dragon rapide is a flying experience which transports you back to a bygone era.

Every one of the 8 passengers in the cabin gets an aisle and a window seat, giving a superb view along with a sense of how it was to travel the world in a 1950's airliner.

Please view their website here or call               01223 874346