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Victoire

August 16th, 2022

3 things to do in Oxford

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Victoire

August 16th, 2022

3 things to do in Oxford

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

London is connected to Oxford in less than an hour by train, so it is an ideal day trip. You can book tickets via the Trainline app for £10-£20 and board a train at Paddington Station to have a change of scenery from normal city-life in London. Here are three things you can do in one (inexpensive) day in Oxford:

Visit Oxford University

Oxford is famed for its university, so it would be a shame not to visit it! Besides, it would be virtually impossible to avoid Oxford university as the departments and colleges are scattered across the city. The first mention of teaching in Oxford dates back centuries, so the town was basically built around the university and now revolves around it. In a way, academia is what breathes life into Oxford.  

Luckily, you don’t need to be an Oxford student to enter colleges as some (the very Harry Potter-like Balliol College, for instance) are open to the public. Of course, you can’t see the rooms, but you will be able to admire the medieval architecture and explore the gardens. 

Balliol College, Oxford

 

Have lunch at Vaults & Garden Café 

If you want to stick to the picturesque and scholastic vibe of the town, the best place to have lunch is probably Vaults & Garden Café. This warm and convivial café comes across as a quaint refectory. The building is actually a former Oxford canteen and the owners of the café chose to play on its old status. This place will really immerse you in the essence of the town and the food is homemade and delicious. You’ll have a choice of several dishes that are both healthy and comforting, as well as a range of mouth-watering cakes. Moreover, the café has an outside sitting area facing one of Oxford’s iconic landmarks, the Bodleian Library.

 

Have a stroll in Port Meadow 

After this copious meal, there’s nothing better than a walk in nature. A great thing about Oxford as compared to London is that everything seems very close. You can go from the city centre to pretty much anywhere in less than half an hour. Port Meadow is a perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the sun. This green space is popular amongst students and families, who often come to relax by the river. If it is warm enough, you could even swim! Moreover, Port Meadow is a paradise for horse lovers since some beautiful horses live in the meadow. As there is no barrier, they can be approached although, of course, their space needs to be respected. 

 

Horses roaming in Port Meadow

About the author

Victoire

Hi I'm Victoire! I’m a French GO LSE exchange student who likes Victorian literature and classic rock.

Posted In: Student life | Study Abroad

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