48 Hours in Oxford

For some reason, Nik and I had never really been to Oxford. We had been fleeced by our kids shopped in Bista Village in the past, but never been in the City itself. But, an impromptu, very last minute decision last month, changed that. We literally decided on the Monday, and set off on the Tuesday. It feels so good to be able to be spontaneous again right! Lockdown certainly made us appreciate that freedom! We had such a great time in this very special City, that really needs no introduction! Famed for it’s Universities and Collages, (of which there are 38), and romantic skyline, it is a City that seems to capture the hearts of those that visit. As we to have fallen under the spell of this beautiful City, I thought I would share our 48 hours in Oxford.

Where we stayed in Oxford

One of the perks of having my own little travel business, is that I have the resources to find amazing deals on hotels! We all know how much I love a bit of hotel living! We knew that as we only had 48 hours in Oxford, we would want to be pretty central. We chose to stay at The Old Bank Hotel. This beautiful 5 star hotel, is independently owned, centrally located on the High Street, and has some of Oxford’s most beautiful buildings within touching distance. It was perfect. In fact, it has even been rated 4th by Conde Naste as one of the UK’s best hotels. Fancy!

I love old, characterful hotels. In fact, one of our favourite hotels remains the 600 year old Mermaid Inn, in Rye. I just love the stories old Hotels have to tell. Anyway, back to Oxford….

The Old Bank hotel is steeped in history, which was one of the reasons I was drawn to it. That and the fact it has free car park. Vital in Oxford as so many hotels either have no parking, or charge for it. We were visiting a City steeped in history, so it felt right to stay somewhere with a past. In fat, the site itself dates back to the 13th Century, the buildings to the 16th. The buildings have been used for many things, but began their prestigious use as a bank, in the late 1700’s. The buildings are now Grade 2 listed, so the conversion to what is now the beautiful hotel and Quod restaurant, were carried out under the watchful eye of the authorities. It is a beautiful hotel, and I would not hesitate in recommending it as a base for your own 48 hours in Oxford. We stayed in a Superior Deluxe Room, which was perfect. But, if money were no object, (prices for the following dream room start at £1500 per night…….) I would have stayed in the “Room with a View“. It is STUNNING!

My recommended to-do’s for 48 hours in Oxford

Despite not having much of an agenda for our visit, other than to just enjoy it, we actually saw a fair bit of Oxford. Both Nik and I agreed that it’s is a beautiful City to walk around. The honey hued buildings famous in this area of the Country, make everything look aged, intricate and pretty. The architecture really is something special. We spent the first morning we were there, just strolling around, taking in the sights of the City. If you too are looking for a more relaxed, casual 48 hours in Oxford, then the following might help.

I recommend that you keep an eye out for the following landmarks in Oxford;

The Radcliffe Camera – Part of the Bodleian Library, this iconic building is the earliest example of a round library in the Country. Built in the early 1700’s, it is as much a part of Oxford skyline as the Universities.

The Divinity School – You can’t really mention The Rad Cam (as it is affectionately known), with out mentioning The Divinity. Attached to the Bodleian Library, it is an absolute stunning building. Its intricate, vaulted ceiling, the light flooding in through its huge windows. It is beautiful. Built in the 1400’s and used as a place of learning and lectures, The Divinity School can now be hired for weddings!

Christ Church – All of Oxford’s universities are beautiful. They all have their own charm and pull. But it was Christ Church that I found myself favouring. It is simply stunning, and reminded me of a castle with it’s turrets. It is also the College that was used as the dining hall in the Harry Potter films. Unfortunately, we did not get to go inside during our 48 hours in Oxford, but I would love to on my return visit.

The Bridge of Sighs – Although beautiful and a much loved staple in Oxford’s stunning architecture, the bridge does in fact, have a purpose! I know! It really isn’t just for the Insta photo…. The Bridge of Sighs actually links two parts of Hertford College. The similarity to the Venice bridge of Sighs, make it a popular spot for a photo.

Carfax Tower – This tower is all that remains of the 13th century, St Martins Church. At 74 feet tall, it is the tallest point in central Oxford, and if you fancy climbing it’s 99 steps, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views.

**Oxford has amazing museums that we would have loved to have had time to visit. The Pitts Rivers, and the Natural History Museum. Call me a weirdo, but I really wanted to see the shrunken heads in the Pitts Rivers museum....

Two recommendations for must-do’s while you have 48 hours in Oxford

A pre-dinner river cruise

I booked this on a whim the day we left for Oxford. I liked the idea of a genteel start to our evening, and as Nik and I love being on the water, it seemed ideal. The package was for a 45 minute pre-dinner, evening cruise, followed by a 3 course meal at The Folley Restaurant. This riverside restaurant is a perfect location, and the FOOD! Oh My Goodness the food………but more about that in a moment.

I have to say, we struck gold with our little cruise. We had chosen the last cruise of the day, and Nik and I were the only people on it! Just us, and the fabulous captain/guide. Once on the boat, he handed us a chilled glass of prosecco, and off we went. A gentle meander up the river, was like the perfect snapshot of life in Oxford. Rowing teams on the water getting early evening practise in. Students sitting riverside, taking shade under trees, reading books or enjoying conversation. The quirky house boats that line the River. It was such a lovely way to see Oxford from a different view point. I would totally recommend.

A Visit to the Oxford Botanical Gardens

One of the things I love about visiting new Cities, is to find pockets of calm amidst the business. A little Oasis to just take a breath, pause for a while, and just enjoy the quieter side of City life. Well, the Oxford Botanical Gardens provide you with exactly that. It is just beautiful.

As we had come to find in Oxford, these gardens too had significant history. Founded in 1621, they are the oldest botanical gardens in the Uk, and house over 5000 species of flora and fauna. It was originally started to grow plants for medicinal research. If you have been with me a while here at Kerry Life and Loves, I would not need to tell you how in my element my little nature loving, aromatherapist heart was wandering around this magical place. There are also 7 greenhouses, providing homes to some of the worlds most beautiful tropical plants. It is like walking into the rain forest when you step inside the glass houses.

The Oxford Botanical gardens can be enjoyed in as much time as you want to give it from your Oxford mini break. We spent just a couple of hours there, but it was perfect.

Where we ate in our 48 hours in Oxford

The Folly

Ok, let’s get back to the subject of food. More importantly, the meal which will for ever more be known as….”the most delicious dinner ever”. The Folly occupies a perfect, riverside position in the heart of Oxford. It has a floating terrace, where, on a war Spring/Summer evening, it is the perfect place to dine. It is from this terrace that your pre-dinner river cruise can be picked up, and where you are dropped back off.

The meal that we had here, was absolutely out of this world. The vegan choices had so much effort put into them. They had really tried to provide those of us on a plant based diet, with as much interest and flavour as those eating from the full menu. I also love that The Folly has very strictly sustainability ethics. The ever evolving menu is full of seasonal, locally produced ingredients.

Nik and I enjoyed three courses, and my main dish, “Salt Baked Cauliflower” may sound simple, but my goodness it was sublime! It had coconut foam, truffle veloute, crispy parmentier potatoes. Ohh just thinking about it makes me want to rush back to The Folly! If you are in Oxford, I urge you to book a meal there. I am positive you would not be disappointed.

The Turf Tavern

This 400 year old pub was Nik’s request while we were in Oxford. Like I love a historical hotel, Nik loves a historical pub! In fact, we have taken part in many a historical pub tour in London! When he read about the little tucked away Inn, he added it to his list of must see’s. The Turf Tavern is a blink-and-you-will-miss-it pub. It is not easy to find. It is tucked away down a little ally, and is nestled against a part of the ancient, Oxford City walls. But it is a fabulous pub,and we had a delicious lunch here.

The Turf (as it is known by the locals), has a long list of famous patrons. In fact, in the 60’s, it famously hosted the then Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke. He set a Guinness World Record by drinking a yard of ale in just 11 seconds! Add his name to Oscar Wilde, Thomas Hardy, Liz Taylor, Margaret Thatcher and Emma Watson, (amongst many others), and you have got yourself an eclectic, slightly random party!

If we had been able to have more than 48 hours in Oxford…….

In addition to visiting the museums, and touring the Universities, there are a few other things I have on my list when we revisit. These would be;

I would have loved to have afternoon tea The Grand Cafe.

Go in a punt up the river.

Seek out the Deer in Magdalen Deer Park

Climb the steps of University Church of St Mary the Virgin

So, I think it is clear to see, I need a return visit to Oxford! Have you been? What else should I add to my list for my re-visit?