Vogue's Insider Guide To Oxford
William Yeats once mused, "I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking" (artistic licence, of course, but stroll down the high street on a sunny day and you'll be sure to catch a busker or two.) The "city of dreaming spires" - the poetic homages are numerous, this by Matthew Arnold - is majestic all year round. Just a little over an hour from London, there isn't a bad season to visit - but it is especially lovely in spring. Here are 11 little-known local secrets to make the most of while you're there.
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Is there a better way to spend a sunny day than cruising on the river? For the most romantic (and relaxing) way to travel, hire a dapperly-dressed chauffeur to do the hard work or, if you're up to the challenge and want to live like a local, hire the punt and have a go yourself (first rule? Don't let go of the pole). The city's boathouses stay open from the beginning of February to the end of November.
To make a day of it, head to the Cherwell Boathouse in north Oxford and dine in the pretty riverside restaurant before punting upstream and "parking" on the banks of the Victoria Arms pub for a well-earned break (trust us, you'll need it). Don't overdo it though, remember that you still need to punt back.
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From the famous cake shop (window shopping has never been so glorious) to vintage clothes and milliners, delicatessens to florists, browse the local artisan shops in the city's historic Covered Market. Pick up lunch from one of the friendly local butchers, followed by an indulgent Moo-Moos’ milkshake in practically any flavour combination that you can imagine (jam doughnut and ice cream, anyone?)
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Undoubtedly the prettiest conservatory in town, it's hard to say which is lovelier at Gee's, Oxford's famous glasshouse restaurant – a long lunch in the beaming sunshine or whiling away the twilight hours under the stars. With a seasonal British menu and the most inviting of atmospheres, it's best to err on the side of caution and try both, we think.
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The cultural hub of Oxford lies in the East - the breadth of Cowley Road's culinary offerings includes Italian pizzerias, Moroccan cafés (having sangria and tapas in Kazbar is almost as good as being on holiday), American diners, and Nepalese, Polish, Bengali, Jamaican and Thai restaurants - to name only a few. It's not just eateries that East Oxford is known for though - the vintage clothes shops and the annual street carnival are also well worth a visit.
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Not short of green spaces, Oxford has an abundance of picturesque parks to take in the city's poetic views. Bury Knowle in the leafy suburb of Headington is ideal for families; University Parks in town is lovely for a riverside walk; The Botanic Gardens are the most scenic (and a dream date destination), and South Park on the hill offers a panoramic perspective across the spires.
VisitEngland.com6/11If you want to venture further afield, the market town of Woodstock is just eight miles from Oxford and boasts characterful pubs, quaint tea shops and an artisan store or two. The show-stopping feature is world heritage site Blenheim Palace. From the mammoth maze to the ornate Italian garden, the butterfly house to the water terrace, this is English country living at its most charming. In the summer, races, live music and screens showing the tennis are hosted on the lawns, but come winter the atmospheric winter lights are always a local favourite.
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The 350-year-old Sheldonian Theatre stands in the medieval centre and is open daily for visitors to admire its impressive interiors and panoramic views across the city. For the true Oxfordian experience though, choose a classical concert here from its extensive year-round programme (a word of warning: it's advisable to take your own cushion to manage the traditional wooden seats).
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The Sheldonian is not the only place to take in a show in Oxford, the college gardens transform into informal al fresco stages in the summer months. Enjoy Shakespeare as it is best appreciated - on the banks of a river on a hazy sunny evening. Occasionally you may even spot a punting party become unsuspecting extras.
