Whether by road or rail, make your way to your four-star hotel in Oxford, chosen for its excellent amenities and central location. Just a stone’s throw from the prestigious Magdalen College, the riverside and Oxford Botanical Gardens, our base is the perfect spot from which to explore Oxford, with many landmarks within walking distance. However this afternoon we experience Oxford from a difference angle, with a leisurely boat trip along the river Isis. And what could be more fitting as the cherry on the cake of this beautiful British city than a quintessential afternoon tea? Enjoy deliciously dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes as this relaxing afternoon cruise sails downstream from Folly Bridge taking in the best known reach of the River Thames in Oxford. Travelling down the University Regatta Course we pass Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses and other landmarks on our way to Iffley lock. This is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combining to form a picture perfect location. Beyond Iffley we travel in to the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. We turn for home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys.
We are used to seeing Oxford on our screens with Morse, Lewis and many other TV shows and films, more recently His Dark Materials and Discovery of Witches. However, like many historic cities, full of little gems and hidden passages, the best way to the heart of Oxford is by foot. So, after breakfast, we continue exploring this historic city with an Oxford walking tour lead by a specialist guide. Known as the ‘City of Spires,’ this iconic city was founded in Saxon times and has been home to scholars for the last 800 years. Some even dub Oxford the “Brains of a nation” – though Cambridge academics may disagree! As we wander the streets, we will see some of the oldest colleges, wander beneath the Bridge of Sighs, discover its green spaces, and soak in the atmosphere. After a short break, our historical journey continues to one of the oldest working libraries in the world – of course it can only be the Bodleian. Storing a copy of every single book ever printed in the UK – though not all housed in Oxford – it’s arguably one of the most famous libraries of all. It truly is a breathtakingly beautiful place, and so there will be plenty of time to uncover its secrets in an expertly guided tour. You may even recognise some parts from films too – especially if you’re a fan of Harry Potter! The rest of the day is yours to explore – so what’s it to be? You could climb Carfax Tower, visit the Ashmolean Museum or walk in the footsteps of Tolkien, Lewis Carrol and 38 former Prime Ministers. You’re simply strolling amongst history at every turn, and so even enjoying a drink in a historic inn or exploring the covered market, dating back to 1774, feels like you’re stepping back in time. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.