Places to Visit in Oxford
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1PX.
Tel: 01993 811325
(24hr recorded information service).
A World Heritage Site which is the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Built by Vanburgh for the 1st Duke in 1705, it is set in "Capability Brown" landscaped parklands and wonderful gardens. Fine furniture, tapestries and paintings set in magnificent gilded state rooms, and the Churchill Exhibition.
Opening Times: Blenheim Palace opens daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm (last admission 4.45pm) from February 11th until December 10th 2006.
During November and December the Palace and formal gardens open from Wednesday to Sunday. The Park opens daily from 9am (last admission 4.45pm or dusk) except Christmas Day.
Bodleian Library
Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG.
Tel: 01865 277224.
Web: http://www.shop.bodley.ox.ac.uk
One of the world's largest academic libraries; over 7 million books, approx. 180 km of shelving. Old Schools Quadrangle, 1619, contains lecture halls of the medieval 'schools' or faculties, names above the door.
Tours: April to October, 4 times a day. November to March, twice a day. Email:tours@bodley.ox.ac.uk
Carfax Tower
Carfax, Oxford OX1 4AZ.
Tel: 01865 792653
The busy crossroads at the heart of Oxford is known as Carfax, this is the ancient heart of Saxon Oxford, where the four roads from North, South, East and West met. The prime attraction is Carfax Tower, all that remains of the 13th Century St Martin's Church, the east side of which can be climbed for fine views of the city.
Opening Hours: Easter to October daily 10am-5pm November to Easter open Saturdays and Sundays 10am-3pm.
City Church of St Michael-at-the-North Gate
Cornmarket Street, Oxford
Tel: 01865 240940.
The Saxon tower is Oxford's oldest building, with a panoramic view of the city. It has displays of medieval silver and also gift shop. Tel: 01865 240940.
Opening Times: 10-5pm (Sunday 12pm-5pm) from April to October and until 4pm from November to March.
Radcliffe Camera
Radcliffe Square, Oxford
Tel: 01865 277224
The Radcliffe Camera is probably the most photographed building in Oxford. Dedicated to the memory of Dr John Radcliffe, the most celebrated physician of his day. Can be visited by prior arrangement.
Sulgrave Manor
Sulgrave, nr. Banbury, Oxon OX17 2SD
Tel: 01295 760205.
Web: http://www.sulgravemanor.org.uk
The manor gardens (particularly the new Herb Society) will be a part of Sulgrave Village open gardens in aid of the National Garden Scheme.
The Oxford Story
Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AJ.
Tel: 01865 728822.
Web: http://www.oxfordstory.co.uk
The Oxford Story Exhibition captures the very essence of the University's and the City's fascinating and enigmatic 800 year history. Designed by the team which created the world-famous Jorvik Viking Centre, here you climb aboard Europe's longest indoor "dark" ride.
University Church
St Mary the Virgin
Regarded as the original centre of the University, and still remains the place where the University formally comes to worship. The Tower dates back to around 1300 and offers some of the finest views of the city. The church is also one of Oxford's largest concert venues.
Open: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 12pm - 5pm (Jul/Aug 7pm)
Free entrance to the Church. Tower entrance £1.60 adults, children 80p.
Oxford Castle
Estate Management Office,
The Treadwheel Building
43 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY
Tel: 0871 873 1256.
Web: http://www.oxfordcastle.com
Oxford Castle Ice Rink
Monday 20th November - Tuesday 13th February 2007
The South East’s most magical ice skating experience! Come and enjoy the festive season at Oxford Castle Real Ice Rink. Younger visitors can join Santa and his friends in his fabulous Christmas grotto. If you don’t want to skate, then come and enjoy the atmosphere from the viewing platform or relax in the warmth and comfort of one of our restaurants.
Pre-booking recommended - booking fees apply - family tickets available.
Entry fees: Single/Adult £8 Child (under 12) £6.00 Student £7.00 (ID/proof will be required upon arrival) OAP £8.00 Family (2 adults/2 kids) £24.00
To Book Call: 0845 2348 002 or http://www.oxfordcastle.com
‘Unlocked’ Visitor attraction at Oxford Castle
Unlock the secrets of Oxford Castle’s dramatic history. Climb the Mound, an old motte and bailey castle; explore the 900 year old underground Crypt; feel the gloomy atmosphere in the Debtor’s Tower and Prison D Wing; enjoy the stunning panoramic views from the top of the St George’s Tower; hear stories about the various inhabitants, from Kings, to Celebrities, to Murderers. Experience for yourself the dark history of Oxford Castle.
Unlocked is open every day from 10am, with the last tour starting at 4.30pm. Please see www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk for more information. Open Daily from 10am.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Burford, Oxford, OX18 4JW.
Tel: 01993 823006.
Web: http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Cotswold Wildlife Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970. The Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world.
Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot, Oxon, OX11 7NJ.
Tel: 01235 817200.
Web: www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Open: Weekends throughout the year. Daily 3rd - 18th April, 29th May - 5th September, 21st-29th October, 27th December - 1st January.
Admission: £4 - £9.50
Thomas Santa Special
Friday 8th - Sunday 10th, Friday 15th - Sunday 18th, Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th December
Ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine to receive a present from Santa (advance booking essential).
Waddesdon Manor
On A41 between Bicester and Aylesbury.
Tel: 01296 653226
Web: http://www.waddesdon.org.uk
Tickets to the Gardens are available on the night. Normal House and Garden admission charges apply. House pre-booking is essential for both National Trust and non-members. Booking charge £3.00.
Candlelit dinner in the Dairy: £45.00 (set four course Rothschild menu dinner and coffee)
Buffet supper: £23.50
Wine tasting: £10.00
Unique Creations
263 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7HN
Tel: 01865 553554.
Web: http://www.uniquecreation.co.uk
Ceramics Painting
Paint anything from an egg cup to a full dinner service - the best thing about it is you don’t have to be artistic. Whatever happens your finished piece will definitely be your very own Unique Creation!
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose Lane, Oxford
OX1 4AZ.
Tel: 01865 286690
Web: http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk
Entry: £2.60 per Adult and £2 over 60’s is made for entry to the Garden. Children in full-time education are FREE, but must be accompanied by a paying Adult. Opening times: March, April, September & October 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Last admission 4.15 pm. May to August 9.00 am - 6.00 pm Last admission 5.15 pm (Glasshouses open at 10am)
