Short Breaks in Oxford
Oxford is a vibrant and historical city in central southern England and a very popular destination to take a short break. It is eminent for the academic reputation of its university, which is the oldest university in the English speaking world. The Victorian poet Matthew Arnold called it the 'city of dreaming spires' with reference to its skyline of elegant academic and religious architecture. This setting of fine university buildings with the River Thames running nearby has been made famous in the popular television detective series Inspector Morse, and in the subsequent spin off series Lewis.
Oxford has a number of leading museums and art galleries, including The Ashmolean Museum, Modern Art Oxford, The Pitt Rivers Museum and The Museum of the History of Science.
The University Of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK and contains over 8,000 species of plants. An orchid collection, a fernery, a tropical lily collection and a palm collection are housed within its glass conservatories. This garden has a number of literary associations and its influence can be found in the works of Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, Evelyn Waugh and Philip Pullman.
Arts enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in the programmes of music, dance, talks and theatre on offer at The Oxford Playhouse, The New Theatre, The Burton Taylor Studio, The Pegasus Theatre, The Regal and The O2 Academy. Accommodation when taking a holiday in Oxford is abundant and varied - from luxury apartments to delightful cottages.
The River Thames at Oxford (known as the Isis for its route through Oxford) and the Oxford Canal, provide a wide range of opportunities for scenic cycling and walking. Hiring a canal boat along these waterways is also another delightful way of seeing Oxfordshire.