Oxford
 'This
Oxford, I have no doubt, is the finest city in the world'
- John Keats.
Keats would probably not recognise the bustling city that
Oxford has now become but the city still contains one of the
greatest collections of buildings to be found anywhere. Moreover,
these buildings have been home to an extraordinary number
of statesmen, kings and saints and for over 800 years, Oxford
University has educated philosophers, poets and scientists.
Unlike many modern universities, there is no recognisable
university campus; instead, the university is an organisation
with separate institutions called colleges which work together
to educate all their members. Each college is built round
its own quadrangle. Most of the fine buildings to be seen
in Oxford belong to these colleges. In addition to the colleges,
there are world renowned institutions such as the Ashmolean
Museum and the Bodleian Library, both of which can be visited.
Although Oxford was a Royalist stronghold during the Civil
War in the 17th century, the ultimately victorious Oliver
Cromwell did not subject it to one of his infamous demolition
jobs. As a result, it is possible to trace the development
of the university through its buildings.
There are two recommended ways to see Oxford. The first is
to take a walking tour starting in Radcliffe Square. Visitors
should allow at least 2½ hours for this tour. The second
way is to take a jump on/jump off tour bus. These buses can
be boarded at a number of places in the city and, as the name
implies, visitors can get on and off the buses at as many
places as they like on the tour route.
Visitors are strongly advised not to take their car into
Oxford during daylight hours. Parking in the city centre is
extremely difficult. Instead, visitors should use the Park
and Ride centres which can be found on all main approaches
to the City.
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