Oxford - what to do ?

[andrewc]

I'm in Oxford at the weekend, and  with Life getting in the way have planned nothing.  I'll be visiting the Ashmolean & would like to walk around & see some of the colleges, but really have no idea where to go.   


I can't really see myself punting, I'd probably fall in.   


All recommendations for culture, beauty, beer & live music most welcome.


Are teddy bears still de rigeur ?

[Hot Flatus]

The Pitt-Rivers museum is great.

It's at the rear of the Natural Science museum.

Covered markets are nice for a wander.

[Kim]

Ride to London? 

[Jaded]

Ride to London?

 

[andrewc]

That would require a velocipede of some description.   I've not reserved a space for one on the train from Liverpool, and as I'll be travelling light my bolt cutters will not be accompanying me.

[Kim]

*cough* Mobike *cough*

[andrewc]

*cough* Mobike *cough*

Nasty cough there.... Newly installed double glazing can give rise to all sorts of respiratory problems,  always wise to leave a gap for ventilation

[Mr Larrington]

If you're interested in what my highly-esteemed BiL refers to as "Hobbity nonse" then the Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition comes highly recommended.

If you're not then +1 to the Pitt Rivers museum.

[PaulF]

The Turf is a nice pub for a drink - a tourist trap to some extent but then most Oxford pubs are. I blame Morse. There's a route for a walking tour here https://freetoursbyfoot.com/self-guided-oxford-tour/

[Little Jim]

The Botanic Gardens are worth a visit.

[andyoxon]

The Turf is a nice pub for a drink...

Food was pretty good too, when I last visited ~2yrs ago.

In addition to museums, St Marys University church has some great views over Oxford, from the tower/base of spire.  History also, re. Oxford martyrs trial.  Access to the tower is ~£4, and last entry ~4.30pm.

See also:  https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186361-Activities-Oxford_Oxfordshire_England.html

[Chris N]

Go to Didcot, obviously.

[fimm]

+3 to the Pitt-Rivers and St Mary's church and the Covered Market.
If you fancy a walk, then across Port Meadow to The Trout at Godstow is nice (though probably nicer in summer). Or, once you've finished in the Pitt-Rivers, go round behind the museum and walk around the University Parks and down by the river there.
Colleges tend to be open for a tourists in the afternoon. I think you can do a guided tour round the old parts of the Bodlian Library as well.

[andyoxon]

Go to Didcot, obviously.

As part of the Inspector Morse trail, if extra incentive required... 

[lahoski]

Pitt Rivers.

Beer? More traditional options... I haven't been to The Turf for years but it's a bit of an institution. The Bird and Baby The Eagle and Child for a bit of Tolkien/C.S. Lewis history. There's also The Castle which has recently (re)opened - run by Hook Norton brewery.

For wanky pretentious craft beer, Pint Shop is decent. It's a bit studenty but I'm a fan of The White Rabbit (beer and pizza pub). You've also got Tap Social Movement - brewery and social enterprise which has a taproom in Botley (30 min walk from the centre). They also do coffee during the day and usually have a food truck/stall outside and music in the evenings (t' website has the details).

I don't really know about anything else, which says more about me than the town itself...

[PaulF]

Also: rooftop restaurant at Ashmolean, punting, afternoon tea at the Parsonage, there’s also a great budget Indian restaurant in Friedswide square and if retail is your thing the Westgate Centre.

[andyoxon]

...and if retail is your thing the Westgate Centre.

On avoiding the retail thing, I've still not visited the 'new' Westgate centre.  May one day, at some point...   

[Cudzoziemiec]

Retail Experiences and How to Avoid Them really ought to be a sticky thread. 

[andrewc]

I think I’ve timed this a bit wrong. Early train via Birmingham , windy & drizzly when I arrive. The YHA is next to the station. My membership card isn’t good enough, photo Id or 2 bank cards please, when did that come in. Dumped the bag & walked into town. Students everywhere in gowns & mortar boards for matriculation, very photogenic, but the colleges are all closed to visitors :-(


In addition my back is playing up, it bothered me the other week, now it’s spasming at awkward moments, so I’m limping around grimacing & swearing.


The homelessness problem seems worse than Liverpool’s, multiple people sleeping on the streets & several tents in St Giles churchyard.


An expensive Full English then I have a wander around the covered market, by now it’s sunny & unseasonably warm, my coat goes in my bag.


I spent most of the afternoon in the Ashmolean, too much to see, and with the back I’m not really enjoying it.


A pint in the (very crowded) Eagle & Child, then another in the Lamb & Flag.  Time to find some food.

[TheRedEyeJedi]

Pierre Victoire is a nice and reasonable French restaurant near you.   Set menu is very good quality and value

[andrewc]

I ate at a cheapish Dosa place & then had a beer in the Turf. (Lamb & Flag had better stuff).
Today it’s absolutely chucking it down