Oxford, the city of dreaming spires

2026-10-25

loisandtim

July 21st 2026.

The last time we went to Oxford we were able to stay on a Camping and Caravan Club site. However, with the new restrictions on traffic we had to stay on a farm outside of Oxford and catch the bus in to Oxford. (https://www.valleyfarmcampsite.com) The hosts were very welcoming and the campsite quiet. Our first afternoon we walked to the nearby reservoir and returned in time for a relaxing evening meal and a welcome rest in the sunshine.

The gorgeous weather continued and we caught the bus into Oxford. The bus stop was about 20 minute walk from the campsite, after a long day we got an Uber back! Our first visit was to the Ashmolean after which we wandered into the centre to browse round. We discovered that we should have booked tickets to go round Christ Church college so we organised that for the following day.

We spent a delightful afternoon wandering round the centre and the many colleges before we visited the prison and the castle mound. At the end of the afternoon, the Uber back to the campsite was very welcome.

I was excited to go round Christ Church college the next morning. Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, it has educated 13 British Prime Ministers and numerous notable historical and literary figures. The college features the iconic Tom Tower, which tolls 101 times every evening at 9:05 PM to mark the historic curfew for its original 101 scholars.

Its grand staircase and medieval Great Hall inspired or served as the filming locations for several Harry Potter scenes (such as the Hogwarts Great Hall). So, of course everyone wanted their photo on the grand staircase! I was lucky to get a photo when it was almost empty. The great hall is so impressive, the students have to dress in cap and gown to eat and the professors sit at the head table.

We felt that a visit to Oxford wouldn't be complete without climbing up the tower of University Church of St Mary the Virgin where we could get a panoramic view of the centre and Radcliffe Camera. They have, very astutely, created a cafe in the grounds for some much needed refreshment after climbing the tower!