One of the most fascinating cities in Europe, with a history that goes back much further than its famous University. In 912 it was captured from the Danes by the Saxons, in 1067 William the Conqueror built the castle. In 1274 Merton College moved here from Malden (Surrey). Its library is the oldest in England.

Magdalen College was founded by William of Waynflete in 1456. In the hall of the Divinity Schools, Cranmer, Ridley and Latimer were tried in 1555, and Parliament, driven from London by the plague, met in 1675. The Bodleian Library, founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in the 16th century, has many treasures. Christ Church, founded by Wolsey in 1525, is the largest college and the Cathedral is its chapel. The University’s Museum tells more of the city’s story. The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is also well worth a visit.

Punting and cruising make popular summer pastimes with students and tourists alike. Parks and meadows in and around the city centre are pleasant places in which to walk. Oxford is a very good centre for exploring the Cotswolds, the Thames Valley and the Berkshire Downs. Nearby is Blenheim Palace at Woodstock.