Oxford’s ancient lanes and beautiful, honey-toned college buildings make it a wonderful place to wander. By renting a car you can also explore the many pleasures of the Oxfordshire countryside.
Explore the city’s history
Opened in 1602, Oxford's Bodleian Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the world. It’s also among the city’s most impressive buildings – a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. Situated next door to this spectacular building is the Radcliffe Camera. This circular, columned library and reading room was built in the mid-18th century in grand Palladian style.
Also close by is the Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean is the world’s first-ever public museum and one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the entire country. There you can find collections of ancient treasure from Egypt, Greece, the Middle East and the Far East.
The Pitt Rivers Museum is another highlight. Full of weird and wonderful displays, from totem poles to ancient body armour, it’s wonderfully eclectic.
Shop ‘til you drop
Oxford is an excellent place to hit the shops, with the big high street names blending with unique independents. Find the familiar brand names on Queens Street, Cornmarket Street and at the Westgate Shopping Centre. The narrow streets and lanes in the city centre are also home to many independent stores and boutiques. The city’s famous covered market too offers over 50 stalls selling the best in local crafts, food and drink. For designer brands head to the Bicester Village outlet, a 30-minute drive from Oxford.
Fantastic for food lovers
Oxford and the surrounding countryside boast plenty of choice for foodies – from cosy country pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants. Cherwell Boathouse, on the banks of the river, is an award-winning family restaurant serving for over 50 years. After eating, you can hire a punt from the neighbouring boathouse and take to the water for a true Oxford experience. For a real gastronomic treat, head for Raymond Blanc’s Michelin-starred Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – one of the region’s best dining experiences.
Visit Winston Churchill’s family home
Only half an hour drive north from Oxford is splendid Blenheim Palace. Built in the early 18th century and still one of England’s largest houses, Blenheim was the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding park, created by England’s finest landscape gardener, Capability Brown, is an absolute delight to explore and perfect for a stroll and a picnic.
Rent a car from Oxford to explore one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities.
