Oxford Road Tripping… 02.09.06

A dreary and overcast day met us on Saturday (no surprise with this English Summer Weather). We managed to sleep in, but luckily were ready to leave when Phil and Megan picked us up from our place in their car.

We headed straight for Oxford via the Major motorways, and the trip there took around 1.5 hrs, to travel the 80-odd miles. Speed limits vary here from 30 mph on the roads in towns to 70 mph on the motorways. Not very heavily policed so most people speed on the motorways to some degree, and when there is a traffic speed camera, they warn you with a sign so you have time to slow down. Unlike back home in Oz.

In Oxford we left the Car at a ‘park and ride’ station for 60 pence (all day), and paid the £1.80 charge each to get the return bus into Oxford. Quite a good system as no need to fight for a car park in town.

First port of call in Oxford was the Tourist Information Centre to pick up some free maps, on the way we found a huge Lego Thomas the tank engine, so took a few photos to show Nada’s nephew Kyle, who is a huge fan.

Lego Thomas the Tank Engine

It was then time for food as we were all hungry. We literally smelt out the bakery in the main mall in Oxford, and were soon tucking into a large traditional pasty, very tasty indeed. Big chunks of meat included. A great feed that left us full for hours.

First major attraction to check out was the Christ College. This is the most famous College in Oxford, due to its influence, age, size, and now most recently from some scenes from the Harry Potter films. The College included the main Cathedral (shaped in a cross), Chapter House, and other parts of the College including the Great Hall.

Southern Entry to Christ College

Christ College Gardens

We arrived at the main entrance, and found out that the Great Hall (where the meal scenes for Harry Potter is filmed) was closed until later in the afternoon (as the Hall was being used for meals at that time).

So we went for a walk around to other spots in Oxford, including Radcliffe Square, St Aldate Church, St Ebbes Church and Oxford Castle.

Typical College Buildings

Oxford Castle had just been opened recently after being refurbished, but they wanted £7 each to get in so we just walked around it and took some snaps.

Oxford Castle

You are better off seeing the Castles in Wales for half that price, and they are better there too! On the way back to the College we stopped in at a Modern Art Gallery, and it was awful indeed (Brad’s suggestion to check this out was a bad one). The most interesting piece on display was a painting of a black person painted on a black background. So all you could see was two eyes and teeth – modern art indeed.

Upon returning to Christ College (the main college in Oxford), we got in for only £3.70 each as it was a discount since the hall was closed, but by the time we got through past a number of other sections of the College, it was open, so a saving of one pound each there! The Great Hall is the main dining area for the college. Nearly a hundred old style paintings hang around the Halls walls all of which are the previous students, lecturers involved in the College.

Great Hall

Stain Glassed Windows in the Great Hall

Next to the Hall, was the main Quad, then into the Christ Church (Cathedral shaped in a Large Cross), Picture Gallery, and Tom Tower.

Tom Tower viewed from the Quad inside Christ College

(From Phil and Megan’s blog site) – I did not know this info!
Tom Tower was designed by Architect Sir Christopher Wren who was a student at Christ College. He also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the monument for the great fire of London. A few other famous people studied here including Albert Einstein, John Locke, and 13 British Prime Ministers.

After the college we spent more time walking around the city, dropping past a local game of schoolboy cricket,

And seeing sites like the old city wall, Bridge of Sighs, Bodleian Library, and Radcliffe Camera which is one of the cities most photographed buildings. It is a library housing science books that was built in 1748 but is closed to the public.

Bridge of Sigh

Radcliffe Camera

Museum Buildings

Old Oxford Wall

Phil and I had a pint at a local Pub, and it was a local Bitter (served warm from a ‘push and pull‘ tap – no gas in this keg!). Megan had a juice, and Nada indulged in a real cappuccino at last, and we all rested our legs and feet from the extended walking done during the day.

A quick stroll through a local market was the last thing we did in Oxford before heading back to the Car for the trip home. Thanks again to Phil and Megan for their outstanding chauffeuring of us to and from Oxford.