A visitors guide to Oxford.

Oxford is one of the two famous university cities in the United Kingdom and is a popular place to visit during the school and university holidays thanks to its unique architecture and close proximity to London.

Visitors here can enjoy the quaint city, which is filled with ancient Saxon and Roman inspired buildings, or head out to the stunning surrounding countryside to enjoy a day visiting the green landscape of Britain.

Oxford is well known for its many spires which give it a unique skyline and it has been chosen to feature in a number of blockbuster movies because of its intriguing architecture.

Visit the locations used in filming the Harry Potter films and don’t forget to look up as you walk around the streets – many of the buildings are covered in gargoyles, some depicting them doing interesting things, like picking their noses or going to the toilet!

Oxford University consists of 39 colleges, located in and around the city, each an independent entity, but also a part of Oxford University. Some colleges are large and visible, while others are small and tucked away on a side street. The colleges range from 50 to 750 years old. Many of them are open to tourists and are well worth a visit, though they may be busy during the school holidays.

Oxford is a lively location at night, when the universities and shops close their doors and the bars and nightclubs open for business. The city centre is the main location for the best nightlife and the area around Hythe Bridge Street is possibly the best site for grabbing a drink before heading into a club. Thirst Tavern is a popular club with its sister bar, the Thirst Bar attracting the early evening revelers.

Oxford enjoys reasonably favorable weather. The best months to visit are during the summer, although the city may be quieter then because many of the students will have left for the holidays. Temperatures can reach an average of 20 degrees Celsius.

Oxfordshire is the most rural county in the South East of England. The county has a population of approximately 635,500 and, like other areas of England, is home to an increasing number of people aged over 75. Over half the population live in towns or villages of less than 10,000 people.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that these half term holiday dates are accurate, there are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.

The Oxon LEA (Local Education Authority) sets the term dates for all community, community special and voluntary controlled schools. Governing bodies of foundation and voluntary aided schools are responsible for setting their own term dates.

School Holidays and Half Term Dates

Oxfordshire Half Term Dates

Oxford Brookes University Semester Dates

Oxfordshire has consistently high levels of employment and the resident workforce is amongst the most highly qualified in the country.

Key industries include: international publishing, high-tech business and biotechnology, car manufacture, motorsport.

The county is a popular tourist destination for its rural beauty, numerous market towns and Oxford City itself, which has earned a global reputation for its academic and architectural splendour.

A Guide to Visiting Oxford.

Oxford: What to see and where to go

Shoppers in Oxford head to the High Street for a great selection of outlets, including a traditional tobacconist and an organic remedy store. Cowley Road is a great place to pick up some designer bargains, and for a true thrift shopping experience, the Bicester Village Outlet just outside the city is a fantastic discount outlet location with everyone’s favorite brands. Templar’s Square is great for indoor retail shopping, and if you’re taking a hire car, make use of the park and ride system to ensure you don’t struggle to find somewhere safe to leave your vehicle.

Oxford has so much to see in this small area that you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet. Make sure you plan in advance because you don’t want to miss any of these superb locations:

• Blenheim Palace – birthplace of Winston Churchill and open to visitors

• Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – great for a day out with kids

• The Ashmolean – one of the county’s most famous art galleries and museums

• Carfax Tower – 13^th century remains of the ancient church of St Martin. Carfax Tower is located at the north-west corner of Carfax. The Tower is all that remains of St. Martin's Church and is now owned by the Oxford City Council.

• Tours of BMW Group Plant Oxford are available for schools. However, we regret that children under 14 are not permitted on site for safety reasons.

• Oxford University – wander through the many buildings and colleges

• Sheldonian Theatre – built by Sir Christopher Wren and home to dramatic works

• White Horse Hill – the image of a horse so large it can only be seen from the air

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