In December we took Lizzie to Oxford for a couple of rather grey overcast days to try her out in colder weather.
We’ve not visited Oxford before and found it to be a lovely city to explore. It is quite compact and whilst there were numerous tours available we opted simply to wander on our own. We were also lucky as it wasn’t too busy – possibly due to covid increasing again.
We were able to walk in to the centre from our campsite along the Thames path, watching the various rowers and scullers along the way; entertained by their trainers cycling alongside shouting instructions to them.
Oxford has 32 colleges and some are housed in the most beautiful buildings. The famous Bodelian Library and Radcliffe Camera were being prepared as film sets for the new Wonka film during our visit so we didn’t see them at their best, but what we could see was stunning. Oxford is used as backdrops for many films and TV shows (one of which, A Discovery of Witches, we watched on our return and could identify various places we had walked through). Then there is the Bridge of Sighs, the grand old Randolph Hotel with its amazing chandeliers, the Ashmolian Museum, the covered market and Oxford Castle and prison (part of which is now a Malmaison hotel – you can still see the prison layout in the main foyer!) to name a few places to check out. There are also lovely meadows and botanical gardens to explore in better weather.
We were spolt for choice with food and drink, lots of independents as well as the main chains if that is what you prefer. We tried (and can recommend) pies at Pieminster in the covered market and tried out the two historic Nicholson pubs (The Chequers and The Crown). Both steeped in history and were full of character.
We stayed at the Oxford Caravan and Camping Club site. It’s a little noisy as near a main road and railway line so earplugs are useful! The electric hook up was 10 amp so we quickly learnt to use Mix1 on our Truma heater/boiler to prevent tripping everything! The facilities are a little aged but were clean and the staff friendly.
It was a lovely city break to do in December and we have learnt a few more things about Lizzie and motorhome life! We will certainly consider returning to explore further.