On Saturday morning we took the train to Oxford, which is only about 1 hour away from London. We stayed in a charming Bed & Breakfast (Burlington B&B), which was about a 10-minute walk to the city center. It was nice to get a break from the crowds in London and we both liked how pedestrian friendly the streets were as lots of streets, were blocked to traffic. The town is centered around the University of Oxford and filled with younger college students.
Oxford University, which started in 1096, is the oldest English-speaking university in the World. There are 38 separate colleges in Oxford that together form what is known as the University of Oxford. As you walk down the street you can tell which buildings and houses are part of the university by the doors, which are all painted bright blue.
We spent most of our time wondering around the town. First we went to Christ Church, which is part of the university. The famous Alice books were written by a Christ Church math lecturer, Charles Dodgson, who’s pen name was Lewis Carroll. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Through the Looking Glass were originally tales told by Alice Liddell, daughter of the Dean of Christ Church. Many locations in Alice’s adventures are based on parts of the College. Also many of the scenes in the Harry Potter feature films are shot in various locations of the College. The Great Hall was replicated in the film to create Hogwart's Hall.
We also found time to make it to some of the local pubs (The Bear and The Eagle & Child). The Bear is the oldest pub in Oxford and is most famous for its collection of school ties dating back to the early 1900s. This pub was a really small cozy bar with low ceilings, dark atmosphere and traditional Ales. Being off the main road made this pub feel old and filled with tradition without the overwhelming rush of tourists. Before catching the train home, we stopped in at The Eagle & Child for lunch. This pub is famous for its hosting of “The Inklings”, a small group of friends that met to discuss literature, writing and life. Members of this group included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. There is a plaque in the back of the pub, along with a couple of pictures signed by both Lewis and Tolkien signed portraits
