When in Oxford!

My travels within the United Kingdom is getting quiet exciting now. I have visited a number of places this last couple of months. Thanks to more free time and better weather.

I've been wanting to blog about my trip to Oxford for quiet a while now. 

Oxford as most of you know is home to the prestigious Oxford University. The town is quiet small and the university is an umbrella to 38 colleges. But there is more to this royal place than just the colleges. 

So here is an insight into Oxford filled with many pictures of this stunning place!

              

                          10 THINGS TO DO IN OXFORD

Visit the University grounds :

You cant leave Oxford without paying a visit to at least one of the university buildings. A few of them are very kind and are okay with curious visitors like us to check out the interiors of these wonderful institutions. It is free to enter some colleges but others charge around £4 to £5. The medieval architecture is quiet stunning and you can see many students walking around in their traditional gowns.

For the Potter Experience :

As you walk around Oxford you will see many buildings that resemble Hogwarts.If you are a Harry Potter fan, a stop at Christ Church University is a must. The Grand Dining hall here was an inspiration in creating the Great Hall featuring in the movies.. And also the scene where Harry enters as a first year and is greeted by Professor McGonagall standing atop the stairway was filmed here. The school's infirmary and the portions of the library were shot in the Bodleian library.

 

Go Museum Hopping :

Oxford is home to many interesting museums which is not surprising as its a town of knowledge and culture. I recommend visiting the Ashmolean museum first. They have a vast collection of compelling exhibits for everyone. Best of all its free! Museum of Oxford is also worth a visit. 

Punting:

Traditionally a Cambridge pastime, punting is also done in Oxford. I have punted in Cambridge and I must say its real fun. Hire a punt and go floating and relaxing on River Cherwell. 

Cycle your way around :

If you love to cycle, a bicycle is the perfect way to sight see this city. Its easy to wind your way through the streets and you will find many fellow cyclists. You could go on a cycling tour or you can go around by yourself with a map.

Go on a walking tour :

A walking tour is a wonderful way to explore Oxford. You can go on guided tours that have great guides briefing you on the various aspects of this city. Footprints tours conduct free walking tours, which is great for students like me. But entrance to the colleges and museums do not cover on such tours. Its still a great option as the guides are usually very good and you learn so much about the history and the university.

Visit the churches and chapels :

Like most places in the UK, Oxford is also home to many beautiful churches and chapels. The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin is the most popular one in Oxford. The interiors are exotic and grand. Climb 127 steps and you reach the top of the tower which gives you a fantastic view of the the Oxford skyline. the climb might make you a little dizzy but the view is definitely worth it. Christ Church is equally stunning.

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For some food :

After all the walking around, you will definitely want to grab a bite. The city is dotted with quaint restaurants and pubs. From sandwiches to cakes, you will find all the British high tea food. The Eagle and Child, the oldest pub serves the best pint in Oxford and of course mouth watering fish and chips. These pubs are history by themselves and have many a tale to tell.

Take a stroll in the park:

The best place to take a walk or have a little nap is in one of the many parks in Oxford. The University parks is close to the city center, but away from all the people and the noise. If its a sunny afternoon, there is really no better place to be in. The Christ Church meadow is beautiful and lush green and is a good option too. 

And finally some shopping:

Oxford has the usual shopping destinations at the Westgate shopping center. But I suggest you go beyond the brands and visit the small shops that sell artifacts,paintings and souvenirs. You will find many book stores as well. The Oxford University Press is worth visiting. There are lots of shops that sell the university merchandise. You can do a bit of window shopping even if you don't want to buy anything. The shops are charming and interesting. 

Namastey London

I recently visited London, my third time in this gorgeous English city. London is definitely one of the top tourism attractions and one of the most significant cities in the world. I particularly love this city. It is vibrant and has its good share of history,culture and entertainment. I cant get enough of this wonderful city and here is an insight of my time in London.

My dad had come on a business trip to the UK and I was so glad for the excuse to sight see London. So there started my weekend in London. 

We took London by night on the London eye, situated on the banks of the Thames. I personally do not recommend this one unless you love 'bird's eye view' of cities because there are better and beautiful views from elsewhere in London from where you can enjoy it for free. So I suggest you can use your time and money better by doing other things around the area.

We then took a walk along the River Thames. It was quiet cold considering it was Spring(but you can never predict the London weather). We contemplated taking the Thames river cruise but finally decided not to. I heard the candlelit dinner cruises are pretty good and is the perfect way to end a long day of exploring the city.

Thankfully the next day was  brighter and warmer . Going around London in the rain can be very painful if you are a tourist. After a good breakfast we took a cab to the city of Westminster. The Big Ben stood tall across from the Westminster Abbey. Big Ben is  a national treasure and is featured in countless pieces of literature and artwork. It is quiet picturesque with its clock tower and well sculptured walls.  You could also go to the top of the tower if you wanted to.

 In my last visit to London  I could not go inside the Westminster Abbey since I was on a tour from University. This time though I really wanted to get in and get a peek at the altar where William married Kate(so much love).The architecture is marvellous and I suggest you take a guided tour if you are interested in its deep history.

Our next stop was at St. Paul's cathedral. Another must see in London. The tours are a bit pricey but definitely worth it if you want to understand the history behind its architecture and painted ceilings.

It was very different from the other Cathedrals that I have been to in the UK. A climb to the top of the tower can get you dizzy and tired but its a must as the view is incredible.

Just beyond these recognizable buildings is one of London's most important places, The Buckingham Palace. A visit to London will not be complete without a stop at this mansion, home of the British Royal Family. The Palace adorns the western end of St.James Park. The Palace is not open to the public except in the months of July,August and September. But you could still get a great view from the outside, take some good pictures and imagine all the historical British events that occurred there and all the window appearances by the Royal family.  Its best if you time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guards ceremony. It is a lengthy process and gets quiet boring as you don't really understand what they do, but still go for it as you get to see the royal guards perfectly marching and the royal band playing and of course the royal horses.

On the next day our first stop was at the Tower of London. The weather was windy and terrible and sadly we had already booked ourselves on a walking tour. Bracing myself, I decided to make the best of it and enjoy my last day in London. The Tower of London is a historical Castle on the banks of the River Thames overlooking the Tower bridge. Inside this castle sits the Royal Crown Jewels. I took a look at the stolen Kohinoor diamond from India and was in awe at its brilliance. The rest of the tour made me grimace as it went on about the rather brutal happenings that has said to have occurred inside the tower. Go for the guided tour if your interested in stories about war and blood or just take a peek at the Crown Jewels and be out.
As we came out from the the Tower of London, we saw the Tower Bridge standing majestically. The bridge has become London's most beloved symbols and if your a bollywood fan, you would have watched many a song and dance on it.  This place can get  you some terrific postcard pictures.

We then headed to Oxford Street by the London Tube. I must say the Tube is the best way to get around London as the cabs are way too heavy on your wallet. Oxford Street has a host of shopping options. Be warned of the crowd of people that flock these shops at every hour of the day. Walk further down and you get to Piccadilly Circus. A quick snap or two at the Trafalgar square is a must. 

I also recommend visiting the great Harrods store. To be honest I have never seen a store like this in my life. Its massive and has something for everyone.

London is beautiful, bustling with its Royalty and elegance. Definitely my most favorite city after Chennai.(nothing can beat home)