Oxford by train

 October 24, 2017

A peek into a "quad"

We decided not to take the folding bikes on the train to Oxford. I sort of wanted to, but I had to agree with Dave that it might be a bit of a bother. So, instead we used the Santander Hire Cycles to ride to Paddington Station. There's a docking station for the bikes just around the corner from the hotel, so that was easy and convenient, and it is just a short ride to the station. 

An hour-long ride on the fast train brought us to Oxford. We grabbed a city map at the train station and set out on foot to explore this famous and incredibly picturesque city.

Big fans of the Inspector Morse and Inspector Lewis detective series, as well as Lord Peter Wimsey, we found many of the sights familiar -- the university buildings -- most notably the Radcliffe Camera -- the Bridge of Sighs, the Randolph Hotel, pubs, Carfax Tower, and street scenes in general. (Note that I used the Oxford comma in that sentence.)

Below -- the Radcliffe Camera. Bad news for us: a "reader's card" is needed for entry. There were instructions on how to obtain this card, but it sounded like a lot of bother and we thought we probably would not qualify, so we contented ourselves with looking at the outside. As the website says, "it is not freely open to the general public and so students who get to venture inside are receiving something of a special privilege." We saw some of those privileged students going in and out.

The Bridge of Sighs

  

The city is full of eye-catching buildings -- some quite elaborate, as above; others much simpler but still loaded with character and charm.

Intricate brickwork

The Pitt Rivers Museum

This is Oxford's famous archaeological and anthropological museum. 


We didn't actually do the full museum thing here, but just took in the amazing architecture in the entrance area.

Below -- the Bodleian Library 

The Bodleian Library

The Martyrs' Memorial and The Randolph Hotel

The characters in British books and films are always meeting at the Randolph for drinks or lunch or tea... or to get murdered!

  

Of course we had to climb Carfax Tower, which dates back to the 13th century, and look out over the city. Compared to towers in other cities I've visited, this one is not very high, but since there are not a lot of tall buildings in Oxford, the view is still quite spectacular.
   

        

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

Wadham College

Trinity College

The Clarendon Building

The Sheldonian Theatre

Faculty of History, University of Oxford

Some of the buildings I photographed I don't know, and can't find, the names. For example, when I ask Google to find the one below, it simply tells me "Medieval Architecture."

This one is "mid-sized car." Right. What about the SUV behind the mid-sized car? And the small van? The bicycles? 

And, oh yeah, the building!!

This one Google is sure about: All Souls College:

Another mystery building

These pastel houses are near the Bridge of Sighs, on Holywell Street. They are painted so beautifully and look so well-maintained, and apparently they are student housing. Rough!

Lots of wrought iron fencing and gates

I had to take a photo of a Porter's Lodge, so quintessentially Oxford.

And here is "The Vicarage" and its corresponding church. Shades of Miss Marple.

This was in the Jericho neighbourhood.

And then it was time to head back to London. Can you believe it, as we traveled back on the train, we actually heard the man seated behind us quoting poetry. What a perfect way to end a trip not just to Oxford, but into the world of British literature!