Oxford, Part Two

Tom Tower and Tom Quad at Christ Church

Once you’ve eaten and shopped your way out of Covered Market the walking tour will have you continue on towards St. Martin’s Tower. The locals refer to this monument as Carfax Tower. From here you will head to one of the most popular locations, Christ Church Cathedral and College. The current popularity stems from the fact that various parts of Christ Church were the inspiration for, or actual film locations, for the Harry Potter series. You’ll first pass by Tom Tower, created by the famed English architect Sir Christopher Michael Wren, as you make your way to the entrance to the Christ Church Meadow. The path to the Christ Church Meadow is through the War Memorial Garden. After exiting the War Memorial Garden to your left will be the public entrance to buy tickets into Christ Church.

Turf Tavern

Your ticket gains you access into the Tom Quad, The Great Hall, and the Cathedral. Harry Potter fans will recognize The Great Hall as the inspiration for the dining hall at Hogwarts. Once inside the Cathedral you will want to pick up their pamphlet, “A Brief Tour of the Cathedral”, as it highlights the main points of interest inside the Cathedral. Once done inside take a moment in Tom Quad to soak in your surroundings and breathe in the same air as the Oxford intelligentsia. After Christ Church the walking tour takes you past the Botanic Gardens, which has its own admissions price. You will see other colleges such as Corpus Christ, Merton, and Magdalen. On New College Lane you will see a bridge that connects two parts of Hertford College. This bridge is known as the Bridge of Sighs, a reference to the bridge of the same name in Venice.

Lamb and Flag Passage

At this point in your journey you may have a hankering for a pint or pub food. Near the Bridge of Sighs is the famous Turf Tavern, which offers a self-described “education in intoxication”. On a sign by the tavern are the words “If you’ve been to Oxford before, without visiting the Turf, then you haven’t really visited Oxford”. Even famous people have visited the Turf Tavern such as Elizabeth Taylor, Margaret Thatcher, and Ben Kingsley. The Turf Tavern boasts high quality cask ales fresh from the tap. If available be sure to try a pint of the Damson Porter, a smooth on the palate dark beer. If the pub fare at Turf Tavern doesn’t pique your interest head to nearby Holywell Street and The Alternative Tuck Shop. At The Alternative Tuck Shop sandwiches are made to order for takeaway. The chicken tikka with mango chutney on a baguette isn’t spicy but cool and refreshing.

Peek Kai Tod Kraiem at Chiang Mai Kitchen

From Holywell Street you will resume your walking tour on Parks Road. You will pass by Wadham College, University Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum of Ethnology, and Keble College. From there the tour will take you through the Lamb and Flag Passage, a tranquil passageway that is charming. Try to capture a peaceful moment in this section of Oxford. If time permits before leaving Oxford you can head back near Covered Market, to the pedestrian zone on Cornmarket Street. Here you can spend time at a coffee shop or explore such stores as H&M, Moss, or Zara. If you decide to have dinner in Oxford try Chiang Mai Kitchen. This authentic Thai restaurant serves up delicious dishes such as Peek Kai Tod Kraiem. Peek Kai Tod Kraiem is a plate of chicken wings fried and slathered with a Thai sweet and spicy sauce. Traditional dishes of Pad Thai and Thai Curry are tasty. At this point your day in Oxford is over and you will walk back to the train station and onwards to your next destination.

Oxford

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University of Oxford: 51.756634, -1.254704

Oxford Railway Station: 51.753288, -1.269913

Ashmolean Museum: 51.755302, -1.260026

Martyrs Memorial: 51.755053, -1.258972

Radcliffe Camera: 51.753425, -1.254012

Covered Market: 51.752195, -1.256583

Christ Church: 51.750643, -1.256597

Bridge of Sighs - Hertford College: 51.754472, -1.253734

Turf Tavern: 51.754685, -1.252968

The Alternative Tuck Shop: 51.755049, -1.251845

Lamb and Flag Passage: 51.757468, -1.258492

Cornmarket Street: 51.752937, -1.258310

Chiang Mai Kitchen: 51.752020, -1.256478

	University of Oxford Oxford, Part One University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Oxford Railway Station Oxford, Part One Oxford Railway Station, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Ashmolean Museum Oxford, Part One Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Martyrs Memorial Oxford, Part One Martyrs Memorial, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Radcliffe Camera Oxford, Part One Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Square, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Covered Market Oxford, Part One The Covered Market Oxford, Market Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Christ Church Oxford, Part Two Christ Church, Saint Aldate's, Oxford, UK
	Bridge of Sighs - Hertford College Oxford, Part Two Bridge of Sighs, New College Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Turf Tavern Oxford, Part Two The Turf Tavern, Bath Place, Oxford, United Kingdom
	The Alternative Tuck Shop Oxford, Part Two The Alternative Tuck Shop, Holywell Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Lamb and Flag Passage Oxford, Part Two Lamb and Flag Passage, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Cornmarket Street Oxford, Part Two Cornmarket Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Chiang Mai Kitchen Oxford, Part Two Chiang Mai Kitchen Ltd, High Street, Oxford, United Kingdom

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December 23, 2015 CB4YT

Bridge of Sighs at Hertford College - Oxford, England

Oxford, Part One

The English city of Oxford takes just over an hour by train to reach from London. Oxford is most known for the University of Oxford. The University of Oxford boasts over 30 different colleges within walking distance. Just by being in Oxford one feels smarter as if intelligence is increased by osmosis. You will have the urge to duck into a library to crack open a book and study. Even if you are not a scholar at heart, Oxford’s architecture and serenity make for an enjoyable visit. In addition, Oxford has many eateries well worth your stomach’s time. A perfect escape from London, Oxford should rank high on your itinerary as a day trip.

It is possible to visit the highlights of Oxford in just one day. To help plan out your day when you arrive at the Oxford train station stop by the tourist information booth. This kiosk sells for around 2£ a “Quick Guide – Oxford” pamphlet and map. This guide, produced by Quick Guides Publishers, includes a walking tour that will guide you past the top sights. In the guide it states that the walk takes an hour to complete. The walk will take longer if you move at a more relaxed pace or spend extra time at the various sights. Your level of interest will determine the time you spend exploring the various colleges and sights. The colleges aren’t always open to visitors so that may impact your visiting schedule. Furthermore, leave plenty of time to eat at at least one of the many restaurants in Oxford.

Ashmolean Museum

Following the “Quick Guide – Oxford” your walk will begin at the Ashmolean Museum. The museum is a straight shot from the train station, an eleven-minute walk. From the train station continue on Hythe Bridge Street and make a left on to Worcester Street. Stay on Worcester Street and it will turn into Beaumont Street, with the museum on the left-hand side of the street. The Ashmolean Museum is Britain’s first museum, with a focus on art and archeology. Admission to the museum is free so if you enjoy museums you will want to budget in time to explore the museum. The museum is closed on Mondays, but open from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays through Sundays.

Martyrs’ Memorial

Opposite from the Ashmolean Museum is the Martyrs’ Memorial. This monument, and the museum, is where your walk will end so remember this location. The monument is in a central location so it makes for a good meeting place if anyone in your group gets separated. The Martyrs’ Memorial is in front of the first college you’ll see, Balliol. Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. Continue from Balliol College to Broad Street where you will find Trinity College and various stores. Here at these shops you can buy souvenirs such as a University of Oxford sweatshirt. At the opposite end of Broad Street of note is the bookstore Blackwell, Sheldonian Theatre, and the Clarendon Building.

Radcliffe Camera in Radcliffe Square

As you pass through Old Schools Quad and by Bodleian Library, you’ll find yourself in Radcliffe Square. Here you will find plenty of tourists with their cameras ready. Radcliffe Square is where you will find Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most well-known sights. This round building is home to the Radcliffe Science Library. After you’ve taken your photos you’ll find the tour takes you past a few more colleges such as Exeter College, All Souls College, and Brasenose College. At this point in the tour you may find your stomach grumbling and that you’re itching for a snack. Fear not as you should find yourself on Market Street and the Covered Market.

Pieminister

Covered Market has a slew of food stalls ready to fulfill any craving. If you are in the mood for an English dish stop by Pieminister. Pieminister serves hearty pies baked with fillings such as venison or steak. The pie dough is flakey on the outside and soft in the inside with the meat filling soft and succulent. The meat pie is placed on top of mashed potatoes with gravy pored over for the final touch. For dessert have a fresh baked cookie from Ben’s Cookies. One of Ben’s Cookies may be bought for just under 2£. For sale are cookies made with milk or dark chocolate and classics such as peanut butter or oatmeal raisin. Besides food stalls Covered Market has merchants selling fresh flowers, and butchers selling meats such as sausages and English lamb liver. You will find coffee shops, clothing stores, and even a cobbler. A wide variety of shops and food options are available for your browsing pleasure at Covered Market.

Continued in Oxford, Part Two

Oxford

loading map - please wait...

University of Oxford: 51.756634, -1.254704

Oxford Railway Station: 51.753288, -1.269913

Ashmolean Museum: 51.755302, -1.260026

Martyrs Memorial: 51.755053, -1.258972

Radcliffe Camera: 51.753425, -1.254012

Covered Market: 51.752195, -1.256583

Christ Church: 51.750643, -1.256597

Bridge of Sighs - Hertford College: 51.754472, -1.253734

Turf Tavern: 51.754685, -1.252968

The Alternative Tuck Shop: 51.755049, -1.251845

Lamb and Flag Passage: 51.757468, -1.258492

Cornmarket Street: 51.752937, -1.258310

Chiang Mai Kitchen: 51.752020, -1.256478

	University of Oxford Oxford, Part One University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Oxford Railway Station Oxford, Part One Oxford Railway Station, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Ashmolean Museum Oxford, Part One Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Martyrs Memorial Oxford, Part One Martyrs Memorial, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Radcliffe Camera Oxford, Part One Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Square, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Covered Market Oxford, Part One The Covered Market Oxford, Market Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Christ Church Oxford, Part Two Christ Church, Saint Aldate's, Oxford, UK
	Bridge of Sighs - Hertford College Oxford, Part Two Bridge of Sighs, New College Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Turf Tavern Oxford, Part Two The Turf Tavern, Bath Place, Oxford, United Kingdom
	The Alternative Tuck Shop Oxford, Part Two The Alternative Tuck Shop, Holywell Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Lamb and Flag Passage Oxford, Part Two Lamb and Flag Passage, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Cornmarket Street Oxford, Part Two Cornmarket Street, Oxford, United Kingdom
	Chiang Mai Kitchen Oxford, Part Two Chiang Mai Kitchen Ltd, High Street, Oxford, United Kingdom

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December 17, 2015 CB4YT

Clarendon Building and Sheldonian Theatre on Broad Street - Oxford, England

Visiting Windsor and Eton

Visitors to Windsor and Eton will find two charming English towns right next to each other. Windsor is famous for Windsor Castle. Windsor’s neighbor Eton is home to a prestigious boys’ boarding school. It is easy to visit both towns as they are within walking distance of one another. In fact, a seven-minute walk separates the two train stations that bring travelers to Windsor and Eton. If traveling from London, Windsor & Eton Central services travelers from London Paddington (via a platform at Slough). Travel between the two stations can take anywhere between 27-49 minutes depending on which train you catch. Travelers from London Waterloo will arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside in one hour. Windsor & Eton Central is the train station closest to Windsor Castle, while Windsor & Eton Riverside is closer to the River Thames and Eton. Listed below are the main sights to visit in Windsor and Eton.

Windsor Royal Shopping

Upon exiting the train at Windsor & Eton Central you walk into the open air Windsor Royal Shopping center. The center was once a Victorian railway station and parts of the original architecture remains. A variety of shops and restaurants are at your disposal to cure your hunger or shopping pangs. If you are hungry and aren’t able to decide which restaurant to eat at try the Cinnamon Cafe. The Cinnamon Cafe serves pastries such as scones and other traditional English foods such as jacket potatoes. In addition to restaurants and clothing stores, Windsor Royal Shopping has candy and souvenir shops. Even more stores are found in the streets surrounding Windsor Royal Shopping. Both established English retailers and international brands are there to fulfill your shopping needs.

Windsor Royal Shopping

Windsor Castle

The highlight of Windsor is Windsor Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family. When the Royal Standard flag is flying above the Castle the Queen is home. If the British (Union) flag is on display the Queen is spending her time elsewhere. As Windsor is located near London many tourists flock to Windsor Castle via tour groups. If traveling without a group when you arrive at the Castle you may see a long line of people snaking along the street leading up to the ticket booth entrance. That long line is for tour groups and if you aren’t connected to a group you may go ahead to the ticket booth entrance. A Windsor Castle attendant will guide you to the line for non-tour group visitors. Admission to Windsor Castle includes a handheld device with a self-guided multimedia tour. Your ticket gives you access to the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and St. George’s Chapel. Keep in mind that St. George’s Chapel is closed to tourists Sundays. If you plan on watching Changing the Guard be sure to check on the Windsor Castle website beforehand for up-to-date times.

Windsor Castle’s Round Tower

Windsor Great Park

The easiest way to gain access to Windsor Great Park is by walking to the end of Park Street. There you will find the Park Street Gate. The Park Street Gate is closed during the nighttime but when open it allows you direct access to the Long Walk. The Long Walk is a three-mile tree-lined path through a section of Windsor Great Park. With Windsor Great Park stretching over 8 square miles of land, the Long Walk provides just a glimpse of the grounds. A view of a statue of George III rewards those who traverse the entire path. If the walking made you tired go to the pub right next to the Park Street Gate where you can grab yourself refreshment and recuperate.

Park Street Gate and Windsor Castle - Windsor, England

Park Street Gate (to the left) and Windsor Castle (center)

The Long Walk, Windsor Great Park

River Thames and Eton

The River Thames separates the two towns of Windsor and Eton. Walk along the river to see swans frolicking in the water. You can watch rowing and motorboats sail the river. The river flows past the Alexandra Gardens. The gardens are open to visitors and are next to a parking lot if you drive to Windsor and need a spot to leave your car. Besides walking next to the river, several companies offer various boat trips along the river. You can cross over the River Thames by way of the Windsor & Eton Bridge, which connects the two towns of Windsor and Eton. At night Windsor Castle is lit up and the bridge provides a spectacular view. Across the bridge, on the Eton side, are several restaurants of which a few offer riverside seating. If you continue past the restaurants you will wind up on High Street. This street is lined with shops and leads you to Eton College, a boys’ boarding school. The architecture of the shops, restaurants, and boarding school are worth the stroll through the town of Eton.

River Thames - Windsor and Eton, England

River Thames and the Windsor & Eton Bridge

Windsor and Eton Sights

loading map - please wait...

Windsor Royal Shopping: 51.482834, -0.609454

Windsor Castle: 51.483889, -0.604408

Windsor Great Park: 51.463062, -0.606337

Eton College: 51.495735, -0.604440

Alexandra Gardens: 51.484611, -0.613870

	Windsor Royal Shopping Visiting Windsor and Eton Windsor Royal Shopping, Goswell Hill, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Windsor Castle Visiting Windsor and Eton Windsor Castle, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Windsor Great Park Visiting Windsor and Eton The Long Walk, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Eton College Visiting Windsor and Eton Eton College, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Alexandra Gardens Visiting Windsor and Eton Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, United Kingdom

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November 27, 2015 CB4YT

St George's Chapel and Round Tower - Windsor Castle - Windsor, England

Sightseeing in London

In the course of my travels the first international city I could envision myself living in was London, England. I initially selected London as a destination to visit most likely for the same reasons many Americans do. There is an immediate sense of familiarity. Part of the roots of America can be traced to those same English streets. Several buildings and streets remind you of American cities such as Boston. Although they say loo instead of toilet, no language barrier needs to be overcome. The biggest hurdle to American’s visiting London is that cars drive on the other side of the road. Even that isn’t a big issue as they’ve written on the pavement which way to look to cross the street. A trip to London is a good gateway to further international travel.

Deciding on traveling to London is the easy part. The difficult part is deciding which sites to visit if you will be in London only a few days. An entire paragraph can be written just listing out the sites to visit. Any trip to London has to include a plan of action. After a couple visits to London my goal with this article is try to simplify the sightseeing landscape. I hope that the suggestions I’ve written below will help you decide what to do during your trip to London.

The London Eye

If you’re looking to take aerial photos of London your top three choices are the London Eye, The Shard, or St. Paul’s Cathedral. If your time is limited my suggestion is to choose the London Eye. St. Paul’s requires climbing a narrow staircase while The Shard’s entrance price is the most expensive of the three choices. The London Eye is a Ferris wheel that provides aerial photos of The Palace of Westminster. The Parliament buildings, which include Elizabeth Tower and the “Big Ben” bell, are one of the most recognizable sites in the world. For photos it’s impossible to capture the entire building from street level since the buildings are just too big. Since the London Eye is just across the river it allows you the opportunity for that photo you crave. The risk of rain in London is always high, but within a London Eye capsule even your rain soaked photos come out beautiful. If you’re scared of heights an alternative for a photo that captures The Palace of Westminster is on a cruise on the River Thames.

View from a London Eye capsule. The photo on the left side was taken when it wasn’t raining, the photo on the right side was taken when it was raining.

The Theater

A visit to the theater in London makes for an enjoyable afternoon or evening. For historian buffs a good choice is Shakespeare’s Globe. The building is a replica of the original Globe that premiered many of Shakespeare’s works. The current Globe allows one to watch a Shakespeare play just as it was centuries ago. Another choice besides the Globe is The West End, home to world-class play productions. With runs of popular musicals and dramas it can be difficult choosing which one to see. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is a solid choice. The Mousetrap’s first performance was in 1952 and ever since it has continued to be performed. The Mousetrap is the longest running play in the world. When you watch the actors in The Mousetrap you become a part of that history.

Abbey Road

Even if you’re not a Beatles fan chances are you’ve seen their famous Abbey Road album cover. The fab four stride with confidence through the crosswalk. Many Beatles fans enjoy traveling to London to reenact the album cover. To those who have never been to London the album cover’s crosswalk looks unique. One of the sobering moments upon arriving in London is that other crosswalks look the same as Abbey Road. In fact, making the trek out to Abbey Road can be disappointing for many people. For starters it’s a thirty-minute journey from the center of London (Trafalgar Square). The actual Abbey Road crosswalk looks the same as the surrounding crosswalks. What makes Abbey Road different is a ton of graffiti on the walls of the nearby recording studio and on the Abbey Road street sign. With nothing else of note in the region one could recreate the album cover anywhere in London and get the same effect in a photo. If you are pressed for time and not a die-hard Beatles fan you could skip visiting the actual Abbey Road.

The real Abbey Road.

10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street is where the British Prime Minister lives. Similar to the White House in Washington, DC the building is gated, has a ton of security, and your chances of seeing a political figure are slim to none. Unlike the White House one cannot stand in front of 10 Downing Street. The government building is on a narrow street blocked off from pedestrian access. There is no lawn in front from which you can view it yards away. The clearest view you have is that of a crowd of tourists trying to peek through the gated bars to see something of note. If a crowd of tourists sounds fun then hail a black cab and head to 10 Downing Street. If you don’t enjoy crowds you should have no hesitation in avoiding this site.

The only view tourists get of 10 Downing Street.

Harrods

If you love shopping then visiting Harrods is more than a must it’s a life calling. Even if you are someone who doesn’t enjoy shopping a quick visit to Harrods is an essential part of visiting London. The department store is humongous and you can shop for a variety of products within its walls. You can buy clothes, books, electronics, toys, jewelry, and food. A large department store means you can lose track of time and unintentionally spend hours there. In fact, like a casino in Las Vegas, finding an exit in Harrods is difficult. It’s as though the people behind Harrods want you to spend as much time as possible in their building. The longer you stay the higher the chances are you’ll find something to buy. To maximize your time as you enter Harrods be sure to pick up one of their maps. The map will help you find an exit and locate the departments and merchandise you are most interested in exploring.

Sightseeing in London

loading map - please wait...

London Eye: 51.503324, -0.119543

The Shard: 51.504382, -0.086279

St Paul\'s Cathedral: 51.513845, -0.098351

Palace of Westminster: 51.499480, -0.124809

Shakespeare\'s Globe: 51.508076, -0.097194

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap: 51.512858, -0.127646

Abbey Road: 51.536791, -0.183003

10 Downing Street: 51.503364, -0.127625

Harrods: 51.499405, -0.163234

	London Eye Sightseeing in London London Eye, London, United Kingdom
	The Shard Sightseeing in London The Shard, London Borough of Southwark, United Kingdom
	St Paul's Cathedral Sightseeing in London St. Paul's Cathedral, London, United Kingdom
	Palace of Westminster Sightseeing in London Palace of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
	Shakespeare's Globe Sightseeing in London Shakespeare's Globe, New Globe Walk, London, United Kingdom
	Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap Sightseeing in London St. Martin's Theatre, West Street, London, United Kingdom
	Abbey Road Sightseeing in London Abbey Road, London, United Kingdom
	10 Downing Street Sightseeing in London 10 Downing Street, Downing Street, London, United Kingdom
	Harrods Sightseeing in London Harrods, Brompton Road, London, United Kingdom

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October 31, 2015 CB4YT

Tag Archives: shopping

Windsor Royal Shopping

Windsor Castle

Windsor Great Park

River Thames and Eton

The London Eye

The Theater

Abbey Road

10 Downing Street

Harrods