Magna Carta College, Oxford

Oxford offers numerous forms of leisure activities that allow you to enjoy the natural surroundings, historical experience and social life. The Oxford Playhouse provides first class shows which often preview in Oxford before moving to the West End in London. The New Theatre also offers exciting performances, both theatrical and musical. During Trinity Term (Summer) a number of colleges host outdoor plays, including Shakespeare. In fact, if you wander into the University Parks on a summer’s day, you may just bump into a cast rehearsing their latest play!

You can take a punt down the River Isis. With a maximum of six people to a punt, this is a most enjoyable way to spend an hour or two, and can be extended by mooring at the Victoria Arms (Vicky Arms) where you can have a drink and taste excellent local pub food. The University Boat Races also provide a spectacle in Trinity Term, drawing in vast crowds to cheer on the teams.

If you are feeling more energetic (although punting is not easy for everyone), Oxford also has its own ice rink, swimming pools, gyms, football fields, tennis courts and cricket pitches.

The Ashmolean Museum, housing its famous Egyptian Collection, has recently been renovated and now offers a roof top restaurant with amazing views of the Oxford skyline. Many other museums are also open to the public, including the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Museum of the History of Science and Modern Art Oxford.

This is but a taste of what Oxford has to offer – remember that its geographical position allows easy access to Blenheim Palace (the home of Sir Winston Churchill), Stratford (the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company) and exciting London.

1. Take an Official Guided Walking Tour of the University and city – the best way to discover Oxford is on foot.
2. Seek out your favourite TV and film locations – and Harry Potter connections at Christ Church.
3. Climb a tower to view the ‘dreaming spires’. There are 5 to choose from.
4. Visit the remains of the dodo at the University Museum of Natural History (free) and the witch in a bottle at the Pitt Rivers museum (free).
5. Take a (free) tour of the Ashmolean Museum. Or just pop in and view some of the 67 galleries.
6. Stock up on goodies at the Covered Market and take a romantic punt trip.
7. Take an elegant cruise along the River Isis where the real ‘Alice in Wonderland’ first heard the famous story.
8. Have a pub lunch in an ancient hostelry – or dinner in an elegant restaurant or hotel.
9. Go ice skating or for a ride on the ‘topless bus’.
10. Relax in a pavement café and watch the world go by!