May 23
Off to Oxford today. The weather had turned
cold again, but we made the most of it.
Using the park and ride is the most
efficient way to visit such a city. When we arrived we found a place for coffee
then headed off to see a few of the main sights of the city.
The Sheldonian was the first stop. Sir
Christopher Wren designed the building. Many graduation ceremonies are held
here. The view of the city from high up in the cupola is excellent. It is easy
to see why Oxford its known as the city of spires.
Leaving the Sheldonian we walked briskly
along to the Bodleian Library as the rain was starting to set in. We had a
brief glimpse inside when the doors opened to see the magnificent ceiling, but
we had decided to spend our money elsewhere and did not have the time in any
case to wait for the next admission.
Lunchtime was just about upon us and as the
weather was really setting in we headed for the pub early. Lawrence took us to
the pub where Bob Hawke's record still stands - drinking a yard of ale in 11
seconds.
After our light lunch (essential to warm us
up as well) we walked in slightly improving weather to the Thames, across the
Magdalene Bridge (pronounced maudlin), across the Meadows to Christ Church. The
college chapel is also Oxford cathedral. The college great hall was also the
basis for the Harry Potter Hogwarts dining hall.
It was pourng rain that greeted us as we
wended our way back towards our bus stop, so a quick tea stop was welcome before heading back to Cheltenham for dinner.
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| Inside the Sheldonian |
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| View over a dismal Oxford skyline |
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| Part of the Bodleian Library |
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| Not quite in Venice yet |
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| Punting here is not as attractive as in Cambridge |
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| Looking across the Meadows to Christ Church college and cathedral |
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| The grand staircase inside Christ Church |
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| The Great Hall |
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| Now with the sun out, a lovely view of Oxford |
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