Things to do in Oxford

Blenheim Palace – Woodstock

There are very few places in the world that are more grand than Blenheim Palace. The palace can be found at Woodstock near oxford and as you approach you will soon realise your traveling through parkland landscaped by Capability Brown on a grand scale. Infact, Blenheim Palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, the great lake, and beautiful formal gardens.

As you would expect the palace is filled with treasures, art masterpieces, sculptures and decorated to the highest possible standard and is absolutely breath-taking. It is quite surprising to find out that the standard was even higher previously as the great library was sold in 1881 and some major art treasures and curios were sold off in 1886. However, the standard is so high you would wonder where they would fit in.

Most of your time will be spent exploring the palace. However, the palace try’s to add value to your visits and frequently holds events that are in keeping with it elegance. The Palace already has a full schedule of events for 2013 that will make you want to return over and over:

Art & antique fair, Jousting tournament, Dramas, Flower show, Craft fair, Proms, Cycling events, Triathlon, Horse trials, Kids camp, Easter egg challenge, TV and Film exhibition (The palace has been the star of many tv and film shows), Literary festival, Classic car festival, Firework displays, Marathons, etc, etc.

Oxford

Oxford is the town that most tourists will visit in Oxfordshire even though there are some absolute gems nearby. Oxford is famous for it’s University and fabulous architecture. There are grand building all over the town and probably the best way to see them is to join one of the local tours.

I have added a photo from Jamie Goode’s wine blog here as I think he has captured a typical Oxford scene perfectly. You can see the typical buildings constructed in the warm honey coloured limestone that is used throughout the Cotswolds. As you can see, cycling is popular with University students and locals alike and it is a great way to see Oxford.

Discovery Zone – Oxford

The discovery zone is an activity centre for children aged between 5-12 years old to experience science first-hand. The discovery zone has been divided into five main themes: Light, Forces, Sound, Magnets, and Problem Solving. All the activities are hands-on and children are encouraged to explore science topics through play and experience. The various bits of equipment allow the children to send secret whisper messages across the room, colour your shadow and perform many other fun tasks.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens 

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens has mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from all around the world and is set in 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens. It is worth looking out for the Walled Garden as it is easy to miss and feel disappointed later. Here you find the Penguins, Meerkats, Tropical House (with free roaming Sloths), Otters, Prairie Dogs, Various Bird Aviaries (including Giant Hornbills and Scarlet Ibis) and the walk-through Lemur enclosure.

Oxford Ice Rink

Oxford Ice rink is on Oxpens Road and is a ten-minute walk from Oxford city centre and railway station. The Ice rink is a popular place so if you want a quieter session go for Monday or Tuesday evenings, or at teatime (5 – 7.30pm). Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings are lively session with disco music from 20:00 – 22:30.