The Covid Diaries 5: Historic Oxford

Review of a visit to Oxford, in which I enjoy doing basically everything that’s reopened to the public.

As mentioned in my recent post about Blenheim Palace, I decided to ditch London for a week as things started to open up a little, and set up camp in Oxford. Blenheim Palace was one of my primary objectives, but I also wanted to see the sights of a city that I’ve spent very little time in since I’ve lived in England. Maybe this is something you would like to do too, dear reader, now that staycations are the most reliable way of getting out of your living room and seeing something different. And so without further ado and in no particular order, here are some things that avid culture and heritage fans may enjoy doing in Oxford during semi-lockdown.

1. Museums, Colleges, the Bodleian, etc. Basically all the things you normally visit in Oxford.

Can I go?
No. They’re all closed still. But you can look at the buildings, which are still very nice. And you can peep through various gates at the colleges. You can see the Bridge of Sighs as much as you normally can.

2. Oxford Botanic Garden

Can I go?
Yes! It’s open, they’ve got an easy one way system for entry and exit, and pretty much everything inside is accessible again. Not quite all the glasshouses, so you can’t get up close with carnivorous plants, but maybe that’s for the best. Founded in 1621, it’s the oldest botanic garden in the UK, and there’s also an arboretum a bit further out that you can visit. Book tickets in advance online.

3. Carfax Tower

Can I go?
Yes you can! One household at a time can go up this 12th Century tower, which is all that remains of St Martin’s Church. This makes it quite luxurious-feeling at the moment – nobody to share it with, no awkward stopping and starting on the narrow staircases. The views are nice, and best of all it’s only £3 per person. Bargain. Buy a ticket at the entrance.

4. A Visit to Oxford Castle and/or Prison

Can I go?
Yes. Although I didn’t because when I walked past it didn’t seem very open, so I can’t advise you on the hows and how muches. What I know about it is there is a prison and a castle, part of it seems to be a chain pub and another part is a hotel, and there’s a walk up the little hill which used to be a motte and bailey castle, but that was closed off. More information here.

5. Visit Oxford’s Surrounding Neighbourhoods

Can I go?
Yes of course you can, and there’s normally something to see. Iffley is delightful and you can visit the lovely Norman church of St Mary and see the stained glass window by John Piper. Jericho is also very nice – I would recommend going to the Oxford Wine Cafe over trying to find the canal, which is tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing.