Oxford City Guide - overview

Having spawned the legendary Alice in Wonderland, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Harry Potter's Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Oxford is not only England's oldest centre for learning, but the home and inspiration of such famous authors as Lewis Carroll, C S Lewis, J R R Tolkien, and recently one of the key locations in the Harry Potter films. The city's dreaming spires house the famous Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, and whether lazing on one of the college quadrangles, punting down the river or exploring the city's ancient heritage, Oxford promises something for visitors of all ages.

Getting around: Regular buses operated by different companies link all parts of Oxford to surrounding towns and villages. The city centre is largely pedestrian-friendly and most streets are open to one-way traffic; therefore a vehicle is more a hindrance than a help. Parking can be difficult as well. There are several park-and-ride car parks in the surrounding area, which are the best option for those arriving by car. Sightseeing is best accomplished on foot or by making use of a 'round the city' hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Wide-ranging cycling tracks run through Oxford, offering a more active, scenic alternative for seeing the city.