En route: Best of Blenheim Palace
On your way to Oxford from the Cotswolds, enjoy a day out at Blenheim Palace, a grand country estate that graces the banks of River Glyme near Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Welcomed by the Hensington Gates and the towering Column of Victory, enter the Great Hall past the lofty colonnaded façade. Marvel at the stunning English baroque architecture of the Dukes of Marlborough’s residence, also famous as Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace and ancestral home. Browsing its ornate guestrooms, dining rooms, and the long library, soak up the sumptuously decorated interiors, which feature tapestries, painted ceilings, family portraits, and delicate carvings. Wandering about the network of corridors, listen to palatial anecdotes and admire the many artifact displays, including the Untold Story exhibition. Taking the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens, explore the Butterfly House that protects myriad butterfly species, and the tranquil lake surrounds, which are fringed by lavender fields. Strolling about the expansive botanical gardens dotted with statues, fountains, bridges, and mazes, encounter geese, lambs, and other resident wildlife. (En Route Activity; Full Day; Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Admission Included; Fitness level: Moderate)
Walking the Tree-Lined Avenues of Oxford
Discover the old medieval city and university town of Oxford on this fascinating walk in the company of an Oxford graduate. Explore the venerable town with its romantic architecture, gathering authentic insights on student life on this entertaining day trip. Stroll among Oxford’s “dreaming spires”, its cobbled streets, domed structures, medieval chapels, quiet cloisters and quadrangles. Glean interesting trivia on the town’s history, heritage and traditions from your student guide. If you’re lucky, you could get to visit a typical college, complete with Gothic elements, quadrangles and an ancient dining hall hung with portraits of its famous alumni. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)
Punting down the Charming Cherwell
Experience a short, leisurely river boat ride down the charming Cherwell River with a professional punter. Come abroad your flat-bottomed boat at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, which stands next to Magdalen College Tower, across the road from Oxford’s Botanic Gardens. If you wish, you could also make a day of it on the river, returning half an hour before sunset. Glide past some of Oxford’s iconic landmarks, including the Botanic Gardens and Magdalen College school fields. Row past the Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll once taught students and wrote his two great masterpieces – Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Continue traveling past the lovely gardens of St Hilda’s College before returning to the boathouse. If you wish, you could also continue rowing down towards the “Isis”, what they call the Thames in Oxford, and enjoy cruising along this beautiful riverscape. (Duration: 30 mins; Private Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Easy)
