Visit The City of Oxford with an afternoon visit to Blenheim Palace, Black Cab Tour

Visit The City of Oxford with an afternoon visit to Blenheim Palace, Black Cab Tour:

Oxford

Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, boasts one of the worlds greatest - and oldest - universities, as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe. The colleges themselves, which make up the university, are amongst the architectural highlights, their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapels, halls and libraries. We enjoy a unique tour which journeys through the heart of this ancient building before we head to the colleges spectacular dining hall, chosen as a key location in the Harry Potter films.

Our tour allows us to access parts of the hall usually out of bounds to the public. We will also linger by the open fire as your guide reveals anecdotes about the movie and the remarkable links of Christchurch with the Alice in Wonderland stories. Before visiting Christ Church you can even take tea in the shop where the real-life Alice bought her sweets! Our trip to Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Blenheim Palace

The Palace and its Formal Gardens and Park were created a World Heritage Site in 1987 and a great deal of restoration and conservation work has been undertaken in recent years despite the fact that we do not currently receive any external funding support. This year two major projects will take place: the repair and redecoration of every window in the Great Hall, and the restoration of the South Front steps of the Palace.

Your visit makes an important contribution to the ongoing restoration and conservation programmes which are necessary to ensure the Palace and its wonderful grounds are preserved for future generations.

We are very proud to be a member of the Treasure Houses of England - a collection of the finest heritage properties in the Country. We hope that your visit to Blenheim Palace will inspire you to visit these magnificent houses and you will find details of the Treasure Houses group by visiting 

BBC News - Rare black bumblebee found in Oxfordshire

BBC News - Rare black bumblebee found in Oxfordshire: "A rare type of bumblebee has been found at a pottery in Oxfordshire.

About 100 bombus ruderatus bumblebees, which are completely black, have been spotted at Aston Pottery.

The species has declined by about 70% in the last 40 years.

The BBC's Jessica Cooper visited the pottery to find out more."

BBC News - In pictures: Oxfordshire windmill restoration a step closer

BBC News - In pictures: Oxfordshire windmill restoration a step closer:
 

The Randolph Hotel 5 Star Oxford

Overview

The Randolph hotel is situated right in the heart of Oxford. The rooms are situated at the front of the hotel and have good views of Oxford. The bedrooms are very elegant and furbished in rich fabrics with all facilities. The newly opened 'The SPA at The Randolph' is built in the old cellar of the hotel with vaulted ceilings, luxury Italian tiling and fabrics plus relaxing candle light that creates a luxurious atmosphere.

Location

The hotel is centrally located on Beaumont Street which is less than 10 minutes walk to the train station and city centre. The nearest airport is Heathrow Airport located 50 miles from the hotel.

Rooms

The hotel offers the most elegant and luxurious accommodation, right in the heart of Oxford. The Macdonald Randolph Hotel is a grand and inviting place to stay, whether for business or leisure. All rooms are equipped with a mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, hairdryer and many more.

Features

There are six function rooms, capable of accommodating up to 400 guests for conferences, business meetings and private functions. Each of the function rooms are equipped to the highest standards and are managed by a highly experienced events team.

Food & drink

The hotel has one of the finest restaurants in Oxford serves quality, freshest ingredients only.

Tourist information

5 mins walk to Oxford Bus Station – Gloucester Green

15 mins walk to Oxford Train Station

76.4 km to Heathrow Airport

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Oxford Spires at Sunset

Oxford Spires

Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge

• Visit Windsor Castle 
• Visit Stonehenge 
• Walking Tour of Oxford 
• Luxury Coach 
• Optional Lunch Pack 
• Free Walking Tour 
• Complimentary hotel pick up from over 80 central London hotels. 

   

Schedule

Days of departure:
1st April to 30th September: Daily
1st October to 31st March: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Check-in time: 8:30am -8:45am
Return (approx.): 6:30pm

Departure point: 4 Fountain Square, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W

You can be picked up from a number of locations and departure points.

Exceptions:

·        30th April - Windsor Castle will be closed, so we will visit Hampton Court Palace instead.

·        17th June - Windsor Castle will be closed, so we will visit Hampton Court Palace instead.

·        16th June & 18th June - The State Apartments will be closed, however we will still be visiting Windsor Castle as normal and you will receive a partial refund.

Description

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle perches proudly on a lush wooded hill overlooking the Thames. With its sweeping landscaped gardens and turreted Round Tower, it’s easy to see why it’s the Queen’s favourite weekend residence. Enjoy a fascinating through-the-keyhole peek at the lavish State Apartments, home to priceless artworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, and visit St. George’s Chapel, the atmospheric final resting place of former monarchs including Henry VIII. You can visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a truly incredible structure complete with working lifts, running water, electricity and wine bottles, all in miniature!

Mysterious Stonehenge
You’ll never forget your first glimpse of spectacular Stonehenge, its monolithic rocks rising up against the skyline on Salisbury Plain. Theories abound about the mysterious rock formation. Was it intended as a religious temple? An astronomical clock? A Bronze Age burial ground? Make up your own mind as you explore the unique landmark.

Optional Lunch Pack
This is a long tour and you have an option to pre-purchase a delicious lunch pack, allowing you more time to enjoy the attractions.

Walking Tour of Oxford 
Follow in the footsteps of Oxford’s famous students, from C.S. Lewis to Bill Clinton, as you stroll the captivating college courtyards and cobbled lanes of this historic university town. Take in the famous ‘city of dreaming spires’ and see the Bodleian Library – one of the oldest libraries in Europe – on your visit. You’ll be captivated by the unspoilt narrow alleys and ancient squares of this naturally beautiful town.

Estimated arrival time back to London is around 6.30pm.

Free Walking Tour - Special bonus 
Why not follow in the footsteps of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge or take in the places where the Fab Four worked and played in London. The walking tour you decide to go on will surely captivate you, with it being an experience to truly remember.

Choose from:

·        The Royal Walking Tour

·        The Beatles London Walking Tour

Additional Information

Please note

·         Windsor Castle is a working royal palace and planned closures/disruptions may be subject to change.

Inclusions

·        Walking tour of Oxford

·        Admissions to Windsor castle and Stonehenge

·        Transportation by air-conditioned coach

·        Professional guide

·        Complimentary hotel pick up from over 80 central London hotels. You will be taken to our departure point to board your tour.

Exclusions 

·        Hotel return

·        Gratuities

·        Food and beverages