Oxford Tour with a private guide

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FAMOUS OXFORD COLLEGES HARRY POTTER AND ALICE IN WONDERLAND CONNECTIONS BLENHEIM PALACE CHURCHILL'S GRAVE “And that sweet city with her dreaming spires, she needs not June for beauty’s heightening” No-one knows exactly when scholars first began to congregate at this small town on the western reaches of the river Thames – the ox ford. The famous university dates its beginnings from the 12th century, and the earliest formal college foundations date from 1249. Since then, Oxford has weathered civil war and bloody clashes between scholars and townsfolk to become the beacon of learning that now draws students and visitors from all over the world. A walk along the bustling high street, and through the busy covered market, with its enticing aromas of local produce, is a contrast to the serene calm of the “quads”. These courtyards are the quiet, green heart of each college, around which students live, study, debate and play. We will visit Christ Church, one of the most splendid colleges - its chapel doubles as Oxford’s Cathedral, and its wonderful, timbered Hall has played host to Lewis Carol, an astonishing roll-call of British Prime Ministers, and the students of Hogwarts! We may also get to visit some of the smaller, quieter colleges too, all filled with wonderful stories of the famous and infamous who studied here. Along the way you will find out what present day Oxford student life is like. Browsing in Blackwells bookshop, admiring antiquities at the world-class Ashmolean Museum, climbing St Mary’s church tower for amazing views, or sipping a drink in the ancient Turf Tavern – there are any number of ways to spend your time in Oxford. We can create a whole day tour in Oxford or you might like to combine it with a visit to Blenheim Palace. When John Churchill – first Duke of Marlborough – lead a triumphant coalition of armies against France and Spain, a grateful Queen Anne endowed him with the Manor of Woodstock and the promise of funds to build a fittingly grand house. The Duke himself had died before the stupendous Blenheim Palace was completed, but it is still home to the Spencer-Churchills, which is why Winston, a cousin of the then Duke’s, was born there. He maintained a lifelong attachment to the place, and is buried in the simple churchyard at nearby Bladon. The Palace itself almost defies description; vast painted and gilded halls, a priceless collection of paintings, ceramics, tapestries and furniture and sweeping landscaped grounds as far as the eye can see. A visit to Blenheim gives a remarkable insight into court life and aristocratic taste in a bygone age – and all only a relaxing 90 minute drive from London! To complete this fabulous itinerary you will need the services of a professional driver-guide. Luxury Vacations UK offer a day tour to Oxford, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds villages.