The Charms of Oxfordshire I've Taken for Granted

At age 1 my family made the move from South Africa to England, and we found ourselves in rural Oxfordshire. That's where I had been ever since... until the day to go to university came. Since moving out, I've really appreciated Oxfordshire's little quirks and gems when coming home to visit. I've appreciated them a lot more than when they were just around the corner, and I've realised how lucky I am to have had this setting as the place in which I grew up.

Here are just a handful of the sights and places in quaint Oxfordshire that I absolutely love.

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The Historical City

To anyone not from Oxford, the city is thought to be the prestigious 'city of spires'. To me, Oxford has aways just been... Oxford. Don't get me wrong, I've always found beauty in the medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, but coming back to it after being away for a while makes it that little bit more breathtaking.

The university is evidently a big part of the city's history, with teaching dating back to 1096 and making it the oldest English-speaking higher educational institution. What is more are the groundbreaking discoveries made within the walls of the university, including the discovery of how antibodies work (1967), the development of needle-free injections (1993), and current breakthroughs in developing a vaccine for COVID-19. To say the least, the university is such a fundamental element of the city and its history has helped to define Oxford as a place of great achievement.

The history doesn't stop at the university though, with the city being the former home to plenty of literary heroes. To name a few, the likes of W.H. Auden, T.S. Eliot, Lewis Carroll and J. R. R Tolkien made their stamp in the literary world in Oxford. You can even visit the gardens in Christ Church in which Carroll took for inspiration for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Of course, notable people from Oxford also include Dr. Stephen Hawking and Rupert Murdoch, so it's fair to say Oxford has been a place of significance in all areas of cultural, scientific and societal history.

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Punting the Oxford Way

Are you even Oxonian if you haven't been punting?

This is also something highly associated with Oxford and sparks yet another rivalry with Cambridge.

Punting is something I only tried myself a couple of years ago and if I'm being honest I'm not the greatest at it... I'm much more of a passenger than the driver. Nonetheless, it has become something I've found a love for!

Relying on my boyfriend to keep us moving, I find tranquility in sitting and basking in the sun as we punt down the river. Magdalen Bridge punting is right in the heart of Oxford University so makes for a beautiful setting, with the tops of the buildings poking out above the trees.

It takes a lot of strength and practice, but punting is a lot of fun and a must if you're looking for an activity with a bit of culture!

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Perusing Blenheim Palace

One of the largest attractions in Oxfordshire, and a personal favourite of mine to visit, is Blenheim Palace, former home and birthplace of Winston Churchill.

The palace was built in 1705 and is open to the public, with tours of the stately rooms and many gardens and parks to choose from.

No matter what you decide to explore at Blenheim, you're sure to see beautiful grounds. I particularly love the Rose Garden which is home to roses in every colour surrounding a sculpted marble fountain. The roses are planted symmetrically making it easy on the eye and stunning all round. This rosarium was commissioned by 7th Duke of Marlborough in 1760, where the 5th Duke originally located it elsewhere in the grounds.

The tall pillars, archways, and intricate detailing of both the interior and exterior of the Palace is something you don't see so much nowadays. Walking through these grand rooms definitely gives off Austen vibes and makes you feel as if you're in a period drama. Red carpets, hanging tapestries, and mahogany everywhere - definitely to the taste of Mr Darcy.

There are almost always events happening at the Palace. The annual Christmas lights extravaganza, flower shows, cricket matches, drive-thru cinemas, and 'Picnic at the Palace' - there's something for everyone and makes for plenty of days out.

It's important to note that between secret gardens, grand fountains, archways, and more, there is ALWAYS a photo opportunity ;)

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Being in the 'Shire

Something about being able to step outside into a field is calming when contrasted with busy city life at university.

Nature walks became a regular activity during the 6 months of being home during lockdown, and I found myself really enjoying the peace in my surroundings. A breath of fresh air, grass trails, and silence works wonders for clearing your mind and is always a great way to escape from the stress of everything else happening in the world.

I never really thought of Oxfordshire as the 'countryside' growing up because as a child it was just my world. I now realise that being close to so many country villages, both in and around Oxfordshire, is something I've taken for granted, with each place having a certain character of their own.

I especially enjoy the Cotswolds, with sandstone and brick buildings, streams, quaint shops, and many cute cafés to choose from. You can't go wrong with exploring a chocolate-box village.

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I could write so much more about the different parts of Oxfordshire that make me feel the comfort of home, but these places are definitely ones I would encourage anyone to visit. I feel very lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful part of the country - it will always be home to me.