A Day in Oxford

 

Friday was a gloriously warm and sunny day and Alison and I took the train from Princes Risborough ( only a 15 minute drive away) to Oxford that stopped only at Bicester Village and Oxford Parkway. This is far more pleasant a journey than driving to Oxford and waiting for the park and ride bus to arrive. 

We headed first for John Lewis where we had a voucher for free tea and cake for two. Then stopping at a few shops on the way to the University of Oxford Botanical Gardens. We had been there before a couple of times but never in May. And we had a two for one voucher. There were not that many plants in flower but the Alliums were at their best. That is Alison's hand getting in the picture.

And these were some of the best of the others.

Fortunately we did find a couple of benches on our way round as the sun was very warm. The map below was invaluable.

Before we reached the gardens, we had walked down Cornmarket to Christ Church and then taken the Broad Walk along Christ Church Meadow arriving at the River Cherwell. Then leaving the gardens I wanted to look at the plaque just outside where the Jews of Oxford buried their dead from 1190. The reason being, I am currently reading Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins. Halfway through there appears someone who acts as a guide for the main character, taking in unusual places in the town, this being one. But also all the popular sites as well. 

So on our way back to the centre of Oxford, I did see that narrow street that gives the book it's title.

We headed off the High Street for a wander round the back streets including the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre before finding a table in the shade outside a small café for a welcome cuppa and cake. It was then time to head back to the station where we only had to wait five minutes for the train back to Princes Risborough and back home.