Oxford – Visited June 2014
We decided to use the park and ride system to travel into Oxford, at first we thought it sounded expensive, as they charge for parking, unlike most park and ride's, where you only pay for the bus ticket, however we then looked at the city centre parking prices and worked out park and ride was still cheaper. We first went to Water Eaton park and ride, as this was closest to the campsite, but luckily my wife checked the bus times before paying and read there are no buses from this site on Sundays, so we moved on to the Pear Tree park and ride instead, it costs us £6.50 for parking and the 2 adult bus tickets. |
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Arriving into Oxford centre, the first thing you notice is the architecture, towering above, all the buildings look big and strong, you can easily see why they are still standing today, however it's not easy to determine what all the buildings are or which are more important, but still impressive considering how they built such buildings, without the tools we have today
Oxford is a nice place to walk around, especially if you like the architecture, but if you’re more into shopping, then there’s plenty of variety, with a covered market, Westgate Shopping Centre and plenty of cafe’s and restaurants for your dinner break.
Another attraction to Oxford is the castle, it’s not of particular interest to use, but if you are, then you can book a guided tour, we chose to walk up to the top of the castle mound (it’s only £1), but be aware the paths are rough and a little narrow for young and old.
Another attraction to Oxford is the castle, it’s not of particular interest to use, but if you are, then you can book a guided tour, we chose to walk up to the top of the castle mound (it’s only £1), but be aware the paths are rough and a little narrow for young and old.
Henley-on-Thames – Visited June 2014
Well known for its regatta, Henley-on-Thames is a popular tourist destination and can get very busy, especially on regatta days. It's a beautiful town to visit, there are restaurants and cafes to stop at for a drink and something to eat, all dotted in and amongst the shops, rather than just in one place. Walking around the town was quite peaceful and relaxing, however on regatta days I assume it will be much more hectic, but will provide a different kind of atmosphere.
The different buildings bring a sort of charm about the place and like Windsor, make it more interesting. We parked in the station car park, as it seemed within close proximity to the shops and the river, although I noticed it said it had more spaces than most of the other car parks, it actually had many spaces reserved, plus there are toilets there and some more public toilets are situated next to the library, which is at the other side of the Waitrose car park, if that's the direction you come from.
Well known for its regatta, Henley-on-Thames is a popular tourist destination and can get very busy, especially on regatta days. It's a beautiful town to visit, there are restaurants and cafes to stop at for a drink and something to eat, all dotted in and amongst the shops, rather than just in one place. Walking around the town was quite peaceful and relaxing, however on regatta days I assume it will be much more hectic, but will provide a different kind of atmosphere.
The different buildings bring a sort of charm about the place and like Windsor, make it more interesting. We parked in the station car park, as it seemed within close proximity to the shops and the river, although I noticed it said it had more spaces than most of the other car parks, it actually had many spaces reserved, plus there are toilets there and some more public toilets are situated next to the library, which is at the other side of the Waitrose car park, if that's the direction you come from.
Wallingford – Visited June 2014
A lot smaller than Henley, the centre is dominated by what I believe is most likely the town hall, which sadly blocks some of the view of the church behind it, but It's a nice peaceful, quiet village to visit, with several shops, including an antiques centre.
A lot smaller than Henley, the centre is dominated by what I believe is most likely the town hall, which sadly blocks some of the view of the church behind it, but It's a nice peaceful, quiet village to visit, with several shops, including an antiques centre.