Oxford University, Christ Church College, and Bicester Village

Whether you're exploring prestigious universities with your kids or enjoying a shopping spree with your spouse, this one-day tour covering Oxford University, Christ Church College, Bodleian Library, and Bicester Village is perfect for the whole family. Starting from London in a Mercedes business van, this trip offers a chance to experience the charm of world-renowned institutions and indulge in stylish shopping at the village, showcasing the diverse allure of British culture. 📸🚐🛍️ --- Itinerary 🗺️ Departure Point: Central London Transportation: Mercedes business van (includes round-trip hotel transfers within London city center) Tip: Book in advance for more discounts! --- Stop 1: Oxford University 🎓 Oxford University, often referred to simply as "Oxford," is a public research university located in Oxford, UK. It operates under a traditional collegiate system and is a member of the Russell Group, the "Golden Triangle" universities, and the "G5 Super Elite Universities." It is also part of the Global University Leaders Forum. - Highlights: - College Tours: Oxford University consists of multiple colleges, each with its unique architecture and historical stories. Strolling between these colleges feels like stepping back into the medieval academic world. - Famous Alumni: Learn about notable figures who studied at Oxford, such as former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling. - Food Recommendations: - The Eagle and Child: A cozy and historic pub offering a variety of English beers and traditional dishes. - Vaults & Garden Café: Located within St. Mary’s Church, this café serves delicious organic meals and afternoon tea. - Tips: - Book Ahead: Popular attractions and restaurants should be booked in advance to avoid long waits. - Comfortable Attire: Since there’s a lot of walking, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a windproof jacket. - Photo Spots: Every corner of Oxford University is a great place for photos, so bring your camera to capture beautiful memories! 📸 --- Stop 2: Christ Church College 🏛️ Christ Church College is one of the largest and most famous colleges at Oxford University, known for its magnificent architecture and rich history. - Highlights: - Tom Tower: Designed by renowned architect Christopher Wren, this tower stands about 23 meters tall and houses the Great Tom bell, which rings 101 times every night at 9:05 PM to commemorate the college’s original 101 students. - Christ Church Cathedral: Serving as both the college chapel and the Oxford diocese’s cathedral, this dual-purpose site is unique in the UK. The cathedral’s intricate decorations, stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and beautifully carved pews are awe-inspiring. - Food Recommendations: - The Head of the River: Located by the Thames River, this spot offers delicious English meals and drinks, perfect for lunch and relaxation. - The Bear Inn: One of Oxford’s oldest pubs, serving traditional English pub fare and a variety of drinks. - Tips: - Book Ahead: Tours of Christ Church College require advance booking to avoid waiting. - Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable walking shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved. - Photo Spots: Every corner of the college is photogenic, so strike a pose! 📸 --- Stop 3: Bodleian Library 📚 The Bodleian Library is Oxford University’s main library and one of the oldest public libraries in the UK. Its architecture is elegant and timeless, and its collection is vast. It is also the second-largest library in the UK, after the British Library. - Highlights: - Library Tours: The interior of the Bodleian Library is lavishly decorated, and its extensive collection offers insights into its history and rare treasures. - Academic Atmosphere: The library is a hub for academic research, allowing visitors to soak in its scholarly vibe and cultural richness. - Food Recommendations: - The Nosebag: A great spot for freshly made lunches and desserts, perfect for a break and energy boost. - The Grand Café: Located near the Bodleian Library, this café is housed in a historic building with a lovely garden outside. - Tips: - Book Ahead: Tours of the Bodleian Library require advance booking to avoid waiting. - Photo Spots: Every corner of the library is photogenic, so take plenty of pictures! 📸 --- Stop 4: Bicester Village 🛍️ Bicester Village is located about an hour west of London and is a large shopping center featuring over 160 brand outlet stores. It offers a wide range of products, from classic to seasonal items, along with various dining options, all set in a charming British countryside environment. - Highlights: - Brand Discounts: Bicester Village is home to numerous brands offering year-round discounts, making it an ideal place to find great deals. - Shopping Environment: The village’s unique architectural style and town-like layout make shopping a pleasant experience. - Food Recommendations: - Le Pain Quotidien: Serving organic meals and baked goods, this is a great spot to relax and recharge. - Pret A Manger: Offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and coffee, it’s perfect for a light meal. - Tips: - Plan Ahead: With so many brands available, it’s helpful to plan your shopping list in advance. - Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable shoes for extensive shopping. - Photo Spots: The village’s beautiful surroundings are perfect for photo ops, so capture your shopping journey! 📸 --- Why Choose a Mercedes Business Van 🚐 - Comfort: The spacious and comfortable Mercedes van is ideal for long trips and enjoying the scenery. Compared to private cars, it offers more space and comfortable seating. - Convenience: Includes round-trip hotel transfers within London city center, saving you the hassle of finding transportation. - Safety: Professional car service with experienced drivers ensures a secure journey. Compared to cheaper private cars, the service is more reliable. - Cost-Effective: Transparent pricing includes all attraction transfers, avoiding the fatigue and parking issues of driving yourself. Booking in advance also offers better discounts! --- Tips 📌 1. Dining Recommendations: Each attraction has nearby food options; book ahead to avoid waiting. 2. Weather Prep: British weather can be unpredictable, so carry rain gear and wear comfortable walking shoes. 3. Photo Opportunities: Each stop has great photo spots, so bring extra power banks to keep your phone charged. 4. Ticket Booking: Some attractions may require tickets; check and book in advance. --- Reasons to Choose This Tour 🌟 1. Family-Friendly: Whether exploring universities with kids or shopping with your spouse, this itinerary caters to diverse needs. 2. Convenience: Travel in a Mercedes van for a comfortable and hassle-free experience. 3. In-Depth Experience: Ample time at each attraction ensures you can fully enjoy their unique charm. 4. Photo Opportunities: Capture the beauty of Oxford’s classical architecture and Bicester Village’s stylish ambiance. This comprehensive guide covers a one-day tour from London to Oxford University, Christ Church College, Bodleian Library, and Bicester Village. We hope this blog helps those planning to visit these stunning destinations. Have a great trip and enjoy your adventure! 🎊