1. As home to the first university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is steeped in history. Working in Oxford means you are in a city at the forefront of learning, and are surrounded by architectural gems, from the classical splendour of Christ Church to the modern design of St Catherine's College.
2. The large student population of almost 20,000 ensures there is a vibrant atmosphere and that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities to fill your leisure time. The 'city of dreaming spires' attracts a young population for its way of life as well as its architecture and education.
3. The city has a lively cultural centre. Historic venues such as The Sheldonian Theatre (built by Christopher Wren), Christ Church Cathedral and the Holywell Music Room feature a variety of distinguished artists. There are several excellent museums, including the remodelled Ashmolean and the Pitt Rivers Museum. Two cinemas are located in the centre as well as an arts cinema in Jericho. In addition many pubs and bars offer nightly entertainment, ranging from comedy shows (such as the Oxford Imps) to live music and open-mic nights.
4. The city centre has a vast array of eateries. Jamie Oliver has recently opened an affordable restaurant Jamie's Italian on George Street. This supplements the numerous existing establishments, including Raymond Blanc's The Petit Blanc and Antonio Carluccio's. Oriental cuisine is also on offer, including Chinese at Opium Den, Indian at the excellent India Gardens and Japanese at the quirky Edamamé. For lunch, the Covered Market has delicious sandwich shops while Olives, on High Street, offers fantastic baguettes.
5. There are plenty of opportunities to spend your hard earned cash. The main shopping street, Cornmarket Street, contains the usual high street outlets while the central Westgate Centre is home to a large Primark. The idyllic Covered Market houses many smaller, independent shops, selling everything from novelty t-shirts to pork pies. Hardcore shoppers will note that nearby Bicester is the site of a large outlet village.
7. Unlike many large cities, Oxford is not short of open spaces. Every college contains grassy quadrangles, which are generally open to the public. Worcester College, the walls of which enclose a lake and a cricket pitch, and Christ Church home to a large, river-flanked meadow complete with cows, are the pick of the academic greenery. The Botanical Garden, as featured in Philip Pullman's novels, offers the opportunity for a picnic or a wander through the exotic greenhouses. Further out, Hinksey Park is a perfect place to unwind. Complete with play-park, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and reservoir, this is one of Oxford's hidden gems. Perhaps most endearing is Port Meadow where, a mere five minute walk from the bustling centre, complete serenity can be enjoyed.
8. Finally, the Oxford Tube offers cheap, easy coach travel to London, while the train station provides nationwide links. If staying for any duration, hiring or buying a cheap bike is advisable, as this is the best and by far the most popular way to get around.
For further information visit http://www.visitoxford.org
