Day out to Oxford

We are off to Oxford today, so got ready and set off down the towpath back to just before bridge 166 and the station is a few minutes walk away from there.  It is about a 20 minute train journey to Oxford.  We came out of the station and walked to the main shopping streets, it was very busy, lots of big groups of Chinese and many coaches.  Not far from the station is the end of the South Oxford canal, it just ends now.  

The end of the South Oxford canal

Isis lock onto the Thames

The terminus basin stayed in use until the 1930s when trade on the canal stopped.  Lord Nuffield, a local businessman bought the land and built a college called Nuffield College.  Work did not start until after World War II, the money ran out and the rest of the basin was converted to a car park and that is still the case today but plans are being discussed to reinstate the canal basin bringing the canal back into the heart of the city.  So far nothing has been decided and the car park remains. We walked up the canal past the long term moorings which were not very nice and up to Isis lock.  You go through this lock to get on the Thames.

Christ Church

River Thames

We had a look around the indoor market which was really good then walked down to Christ Church Cathedral and walked through the meadow onto the Thames.  We had a walk along there and stopped at a riverside café for a drink, then walked on a bit further, but the Thames path seemed to disappear and we ended up in a rather salubrious area of Oxford, but we survived and soon got back to the better part. We found Oxford Castle quarter and it’s a really nice area.  The castle buildings have been made into restaurants and bars.    We went to La Tasca for lunch, the tapas is always really good there.

We had another walk around the shops, then headed back to the train station.  Outside the station is an area where you can leave your bicycle, we have never seen so many bikes all together, I am glad I don ‘t have to leave mine there as if I did, I don’t think I would find it again!!

We got the train back to Banbury and walked back to the boat.  It was good to see Oxford but it wasn’t our favourite place and we have no immediate urge to go there again, it was far too busy for us, I think we have been on the canal too long!!

Now, where's my bike!!