Oxford

Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with colleges dating back to the 12th century. Twenty-eight British prime ministers and dozens of Nobel laureates studied here, and the city's honey-coloured colleges, cobbled lanes and riverside meadows make it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from London.

Getting There

Direct trains run from London Paddington to Oxford in around an hour. It's an easy day trip without a tour — no changes needed on the direct service, and Oxford's centre is compact and entirely walkable from the station.

What to See

Christ Church College is the most visited of the colleges (and a Harry Potter filming location) — book ahead in peak season, as it limits visitor numbers. The Bodleian Library and the circular Radcliffe Camera are Oxford's most photographed buildings, and the Ashmolean Museum, the UK's oldest public museum, is free to enter and rarely crowded compared to the colleges.

Tips for Visiting

• Book Christ Church College tickets online in advance during term time and summer.
• College opening hours and access vary term to term — some close to visitors during exams.
• A walking tour is worth it on a first visit; the colleges' histories aren't obvious from outside.
• The Ashmolean Museum is a good free option if you want a break from paid college entries.
• If time allows, combine with Blenheim Palace, a short bus ride from the city centre.