A World Heritage Site. Birthplace of Winston Churchill. Everything about this place is stunning from the main rooms of the castle to the tour of the apartments to the gardens. Takes a few hours to get through everything and it's nice to relax and enjoy the fountains and gardens. It also has a Harry Potter tree which I apprecated.
Do not rush, take your time to take it all in. Stop into the cafe for a bite and appreciate the surroundings. There are additional exhibits or tours that can be taken also. I did book my ticket and tour online the day before. The ticket can also get you an annual pass which I didn't pursue because wasn't going to be back to the UK within a year.
The Central Backpackers in Oxford is absolutely perfect. The downtown location is easy walking distance to many attractions. The neighbourhood is breathtaking. There is an outdoor parking lot a block away that is an additional cost but super convenient.
Common areas are comfortable, clean, and bright. Cost is reasonable. Wifi worked well in the rooms. The room had good space for storage and walking around; not too crowded. There were enough bathrooms and they were kept clean. Lockable lockers assigned each bed for secure storage. Bunk has light and plugs for charging. Staff are friendly and accessible. For a fee they do laundry for you. I did not use the kitchen. Everything about this hostel was clean, secure, convenient, and practical. Highly recommend.
Super cool place for a pint. Opened in the 13th century and still going. Loads of history. Order online to your table. Food and beer was as expected but go for the building and history. Make sure you go to the bathroom prior to intoxication LOL.
As far as castle / prison visits, this one was on the lower end for me. There is not a lot to see so it does rely on the tour guides to bring the stories to life which she did fair well. You get to go up to the top of the remaining tower and see some views of Oxford which is nice. Just an ok tour for me. Decent price for the experience and I booked online ahead, but the day of, wanting to visit.
Do the walking tour through Bodleian Library. Absolutely stunning! A MUST DO when in Oxford. The knowledge of the staff, the beauty of city blew my mind. I did the City of Oxford Walking Tour which took about an hour and a half. I wish I'd had more time in Oxford to then visit all the places pointed out on the tour and to take another tour. There is so much history that having someone explain just a little of it was an incredible experience.
Shout out to the amazing guide! The tour does leave you feeling a little insignificant after hearing some of the accomplishments that have come out of this city and this university!
I had wanted to visit Stonehedge at sunrise, unfortunately, government regulations do not allow for this. I had also arrived at 2:30 in the afternoon the day before my planned sunrise visit to see it in daylight and was told the attraction was closed for the day if I did not have an advance ticket. Upon going online, the last ticket time was 3PM!! Make sure you buy tickets online in advance. Really did not anticipate the government restrictions considering this is rocks in a field! My bad.
Stonehenge is right next to a busy highway so visible to driving past; however, no where to pull off to view from a distance. The the assigned parking lot is a few miles away and you are bussed to the site.
I booked using an online booking company and made a mistake in the arrival date. Booking company wouldn't help me so contacted hotel directly and they changed the date no problem, no charge. I appreciate the customer service over "policy says" attitude. Upon arrival, I was greeted warmly, and checked in straight away. She provided me with recommendations in the neighbourhood for something to eat.
Location is perfect. Stonehenge is a short drive away. It is a downtown location so walking distance to restaurants and shops. Lots of parking in back of the property with no charge attached.
Hotel is dated but I appreciated the character and history of the building. For the cost, it was a great find; clean comfortable stay. Plumbing could use some attention but not a big deal; wait for the water temperature and put the shower head in the tub so as not to listen to the dripping.
Wifi worked well. In hotel restaurant was not open.
I would definitely recommend this hotel due to cost, customer service, and location.
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I am in love with this place. It takes up two sound studios with props, costumes, and sets. There are explanations on how creatures were brought to life. You can do some green screen experiences. Outside there is the Knights bus, Privet Drive, bridge. The model of Hogwarts at the end is beyond magical. Just so so much to see, and it is all magical!
Book online in advance and get the early tour; less peopley. The audio tour had interesting information; however, I found it a distraction from what I was seeing in front of me. I wouldn't recommend it; however, I went through once with the audio tour and a 2nd time without it. You do not need it. Do get your passport when you enter though so you can stamp it throughout the attraction.
There is plenty of parking and a restaurant half way through for your butter beer.
Going through it twice, it took me about 4 hours.
After visiting the zoo nearby, this a a beautiful place to go for a walk. Lots of open space and beautiful flowers, trees, and fountains. No admission cost. Accessed from downtown London by the underground.
Excellent Excellent Zoo.
The London Zoo MAY be the best zoo I've ever visited. Lots of critters, staff everywhere chatting with visitors, amphitheatre and educators, decor is bright and interesting, lots of "did you know" trivia everywhere. I've seen walk through aviaries and butterfly houses before, but in addition to those, the London Zoo has walk through sloth house, monkey house, lemur house, and spider house! Super fun zoo. Definitely takes a full day to visit. Lots of food kiosks and a restaurant onsite.
Make sure you stop into the reptile house for the Harry Potter experience!
Zoo was easily accessed from downtown London using the underground and a short walk. Make sure you buy your ticket online ahead of time; not sure if this is temporary with covid protocols or the normal expectation.