Oxford

Oxford University is one of the world's great academic institutions, and has existed here in some form since the early 1100's. It now has 35 colleges, each with its own distinct character. The honey coloured stone buildings and ivy covered quadrangles include some of England's finest architecture, while the city boasts some excellent museums and numerous bars and restaurants.

Punting either on the river Cerwell or the Thames (the Cherwell has more places to stop for a picnic) is obligatory during the summer months. Why not take a college tour? Christ Church College is the largest and most prestigious and a is a good place to start.

Modern Art Oxford has an excellent programme of temporary exhibitions, whislt the Ashmolean Museum is not to be missed; a huge Neoclassical building containing a huge range of art and artefacts from ancient Egypt to French Impressionism.