Possible Oxford Trip

The idea of this trip is to fuse some pool & snooker action, with the historical sites & modern sounds that the 'city of dreaming spires' has to offer.

Who's going on this thing?:

- Matt (if anyone else goes)

- Possibly Elin

- Hopefully Tim and some other people...

- Also hopefully Marc's girlfriend (especially if she went to Oxford Uni)

When to go:

One weekend should do the trick - to get there on a Saturday, and come back on the Sunday.

Maybe in March or April 08.

What to do:

During the day:

- Snooker &/or Pool -

• Colours (pool & snooker) 28-31 St. Ebbes St, OX1 1PU, tel. 01865 792793

• A1 Pool Hall, 10 Crown St, OX4 1QG, tel. 01865 244300

- Punting on the Thames - Punt rental available at Magdalen Bridge [31], from Salter's [32] at Folly Bridge, and from the Cherwell Boathouse [33] in North Oxford.

- Covered Market, High Street. Oxford has the oldest covered market in England. Unusual small shops, including a chocolate shop, cake shop, fine butchers, hat shop, florists, glassware, and charming cafes.

- Christ Church - The college of Brideshead Revisited fame, Christ Church was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey as "Cardinal College". Noted for associations with Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland) and was a location for the filming of the first Harry Potter film. The Christ Church Meadows south of the college is a beautiful green space offering nice views of the spires and quiet corners to relax.

- Magdalen College, eastern end of the High Street, +44 01865 276000, [22]. 1 October-21 June 1PM-6PM or dusk (whichever is earlier), 25 Jun-30 Sep noon-6PM, closed 22-24 June. Founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, Magdalen is frequently the first college seen by many visitors if coming into Oxford on the London Road, its high tower serving as a much-loved landmark. Significant Magdalen alumni include CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney and Edward Gibbon. Visitor shop and afternoon café. Maximum 20 people in a group. Adults £3, seniors, children, students £2.

Nightlife:

Pubs:

- Turf Tavern, 4 Bath Place (off New College Lane), +44 01865 243 235. 11AM-11PM, Su 12noon-10.30PM. A well-hidden pub, but also well known by locals. Good range of beers. Nice beer garden with coal fires where you can roast marshmallows on chilly evenings in spring and autumn. This ancient pub (a favourite with Inspector Morse) is an unmissable Oxford institution that many consider to be the best pub in the city - in the summer watch out for drenched students enjoying the end of their exams. Pint £2.50.

Clubs:

- Po Na Na's, 13-15 Magdalen Street. Don't be put off by the inconspicuous entrance - below is a relatively small, mysteriously decorated (apparently its Moroccan), funky cave, with great not-too-loud music, and an unusual and relaxed atmosphere. Cocktails 2 for 1 between 9 and 10:30.

- Maxwell's, 36-37 Queen Street, +044 01865 242192. [45] 11:30AM-2AM daily. Bar and restaurant by day; cocktails and nightclub by evening. Claims to have the longest bar in Oxford. £3-£5 cover (after 10PM).

Where to stay?

Hotels & Guesthouses

• YHA Oxford , 2a Botley Road, (in UK) 0870 770 5970, (outside UK) +44 01865 727275, fax +044 01865 251182, [1] [2] Housed in a brand new, purpose-built building next to the railway station and minutes from the city centre, prices from £20.50 adult, £15.50 under 18s.
• Central Backpackers Hostel, 13 Park End Street, +044 01865 242288 [3] Only recently opened and situated on one of Oxford's liveliest streets. Clean and airy. From £14.
• Oxford Backpackers, 9a Hythe Bridge Street, +044 01865 721761, fax +044 01865 203293. [4] [5] Cheap and a little dingy. Conveniently located for both the rail and bus stations (2 mins walk). Dorm beds from £13.

Useful websites:

Wikitravel