Luggage Storage Oxford

More about Oxford

About Oxford

Oxford has been around since at least 900 AD. As the name implies, it was once nothing more than a ford where farmers could drive their oxen across the river Cherwell. Soon, however, the town became a frontier between the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes who were fighting for control of the country. Following the Norman conquest of Britain, a castle was built and a monastery established, where teaching began. In time, various colleges sprang up in the city, which became renowned as a center of learning.

The University of Oxford is first mentioned in records from the 12th century. The oldest colleges date back to this period, and some are still in use today. The growing prestige of the University fueled the expansion of the town through the centuries that followed. To this day, the city of Oxford is almost synonymous with its famous University.

Located in the south of England, Oxford is easily reached from London thanks to excellent rail links between the capital and the college town. Partly due to the presence of the University, Oxford has become one of the most culturally diverse small cities in the country.

Things to do in Oxford

The many colleges that make up Oxford University are some of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. These ancient buildings have been the alma mater of some of history’s greatest minds, and they continue to foster future leaders to this day. For many visitors, the colleges are the main reason to visit Oxford and its dreaming spires.

• Take in the atmosphere of learning at the Bodleian Library. One of the oldest libraries in Europe, this is the main research library of Oxford University, but it is open to the public. Even if you're not there to do research, the gorgeous old building is worth a visit by itself. Just remember to keep your voice down.

• Step into the wizarding world with a Harry Potter tour. Many locations in Oxford inspired the descriptions of Hogwart's school in the popular series of books, and were used in the subsequent films. A specialized tour will show you the Hogwart's infirmary, the library, and the Great Dining Hall.

• Explore the world without leaving the city at the Pitt Rivers Museum. During the heyday of the British Empire, explorers and anthropologists educated at Oxford set out to explore the world and sent many of their most interesting finds back to the college. The Pitt Rivers Museum contains over 500,000 fascinating items, including totem poles, shrunken heads, funeral masks, and other precious cultural artifacts.

• Travel back in time at Oxford's Norman Castle. First founded in 1071, the castle changed hands numerous times in the centuries that followed. Perhaps its most notorious use dates back to 1785, when the castle became a prison. It remained part of the prison system until 1996. Now, guided tours explain the complex history of the site and illuminate the lives of the inmates here.

• Get out on the water with a punting trip on the river Cherwell. This quintessentially Oxford pastime is how generations of students have taken a break from studies, and it's the perfect way to enjoy a summer day on the peaceful river.

Transit options in Oxford

• Thanks to its high student population, Oxford has an impressive bus network. You can get around the city with the Oxford Bus Company, and long-distance buses travel to other cities throughout southern England.

• Oxford train station has regular services to London Paddington as well as to Birmingham and other cities throughout the UK.

• The Airline bus connects Oxford to the major international airports of Heathrow and Gatwick. Bus service 757 also connects the city to the nearby Stansted airport.

Luggage storage in Oxford

Part of Oxford's charm is its collegiate atmosphere. The best way to explore this town is to lose yourself amongst the grand architecture of the old buildings and wander along the quaint streets and leafy parks without any particular goal in mind.

But you are not going to enjoy that nearly as much if you're carrying a bunch of heavy bags with you. Make your trip easier on yourself by dropping off any size of bags at a convenient Oxford luggage storage location so you can explore more comfortably.

Activities and attractions in Oxford

• Oxford ghost tour: As an old city, Oxford has seen more than its fair share of dramatic events and interesting stories. You can explore all of these on an Oxford ghost tour. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these entertaining tours give you a unique insight into some of the lesser-known stories of the city. You'll be doing plenty of walking, so make sure you don't bring more luggage than you need to by dropping off your bags at a luggage storage in Oxford.

• Gloucester Green market: This traditional open-air market is held in the city center on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It's the perfect place to pick up some tasty food, unique souvenirs, or gifts for people back home. It's also an opportunity to experience Oxford the way the locals do. Make sure to leave your bags at a luggage storage shop before you lose yourself in the crowds.

• Blenheim Palace: Get a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy. This grand manner just outside Oxford is still the ancestral home of the Duke of Marlborough, and is the only non-royal palace in the country. Built in 1722, the palace has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace and its expansive gardens make a great country excursion not far from Oxford.