Oxford - City of Spires - 06 Sept 2020
Oxford University
Ashmolean
Museum of Art and Archaeology
Royal Oxford Hotel
Centrally situated, just minutes from the city and the station
Malmaison Hotel
JUST THREE ROOMS REMAINING
A former prison re-imagined as a luxury boutique hotel
Blenheim Palace
Home of the Viscounts of Marlborough and Birthplace of Winston Churchill
City of Spires – Oxford
New date; 06 Sept 2020
The next time you watch Morse, Lewis or Endeavour on TV, just think “I could be there”, amongst those hallowed halls, amidst the spires and wandering through the alleys and streets that make up the beautiful city of Oxford.
Departing Sunday lunchtime and returning Wednesday evening, we have three full days to enjoy and explore Oxford and its surroundings. We have chosen these dates as the flight times are very suitable and don’t require early starts or late nights.
It is worth noting that all of the sightseeing will be done on foot. Many of the streets in Oxford are cobbled, with narrow footpaths. The city is virtually flat, so no hills and there are taxis and rickshaws available everywhere, although these will be at your own expense.
Royal Oxford Hotel
For three nights we will stay at the 3* Royal Oxford Hotel or the 4* Malmaison (see below), both located just a short distance from the station and right in the heart of the city. The Royal Oxford only serves a decent continental breakfast, although that may improve, as the hotel is currently undergoing some renovations to its kitchen area. Accommodation is comfortable and quite spacious and does get excellent reviews. Just one thing you may need to take into account….there is no lift, which is quite common in many older style hotels in Oxford.
Alternative hotel – 4* Malmaison
Hotels in Oxford are notoriously expensive and we have tried to keep the cost down by selecting a reasonable city-centre 3* hotel, the Royal Oxford. If, however, you would like a bit more luxury, we can also offer the nearby 4* Malmaison. This converted Victorian prison is now a stunning boutique hotel offering unique luxury accommodation in historic Oxford. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Stylish rooms, fabulous original architecture, a divine brasserie and 2 bars come together at Malmaison Oxford. Spend a few nights in a converted cell complete with luxurious additions including a power shower, mood lighting, CD and DVD players, and satellite TV.
If you would like to stay here, the extra cost per person is £120 based on two sharing. Sorry, but we have no singles here.
Getting to the hotels could not be easier, either. We fly from Belfast International to Birmingham, from where there is a direct train service to Oxford and just a 4 or 5 minute walk, or short taxi-ride to the hotel. On each evening we will visit a different local restaurant, just a few minutes away from the hotel. There will be a restricted but ample choice on the menu and we have considered vegetarian and other diets in choosing the restaurants.
Sights and Excursions
All the major sights are at our doorstep: the famous Ashmolean Museum of Art and Antiquities, Oxford Castle, Oxford University, The Covered Market, Christchurch Cathedral to name just a few. During our stay we will be offering one two-hour guided walking tour, which includes entrance to the universities, a visit to the Ashmolean and a half-day tour to visit Blenheim Palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough and notably birthplace of Winston Churchill.
There will, of course, be plenty of time for you to explore on your own. Perhaps you may wish to join one of the “Evensongs” which happen daily in various churches and cathedrals. They are free and are usually at 6.00pm each evening. A nice way to round off a day of sightseeing!
Flight details
Sun. 06 Sept 2020, Easyjet Flight EZY 193
Depart Belfast Int’l 1.55pm. Arrive Birmingham 3.00pm
Wed. 09 Sept 2020, Easyjet Flight EZY 196
Depart Birmingham 6.05pm. Arrive Belfast Int’l 7.10pm
Luggage allowance:
One piece of hand luggage 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. There is no weight limit.
If you require extra luggage, it can be purchased for £14 per 15kg bag, each direction.
What’s included?
- Return flights from Belfast International to Birmingham
- One piece of hand-luggage with no weight restriction
- Return train from Birmingham to Oxford
- 3 nights hotel accommodation with continental breakfast
- 3 evening meals in local restaurants
- Two-hour walking tour of Oxford with visits to Universities
- Half-day excursion to Blenheim Palace
- Visit to Ashmolean Museum
- Full financial protection under ATOL 11029
- Escorted throughout by Alan Couser
What’s not included?
Lunches or drinks, travel insurance, laundry or any other item of personal expenditure
Holiday cost from £675
Based on three nights
3* Royal Oxford.
£675pp sharing double.
£842pp in single room.
Based on three nights
4* Malmaison Hotel.
£795pp sharing double/twin.
No singles available.
