"at certain times of the year (if memory serves, during exam periods and such), all the colleges are closed"

Not quite true for the big ones.

Christ Church never completely closes to visitors. Magdalen and New College don't either, though they have limited opening hours.

The chapel at King's, Cambridge, is sometimes closed to visitors - but not during the exam season. Trinity, Cambridge, closes for just one week.

The real problem is that all the attractive bits, from chapels through libraries to halls, have roles other than being something for tourists to photograph. So many parts of colleges close intermittently - even though the main body of the college might be open.

While you're in London, be sure to go to King's Cross and visit Platform 9 3/4.

Lee Ann

Thanks everyone for your comments on closures etc regarding Oxford. How much time should we allot to Oxford to do it justice 4-5 hours? Ideally we do want to see the Great Hall and Library. Are there other museums within Oxford that are open to the public that are not subject to closure?

Regarding Bath, how far in advance do you purchase the train tickets? It appears from the comments above that the prices can vary quite a bit too. I guess we will be going in peak season so probably no chance of a discount either.

Not sure if the Ashmolean Museum (in Oxford) has reopened after renovation yet, but if so it's very good and well worth a visit.

The day I visited Oxford, I pretty much stayed the whole day there. Would think 4-5 hours can be very easily and pleasantly spent in the town.

Will also second taking the tour of the Old Bodleian Library -- you won't see much of it unless you do so.

Sorry about the immediate follow-up, but in checking the Ashmolean Museum's website, it looks like they just reopened a few days ago, on November 7.

Having spent a day in Oxford. my greatest regret is not having spent some time walking along the river. We did stay a long time in the Ashmolean, which was fascinating. And we took a guided tour of the town, which included a visit inside a college.

I definitely want to go back, walk along the river, visit Christ Church College, and maybe take the Inspector Morse tour.

ttt

The variety of architecture in Oxford is outstanding and just walking the streets and along the river could be a full day activity. I like going to Evensong at the Oxford Catherdral (Christ Church) at 6 p.m. and visiting the large number of bookstores. Tea in the lounge at the Randolph Hotel is also terrific. I don't think the Ashmolean has reopened but its one of my favorite museums.