"How do the atmospheres of Oxford and Cambridge differ?"

Well, in the once-famous catchphrase of a master of an Oxford college, it all depends on what you mean.

The meteorological atmosphere at Cambridge is colder, wetter, and in winter close to being the most miserable place in England.

The academic atmosphere? Well, Oxford attracts cleverer, more ambitious undergraduates, but Cambridge is so miserable they do nothing but study, so Oxford has a poorer academic record: there's a great deal more going on there in term time as all the Prime Ministers and megacorp CEOs of the next generation do the things that'll get them power, rather than Nobel Prizes.

Both are about as saturated with medieval buildings, of roughly similar quality, though Cambridge has one stunning building (King's chapel) while Oxford's are just uniformly fine. It's also easier to stumble over a couple of realy horrid modern shopping streets in Oxford, but the honey-coloured stone its old buildings are built of is infinitely lovelier than Cambridge's austere grey - especially when the sun's shining, which last happened during a Cambridge midwinter in about 1543.

Oxford has packaged and exploited its perpetual ability to ride current fashion far better than Cambridge (which doesn't do fashion), from Tolkien and Inspector Morse tours, through (I'm told, but can't believe even Oxford can be that crass) tours of the sites of Bill Clinton's conquests to the Harry Potter stuff.

In winter, Oxford IMHO wins hands down. Many might take the other view in summer, since punting along the Cam is glorious, whereas you can only say that on the Thames or Cherwell if your companion is beautiful and complaisant. However, wintertime punting in either city induces guaranteed hypothermia.

Both are bustling regional economic centres (Oxford's actually the centre of what local boosters claim is Europe's richest region), but in both cities most of the medieval buildings insulate you from most of that bustle.

I can't add much of anything to flanner's descriptions. In the winter I also think Oxford would be a bit better. King's College chapel is absolutely stunning - but otherwise Oxford will fill the bill nicely.

(the first time I punted on the Cherwell as a 20-something back in the 70's, came round the bend and there were all these dons basking on the lawn in the buff - quite a shock to my California born/bred sheltered self :) But punting won't be an issue in January)

Funny punting story, Janis! I visited Oxford in the 70s as well--saw the punters (I was in my 20s too) but I sure never saw what you did! I am sure it would be indelibly etched in my mind, if I had!!

I think maybe flanner's a wee bit biased. Oxford's a small city, Cambridge more of a small/medium-sized town. Oxford's denser with the university buildings in and around the city center. The buildings are more separate and spread out in Cambridge. On a sunny summer day I'd say go to Cambridge, walk along the backs, have a picnic, maybe try punting. In January, Oxford is preferable because it's denser (seems warmer), and there are several good museums as well as a better choice of restaurants.

Thanks, all. You are really helping us formulate a plan! Keep the good ideas coming!

wren, I didn't read all the posts thoroughly but did anyone suggest London Walks Explorer Days for a day trip?
They are quite reasonable and go to several different places by train depending upon the day of the week. I've not taken an Explorer Day trip but have been very pleased with their regular guided walks around London. Check it out at www.walks.com

All good advice

for a day trip I'd do Oxford or Brighton. For Oxford get the "Oxford tube" - it's bus that leaves from outside Victoria train station. I moved from Oxford to London so used this quite a lot to visit friends.

I love Oxford, it has loads of history and architecture and also three theatres, so you could have a day trip that ends in a theatre performance (the Oxford tube runs 24 hours a day and is safe so no problems getting back to London)The new theatre has the nutcracker in early January followed by beauty and the beast on ice - so from high brow to low brow. One thing I loved when I lived in Oxford was that in the winter many pubs serve mulled wine.

Brighton - well it appeals to my hippy instinct. I love shopping in the laines. Brighton is about an hour by train but being by the sea it will be cold. Very cold.

Another thing to keep in mind is how early it gets dark.

On a cloudy day in January, the streetlights may come on as early as 3:30 or so, and it may be getting dark a bit after 4. So plan afternoon walks and activities accordingly, and dress warmly for when the sun goes down.

It's not bitterly cold, but the damp can get to you.

I actually really like London in January, contrarian that I am. Not more than other seasons, but it has its own appeal.

It makes the steamed-up window of a tea or coffee shop that much more irresistible!

Arindasue, I saw the explorer walks you mentioned---but I don't think they are offerred in January---which is unfortunate because I think they sound marvelous! If you get a chance, check out the website to see if you come to the same conclusion.
I am even more excited about this trip after hearing from those of you who rather like London in January!

By the way, has anyone ever done a "Pub Crawl"--alone or with a group? (This ought to get some interesting answers)

wren, I've visited London in March and hit chilly weather. As a visitor, I found myself spending a good bit of time outside, and I was very happy to have a wool knee-length coat.

You certainly will have time to see the things that you have listed.

The National Gallery is an amazing collection. You might want to pop next door to the National Portrait Gallery - even a quick browse is worth it. The first time, I just checked out the Tudor era, and the next time we saw one of two of the special exhibits and the recent portraits. It's quite well presented (and the shop was good).

I'm not sure which Tate you are planning to see. I was seriously wowed by Tate Britain - the Turners are great and there's lots more.

Tate Modern is in an impressive facility. I am not wild about the thematic arrangement of its galleries, but my husband adores the place.

Wren, I took a look at the walks.com site and I think it is showing only the "summer" schedule which goes thru Oct. 31. It will change soon, I'm sure, as the winter sched is Nov 1-March.

I'm quite sure all their walks are year round. My daughter is on the Oxford Explorer Day as I write this, so I can let you know what she thought about it when she's home from London.

There are walks year round - but some walks and explorer days are not offered in the winter - or not as frequently. Wait for the winter schedule to be updated and then you can plan.

Wren, you might like this book, City Secrets London. It's not your typical guidebook and is chock full of lesser-known things to do and see. Plus it's pocket size so you can easily bring it around with you.

http://www.amazon.com/City-Secrets-L...916&sr=8-1

Janis, I remember your telling the punting story a few years back. When we went punting on the Cherwell two weeks ago I kept my eyes peeled for anything naked, but alas, no go! We had to drown our sorrows at the Vicky Arms. ;)

It was probably too cold for 'em last week - :)

Great suggestions---I will go to the bookstore to look through the book--

For January weather, what DO you think is appropriate for outerwear? Puffy coat or All weather w/ zip out lining? Ecco walking shoes or all weather boots?

January outerwear: you'll probably need something hevier than a lined raincoat. I wear either woolen overcoat or a medium-length down coat. Footwear wise, something comfortable for walking about, and something that protect your feet from rain.

I often take my lined raincoat and no "winter" coat at all. But mine is pretty warm w/ a wool blend lining that even extends down the sleeves to the wrists. If your all weather's lining is sleevless or light weight it might not be warm enough.

The main thing though is if it is roomy enough to wear layers underneath. If so, and you take gloves and a wool scarf it would probably be OK.

I am from Minnesota, and I find London VERY cold. It is partly the dampness. It can be mild, but it is often COLD. Bring the warm coat!

I guess the thing to do is keep an eye on the weather--but realize that there is a good chance it will be super cold---if someone from Minnesota is cold, then what are the odds this woman from S. Florida will be freezing?!!??

It's a good thing there is so much to do indoors!!!

Well - I'm from California and I've not found it "super cold" except once - but that was during a spell of historic, record low temps. And even then my lined raincoat was enough.

I always take silk long underwear "just in case". it is very warm and takes absolutely no space in the luggage. As long as my feet stay dry, I have gloves and a scarf around my neck, I don't get that cold in London. In fact I often am too warm since many of the bldgs are over-heated.