Hi everybody. I will be visiting family in Oxford for 3 days after being in London. They have asked if there is anything special I would like to see. Any suggestions for things I shouldn't miss? Thanks!

You will love Oxford. A short list of "musts" might include:

A walking tour from the Tourist Information Center. They run several a day, they are inexpensive and very well done.

The Ashmolean Museum

St Mary's Church.

Any of the colleges you can get in - many are closed to the public much of the time but you can usually see at least a few. One good thing about the TIC walking tours is they do usually get you into at least a couple of colleges.

Christ Church college charges admission - but it is definitely worth it. And be sure to walk through Christ Church Meadows and along the river to the Botanic Garden and then Maugdalen Bridge.

Punting on the river - great fun.

If you are into books - visit Blackwell's - the largest book store I've ever seen - but from the outside it looks like a really small shop.

If they have a car - outside of Oxford there is a TON of stuff - much more than you could see in 3 days so just let them take the lead about how much. Blenheim Palace/Bladon churchyard and a picnic at Minster Lovell would be two good out of town choices.

Thanks Janis!

you're welcome. Noticed a few typos - it should be Magdalen Bridge . . . . . .

I agree with the Ashmolean museum and visiting Minster Lovell.

If you're interested in the university and have'nt a clue as to what it is all about, take in the Oxford Story. Some think it a bit too touristy, but it is informative and a god way to get off your feet for awhile.

Not too assume too much, but I think Janis may be thinking of St. Mary's Church at Iffley. One of England's best preserved Romanesque churches (12th century Norman). You can reach it by walking along the Thames (about a mile)then up the hill. Do ask directions once you leave the river. Stop at one of the pubs along the river path to quench your thirst.

If you go to the Covered Market, stop at Ben's for some of the best cookies anywhere.

I'm sure what ever you decide to do you'll enjoy Oxford.

If you are interested in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", or CS Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" stories or his excellent biography, "Surprised by Joy" then you might want to pop into the Eagle & Child pub, affectionately known to locals as the 'Bird and Baby.' It was the celebrated meeting place of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein and C. Williams, who formed their own literary group called the Inklings. They used to meet in the back room (the "Rabbit Room&quot every Tuesday morning from 1939-1962.
Nearby Blenheim Palace and the adjacent town of Woodstock make an outstanding half day outing.