Quick visit to Oxford worthwhile?
 

I have been planning on stopping in Oxford for lunch and a couple of hours of walking around on my first day in England, between Heathrow and Cheltenham. However, a recent traveler has given me their view that Oxford really can't be appreciated in a quick visit by just walking around the colleges (one would have to stay longer, tour the colleges and libraries, etc), and that historical ambience is undercut by pervasive development in the town. Any thoughts?

I would agree with the advice you have been given. I would just continue to Cheltenham, rest up and start off fresh the next day.

Linda, if this is your only opportunity to see something of Oxford, then do take this chance to wander around for a few hours. There are many great photo opportunities and just seeing the buildings, bicycles, and perhaps the grounds of one of the colleges will make it worthwhile. Peg

I second what Peg said. Half day gives you enough time to pick up the ambience and some of the history. Walk around and go into one or two of the colleges plus Christ Church Cathedral. You will be glad you did. It will be quite different from Cheltenham. It would be a shame to miss Oxford.

I agree with the two previous respondents. In fact, having stayed in Oxford for a week - and deciding that it would take months to see everything worthwhile - I think a few hours gives you a good idea of whether you want to come back and visit in-depth, or just have first impressions, smells, sounds, sights, etc. to keep as your memory of Oxford. You don't say what time of year you are going - before school is out is the most fun because then you see students on bicycles, punting, arguing in pubs, etc. and not just busloads of tourists. But even if it's summer there are some things I'd recommend - I'm partial to Christ Church, so if you have to pick one college to wander through that would be my pick (home of Tom Tower and Lewis Carroll). Stop for some great book-buying at Blackwell's, then a pint next door at the White Horse (one of Inspector Morse's favourites). I really enjoyed the Botanic Gardens for a lovely stroll along the Cherwell, or you could wander through the Ashmolean Museum if it rains (it's not a very well laid out museum, it really is best for wandering). As one of the previous writers said almost everywhere you turn is a photo op, but make sure you get off the main roads and wander in behind the wonderful buildings. Have fun. <BR>