Oxford UK: What we did on our first visit and what we would do differently next time

Oxford was the first proper stop on our England road trip with Julie and Ann — and it nearly didn't get the time it deserved. In this episode, we talk about driving into the city in 5 o'clock traffic (on the wrong side of the road, in a rental car twice the size of ours), the 30-minute Bodleian Library tour that left us wishing we'd booked the longer one, and the completely unplanned moment that turned out to be the highlight of the whole stop: stumbling into a boys' choir rehearsal inside the chapel at New College. We also get into the Ashmolean, Oxford's literary pubs, an accidental trip to Blackwell's, and everything we'd do differently if we went back. Takeaways Two weeks is the ideal maximum for a trip like ours. Driving in the UK requires patience and understanding of local road rules. Oxford's architecture and history make it a must-visit destination. Traveling with friends adds joy but also logistical challenges. Planning for local experiences and downtime enhances travel enjoyment. Let's Talk Have you been to Oxford? What did we miss? Find us on Instagram and Threads and tell us — we'd love to know. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Experiment 01:01 Reflections on the Grand Adventure 04:00 Traveling with Friends: The Dynamics of Group Travel 05:00 Arrival in Oxford: The Journey Begins Key Topics Driving from London to Oxford — first time behind the wheel on the "wrong" side of the road, plus a lunch stop at a pub claiming to be over 900 years old First impressions of Oxford: more spread out than we expected, and very much a lived-in city rather than a museum piece The Bodleian Library and Divinity School tour — the Harry Potter hospital wing, the centuries-old "no books leave the library" rule, and why we'd book the longer tour next time New College and the moment that became the whole episode: walking into a chapel mid-rehearsal and just standing there The Ashmolean Museum, and our case for why you don't need to see everything to enjoy a museum Pubs, Inklings, and an accidental bookshop detour at Blackwell's What we'd do differently — and what we'd tell a first-timer planning their own visit Mentioned in This Episode Where we stayed: Newton House Coming up next: we head into the Cotswolds — one-lane roads, sheep, and the best gin we've had from a village store Important Links To follow all of our antics and adventures, please visit our social media pages and our website at wwforus.com! You can send us a message at any of these places, and feel free to email us at [email protected] Like what we are doing? Buy us a gin and tonic and help us keep going! Instagram Facebook Tiktok YouTube Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list! Blog post for this episode: Best things to do in Oxford (1-2day guide) RESOURCES & LINKS Looking to plan your next trip to Portugal? We can help! Check out our guides and Itineraries at wwforus.com Free Lisbon Itinerary Packing List Essentials for every trip Renting a car in Portugal Looking for a tour guide in Portugal? I have a whole list! #englandroadtrip #oxford #travel #wanderingworksforus