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Oxford

Oxford is the oldest university city in the United Kingdom, some 50 miles (80 km) to the west of the capital London in its own county of Oxfordshire, on the rivers Thames and Cherwell. Together with Cambridge (the second oldest university city and Oxford's great rival), Oxford has long represented the English academic establishment and elite ("Oxbridge"), a haven of tradition and endeavour. Oxford's famous "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. Picturesque architecture and a vibrant modern life, driven by students, light industry and technology, all set in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire, make this a great destination.

History
Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was known as "Oxanforda". The settlement began with the foundations of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century, and was first mentioned in written records in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the year 912. By the 10th century Oxford had become an important military frontier town between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and was on several occasions raided by the Danes.

The University of Oxford was founded in the 12th century and therefore constitutes the oldest English-speaking university. Oxford, like Cambridge, differs from many other universities in that there is no 'campus' as such, and no central university building. Instead, the university consists of approximately 40 colleges and associated buildings, such as the Exam Schools (on the High Street: closed to the public), the world-famous Bodleian Library (main buildings in Radcliffe Square, off the High Street: limited access to the public), and several world-class museums. Each college has its own individual character, some date from the 13th century, others are merely a few decades old. Many of the colleges are closed to the public, particularly during term times, but some are open at different times. For example: Christ Church (the college of "Brideshead" fame) is mostly open, and has the added bonus of having a (small) cathedral attached, where excellent music is performed at Evensong everyday; it also has an excellent art gallery. Some of Christ Church's buildings are used in films such as Harry Potter. Other colleges of note are Magdalen (pronounced 'maudlin'), which has a deer park, and those along the High Street, all of which have an impressive list of alumni. Shelley fans should visit University College. Former women-only colleges such as the pretty Somerville (Woodstock Rd) further to the north of the centre are interesting to get a feel for the range of colleges in Oxford.

During World War II, Oxford was spared from the German carpet bombing that levelled many other British cities, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the United Kingdom. The city has a population of 150,000, and the metro area 244,000.

Orientation
One of the best online resources for planning a visit to Oxford is the Virtual Tour of Oxford, hosted by the university's chemistry department.
 * Visitor information fir Oxford from Experience Oxfordshire.

Central Oxford
Central Oxford is bound to the west and south by the River Thames, which in Oxford is known as the Isis, and to the east by the Cherwell, which confluents into the Isis at Boathouse Island, a centre for university rowing. The city centre is built around two intersecting thoroughfares which cross at Carfax:

 * the High Street — running east–west, this is the main road coming in from Headington and Cowley.
 * George Street — runs west from the centre and is known for the New Theatre and its restaurants
 * Running north–south is another road, essentially continuous, but with separate ancient names for its various stretches — St Aldates and St Giles, separated by Cornmarket (now a pedestrianised shopping boulevard).

Surrounding districts

 * Jericho is an affluent area just north of city centre. Jericho is home of the Oxford University Press and its museum. It also has plenty of nightlife, including pubs and cocktail bars.
 * Summertown is an affluent area north of central Oxford. Most of Summertown is directly on the Banbury Road, however there are shops and restaurants on the side roads such as the South Parade.
 * Kidlington is north of Summertown. It is apparently Britain's largest village. It has a small high street with a Tesco's and Co-operative supermarket, several pubs, resaurants and a large Sainsbury's supermarket.
 * Wolvercote is an affluent village to the north-west of Oxford. It has a church, three pubs (The Plough, The White Hart and Jacobs' Inn), a village store and a common for walking on.
 * Headington is to the east, perhaps most notable for one of Oxford Brookes University's main campuses. It has a small high street and Thornhill Park & Ride nearby. There is also a house with a large shark sculpture in the roof, located just off the high street, which may be of interest.
 * Botley and Osney are west of the train station. Much of the area is industrialised and therefore uninteresting to tourists. However the area has the city's Waitrose store and several retail parks such as Botley Retail Park and Seacourt Tower Park, along with Seacourt Park & Ride nearby.
 * Cowley, to the south east of the city, has a plethora of restaurants, pubs and shops, many of which are independent. Confusingly the term Cowley can refer to two distinct areas: the area along the Cowley Road to the east of Magdalen Bridge tends to be more commercial and student focussed (and is the part which appeals more to tourists), while the suburbs to the south east of this are more residential and working class. In this more outlying area is Plant Oxford where cars have been made for over 100 years, the Templars Square Shopping Centre (and nearby Templars Retail Park), and the Oxford Retail Park with a large 24-hour (on weekdays) Tesco supermarket.
 * Blackbird Leys is south of Cowley. It is a social housing (housing projects) area and is generally not recommended to tourists. However the Kassam Stadium, home to Oxford United F.C., and the Ozone Leisure Park nightlife complex opposite may justify a trip.

By road
Oxford is linked to London by the 50-mile (80-km) south-eastern stretch of the M40 motorway. The journey takes 50–90 min, depending on traffic, which can be heavy. The north-western continuation of the M40 conveniently links Oxford with England's second largest city, Birmingham, and the West Midlands.

Parking and access restrictions are very stringent on the narrow streets of central Oxford, policed by both wardens and cameras, with heavy fines applicable. The one-way traffic systems are circuitous and confusing, making it difficult to get around by car. An alternative is to use one of the five municipal park and ride sites which are located on the outskirts of all sides of Oxford, and are well signposted. Park and ride sites are open 24/7, and you can park there for a maximum of 72 hours. Forget about using the Thornhill Park and Ride on weekdays; it is invariably full. The first hour's parking is free, after which you pay £2 for up to 12 hours, £4 for up to 24 hours, and so on. In addition, the return bus trip to the city centre costs £2.80. (May 2022).

Since February 2022, a zero-emission zone (ZEZ) closed to non-electric cars has been under trial in the city centre, albeit on streets which are essentially pedestrianised, making it easy to avoid for the time being. However, the council has plans to expand this zone to enclose much of the centre of Oxford.

By train

 * Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Cross Country Trains run through Oxford, mostly running to/from Manchester and Southampton. These trains run approximately half-hourly in both directions until about 9PM. All of these trains stop at Reading going south, and Leamington Spa for Warwick and Warwick Castle, and Birmingham going north.

Oxford Tube
The express coach service between London and Oxford is called the Oxford Tube, and is run by Stagecoach. The "Tube" runs very frequently and the journey time is usually 100 min (longer during rush hours).

There are frequent and comfortable coach services that run from several convenient bus stops to Gloucester Green coach station in Oxford. They normally start at the London Victoria station, running westward and parallel to the London Underground Central line via Marble Arch, Notting Hill, Shepherd's Bush and then Hillingdon. Before arriving in Oxford, there is one last stop at Lewkner. Stops in Oxford include Thornhill Park & Ride, Headington, Oxford Brookes University, St. Clements, High Street (Queens Lane) (which is best for daily visitors, as it is right in the middle of the majority of University Colleges) and finally the Gloucester Green bus station, which is also well situated.

As of Feb 2023, prices for the Oxford Tube are £12/£11/£4 for an adult/concession/under-16 one-way and £18/£16/£7 for an adult/concession/under-16 period return ticket. Some peak-time journeys take slightly different routes in London, so the place that you want to go to/from may influence when you board the coach. If you wish to travel late at night, the Oxford Tube runs 24 hours a day. You can also book London to Oxford coach travel through Megabus.com, but you'll be travelling on an Oxford Tube coach.

The Airline
There are regular bus services between Oxford and London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports with The Airline, run by Oxford Bus Company.

Stagecoach X5
There is also an X5 bus between Oxford and Bedford (via Milton Keynes), taking approximately two hours, along with the S6 service to Swindon. Several coaches in other parts of the country are run by National Express.

Stagecoach S2
Another useful (but infrequent) service is the S2, which travels using the A40 from Cheltenham to Oxford via Charlton Kings, Andoversford, Northleach, Burford, Witney and Eynsham, which runs from the bus station about every two hours and takes approximately an hour and three quarters.

This is operated by Stagecoach and it is possible to buy a day ticket for it which allows you unlimited travel on it and allows you to make connecting journeys anywhere on Stagecoach's buses in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, or Wiltshire.

Local Stagecoach buses
Local buses to Bicester, Blenheim Palace, and Banbury are run by Stagecoach, and depart from Magdalen Street, near Cornmarket. There are also bus services to Reading, Abingdon, and Didcot run by the Oxford Bus Company from St Aldate's, also in the city centre.

By plane
at Kidlington is used mainly for private and charter aircraft and has only intermittently had scheduled airline flights; it is useful only if you fly your own plane, or are able to charter a small aircraft.

The nearest commercial airports are those around London, to the south-east, or Birmingham, to the north, with most foreign travellers preferring London.

Heathrow is the closest major airport, followed by Gatwick  in terms of size and popularity. Road access from both Heathrow and Gatwick (fastest) is by M25 (heading north and west respectively) and then the M40 to Oxford's outskirts (follow the signs).

Oxford Bus Company runs several airport bus services called The Airline to Oxford Gloucester Green bus station (running in from Thornhill Park & Ride, then Headington and up the High St with several convenient stops: check web pages below). The Oxford Bus Company recommend allocating a minimum of an hour for between when the coach arrives and flight check-in:

National Express bus company runs airport bus services to Luton Airport and to Stansted Airport.

Birmingham Airport has fewer destinations compared to the London airports (it still has quite a lot), but it is the closest to Oxford in terms of public transport travel time. Birmingham Airport has its own railway station called Birmingham International, which is connected to the airport terminal building via the free AirRail Link cable car shuttle, taking 1–2 min. From the railway station, trains depart to Oxford every hour between 6:14AM and 10:14PM and take about an hour. A non-advance, non-rail card single costs £25.50, a return £28.80 off-peak or £51 any time. You could do a lot cheaper by booking an advance ticket though (but be careful as tickets are valid only on the booked train, so if your flight is late and you miss the train, you will have to buy another ticket).

On foot
Oxford city centre is very compact and easily walkable. Many areas of the city centre are pedestrianised, and all major tourist sights are well signposted.

That the narrow streets of the city centre are pedestrian-friendly, difficult for cars and full of beautiful buildings that will draw your attention upwards (rather than onto a more horizontal plane) does not mean that the roads of the city are overspill pavements. You will find most cyclists quite forgiving on this point as they are used to it and are often themselves pedestrians tempted to do the same as long as you suppress the urge to pass comment on any near-misses actually arising from your standing in the middle of the road.

By bicycle
The preferred mode of transport for the university student is the bicycle and, like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, there are hundreds of them. Most trains into Oxford allow bicycles to be carried for free. There are cycle lanes on most streets near the centre, however you will sometimes be sharing the road with other motorists. Though the bus traffic can be daunting, the familiarity of cyclists to local drivers makes cycling safer than it seems at first. The best option is to follow the locals as they know what they are doing. It is illegal for cyclists to run red lights (although many do) and you must use lights at night; local police frequently set up checkpoints and impose fines. Bike parking is available everywhere, but make sure you get a strong lock as bike theft is common. Avoid cable locks as they are cut through frequently, and try to avoid leaving your bike locked in the same place in public for an extended period of time (especially overnight), since unlocked wheels or even the saddle may be stolen.

If you expect your time in Oxford to be spent largely in the city centre, getting around on foot is often just as convenient as by bike due to the high density of pedestrians in the centre. Only if you plan to frequently venture to the outskirts of the city, for example to Summertown, Cowley, or Iffley, does a bike really become worth your while.

By scooter
Since at least 2022, a trial of electric scooters for hire has been running in central Oxford. These can be found at designated points across the city and unlocked using a smartphone app, and provide an inexpensive means of travel if you want to venture a little further out of the city centre. However, they must be used on the roads, which, coupled with the volume of road traffic, can make travelling this way fairly daunting.

By car
Avoid driving in central Oxford. Traffic is heavy, the one-way system is very confusing, the streets are often very narrow with restrictions, and parking is very expensive. Use the park and ride system, or forget the car and come in by public transport. If you have a motorcycle or a scooter, things are a little easier.

By bus
Local urban buses are mostly operated by the Oxford Bus Company (largely in the south and east of the city) and by Stagecoach (largely in the north and west). Fares are expensive and are charged by distance (starting at £1.10 single, £2 return (Oct 2018), pay the driver when boarding: cash or contactless; change is available), but if you plan on making more than two trips in one day, buy an all-day pass (£4.20, Oct 2018) to save money. The main hubs for local buses are the rail station and St Aldates.

Oxford Key
If you are in town a while, there is also a rechargeable smart-card known as the Oxford Key that gives discounted bus fares for a week, month, 13 weeks, or a year. It can take several hours for the Key to be ready once recharged.

 * CityZone is the standard Key which allows travel only on Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel buses, the radius covers as far north as most of Kidlington to as far south as Cowley, Kennington, and Blackbird Leys.
 * SmartZone allows the same travel as CityZone including Stagecoach buses (which is very convenient, particularly in rush hour).
 * CityZone Extra extends the CityZone radius to include as far north as Woodstock to as far south as Abingdon.

The Oxford Bus Company have two travel shops where you can top-up or ask questions in-person:

Park and ride
Oxford Bus Company operates several park and ride services for people visiting the city by car, because parking is difficult to find and expensive in the centre.

The purple buses operate from 6AM to 11:30PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Return fares start at £2.80 per adult, and children travel free when accompanied. Parking charges apply at Pear Tree, Redbridge, and Seacourt.

Oxford has 5 park & ride bus stations:

By taxi
Oxford has Black Cabs (Hackney Carriage) which can be flagged down from the street or taken from taxi stands located around the city, and 'minicabs' which must be ordered by phone or app, 001 & Royal Cars are the most popular services. Black Cabs are quite pricey but are convenient for short hops if travelling in a big group. Minicabs are much cheaper for long-distance journeys; the fare should be agreed over the phone when booking or should be bargained with the driver for long distance, however within city the fare is set by meter within every taxi–never get in a minicab without agreeing the price.

Uber is not yet available in Oxford.

See
Visitors to Oxford should definitely visit at least one museum, visit at least one college and – if possible – hear one of the world-class college chapel choirs. A walking tour (see 'Do' below) is a good way of achieving this.

Landmarks

Colleges
Many Oxford colleges allow tourists to visit their grounds during certain hours and certain seasons, although some are closed to tourists at all times. During certain times of the year, those that do open their doors generally offer reduced public opening hours or are closed completely to tourists, especially during University terms (approximately October/November, January/February and May/June). This is particularly true in May/June, which is when examinations are taken. It is advisable to visit the college's website before visiting, or to enquire at Oxford's local tourist information office to be certain you are not disappointed.

Each college has a unique history and something interesting to offer in terms of striking architecture or historical notoriety.

Balliol, University, and Merton Colleges each claim to be the 'oldest' in the university, with founding dates in the 13th century, although the exact year may be unclear or contested. They are fine examples of the collegiate Gothic architecture for which Oxford is renowned.

Exeter College on Turl Street is an example of one of Oxford's smaller colleges. Built in 1314, it is also one of the oldest and in its front quad exemplifies collegiate architecture in Oxford. The Victorian neo-Gothic chapel is modelled on the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, and houses 'The Adoration of the Magi', the famous pre-Raphaelite tapestry by William Morris. The Fellows' Garden neighbours the Divinity School and the Bodleian Library and offers one of the best views in Oxford, over Radcliffe Square.

New College on Holywell Street is interesting for being the only college to be built straddling the ancient city wall, which cuts through the center of the grounds.

The Queen's College along High Street, founded in 1341, is renowned for its grand 18th-century Classical style architecture for which is unique among the ancient (medieval) colleges, which have otherwise each been rebuilt or expanded over the years in a largely Gothic or neo-Gothic style. Tourists are not admitted to this college.

All Souls, also along High Street, is famous not only for its striking towers, but also in that it does not accept undergraduate members, but rather elects only two graduate fellows each year based upon their performance in what has been described as the 'hardest exam in the world'.

Finally, two colleges (some of the largest and most famous in Oxford) that have somewhat established themselves as tourist destinations are Magdalen and Christ Church. You're as likely to see a tourist inside as a student, but they do offer regular visiting hours, tourist facilities, meticulously manicured and beautiful grounds, and ticket booths for charging admission fees.

Parks, gardens and open spaces
Many of Oxford University's colleges have parks and gardens to walk through that are open to the public.

Do
Walking tours, starting from St Aldates in the city centre, are an excellent way of visiting some of the more famous colleges, such as Christ Church and Merton. Independent general and ghost tours also start nearby in Broad Street. In general, a walking tour lasts about two hours and can cost around £20 plus college admission fees.

The only Oxford-based Harry Potter walking tour is offered by the Oxford Tourist Information Centre. Like all the non-Oxford-based Potter tours, Duke Humfrey’s Library is not included (only Bodleian Library staff can lead visitors into this hallowed space). Harry Potter Places Book Two—OWLs: Oxford Wizarding Locations guides Potterites through the decision-making process required to enjoy all Oxford Harry Potter sites, including Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Sport and recreation

 * University Boat Races (usually W-Sa of Week 7 of Hilary Term and W-Sa of Week 5 of Trinity term - check www.ox.ac.uk for term dates) Twice a year, the river is taken over by the inter-college boat races. The races are a great way to experience the Oxford obsession with rowing first-hand. The river is full of people and there is a great atmosphere of college spirit. Races take place south of the city centre on the Isis, between Donnington Bridge and Christ Church Meadows. The best places to watch are either the towpath along the side of the river, or at the bottom of the meadows - both accessible by foot from the centre (about 10-15 minutes). Word of warning however for those watching along the towpath, the towpath is likely to be swarming with marshals and bike riders while the crews are racing. The towpath does however offer the best vantage points, particularly for the bumps races where crews will often 'bump out' halfway along the course. Most college boathouses will also be serving food and drink throughout the week of racing. Races take place 11AM-6PM, with the better boats racing later in the day.
 * Punting. In the summer, punting is an ever-popular activity, involving propelling a wooden boat along the river with a pole. You can also hire someone to do the punting for you, although it is easy and fun to do it yourself. Bring a bottle of wine and good balance along for a more interesting trip (although it helps to have a sober crew member along!) Punt rental is available from several locations in Oxford.
 * In the summer, check out the nesting swifts (birds) at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. These elegant little birds have been nesting in ventilation flues in the tower of the University Museum for many years, providing a wonderful opportunity for scientists. Visitors to the museum between May and August can watch live pictures from three of the nests in the tower on a television monitor.
 * In the summer, check out the nesting swifts (birds) at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. These elegant little birds have been nesting in ventilation flues in the tower of the University Museum for many years, providing a wonderful opportunity for scientists. Visitors to the museum between May and August can watch live pictures from three of the nests in the tower on a television monitor.
 * In the summer, check out the nesting swifts (birds) at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. These elegant little birds have been nesting in ventilation flues in the tower of the University Museum for many years, providing a wonderful opportunity for scientists. Visitors to the museum between May and August can watch live pictures from three of the nests in the tower on a television monitor.
 * In the summer, check out the nesting swifts (birds) at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. These elegant little birds have been nesting in ventilation flues in the tower of the University Museum for many years, providing a wonderful opportunity for scientists. Visitors to the museum between May and August can watch live pictures from three of the nests in the tower on a television monitor.

Stage and screen

Oxford has four city-centre cinemas, screening mainstream (Odeon) and art films (Ultimate Picture Palace, Phoenix Picturehouse). The latter sometimes has showings at 11:30PM for night owls.

Oxford also hosts a number of London productions on tour, as well as playing host to a large number of student productions each year. Oxford has a lively student-drama scene. The following theatres put on amateur student productions during term-time, which are often very good value for money:

Learn
Most lectures are only open to members of the University of Oxford; however, a variety of public talks and lectures are organised throughout the year.

It is also possible for members of the public to attend residential summer schools within the university, such as with Oxford Royale Academy or Lite Regal Education. The university's Department of Continuing Education also runs a series of short courses on various subjects.

As well as the obvious world-famous university, those wishing to study in Oxford may wish to enter at Oxford Brookes, an entirely separate institution.

Buy

A large number of shops in the city centre specialise in selling the ubiquitous Oxford University range of souvenirs. One is official, the others less so, but all do a roaring trade in T-shirts, sweaters, calendars and paraphernalia:

Larger stores selling apparel, electronics and furniture can be found in Oxford's retail parks at the Botley/Seacourt area:

Books
Unsurprisingly for a university city, Oxford is noted for antiquarian, specialist and new books.

Pubs and bars
Oxford has many old pubs, as well as newer nightclubs.

Traditional pubs & inns

Oxford has a lot of traditional pubs and inns. While some are modern, many are hundreds of years old and are notable enough to have their own Wikipedia page.

Cocktail bars
Oxford has a few cocktail bars. Most are in the Jericho area or on the Cowley Road.

Gastropubs
Oxford has a few gastropubs, often with clean modernist decor and a large emphasis on food.

Nightclubs
Certain weeknights are student-only at some clubs, so you should probably check before going.

Sleep
Oxford has a large number of B&Bs and guesthouses, located both centrally and in the suburbs. Check the website of the Oxford Association of Hotels and Guesthouses to get some ideas of available options.

Most hotels in the city centre are pretty expensive, and you pay almost London prices. Book in advance if you are travelling in summer: accommodation can be scarce during high season. The tourist information office in the city centre can help find available accommodation for a small fee.

Budget
For visitors of Oxford University, low cost residency may be available in St Edmund Hall.

Travelodge and Premier Inn have budget hotels on the outskirts of Oxford, although one will need to take a 20-minute (or more) bus ride to get to the centre.

Alternatives in the centre include:

Splurge

 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.
 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.
 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.
 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.
 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.
 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.
 * The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.

Stay safe
Although Oxford is an affluent university city and is generally very safe, as with any city care should be taken with personal belongings and surroundings.

Street crime in the centre of the city, with the exception of bicycle theft, is low, though proper precautions as would be followed in any other city should be taken. Avoid getting caught up in drunken revelry or street fights, and, remember, traffic is on the left (so look both ways). Oxford has a lot of student cyclists, especially during term time (January, February, April, May, October, and November), making hearing alone insufficient for checking whether a road is clear.

Though having seen improvement following local government investment, the suburb of Blackbird Leys on the southern outskirts of the city ranks amongst the 10% most deprived areas in the country, and has a higher rate of crime than one might expect in Oxford. Visitors are, however, unlikely to visit this area of the city other than on football matchdays.

Oxford has a relatively high rate of not only street performers but also beggars (though still a low number of the latter by international standards). Police advise not handing over money to those who expressly ask for it unless threatened.

Police stations
For emergencies, dial 999 or 112. For non-emergency situations use 101. 101 is a charged call.

LGBT scene
Oxford has a small gay scene and a gay area, which is accepting and friendly. The city's LGBT population is not as high as in places like Manchester, Brighton, London, Blackpool; but it is a safe and comfortable feeling for gay visitors. The Plush Lounge, Frewin Court, is the most popular gay nightclub in the city, busy on Friday & Saturday nights, though visitors should be aware that it is largely the haunt of undergrads during the Autumn months.

Stay healthy
In a life-threatening medical emergency, dial 999 or 112. For urgent, but not life-threatening emergency issues it is recommended to call 111 and ask for assistance.

Hospitals and clinics
Although there are many hospitals in clinics in Oxford, the following are most likely to be of use to the sickly traveller.

Connect
Oxford itself has a reasonably good mobile signal available on all carriers including Vodafone, O2, EE and Three.

Oxford's own public library has free internet available. It has moved to the Oxford Castle temporarily due to the construction of the new Westgate Shopping Centre.

The hostels near the train station all provide the Internet to residents.

There are also internet cafes in the city. One to try is located above the baguette (sandwich) shop on the far south end of New Inn Hall Street (the little lane running perpendicular to George Street, right across from Gloucester Green bus station and immediately parallel to Cornmarket Street). They also offer international telephone calls, international fax, and printing.

Go next
Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

title: Oxford


text:
Oxford (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Oxford:

Canada

 * Oxford (Nova Scotia) - A town in the province of Nova Scotia.
 * Oxford (Ontario) - A town in the province of Ontario.
 * Oxford County (Ontario) - in the province of Ontario

New Zealand

 * Oxford (New Zealand) - A town in Canterbury, New Zealand.

United Kingdom

 * Oxford - A city in England that is known for its famous university.

United States of America

 * Oxford (Alabama) - A town in the state of Alabama.
 * Oxford (Arizona) - A town in the state of Arizona.
 * Oxford (Arkansas) - A town in the state of Arkansas.
 * Oxford (Connecticut) - A town in the state of Connecticut.
 * Oxford (Georgia) - A town in the state of Georgia.
 * Oxford (Idaho) - A town in the state of Idaho.
 * Oxford (Indiana) - A town in the state of Indiana.
 * Oxford (Iowa) - A town in the state of Iowa.
 * Oxford (Kansas) - A town in the state of Kansas.
 * Oxford (Kentucky) - A town in the state of Kentucky.
 * Oxford (Maine) - A town in the state of Maine.
 * Oxford (Maryland) - A town in the state of Maryland.
 * Oxford (Massachusetts) - A town in the state of Massachusetts.
 * Oxford (Michigan) - A town in the state of Michigan.
 * Oxford (Mississippi) - A town in the state of Mississippi.
 * Oxford (Nebraska) - A town in the state of Nebraska.
 * Oxford (New Jersey) - A town in the state of New Jersey.
 * Oxford (Michigan) - A town in the state of Michigan.
 * Oxford (New York) - A town in the state of New York.
 * Oxford (North Carolina) - A town in the state of North Carolina.
 * Oxford (Ohio) - A town in the state of Ohio.
 * Oxford (Pennsylvania) - A town in the state of Pennsylvania.
 * Oxford (Wisconsin) - A town in the state of Wisconsin.
 * Oxford County (Maine) - in the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine

Also see

 * Oxford County - for different places called Oxford County.
 * Oxford Street - for different places called Oxford Street.

Oxford

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Oxford (disambiguation)


text:
Oxford (Mississippi)

Oxford is a historic, picturesque town in North Central Mississippi. With its scenic town square, acclaimed restaurants, unique boutiques, oak-shaded neighborhoods, and friendly people, Oxford is the model Southern town. Named after Oxford, England, in hopes of attracting a university, the town was selected as the home of the University of Mississippi in 1848, which dominates life here today.

Understand
Oxford is the home of the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, and is in Lafayette County, outside the Oxford city limits. It also served as the inspiration for Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner's fictional Jefferson (Lafayette County being Yoknapatawpha), the locale of many of his novels. Oxonians and University members like to describe the town with the motto "We may not win every game, but we never lose a party." Locals, partially jokingly, refer to the Square as the "Center of the Universe." Many residents see Oxford as a small town New Orleans, calling it the Little Easy. It is widely known throughout the South for its Southern charm, Old South feel, party atmosphere, and its beautiful women, whom even Hugh Hefner called the finest in the world. Oxford is also considered a literary center with many writers calling it home. Also being home to the Ole Miss School of Law and a federal courthouse, it is often said that everyone in Oxford is a "lawyer, writer, or both." As if to prove this point, famous author John Grisham, an Ole Miss Law alum, still owns a house in Oxford and visits frequently.

The Square is the center of downtown and is the main location for the town's best restaurants, shops, bars, and scenery (of the Old South architecture and gorgeous Southern belles). Chain restaurants, a Walmart Supercenter, and other national retailers are located on the fringes of town. However, most locals are staunchly anti-chain. They actively protested the arrival of Applebee's and the Walmart Supercenter, even voting out the old mayor because she did not do more to stop it. Therefore, to truly enjoy Oxford, you must visit the Square and eat and shop at locally-owned establishments. Otherwise, you are wasting your time visiting and are missing out if you only come for a football game. Immerse yourself in the town to see why Reader's Digest proclaimed, "If Oxford didn't exist, it would have to be invented."

As National Geographic Traveler magazine wrote, "Sophisticated little Oxford is waiting for you."

By plane
The closest airports with airline service are in Memphis, 70 miles to the north, and Tupelo, 45 miles to the east. Memphis is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and is thus the preferred airport. Tupelo has daily flights to Memphis and Atlanta.

University-Oxford Airport, also known as Clegg Field, offers service to private planes, including jets. The airport has a 5,600-foot runway with a terminal and aviation full-services.

By train
For passenger service, the nearest Amtrak stops are on the City of New Orleans line in Memphis and Greenwood, Mississippi. The train will take you to Chicago or New Orleans.

By car
Major highways in the area are as follows:

 * North-south - State Highways 7, 9, 315 and 331
 * East-west - State Highways 6,30,314,328 and 334
 * Highway 6 - Connects with Interstate 55

From Memphis or Jackson (Miss.) take I-55 to Batesville and exit MS Hwy 6 East. Take the Old Taylor Rd. or Coliseum Dr. exits to access the University. Exit at South Lamar Blvd. to get to the Square and downtown. Oxford is approximately 25 miles from Batesville. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to travel to Oxford from Memphis, about 2½ hours from Jackson, and about 45 minutes from Tupelo. A shorter route from Memphis and Jackson is Hwy 7, but this road is two-lane. However, from the eastern suburbs of Memphis, it is faster to take Hwy 78 to Hwy 7. From downtown, the airport, and Southaven, I-55 to Hwy 6 is faster.

By bus

 * Greyhound bus service to Oxford was suspended. The closest Greyhound bus stop is in Tupelo.

Get around
The public transportation is called the O-U-T. It has several lines that run through all of the major points around town. The best way to get around is by foot, as Oxford is a beautiful town to walk and parking is scarce downtown and on campus. The second best way is by car. Once you find a place to park on campus, stay there and walk everywhere you want to go. The same applies to downtown. Once you figure out how to navigate the square (it will take awhile) and the surrounding one-way streets, you can find a place to park by cruising the back alleys. If you park illegally, you will get an expensive ticket.

Do not drink and drive as the cops keep a watchful eye on the byways, not to mention you are risking your life and the lives of others. You can avoid this by walking home, hitching a ride (it's easy to find a ride from a friendly stranger on the Square), or calling a cab.

Car rental

 * Enterprise Rent A Car, 201A Ricky D Britt Sr Blvd, +1 662 281-0508.

Limousine service

 * Oxford Executive Transportation, +1 662-259-0508
 * Southern Comfort Limo's, 12 Dell Street, Batesville, Mississippi, +1 662 563-5466.

Oxford is a certified Bicycle-Friendly Community. There are many bike paths open to the public; however, many car drivers are not fans of cyclists. It is best to stick to sidewalks and watch when crossing intersections.

Bicycle

 * LOU Pathways. This organization is in charge of developing the pathways system in the Oxford area.  Its website includes numerous maps and ride advice.
 * Oxford Cycling Club. The local bike club maintains maps and organizes rides such as the Double Decker Spring Ride and the Clear Creek Challenge.

See
"The past is never dead. It's not even past."

- William Faulkner

Oxford is an historic town best seen by foot. Begin with the antebellum buildings on campus, the Courthouse Square, and Rowan Oak. Soak up the town and meet some of the locals while you are at it!

 * The Historic Oxford Courthouse: Located in the heart of the city, the Square. Burned by federal troops in 1864, it was rebuilt after the war and is scheduled to undergo an extensive restoration. Visitors are allowed to browse the building on their own. The courtroom upstairs is a step back in time.

 * Oxford Cemetery, Here are buried such notables as William Faulkner and LQC Lamar, Confederate Ambassador to Russia, and Mississippi's only US Supreme Court Justice. Tradition calls for visitors of Faulkner's grave to leave a pint of whiskey, though scotch is what he would prefer.
 * The Grove, on the campus of the University of Mississippi. During the early Spring it has the appearance of a nicely manicured park, but during football season it turns into the most revered tailgating locale in all of college football. Sports Illustrated rates tailgating in the Grove, a multi-acre green space in the heart of the Ole Miss campus, as one of America's premier college events, placing it No. 3 on a list of 100 things to do before graduating. Bring your "refreshments" and your Sunday best. See the "Cope" section below for an important rule while tailgating.
 * Ole Miss Blues Archives, University of Mississippi Campus, +1 662 915-7753. The world's most extensive collection of blues recordings and related material. If you are a blues enthusiast, this is a must-see. B.B. King recorded a live album (Live at Ole Miss) in the Grove.
 * The Lyceum, The first building on the Ole Miss campus. Seen as a symbol of the University. Used as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. The front columns contain bullet holes from the integration of James Meredith. Stop by the Chancellor's office located on the first floor, and someone will be glad to give you a tour of the beautiful building. Even the friendly Chancellor loves to meet visitors.
 * Ole Miss Blues Archives, University of Mississippi Campus, +1 662 915-7753. The world's most extensive collection of blues recordings and related material. If you are a blues enthusiast, this is a must-see. B.B. King recorded a live album (Live at Ole Miss) in the Grove.
 * The Lyceum, The first building on the Ole Miss campus. Seen as a symbol of the University. Used as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. The front columns contain bullet holes from the integration of James Meredith. Stop by the Chancellor's office located on the first floor, and someone will be glad to give you a tour of the beautiful building. Even the friendly Chancellor loves to meet visitors.
 * Ventress Hall, a 19th-century Victorian building on the edge of The Grove. Originally used as a library, now the home of the College of Liberal Arts. Inside is a huge stained glass window depicting a battle scene from The War(unless otherwise specified, "the war" in the deep South means the one taking place between 1861 and 1865). The window was commissioned by the Delta Gamma Sorority from the Tiffany Glass Company to honor the University Greys, a company comprised completely of Ole Miss students that suffered 100 percent casualties at the battle of Gettysburg. The turret contains a winding staircase filled with graffiti over 100 years old. Legend has it that William Faulkner got intoxicated, climbed to the top of the turret, and began shouting "Hotty Toddy" — the school's unofficial cheer. However, this is likely merely a legend, but a darn good one. A member of the staff inside would be happy to give you a brief tour.

Do
Oxford features a regular rotation of notable speakers, art exhibits, plays, musical productions, conferences and concerts in the Grove. The Ford Center has a regular rotation of a variety of performing arts. The Lott Leadership Institute sponsors well-known speakers, such as Supreme Court justices, senators and royalty. Past speakers include John McCain, Antonin Scalia, and the King of Jordan. The Ole Miss events calendar has a list of most upcoming events. The biggest event of the year, other than football games, is the Double Decker Arts and Music Festival. A favorite of many is the weekly Thacker Mountain Radio Show, where area musicians perform in front a live audience. If culture isn't your thing, the area features several golf courses, the huge Sardis Reservoir, a few state parks and recreation areas, and a couple of day spas.

 * Big Truck Theater, Taylor, MS. This variety show is sort of Austin City Limits meets Taylor Grocery. Early in the night individual performers go on stage. Later, a 10-piece band comes out and livens the place up. You can find it next to Taylor Arts just down from Taylor Grocery.
 * Big Truck Theater, Taylor, MS. This variety show is sort of Austin City Limits meets Taylor Grocery. Early in the night individual performers go on stage. Later, a 10-piece band comes out and livens the place up. You can find it next to Taylor Arts just down from Taylor Grocery.
 * Big Truck Theater, Taylor, MS. This variety show is sort of Austin City Limits meets Taylor Grocery. Early in the night individual performers go on stage. Later, a 10-piece band comes out and livens the place up. You can find it next to Taylor Arts just down from Taylor Grocery.

Major special events

 * The Blues Symposium, on the Ole Miss Campus, Contact Greg Johnson at +1 662 915-7753. Learn about Mississippi and the blues. Birthplace of the music and the artists. Admission is free.
 * The Fourth of July Celebration in Oxford, A day-long event filled with patriotic speeches, music, food, children's activities, and an Independence Day parade. The festivities come to an end with a free concert at Oxford University Stadium featuring the Oxford Community Band, followed by a fireworks display. Skip the entertainment in the Grove beforehand, or at least picnic far from the stage. They allow everyone that thinks they have talent to perform.
 * The Fourth of July Celebration in Oxford, A day-long event filled with patriotic speeches, music, food, children's activities, and an Independence Day parade. The festivities come to an end with a free concert at Oxford University Stadium featuring the Oxford Community Band, followed by a fireworks display. Skip the entertainment in the Grove beforehand, or at least picnic far from the stage. They allow everyone that thinks they have talent to perform.
 * The Fourth of July Celebration in Oxford, A day-long event filled with patriotic speeches, music, food, children's activities, and an Independence Day parade. The festivities come to an end with a free concert at Oxford University Stadium featuring the Oxford Community Band, followed by a fireworks display. Skip the entertainment in the Grove beforehand, or at least picnic far from the stage. They allow everyone that thinks they have talent to perform.
 * The Fourth of July Celebration in Oxford, A day-long event filled with patriotic speeches, music, food, children's activities, and an Independence Day parade. The festivities come to an end with a free concert at Oxford University Stadium featuring the Oxford Community Band, followed by a fireworks display. Skip the entertainment in the Grove beforehand, or at least picnic far from the stage. They allow everyone that thinks they have talent to perform.

Learn
The University of Mississippi is a comprehensive research university and is home to a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa. It is listed in The Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Buys and The Student Guide to America's Best College Scholarships. UM ranks 50th on Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine's list of best college buys for in-state tuition and 46th for out-of-state tuition. Also in town is a branch of Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Work
By far the major employer is the University of Mississippi, but other employers include FNC, Inc. (a banking systems and data/analytics management firm) and many local banks. Oxford is also a regional healthcare center with constantly growing healthcare facilities. A variety of jobs are may be found at the Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi. The free Daily Mississippian and the daily Oxford Eagle have updated help wanted ads.

Buy
You will find a variety of locally-owned shops downtown where you can purchase designer clothing, custom crafted pottery by Gail Pittman and McCartys of Merrigold, Mississippi, local artwork, local music albums, and a variety of other upscale wares. The shopping magazine Lucky features Oxford as a small town with big city shopping. Most stores will allow their customers to have charge accounts, which makes it convenient for students to send the bill home for payment.

 * Mississippi Madness, 141 Courthouse Square (on the Square), +1 662 234-5280, +1-866-234-5280. Features a variety of cooking accessories, Mississippi designer pottery, and Mississippi-made gourmet foods. Pick up some Knock-You-Naked margarita mix made by Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez.
 * Mississippi Madness, 141 Courthouse Square (on the Square), +1 662 234-5280, +1-866-234-5280. Features a variety of cooking accessories, Mississippi designer pottery, and Mississippi-made gourmet foods. Pick up some Knock-You-Naked margarita mix made by Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez.
 * Mississippi Madness, 141 Courthouse Square (on the Square), +1 662 234-5280, +1-866-234-5280. Features a variety of cooking accessories, Mississippi designer pottery, and Mississippi-made gourmet foods. Pick up some Knock-You-Naked margarita mix made by Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez.
 * Mississippi Madness, 141 Courthouse Square (on the Square), +1 662 234-5280, +1-866-234-5280. Features a variety of cooking accessories, Mississippi designer pottery, and Mississippi-made gourmet foods. Pick up some Knock-You-Naked margarita mix made by Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez.
 * Mississippi Madness, 141 Courthouse Square (on the Square), +1 662 234-5280, +1-866-234-5280. Features a variety of cooking accessories, Mississippi designer pottery, and Mississippi-made gourmet foods. Pick up some Knock-You-Naked margarita mix made by Fat Mama's Tamales in Natchez.

Eat
For a town of only 20,000 (35,000 when school is in session), Oxford is blessed with a wide variety of dining choices. Home to the Southern Foodways Alliance, Oxford has evolved into a "mecca....which draws professional food scholars as well as amateur eaters" according to Food & Wine writer, Pete Wells. City Grocery is recommended for upscale fine dining. For more casual fare, you can't go wrong with Boure or Ajax. For a true Mississippi experience, you must eat at Taylor Grocery.

Budget

 * Bottle Tree Bakery A quaint coffee and pastry shop in the morning. A sandwich place in the afternoon. Known throughout town for their wonderful breads, muffins and pastries. Has been featured on the Food Network and Oprah, who loves their apple pie.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.
 * Tienda Y Taqueria, University Ave. (behind Oby's). Super-authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine at rock bottom prices.  Mexican food that Mexicans eat.

Mid-range

 * Ajax Diner, 118 Courthouse Square (on the square), +1 662 232-8880. Soul Food with a little spice in a funky atmosphere.  Mattie's Mom's Meatloaf is a local favorite.  Fried Oyster Poboy is highly recommended.  Excellent chicken and dumplins as well as veggie plates and fried pickles.  Was a favorite lunch spot for Eli Manning in his college days.  Voted Oxford's best "plate lunch", "lunch", and "casual dining". Entrees $8-15.  Reservations not accepted.

Splurge

 * City Grocery, 152 Courthouse Square (on the square), +1 662 232-8080. Upscale dining in the New Orleans tradition.  Good wine list.  Famous for their "shrimp & grits."  Probably the most well-known restaurant in Oxford.  Chef John Currence was nominated for the prestigious James Beard award, the highest national award a chef can receive.  Entrees $20-30.  Reservations not available home football weekends, seat upon arrival.

Drink
Cold beer is not sold in Oxford, except for bars and restaurants. Either purchase your cold beer at the county line on Hwy 6 or Hwy 7 as you are coming into town, or ice it down. An often told myth is that Oxford does not sell beer cold because the mayor once owned the local icehouse. Open containers are also not allowed in the city limits, but as long as you pour it in a cup, you are fine. If a cop sees a beer can or liquor bottle, he will pour out all of your supply. However, if you have it in a cup, you will not be bothered unless you are extremely unruly. This especially applies to the Ole Miss campus and The Grove. Just keep it in a cup and pour discreetly. Due to antiquated Southern laws, the Ole Miss campus is wet on liquor only (no beer allowed), except east of Gertrude Ford Boulevard (the old railroad bed), where both liquor and beer are allowed. In any case, alcohol is not allowed in plain view and must be kept in a cup.

Remember, bars in Oxford close early. Monday-Wednesday they close at midnight. Thursday and Friday they close at 1AM. They close at midnight on Saturdays except on game weekends, when they are open till 1AM. Still, most bar goers don't go home and go to bed but instead head to the infamous "late-nights," parties at someone's home or apartment. Despite police efforts to crack down on late-nights, they are still going strong, sometimes numbering into the thousands of partiers. Word spreads about the location of late-nights earlier in the night at the bars. Be sure to secure your beer or liquor for the late-night before you go out, because they will have stopped selling by the time the bars have closed (midnight most days, Sunday it's a "dry" city).

The Chevron at University and South Lamar, called "Chicken-on-a-Stick" because of the drunk food it serves by the same name, is a very popular stopping point between the bars and the late-nights and has achieved legendary status. Several other convenience stores carry the same food minus the tradition. If you are too drunk to drive and have no other way home, you can almost always find a ride at Chicken-on-a-Stick (the Chevron) just after the bars close.

The City Grocery Bar, or "The Grocery," is located above its namesake restaurant and tends to attract a mix between locals, writers, lawyers, and older college students.

One place to hear live music is Proud Larry's, where local and regional artists perform frequently.

 * The Library Sports Bar, known as the "Sports Bar", is an addition to the Library Bar & Grill and fills the void of a true sports bar on the Oxford Square. At the corner of 11th Street and Van Buren - just down from the original Library Bar & Grill. The Library attracts a younger crowd as it is 18-and-up.120 South 11th Street, +1 662 234-1411. It l features talented local bands and entertainment at night. During the day, you can stop by and say hi to Johnny "D" to have lunch and a drink.

Sleep
While Oxford has no luxury hotels yet, two boutique hotels are under construction just off the Square. One, (The Ava, under construction just off the Square on Jackson Ave., next to the pedestrian/bike bridge) will feature a spa and fine dining. Until they are built, the closest you will get to luxury is to stay at a bed and breakfast. Oxford has a large number of hotel rooms for a town of its size. However, if you are coming for a game weekend, nearly all the rooms are presold as a package deal for the season. Occasional rooms do open up though, but chances are slim. The next closest town with motels is Bruce (24 miles) Batesville (25 miles) to the west, Holly Springs (30 miles) to the north, Pontotoc (20 miles) to the east, Grenada (40 miles) to the south, and Senatobia (40 miles) to the northeast. Many visitors choose to stay in downtown Memphis in order to experience Beale Street and only come in for the game, or they stay in Tunica at a casino. However, it can be very difficult to get in, out, or around Oxford on Game Day. A viable option is to rent an RV in Memphis and stay on campus for free. You can park your RV and walk wherever you need to go the whole weekend. If you are staying in Oxford, the Graduate Hotel and the Inn at Ole Miss are the most highly recommended because of the quality of the rooms, the services, and the great locations.

Stay safe
Oxford is a very safe town, with the court dockets mostly full of minors-in-possession, public drunks, and DUIs. Oxford Police are always nearby and allow little slack for disruptive behavior. The town is safe to walk at any time of night, with only the most basic precautions necessary.

Game Day
Oxford is very crowded on football game days. Football is a religion here, and fall Saturdays are the sabbath. Therefore, expect heavy traffic, hotels that fill months in advance, and no available reservations at restaurants. The Grove opens for tailgating at 6PM Friday night, but the crowds can overwhelm security as early as 4PM Friday night, and all the good spots in the Grove will be gone by 8PM. Most tailgating is concentrated in the Grove, but it takes place everywhere on campus. The Circle, next to the Grove, has more of a family atmosphere. Officially, liquor but not beer is allowed in the Grove, but all alcohol must be kept in a cup and out of plain view.

 * Alcohol Policy. The university policy on alcohol is very complicated and enforcement of it is even more so.  Liquor is legal on all the campus and beer on the part of campus east of Gertrude Ford Boulevard.  However, all alcohol must remain out of plain view at all times.  Keep it in a cup or in your cooler.  While beer is  illegal in the Grove, the police will not confiscate it if you keep it in a cup.  Police are allowed to search unattended coolers, so keep it at a tent that is attended at all times or put a lock on it.  Bottom line: keep your alcohol out of plain view and under your control, keep your behavior in check, and you won't be bothered by the police.  And don't even think about drinking and driving.
 * Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Where the three-time national champion Ole Miss Rebels play football. For online ticket sales and a seating chart, visit the  Ole Miss Ticket Office.  The stadium is officially alcohol-free, but many fans sneak in a flask, and drinking in the club levels and suites is completely ignored. Expect extensive body searches at the visitor and student gates. If you enjoy being molested by a security guard of the same sex, you're in heaven. At the other gates, security generally just looks inside purses and bags.
 * Game Day Info from the University. Including tailgating and stadium rules, traffic info, and parking info.
 * RV information. The university provides free gravel RV lots at the Old Taylor Road and the Coliseum Drive exits off of the Hwy 6 bypass.  Overflow RV parking is available at the intramural fields, accessed by the Coliseum Drive exit (turn left at the four-way stop).  Paved lots with hookups including cable TV are available, but they must be purchased for the whole season.  The University officially does not allow RV parking before Friday afternoon, but in reality, they allow parking in the gravel lots days in advance.  People are known to never move their RVs from one Saturday to the next.  A private RV park with full amenities is available in town.  Many choose to stay at the more spacious and scenic Sardis Lake, which offers a plethora of cheap RV parking with full hookups in a tree-shaded environment.  It is located between Oxford and Batesville, 15 to 20 minutes from town.
 * RV information. Cart Barn Inn @ Yoda Creek has Rv parking.  kay@cartbarninn.com,  20 minutes south of Oxford down hwy 7 to hwy 9w to Bruce.

Churches
If your weekend visit to Oxford necessitates a visit with the Deity, there are many local worship options. Some of these houses of worship have enough historic value to warrant a purely secular visit any day of the week. True to its Deep South locale, Oxford is replete with Baptist and Methodist churches, but other faiths are by no means left out in this cosmopolitan university town. Here is a very small sampling of Oxford's larger and historic religious buildings and bodies:

Catholic

 * St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Roman Catholic), 403 University Avenue, . Catholic presence in Oxford dates back to antebellum times when small numbers of Catholic residents and students at the University relied on visiting priests for spiritual sustenance. St. John's was founded in the 1930s as a mission of Water Valley's St. Patrick's parish. The original church building (a simple neo-classical structure constructed in 1943) and its adjoining rectory/parish hall, played host to federal troops sent to quell the riots surrounding the integration of the University in 1962. These buildings were later declared structurally unsound and were razed in 2003 for the construction of a new church building on the same property. Masses are celebrated on Sundays at 8:30AM, 11AM and 5PM.

Episcopal

 * St. Peter's Episcopal Church (ECUS), 113 South 9th Street, . Organized in 1851, this was the original seat of the first Episcopal bishop of Mississippi, making this building the pro-cathedral (i.e. preliminary cathedral) for the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. First resident pastor was Frederick A.P. Barnard, originally a faculty member at Ole Miss, eventually the university's chancellor and, later, president of Columbia University. The building was completed in 1860 and was the only religious structure within the town limits of Oxford to survive the burning of the town by Union troops in 1864. William Faulkner was a parishioner. Sunday services are at 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM and 5:30PM. There is a Spanish language service at 7PM.

Methodist

 * Old Burns Church/Belfry Building, Original Building - West Jackson Avenue. Oxford's first African-American church, organized by former slaves in 1869 as Sewell Chapel, it was renamed Burns Methodist-Episcopal Church in 1900. An original wood frame structure was replaced in 1910 by the current brick building. The current congregation moved to a modern structure in 1973 on the corner of Molly Barr Road and Washington Avenue. After the congregation moved out, the 1910 building served for a time as an office for author John Grisham. Grisham donated the building for use as a Civil Rights museum. The congregation's current church building is located at 600 Molly Barr Road. Sunday worship service is at 11AM.
 * Oxford-University Methodist Church (UMC), University Avenue, . Founded in 1836 as Oxford Methodist-Episcopal Church, the congregation was served by a circuit-riding minister who made regular stops in Oxford for services. The church's first building was on Van Buren Avenue and the congregation went through two more structures on Jackson Avenue before purchasing the current site in 1936. Services began at the current site in 1937 and the current brick sanctuary was completed in 1950. Famous parishioners have included Charles B. Galloway and L.Q.C. Lamar.

Presbyterian

 * College Hill Presbyterian Church (PCA), College Hill Road, . The church was founded in 1835. The building, built using slave labor and bricks fired on the grounds, was completed in 1846. It is the oldest church building in the Oxford area. During the Civil War, the surrounding community of College Hill was invaded by Union General Sherman and his troops in 1862, who occupied the grounds of the church and used the church building for sleeping quarters. William Faulkner was married here in 1929. The original structure and furnishings remain remarkably unchanged. The pulpit, pews and pew gates are original to the structure. The only major structural changes to the original structure were: 1) the addition of a veneer of modern brick which covers the structure's original exterior bricks (though the original brickwork is still viewable at a view points on the east side of the church exterior where some of the modern bricks were purposefully left un-mortared and can be temporarily removed to "peek" at the original bricks beneath), 2) the modern addition of office space in the rear of the structure, and 3) the removal of the building's slave galley (a balcony reserved for slaves to sit in during church services). The exterior doors which once led to the galley, however, still remain, floating ominously above the main entrance to the church, sans stairs.
 * First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 924 Van Buren Avenue, {{phone|+1 662 234-1757}. The first Presbyterian congregation in the town of Oxford was organized in 1837 by early settlers of Scottish descent. The church's original 1847 wood frame building fell casualty to the flames of 1864 (when the courthouse, its square and other buildings and homes in town were burned by federal troops). The current building was built in 1881. Sunday worship services are at 8:30AM and 11AM.

Unitarian-Universalist

 * Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Oxford, 31 County Road 198, . An intergenerational community that fosters spiritual growth through free thought and respect for personal beliefs.  Visitors of all faiths and beliefs are welcome.  Services are Sundays at 11AM, and children of all ages are welcome with childcare provided during the service (from 10:50AM -12:15PM.)

Mormon

 * Oxford Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3501 S Lamar Blvd, Worship service at 10AM. Visitors are welcome.

Go next

 * Memphis-- The closest major city, known for Graceland, Beale Street, great music, and a revitalized downtown
 * Tunica-- The South's gambling mecca featuring a dozen large casino resorts
 * Tupelo--The birthplace of Elvis Presley
 * Clarksdale--The location of the famous Crossroads intersection of Highway 61 and 49 is known for its Delta blues and famous blues musicians
 * Natchez--The historic rivertown with the South's grandest collection of antebellum homes

title: Oxford (Mississippi)


text:
Oxford (Ohio)

Oxford is a small town in Butler County in Southwest Ohio. It is best known for being home to Miami University. Recognized as a Public Ivy, which describes state-funded public universities with academic programs akin to the Ivy League schools, Miami University has a body of more than 16,000 students in a town with a summer population just over 10,000. The City of Oxford's predecessor, College Township, was founded one year after Miami University was established in 1809. Miami was the second university in the United States west of the Appalachian Mountains (after Ohio University (1804) in Athens).

Get in
Oxford is 30 miles northwest of Cincinnati, 35 miles southwest of Dayton and about 5 miles east of the state boundary separating Ohio and Indiana.

By plane

 * Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, so the distance is farther than that of Cincinnati, amounting to an approximately 50 mile drive to Oxford.
 * Dayton International Airport is also a short distance from Oxford (approximately 45 miles).

By car
Oxford is probably one of the most difficult cities in Ohio to locate by car. Oxford is most easily accessed:
 * Off of I-70 west of Dayton via the Eaton exit heading southbound on US-127 and then westbound on SR-73 or
 * Off of I-70 west of Dayton via the Eaton exit heading southbound on US-127 and then southbound on SR-732 or
 * Via I-275 (Cincinnati outer belt) using the Colerain exit and heading northbound on US-27

By bus
Barons Bus Lines provides transportation connecting Miami University with Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio. The fare is $10 one way and runs 365 days a year. Barons Bus Lines connect directly to Grey Hound buses that travel across the country, making travel to and from Oxford by bus relatively simple.

By foot
Oxford is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. From the eastern edge of the Miami University campus to the western edge of Uptown Oxford, one could walk the distance in less than 30 minutes.

By bus
BCRTA is the bus system in Oxford. Transportation can be provided around campus, to off-campus housing, and Uptown. There are also routes that travel to the regional branches of Miami University. Students, faculty, and staff may ride freely by displaying their University ID cards and all public passengers must pay $2 for fare. During fall, spring and winter terms the BCRTA buses run daily. Transit is greatly reduced during the summer months.

See

As in most U.S. college towns, much of the art and cultural amenities are provided by the university. In Oxford, these include:

Do

Sports
The Miami RedHawks compete in NCAA Division I college sports, mostly in the Mid-American Conference. Since the MAC does not sponsor men's ice hockey, that team instead plays in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Sports fans are also attracted by Miami's reputation as the Cradle of Coaches, having served as a rung (either as a player or coach) in some of the most momentous coaching careers including: Earl Blaik, Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Bill Arnsparger, George Little, Weeb Ewbank, Sid Gillman, Ara Parseghian, Bo Schembechler, John Pont, Bill Mallory, Jim Tressel, Joe Novak, Ron Zook, Dick Crum, Randy Walker, Terry Hoeppner, Sean Payton, and Sean McVay.

Visit the official site or the unofficial fan site.
 * Football - Yager Stadium, 30,012 capacity seating, the team that raised Super Bowl Champion Big Ben Roethlisberger!
 * Basketball - Millett Hall, 9,200-seat arena, names like Wally "World" Szczerbiak, five-time NBA champ Ron Harper (twice with Lakers and thrice with Bulls), Randy Ayers (of NCAA basketball coaching fame including the Ohio State Buckeyes) and Wayne Embry (of NBA management fame including the Cleveland Cavaliers) made their mark playing b-ball at Miami before the NBA, coaching and other achievements.
 * Baseball - McKie Field opened in 2002.
 * Hockey - ice arena opened in 2006-2007 and too many professional hockey alumni to name.

Eat
Uptown Oxford is a charming five block district with a variety of restaurants, including fine dining, pizza parlors, sub shops and college pubs.

Drink
Oxford has typically provided at least 1 bar for every 1,000 students at Miami University. The nightlife is very active Thursday through Saturday night, when most of the bars remain open until 2AM. At most places, if there is live music, expect a cover charge. Because Oxford was once known for its St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Spring Break now always occurs the week of March 17th. However, St. Patty's proxy, Green Beer Day, occurs the Thursday before Spring Break.

Mid-range

 * Marcum Conference Center is on the Miami University campus just north of East Quad.
 * Marcum Conference Center is on the Miami University campus just north of East Quad.
 * Marcum Conference Center is on the Miami University campus just north of East Quad.

Connect

Go next

 * Cincinnati - most destinations can be reached in one-half to one hour.
 * Dayton - about a 45-minute drive.

title: Oxford (Ohio)


text:
Oxford (Pennsylvania)

Oxford is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, close to the border with Maryland.

Understand
The area was first settled by Native Americans. The first English name given to the community that would later be called Oxford was Hood's Crossing, after the local Hood's Tavern. The borough was later called Oxford Crossing and Oxford Village. Oxford was located near the half-way point on the main road from Philadelphia to Baltimore. The owner of the stage between the two cities purchased Hood's Tavern and re-named it Oxford Hotel. It became the stopping point on the two-day trip between the two cities.

In 1833, Oxford was incorporated as a borough. Its first burgess (now called the mayor) was Thomas Alexander, who operated a general store in which the oldest public library in Pennsylvania was located. His store is thought to be the oldest building in Oxford.

The northern half of Oxford was owned by the Dickey family in the 19th century. The Dickeys included the local Presbyterian minister, the founder of the local bank, a state Representative, and local businessmen. Reverend John Miller Dickey and his wife Sarah Emlen Cresson founded Ashmun Institute in 1854 which later became Lincoln University. The family played a major role in re-routing the planned railroad connecting Philadelphia and Baltimore. Track was laid in the 1850s, and by the time of the Civil War, Oxford was a bustling community. The business district on Third Street was entirely re-built at this time, including the Oxford Hotel (1858) and Oxford Hall (1862). Oxford became known for its confectionery and candy businesses and was the location of many manufacturing facilities.

In the late 20th century, transportation changes resulted in Oxford being located off the main roads. A bypass was constructed for U.S. Route 1, but the major change was the construction of Interstate 95 - which shifted the bulk of the Philadelphia-Baltimore traffic away from Oxford. Nevertheless, Oxford's population has continued to grow in population with almost every census, and as of 2010, 5,077 people were counted.

By bus
SCCOOT (+1 610-993-0911) is a bus service that travels from Oxford to West Chester, Monday through Friday (except holidays). SCCOOT connects to SEPTA Route 92, SEPTA Route 104 and Krapf's "A" Bus at the West Chester Transportation Center. The fare is either one-zone ($3.50) or two-zone ($4.50) (50% discount for people with disabilities) (May 2017).

By car
Oxford is about halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore — about 55 miles from Philadelphia, 1-1.25 hours' drive in good traffic, and about 60 miles from Baltimore and 1-1.5 hours' drive in good traffic. "In good traffic" is always a doubtful expression on the Eastern Corridor, though, so allow extra time.

You may choose to speed up your drive by using the I-95 toll road for part of your trip, but you will end up on the old Federal Highway 1 in the end. Route 1 serves the city, though it does bypass Downtown.

Get around
Once you are in Downtown, everything there is walkable for a person of ordinary fitness in tolerable weather, although the Historic District is large enough (well over a mile from north to south and east to west) that you could consider moving the car once or a few times if you would like to walk through the entire district.

See
Oxford has a large Historic District, containing the buildings listed here and various others.

Buy
There are many antique shops and thrift stores in Oxford. It also has flea markets, many small shops and an art gallery.

title: Oxford (Pennsylvania)


text:
Oxford County

There's more than one place called Oxford County:

Canada

 * Oxford County (Ontario) - in the province of Ontario

United States of America

 * Oxford County (Maine) - in the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine

title: Oxford County


text:
Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a county in South East England, on the southern fringes of the West Midlands, bordered by Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. Straddling the upper reaches of the Thames River valley west of the Chilterns, Oxfordshire is home to the ancient university city of Oxford and vast areas of archetypal English landscape, studded with fascinating towns and villages, many along the River Thames.

Cities

 * – ancient cathedral and university city, county town of Oxfordshire. Also where Harry Potter was filmed.

Towns

 * – a historic town full of picturesque buildings and nice views.
 * – the home of the 'Banbury Cross'.
 * – home of Bicester Village, a vast area of outlet stores.
 * – a small ancient market town in the heart of the Cotswolds, complete with old buildings and beautiful countryside.
 * – small town south of Abingdon, known for its railway heritage and locally for its power plant.
 * – small town home to William Morris' 16th-century manor house
 * – a truly beautiful town near Abingdon.
 * and the Vale of White Horse
 * – a truly beautiful town near Abingdon.
 * and the Vale of White Horse

Villages

 * – Cotswold town known for its antique shopping and garden centre.
 * – A charming village just outside Oxford
 * – A historic town that's the location of Blenheim Palace, one of the great stately homes of England and nearby small picturesque village of Bladon, the burial place of Sir Winston Churchill.

Other destinations

 * are an area of outstanding natural beauty, partly in Oxfordshire.
 * is the highest point in the county at 856 ft / 261 m.

Understand
Oxfordshire, being in England, is obviously an English-speaking county, though while in Oxford, the name Magdalen (which is the name of a college, a church, a bridge and a street) is pronounced 'Maw-da-lin'.

By plane
at Kidlington is used mainly for private and charter aircraft and has only intermittently had scheduled airline flights; it is useful only if you fly your own plane, or are able to charter a small aircraft.

The nearest large airports for Oxfordshire are  and.

By train
Oxford is connected to regular train services from, Birmingham New Street, London Paddington and Worcester. Didcot Parkway station is connected to Oxford and is also a stop on the main line between London and Bristol. Bicester and Thame are also connected to London Marylebone, in one direction, connecting with the Oxford-Birmingham line at Banbury.

By road
The M40 motorway provides the fastest access to Oxfordshire from both London and Birmingham.

By bus
Oxford is connected by regular buses to London's Victoria Coach Station, and to Cambridge via Buckingham, Milton Keynes and Bedford. All of the local airports are connected, with the most frequent connections to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Get around
There are bus services from Oxford to each of the major towns in the county. There are also railway connections along the Cotswold line toward Worcester, this being the only railway line across the Cotswolds. There are regular stopping trains servicing the line between Oxford and London Paddington, with many calling at Didcot. Services also run along the line to Banbury, and the Chiltern Main Line to Marylebone via Thame Parkway and Bicester.

Buses can be infrequent to non-existent in rural areas, and often do not run an evening service, though there is a Stagecoach service running buses regularly as far afield as Chipping Norton/Chalbury (S3), Banbury (S4), Witney and Carterton (S1), and other towns around the edge of the county. Frequent bus services also connect Oxford with interesting towns just across the county border, including Swindon (66), Reading (X38/X39/X40), and Aylesbury (280).

Itineraries

 * Oxfordshire Way

See

 * The Oxfordshire Cotswolds – the county enjoys a large portion of the famed Cotswolds region within its boundaries, second only to Gloucestershire
 * Many of the villages of Oxfordshire were the locations for the TV series Inspector Morse and Midsomer Murders
 * The Oxford Colleges
 * Kelmscott Manor in Kelmscott – the home of writer and Arts and Crafts designer William Morris
 * Uffington White Horse – a Neolithic monument. The stylised figure of a horse was cut into the grass of Uffington Hill, exposing the chalk, between two and three thousand years ago, and the local community has maintained it ever since.

Stay safe
Oxfordshire is, on the whole, one of the safest counties in England (as regards both people and the environment), however Oxford city has higher levels of crime than the national average (for all major crime types) and visitors should be cautious when wandering around certain parts the city at night.

Go next

 * Stratford-upon-Avon - The Birthplace of Shakespeare is in the nearby county of Warwickshire.
 * Cambridge - The home of the 2nd oldest university in the English speaking world may interest those who have enjoyed visiting Oxford.

title: Oxfordshire


text:
Oxford Street

There's more than one place called Oxford Street:

Australia

 * Oxford Street - A trendy gay and lesbian focused district in Sydney.

United Kingdom

 * Oxford Street - the world famous shopping street in the Mayfair-Marylebone district of London.

title: Oxford Street


text:
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia.

Understand
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (OWRNP) is 445 km (by road) north of Sydney and 20 km east of Walcha. It is one of the largest national parks in NSW, is listed a World Heritage Area by UNESCO and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia. Most of the lookout platforms and visitor facilities are readily accessible on the gorge rim, providing spectacular views into the Apsley and Macleay Gorges.

History
The OWRNP region was the tribal area of the Dunghutti people, whose descendants are now concentrated on the lower Macleay River. Archaeological evidence of Aboriginal camp sites have been found on the upper terraces of the Macleay and Apsley Rivers.

The park is named in memory of John Oxley who was the first European through the area when he passed near the Apsley Falls in September 1818. Major Archibald Clunes Innes, Commandant of Port Macquarie Penal Settlement, sent the first government gangs to penetrate the remote and inaccessible gorges and valleys in search of Australian red cedar (Toona ciliata) in c.1827. The cedar logs were hauled from the hillsides and floated down-river to Kempsey for loading on ships bound for Sydney.

The cedar cutters were soon followed by pioneer cattle graziers who took up Crown leases to start properties such as Kunderang and Toorooka.

Landscape
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park covers 145,000 ha and contains the scenic Macleay Gorges Wilderness Area.

Flora and fauna
This national park was named a World Heritage Site in recognition of the extensive dry rainforest that occurs within the park, and the associated rich biodiversity that includes several rare or threatened plants and animals.

Climate
Typically the temperatures increase when descending from the tablelands to the rivers and valleys of the parks. The higher peaks may be quite chilly during any season and warm clothing should be carried. Frosts may ice drinking water in winter and summer storms are common.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park can easily be accessed by a regular vehicle, 20 km east of Walcha at the Apsley Falls, 1 km off the Oxley Highway via a sealed road. Gara Gorge is 18 km south-east of Armidale along the Castledoyle Road turning off Waterfall Way. Other access points are available further east of Armidale and off the Waterfall Way.

Fees and permits
A fee is payable and a key must be obtained at Apsley Motors to travel to Riverside and Youdale's Hut where a low range 4WD can be taken for a day trip or camping. Bookings can be made through the NPWS Walcha office or Apsley Motors, Walcha on +61 2 6777 2755 or +61 2 6777 4700.

The same conditions apply to visiting East Kunderang and Halls Peak camping area - contact the Armidale NPWS on +61 2 6738 9100. Other locations provide free camping sites, with the exception of Green Gully campground overlooking the Chandler and Wollomombi Rivers, which is off the Waterfall Way.

Get around
The spectacular Apsley Falls, Tia Falls and Wollomombi Falls are easily accessed using a regular vehicle. A 4WD with low range is required if trips are planned into the wilderness areas of Riverside Camping Area and Youdale’s Hut.

Horses may only be ridden along the Bicentennial National Trail which passes by Youdales Hut and Kunderang Homestead.

See
Apsley Falls – 20 km east of Walcha, 1 km off the Oxley Highway. There is a 52 m steel stairway leading to an observation deck (with disabled access) where there are great views of the deep gorge and the falls. There are two spectacular falls, with two walking tracks taking in the Gorge Rim Walk and the Oxley Walk.

Tia Falls – 38 km east of Walcha, 6 km off the Oxley Highway. The turnoff for this road is 19 km past the Apsley Falls turnoff (travelling from Walcha). There are spectacular falls, with two walking tracks taking in the Falls and Gorge Walk (1.5 km return) and the Tiara Walk (5 km return), picnic facilities.

Budds Mare campground is 44 km east of Walcha via the Moona Plains Road. The route includes 8 km of unpaved roads, it is unsuitable for standard 2WD cars are it was washed out in 2011. The trail beyond Kanagra Vale gate provides public access to Budds Mare and Riverside camping areas. Budds Mare is set in bushland and a short walk takes you to the lookout which has spectacular views over Gondwana dry rainforest in the Apsley River Gorge. Heading to the right from the shelter shed is a track to a vantage point that overlooks Rusden Creek Gorge. There is a good eight kilometre walk from here down the ridge to the Riverside Visitor Area on the Apsley River, but it is only for well prepared bushwalkers with a sound knowledge of steep country. Return up the same track or follow the road from Riverside up to the top. The return routes are a demanding climb, suitable for fit, experienced bushwalkers only, carrying ample provisions. Or, a 4WD vehicle pick-up may be arranged at Riverside.

Wollomombi Falls has a spectacular gorge with two waterfalls which are best seen after a good fall of rain. They are 40 km east of Armidale along the Waterfall Way. See rugged scenery, picnic, stroll along one of the gorge rim trails, or hike to the gorge riverbed. Facilities include drinking water, toilets, shelter shed and fireplace and bush camp sites are available for overnight stays.

Dangars Gorge and Falls are 22 km south-east of Armidale along the Dangersleigh Road and are home to the Dangars Falls (which need rain to flow over the gorge). It is the starting point for several walks. There are good places for picnics, camping and bushwalking.

Riverside Rest Area is on the banks of the Apsley River, 50 km east of Walcha and is reached by the Moona Plains Road. The trail beyond Kanagra Vale gate provides public access to Budds Mare and Riverside camping areas. The trail from Budds Mare Rest Area is a steep gravel track and a 4WD with low range is necessary. Trailers are not permitted. Fees apply, a locked gate key and permit are essential to use this trail with a vehicle. Bluff Rock (or The Terrace) walk - 1.5 km, 1 hour, medium difficulty, is reached by heading north-west from the visitor area, across a gully and up the hill to the management trail which leads to the top of the bluff rock, overlooking the river and across to Paradise Rocks. Activities: swimming, hiking, fishing and photography.

Youdales Hut is a historic pioneering timber slab walled hut that was built in the 1930s on a small pastoral run established in the Kunderang Gorges. This camping ground is approximately 96 km from Walcha and can be accessed via Kangaroo Flat Road, which leaves the Oxley Highway 55 kilometres from Walcha. The trail is narrow and steep and a 4WD with low range is necessary. Trailers are not permitted. Visitor numbers are limited so bookings are essential. A permit and key is necessary to gain entry to this area and they may be obtained from Apsley Motors or the NPWS office, Walcha. The area caters for both picnickers and campers, with wood barbecues (wood provided), toilet and interpretation display at the hut. It's ideal for picnics, swimming and short walks.

Do
Ride or walk the Bicentennial National Trail which passes through the park.

Buy
No shops or stalls are located in the OWRNP.

Eat
Take your own food.

Drink
One may take their own drink, but it is usually safe to drink running water from streams, in moderate amounts, especially if boiled or treated.

Lodging

 * East Kunderang: a historic colonial homestead set on the banks of the Macleay River 112 km east of Armidale via Wollomombi. A 4WD vehicle is needed, a fee is payable, and a key is available from the Armidale NPWS. The homestead may be booked for up to ten people, for a minimum of two nights.

Camping
Contact the Armidale or Walcha NPWS regarding access and camping fees etc. See also Armidale and Walcha below for more details.

 * Apsley Falls - You can park a caravan, trailer, or a tent in this campground. There are 15 campsites there.
 * Budds Mare campground is 44 km east of Walcha via the Moona Plains Road. See Walcha below for more information. Facilities here include: Campsites, toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues, a supply of firewood.

 * Halls Peak camping area is off Raspberry Road, east of Armidale. The very steep 4WD trail, suitable only for vehicles with a low range and high clearance, continues on down to a good camping area on the Chandler River. The new facility consists of thirteen camping sites with pit fires, tables, barbecues and toilets. There are several mines in this area and the Halls Peak Mine may be seen from near the camping area. Access is by key only and fees are payable. Bookings can be made through the Armidale NPWS on +61 2 6738 9100.
 * Riverside is a rare area where one can take a low range 4WD into a wilderness area for a day trip or camping, after paying a fee and obtaining a key at Apsley Motors. Facilities: 13 camp sites, toilets, picnic tables, electric or gas barbecues, wood barbecues, firewood supplied.
 * Tia Falls - You can park a caravan, trailer, or a tent in this campground.
 * Wollomombi Falls camping area 40 km east of Armidale has drinking water, pit toilets, shelter shed, fireplace and bush camping available for overnight stays.
 * Youdale’s Hut Rest Area about 96 km from Walcha, is another 4WD destination with facilities which includes six campsites. See below.
 * Long Point campground - Access is via the historic gold mining town of Hillgrove, from Waterfall Way.

Backcountry
Being a large area, there is ample to keep the adventurous occupied. Backpack camping is permitted throughout the park.

Stay safe

 * Exposure: Be prepared for extremes of temperature in 'The Falls' (gorge) country and nearby areas.
 * Goannas will eat your food unless you have it well covered or hung up in a tree.
 * Snakes may be seen, but are unlikely to attack unless provoked.
 * Stinging trees (Dendrocnide) are quite common in many areas of the OWRNP and direct contact with these leaves causes a great deal of pain and can lead to hospitalization. This small tree has large heart shaped, lime-green leaves, often with small holes in them and covered with many fine stinging hairs.
 * Ticks and leeches may be encountered.

It is advisable to carry a first aid kit as many of the OWRNP locations are very isolated.

Many of the estimates for hiking times given in brochures underestimate the times that various trips will take. Food and other allowances should take this factor into consideration when planning trips.

There are many areas in the park and surrounding areas where mobile (cell) phones (including Next G country models) do not have coverage.

Emergency numbers: Throughout Australia, the number for emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) is 000 (triple zero). When using a mobile or cell phone, the numbers 000 and 112, are free of charge, and connect using any of the available networks.

Emergency numbers such as 911 and 999 do not work within Australia.

Go next
There are ten separate visitor areas. Gara Gorge is for day use only. Wollomombi Gorge, Long Point, Dangars Gorge, Budds Mare, Apsley Falls and Tia Falls are suitable for 2WD car-based camping.

Walcha

 * Visit the spectacular Apsley Falls, 20 km east of Walcha on a sealed road. The site has disabled persons access, about 7 viewing platforms, a gorge rim walk, picnic and camping areas. Tia Falls are about 44 km east along the Oxley Highway.
 * Budds Mare campground is 44 km east of Walcha via the Moona Plains Road. The viewing platform provides excellent views over the Apsley River Gorge. There is strenuous 8-km walking track to the river, but a 4WD vehicle pickup may be made at Riverside after the fee and access key are obtained.
 * Riverside is a rare area where one can take a low range 4WD into a wilderness area for a day trip or camping, after paying a fee and obtaining a key at Apsley Motors.
 * Youdale’s Hut Rest Area about 96 km from Walcha, is another 4WD destination. It is possible to access here for day visits or camping after paying a fee and obtaining a key at Apsley Motors. The facilities include 6 campsites.

Armidale

 * Take a spectacular Fleet Helicopters helicopter flight over the wild rivers of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park with its rugged surrounds.
 * Take a drive east along Waterfall Way and see the Chandler Falls and Wollomombi Falls, the highest waterfalls in NSW.
 * Visit Long Point campground - Access is via the historic gold mining town of Hillgrove, from Waterfall Way.
 * Camp at Dangars Gorge and Falls, 22 km south-east of Armidale along the Dangersleigh Road has 20 km of walking tracks.
 * Gara Gorge, 18 km along the Castldoyle Road, is a popular picnic and barbecue area that has scenic bush walks and swimming holes. It is the site of Australia's first public hydro-electric scheme.

title: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park


text:
Oxnard

Oxnard is a major transportation hub in Ventura County. With a population of over 200,000 in 2020, Oxnard is Ventura's largest city.

By car
The main road at Oxnard is U.S. 101. Highway 1, which is only two lanes in width, is slower but more scenic; traffic can make the route extremely slow along the Southern California-Central coastline.

By train

 * Train operators:
 * Routes stopping in Oxnard:
 * Coast Starlight operates daily between Seattle and Los Angeles. Stops include Tacoma, Lacey, Centralia, Kelso, Vancouver, WA, Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Dunsmuir, Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Davis, Martinez, San Francisco (Emeryville), Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, and Burbank.
 * Pacific Surfliner operates daily between San Luis Obispo and San Diego via Los Angeles.
 * Metrolink provides commuter rail from Los Angeles via the San Fernando Valley.

By bus
Gold Coast Transit serves Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura. Bus service is limited. Their phone number is: +1 805-487-4222.

Do

 * Channel Islands National Park - While the park is close to mainland California, it is worlds apart from its neighbor. The park encompasses five remarkable islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and their ocean environment; consequently, many natural and cultural resources are preserved and protected here. Over thousands of years, isolation has created unique plants, animals, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. Take a ferry or boat ride from Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor in order to reach Channel Islands National Park.
 * Whale Watching Tour - Usually from late December to the end of April. Take a whale watching tour from Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor and have a chance to see the annual Grey Whale migration.  You may be even able to spot all 28 species of whales and dolphins that have been identified along the Ventura County coast line.

Go next

 * Ventura - Located on the coast 8 miles north of Oxnard, Ventura is home to many interesting shops, the historic Mission San Buenaventura, and is another gateway to the Channel Islands National Park.

title: Oxnard


text:
Oyabe

Oyabe (小矢部) is a city in Toyama, Japan.

Understand
Oyabe is host to an interesting collection of Western-influenced buildings, which stand prominent against the surrounding traditional Japanese landscape. Oyabe is proud of its 35 "Marchen" (fairy-tale) buildings, each with its own unique architecture. Most of the buildings were designed in the style of famous locations in Europe and Japan, and some feature an interesting blend of styles. Many of these buildings are schools and community centers, and are still bustling with activity.

Oyabe is also famous for the Tsuzawa Yotaka festival, which is 400 years old and has been passed down from generation to generation in 84 different locations in Oyabe. This night event is held on the 10th and 11th of June.

Tourist Information Site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Get in
The nearest city of any size is Kanazawa, from where you can take the IR Ishikawa Railway to (石動駅), which is on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway (25 minutes, ¥500). From Toyama it's slightly farther; take the Ainokaze Toyama Railway (35 minutes, ¥660).

Go next

 * Tonami
 * Takaoka
 * Nanto
 * Imizu
 * Himi
 * Tsubata
 * Kahoku
 * Uchinada
 * Kanazawa

title: Oyabe