Oxford

complex, parts of it were used as a set in the Harry Potter films. The Divinity School in the library was used as the hospital while the section of the library called Duke Humfrey s Library was Hogwarts library. Serving as a beautiful backdrop, the TV series Inspector Morse and also Downton Abbey regularly use the gorgeous buildings and gardens of Oxford as their sets.

Visit the impressive Christ Church College, with its magnificent buildings and grand quadrangle. Founded in 1524, it is the largest of Oxford s Colleges and its Great Hall was the inspiration for the dining hall in the Harry Potter films. Oxford has its own version of the beautiful Bridge of Sighs, linking the 14 ^th century New College with Hertford College. Punting can be done on Oxford s stretch of the River Thames called the Isis. Merton College is the oldest of Oxford s three original colleges, founded in 1264. Rumour has it that Tolkien spent hours writing Lord of the Rings in the college s library having been inspired by the tree in the gardens. Other particularly beautiful colleges worthy of a visit include All Souls College, Brasenose College and Magdalen College, scenically located on 40 hectares of woodlands, lawns and a deer park. The gargoyles and other creatures that are perched on the buttresses are said to have inspired CS Lewis s Chronicles of Narnia.

Wander around the University Museum where you ll find more than five million exhibits, all housed in a spectacular Victorian Gothic building. Climb one of Oxford s Towers for breathtaking views of the city below and its attractive skyline. Stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the oldest in Britain, picturesquely located on the banks of the Cherwell River. They were started in 1621 as a Physics Garden for the study of medicinal plants. Just outside of Oxford you can visit Blenheim Palace, one of the stateliest of all stately homes in Britain. It is where Winston Churchill was born and has the largest collection of Churchill memorabilia including some of his childhood curls and his tin soldier collection.