Oxford. Spring has sprung.

The next day I’m off on a bus to Oxford. There’s a train strike which isn’t unusual here I’m told. I arrive at the station and get into a taxi that has seen better days, all the windows are open as the aircon obviously doesn’t work and the driver has to open my door for me as it’s half fallen off but I arrive at my hotel in one piece and leave my bags at the hotel and walk into town.

I haven’t been here in over thirty years and my memories are so different. I find a wonderful old pub, Nicholson’s dating back to 1355 when it was an Inn and I go traditional and have a chicken a mushroom pie with mashed potatoes, gravy and great vegetables.

I walk and find cute shops, the church, the Covered Market which was opened in 1774 and then I’m off to the Ashmolean Museum which is extensive, covering my favourite painters, the PRB's and fascinating including the Roman artefacts and their history from when they ruled England.

The walk back home was long although they did say it was close to the centre but it goes quickly as I keep stopping to look at the amazing array of spring flowers. Dinner is an excellent lasagna at the hotel because I’m too tired to make my way back into the centre.

Next day, I walk again stopping for the most amazing blueberry and almond brioche and then walk through the park to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History which is mind blowing. If you’re ever in Oxford, this is a must. The building itself is spectacular, built in 1860, the columns of which are made of different British stone. The stonework and iron pillars incorporate flowers leaves and branches. The whole building was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite ideal of nature. I lunch there on a fantastic goats cheese and vegetable tart with amazing healthy salads. Great experience.