Oxford Charm

"At Oxford we drank to ludicrous and revolting excess and threw up over some of the most beautiful buildings in Britain" Stephen Norris

"I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all like an opera" W B Yeats

Oxford is a place where these two statements can co-exist, and not detract from the Oxford charm that captures every individual in it's own unique way. 

I love it here.

The history. The stories. The buildings. The pubs. The student life. The streets who have seen more than we ever will. 

You can understand why so many tourists and locals have it on their to-do list, and naturally, you should too!!

Sidenote: Footprints Free Walking tours were a brilliant way to see the city, hear the stories and see a lot of Harry Potter buildings (excite!!), especially when you have a time crunch.

Here is a taster: 

So, as always, I have endeavoured to find somewhere that isn't TOO known, and off the main tourist route. 

There are a fair few reviews on this place, however it's location makes it a difficult find and therefore a thriving hub for local drinkers and not so many internationals. In fact, it was our tour guide that got our number and took us out for a drink that evening. 

Thus I present to you.... 

The Turf Tavern

 Just behind the Bridge of Sighs (see photo) lies this sign. 

Previously called Hells Passage, this dark, little (and somewhat dodgy) alleyway winds you behind the historic city wall, and into the ale house tucked away there. With fire braziers to compliment the copious amount of outdoor seating, this place is perfect to order a famous ale (from an impressive selection) and read about some of the more 'off-the-wall' histories this pub has to offer. 

It was in fact where former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke downed a yardie of beer in 11 seconds (v. v. impressive feat). and also where.... 

Therefore, you have no choice but to check out this famous but well-hidden pub when you visit this vibrant city that has managed to willingly merge the modern and the historic. Pull up a chair around the fire and you never know who you might be sitting next to... especially as a large bunch of Oxford University Students turned up as we were leaving, and from what Tom the tour guide told us that day, you have to be some kind of wonderful to be studying there. 

Heading to Amsterdam tomorrow, wonder what stories I'll find there 

A xx