Oxford walks – Holywell and Botanic Gardens

It’s not often I get the chance (and excuse) to go out with my camera and just roam without having an agenda.  But when my car is in for service, it’s a perfect excuse as N never wants to come with me. Unfortunately I hadn’t realised that my day in Oxford coincided with the global instawalk, otherwise I’d have tagged along with the Oxford instawalk gang.

Being lazy I decided against taking my mirrorless camera.  A slight mistake as it was such a bright sunny morning I did struggle without my viewfinder and just using my phone. But it was lovely to just amble around the city in whichever direction I fancied, early enough that most of the tourists weren’t out in force.

My personal Oxford photography walk took me down George Street, left into New Inn Hall Street to capture the bike shop front in St Michael’s Street.  Then straight over to Ship Street, left onto Turl Street and onto Broad Street where there are plenty of pretty and imposing buildings.  What I love about photography is that it really makes you notice so much more around you.  I lived in Oxford for 3.5 years and have known the city since I was about 8 years old, but I still see something new every time I visit.

A walk past the Sheldonian Theatre and peeking into the Bodleian Library courtyards, then along a very quiet Holywell Street. I don’t think I’ve ever walked all the way down, but there’s some really pretty houses and no cars.  It’s also bliss because the millions of buses in Oxford can’t go down there either.

I couldn’t work out how to get into Magdalen Grove to see the Deer Park, so headed back to the High Street via Longwall Street.

At the High Street turning left headed towards Magdalen Bridge to watch them emptying the water from the punts ready for customers.  It’s always a lovely sight to see in the sun.

With the end of the summer coming to a close, I decided the Botanic Gardens were due a visit. Because I can’t resist photographing flowers.

There weren’t too many people around so it was lovely to spend some time walking around and exploring.  For anyone into gardening or medicinal plants, there’s plenty of information to learn as well as enjoying the landscapes and calm within the city.

I didn’t stay long because I wanted to have a quick look in a couple of shops before picking up my car, but there were people sitting on benches who looked like they were settled in for the long haul with books and newspaper.  So I ended up back up the High Street and into the centre again.

If you’re in Oxford for a visit there are great sights to see.  I’d not realised that the day I was there was on Open Doors weekend where lots of historic sites open for free to the public.  I didn’t have time to see any this time, but last year went on a tour round the Town Hall which I’d definitely recommend.

Do you have any favourite Oxford walks? Do you just get out and about to take in the sights?

Why not take a look at these related posts:

• Days out in Oxfordshire
• Best ice cream shops in Oxfordshire
• Bodleian Library tour
• Ashmolean museum kids trail