The city is situated in the geographic heart of Britain on the rivers Thames and Cherwell that meet south of the towns centre. These rivers provide much entertainment for both residents and visitors alike and a very popular activity is to hire a boat and punt down one of the rivers with a bottle of wine and good company.

However, it is recommended that one sober crewman is taken onboard though! For those wishing for total relaxation, it is possible to hire an oarsman although it is very easy and fun for visitors to punt themselves. Touring the city in an open top bus, with a knowledgeable guide is another activity that should make it into the itinerary of every visitor to the area.

The ancient city, seen out of many windows over graceful mossy bridges, through meandering swarms of gnats, in a light that is sometimes shadowy and at times splendidly sunlit, stirs images of warm evenings in flat-bottomed boats and beers on the lawns of riverside pubs. Set in this picturesque scene is one of the most famous universities in the world where top academics come together from all over the world to study and share knowledge. The University is the oldest in the English speaking world, having been in existence since the 12th century and has a long list of very impressive alumina.

For the history lover, the Ashmolean museum, the oldest museum in Britain founded in 1963, is not to be missed. This vast, impressive museum displays ancient art from Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome, Western art as well as a sizable collection of Eastern Art. The University Museum of Natural Science houses specimens that have been collected over the last three centuries and is a must for any lover of nature and creatures large and small.

The famous Dodo may be seen here, as well as the largest display of dinosaur remains outside of London. If the guest is still not sated with museums, there is the Pitt Rivers Museum and The Museum of Oxford waiting to be explored. Other sites not to be missed are the Bodleian Library, the Carfax tower, the botanic gardens, the Sheldonian theatre and St. Mary The Virgin Church.

One of the charms and distinguishing features is the blend of many architectural styles that reflect its history, from the arrival of the Saxons to the modern day. Mathew Arnolds' metaphor of a city of 'the dreaming spires' is in reference to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. The University college, Christ Church is noted for its association to Lewis Carroll the author of Alice in Wonderland and it was a location in the first Harry Potter movie.

There is a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from 5 star luxury hotels to clean affordable hostels; it is a city that can be experienced on any budget. In general the architecture of the old buildings that house the many hotels has been preserved and the buildings have an old homely feel about them. In most cases, modern technology has not spelt the end for the appeal of the 'old way'. Although central heating and cooling provide the climatic control in the hotels, the original extravagant fireplaces have been left intact; it is not uncommon for a roaring fire to be blazing in the lobby.

The modern amenities that are essential to the modern traveller are available in a typical Oxford hotel. Amenities include satellite television, internet access, minibar, and direct dial phones. Activities available vary, including; saunas, fitness centres, solariums, Turkish and steam baths, squash courts and indoor swimming pools. A wide variety of services are available in house at the many hotels, these include room service, meeting and banquet facilities, a business centre, babysitting and child services, dry cleaning, barber and beauty shops, currency exchange, and fax and photocopying facilities. Wireless internet access is also available in many of the hotels.

Any accommodation establishment in the city is perfectly positioned for socialising as Oxford offers a huge and diverse range of top class entertainment. The high street is jam packed with restaurants, night clubs and pubs with much variation in style and price. Virtually every type of cuisine is represented in the city centre with simple fare at prices catering for the low budget student to exquisite cuisine for the most discerning tourist.

Oxford is also an ideal place for movie buffs and theatre goers alike. With four city centre cinemas that feature both mainstream and art films, there is something for everyone in the city. The city hosts a number of London productions on tour as well as playing host to a number of student productions. Theatres include; The Burton Taylor Theatre, The Old Fire Station Theatre, The Playhouse and the New Theatre. It is highly recommended that every visitor takes the time to enjoy the feast of art and culture offered, and to see at least one live show and listen to one of the world class college chapel choirs, another hallmark of the University.

Everything is in close proximity and guests will be able to make the most of the long summer evenings to stroll or ride bikes along the banks of the river or through the city centre. Detours through the University Botanical Gardens and University parks are a must. Although in appearance, it has an old and fairly primitive feel, there are metropolitan amenities of a standard that could rival any city in the world.

Oxford has a very good public transport system as well as being highly pedestrian and cyclist friendly. Many of the accommodation options will be located near one of the two main shopping complexes in the city; these are the Clarendon Centre and Westgate Centre. If it is books you're after then head over to Blackwell's Bookshop, it is home to the largest single room devoted to book sales, housing the Norrington Room of 10 000 sq ft! A meander down the High Street to the Covered Market is a highlight for visitors. This is the oldest covered market in the country and includes many unusual small shops such as chocolate shops and hat shops which will delight those with a passion for shopping.

Any Oxford hotel is truly worth the visit, the diversity of activities that can be found in the city ensures that every guest will have a memorable experience. Whether it is architecture, history, academics, science, art, theatre, sightseeing, restaurants, night clubs, pubs, shopping, fishing or even punting that the tourist is after, the city of dreaming spires has it all.