Worlds ancient and modern at the Ashmolean Museum
Founded in 1683, Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is the world's oldest public museum and boasts an amazingly varied collection of artefacts and paintings - all completely free. The Ashmolean's archaeological origins are clearly apparent with a fabulous collection of antiquities from around the world including Egypt, China, Rome, Cyprus and the Middle East. In the Ancient Rome and Dark Age Europe gallery you'll find the beautiful and mysterious Alfred Jewel. Take a break at one of the Ashmolean's two eateries: the rooftop restaurant or the cafe downstairs.
The dreaming spires of Oxford
Oxford has lots to see and do. The Pitt Rivers Museum on Parks Road is free to enter and a haven of curiosities with a great selection of skeletons and artefacts. Around the corner on Broad Street, book-lovers will be in heaven at Blackwells bookshop with its huge Norrington Room, and a peep inside The Bodleian library opposite is also a must. For more literary connections have a pint at The Eagle and Child on St Giles where Tolkein and CS Lewis discussed hobbits and Narnia. Go college-spotting around the city, nosey round the shops in the Covered Market, before heading to Magdalen Bridge Boathouse to hire a punt.
Visit Churchill's birthplace at Blenheim
Spectacular Blenheim Palace is around 20 minutes away and worth a visit. Admire the soaring interiors and gracious grounds at this World Heritage Site. Looking for a cheap hotel Near the Ashmolean Museum? Travelodge Oxford Peartree Hotel is great for the Park & Ride or try Travelodge Oxford Abingdon Road Hotel if travelling from the south.