Travel
Day Trip Diaries | Oxford
Article By Sahara .
Jul 20, 2018
Following a flood back in February, our beloved Oxford boutique is undergoing a makeover. But we’ve been busy creating our Oxford pop-up store, which opens at 56 High Street on 24th July, so you can still shop all of your favourite Sahara styles. To celebrate, our Day Trip Diaries series is taking a look at the historic university city to soak up its stunning history and culture. Your day trip plans start here…
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The most natural starting point for any tour of Oxford has to be its word-renowned university, which comprises more than 30 colleges, each with its own unique history and architectural gems. Consider joining a walking tour, such as those hosted by the Oxford Guild of Guides, to explore university sites and the city’s must-see landmarks, including the Bridge of Sighs, Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library.
Our Sahara boutique is located on the High Street, just minutes from Magdalen College.
“We’re thrilled that the pop-up store has arrived. We enjoy advising our customers on the styles that suit them best and make them feel great. We’re so excited to get back to helping the wonderful women of Sahara find the perfect outfit for any occasion.” says Store Manager, Emma.
Once you’ve finished browsing, head to the Vaults & Garden café, housed within the crypt at the nearby University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Winner of 2016’s Most Sustainable Restaurant in Oxfordshire, the café is nestled within a spectacular setting that overlooks the Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College. For a bird’s eye view of the surrounding colleges, climb the church’s 124-step tower and enjoy the most spectacular viewpoints of the city.
There is no shortage of green space in Oxford, and the scenic Botanic Gardens – the first botanical garden in the UK – is just a stone’s throw from our boutique. If the weather permits, head north from the gardens for a stroll in the University Parks, where you’ll find lovely riverside walks.
Rainy days are also easily catered for (it is the UK after all!) thanks to Oxford’s abundance of museums. The most notable, of course, is The Ashmolean – the University of Oxford’s Museum of Art and Archaeology – which houses a world-renowned and truly diverse collection that ranges from contemporary art to Egyptian mummies. While there, take the opportunity for a pitstop at its rooftop restaurant where you’ll enjoy spectacular views.
You’ll find the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum both within the same building. Visit the former for its internationally significant collection of geological and zoological specimens, including the remains of the now extinct dodo. It’s worth peeking into the latter to see its fascinating rows of glass cabinets, housing over half a million archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from across the globe.
Our favourite spot to end a day packed full of historical sightseeing? You can’t go wrong with The Grand Café on The High Street, stood on the site that housed the very first coffee house in England. Serving fresh food using locally sourced ingredients, don’t miss their indulgent Grand High Tea and end the day with a well-earned glass of fizz.
Photograph 1: Punting in Oxford Photo by Toa Hefiba on Unsplash | Photograph 2: The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford Photo by Michael D Beckwith on Unsplash | Photograph 3: An aerial view of Oxford Photo by Sidharth Bhatia on Unsplash | Photograph 4: The Ashmolean Press Office