Naturally Oxfordshire is dominated by its world famous university town, an ancient city of grand old buildings, towers wrapped in ivy and gowned academics whizzing by on their bikes. But Oxfordshire at large is a quite beautiful county, made up of gentle green hills and old thatched roofs, country gardens and winding lanes. So rural is the landscape that more than 70% has been declared an area of outstanding natural beauty.
And flowing straight through the heart of Oxfordshire are the Rivers Thames (Isis if you’re a local) and Cherwell, and there are some beautiful walks along the rivers and the resulting water meadows, river valleys and fertile lush landscape.
Perhaps all that fertile beauty is why Oxford has a history that goes way back to the Saxons and beyond and its university is the second oldest in Europe. Indeed history is everywhere, not just in the dreaming spires of the university, but also in the magnificent Blemnheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, or in Broughton Castle or any of the hundreds of old churches, towers, estates and stately homes scattered around.
Highlights include the Oxfordshire County Museum, Stoner, (containing a priest hole from the civil war), Greys Court, Sulgrave Manor, Kingston Bagpuize House and Mapledurham House. Lastly, of course there is Oxford itself with Britain’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean Museum, the Bodeleian Library and hundreds of examples of beautiful old architecture, from Christchurch Cathedral to the world famous Oxford Botanic Garden, and from Carfax Tower to St. Mary the Virgin Church. Spend a few hours just strolling around this beautiful city and soak in the centuries of learning and it quickly becomes clear why this little place is so famous. A true slice of England and English history.
O2 Academy Oxford, OxfordSkrillex is an electronic dance music producer also known as Sonny Moore and has been previously known on the internet as Twipx. Skrillex is from LA in California and is the former frontman from an American band called The First To last. He began performing in clubs in LA in 2007. Skrillex embarked on his first solo tour, Team Sleep Tour with Team Sleep, Strata and the Monster in the Machine. He then toured North America on the Alternative Press Tour supporting bands including All Time Low and The Rocket Summer. Moore has also appeared on the cover of Alternative Press in the 100 Bands You Nee…
O2 Academy Oxford, OxfordBreaking news: the Dog is Dead. He died of overindulgence in Indie pop. But that is where the bad news ends. The good news is that the five-member band named Dog is Dead is out on a mission to prove to the United Kingdom that the genre of Indie pop is the best thing that ever happened after the invention of music. From February 18 through March 17, the band -- whose core ambition is to play pop music that appeals both to those who love jazz and choir fanatics -- will be performing in the UK and Ireland. Bearing in mind that a three of the band members met at the West Bridgford School, watching…
Rebecca Ferguson, a singer songwriter from Liverpool first caught public's eye in 2010 when she was fighting her way to the stars in the popular star search show The X Factor, where she finished as a runner-up. Her astonishing vocal abilities and unique character quickly gained the sympathy of the public. Overtly shy, but incredibly talented, Rebecca Ferguson prophesied her success with the first audition song she performed: "The Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. Not winning the title didn't stop her from pursuing her dream to perform. Her debut single "Nothing's Real but Love", which she co…
O2 Academy Oxford, Oxford2011 and has been a triumphant year for twenty-three year old Ben Howard. With catchy single "The Wolves" he caught the attention of potential fans away from his growing fan base in Devon and Cornwall - Howard being both a Totnes resident and former Falmouth University student - due to extensive plays on both national radio and TV. Through this song he proved that comparisons to the lengendary John Martyn was just, but also that he should not be dismissed as just another new folk act on the scene. Debut album "Every Kingdom, released just last November, is sure to place him firmly in the publi…
Sarah Millican is a successful English stand-up comedienne from South Shields. Her profile on the comedy scene first increased after winning the 'if.comedy award' in 2008 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She is now a regular and popular addition to many a TV show such as 'Have I Got News For You', '8 Out of Ten Cats', 'Mock the Week' etc and has recently been a celebrity guest panellist on 'Loose Women'. She releases her 'Live' DVD in 2011 and has completed three live tours, the latest of which was her 'Chatterbox' tour in 2010.…
O2 Academy Oxford, OxfordBand of Skulls is an alternative garage rock band from England. They originally performed as Fleeing New York before becoming Band of Skulls in 2008. The band formed when Russel Marsden, Emma Richardson and Matt Hayward met in college and connected over their shared love of music. Though they’ve only released one full album (and an EP in 2010), they have had a great deal of commercial success. Their music has been featured in advertising, TV series, and video games. They are planning to release their latest album, “Sweet Sour” in February, 2012. Like their first album, “Sweet Sour” is fi…
English Folk musician Seth Lakeman was born and raised in Devon and along with his brothers Sam and Sean has played a variety of instruments and recorded folk music in their own band first of all. Seth's solo career was launched in 2002 when he released his debut album 'The Punch Bowl' to much critical acclaim. Subsequent album releases were; 'Kitty Jay' in 2004, 'Freedom Fields' in 2006, 'Poor man's Heaven' in 2008 and 'Hearts and Mind's' in 2010. Seth's instrumental range includes vocals, banjo, fiddle, viola and guitar.…
New Theatre Oxford, OxfordMatt Cardle is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame after winning the seventh series of X Factor 2010, winning a £1 million recording contract with Simon Cowell's Company Syco. Matt’s debut single ‘When We Collide’ was released immediately after he won the X Factor, it sold more than 439,000 in the first week making it 2010’s UK Christmas No.1. Matt Cardle released his debut single ‘Run For Your Life’ on 9 October 2011 ahead of his debut album ‘Letters’ which was released on 17 October 2011. He collaborated with various writers on this album which included Eg White. ‘Letters’ charted a…
O2 Academy Oxford, OxfordRizzle Kicks are a hip-hop duo from Southend in London. The duo consists of Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule . They released their debut album ‘Stereo Typical’ on 31 October 2011. Rizzle Kicks have been making music together since they attended school in Sussex. They realised that their style fitted together when Alexander-Sule sang over one of Stephens’ tracks. A promotional single ‘Miss Cigarette’ was released in December 2010; they then released their debut single ‘Prophet (Better Watch It) in May 2011, which was offered as a free download on their website. The…
New Theatre Oxford, OxfordFollowing a string of sold-out intimate gigs to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Above The Noise, McFly return to play first arena tour in two years. Having recently conquered colossal venues around the world, McFly are excited to return and showcase their infectious and soulful electro-pop sound across UK venues. …
JAMES VINCENT MC MORROWSunday, 12 February 2012JAMES VINCENT MC MORROW at O2 Academy Oxford live on Sunday, 12 February 2012 in Oxford, Oxfordshire. A popular live music event taking place on the Sunday, 12 February 2012 that will see tickets sell out quickly. Buy tickets for JAMES VINCENT MC M
Other concerts, music and gigs in Oxfordshire are:
The Devil Wears Prada13 Feb, OxfordRebecca Ferguson24 Feb, OxfordLittle Dragon26 Feb, OxfordThe Drums28 Feb, OxfordMatt Cardle4 Mar, OxfordRizzle Kicks8 Mar, OxfordMcFly11 Mar, OxfordJaguar Skills30 Mar, OxfordLord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley30 Mar, OxfordLord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley31 Mar, Oxford
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Sport in Oxfordshire
Pegasus TheatreOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Pegasus Theatre, located in Oxford. See what shows and performances are on this week at Pegasus Theatre.
River and Rowing MuseumThe River & Rowing Museum was designed by David Chipperfield Architects to a brief which set out to establish an astonishing Museum. The building is raised on columns above water meadows beside the Thames and is built of exposed concrete and glass with a terne coated steel roof, clad in green oak. …Location: Henley on Thames
Some other fun family days out in Oxfordshire are:
Museum of OxfordMuseum of the History of ScienceAshmolean Museum of Art and ArchaeologyPitt Rivers MuseumThe RegalCotswold Wildlife ParkOxfordshire MuseumHarcourt ArboretumOxford Ice Rink
Deddington CastleBuffy Heywood The site of Deddington Castle lies to the east of the town and comprises some 8 acres. At the present time it is a grassed-in enclosure surrounded by banks and trees on three sides, and is used as a recreational area for walking dogs and so on. There have been two recent arc…Location: Henley on Thames
Some other notable historic attractions in Oxfordshire are:
North Leigh Roman VillaRiver and Rowing MuseumBlenheim PalaceHarcourt ArboretumPitt Rivers MuseumMuseum of the History of ScienceRycote ChapelGreat Coxwell BarnAshmolean Museum of Art and ArchaeologyOxford CastleMuseum of OxfordUffington CastleOxfordshire Museum
By Chris HaycockVeteran rock star and former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney has unveiled his plaque on the iconic…
By Chris HaycockFresh snow has settled on many parts of Britain over the last 48 hours, as residents brace for long cold spell.
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By Amanda ArnoldAlan Carr has hit back at hurtful comments made by Karl Lagerfeld about his pal Adele.
By Chris HaycockLeading ticket company viagogo has been named the official ticketing company for Madonna's forthcomi…
By Lucy MiddletonA medieval building once dubbed 'the cathedral of Middlesex' has been bought by English Heritage to …
By Lucy MiddletonA recent survey reveals only 57% of gay actors feel they are able to be open about their sexuality t…
By Lucy MiddletonHollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has cast Scarlett Johannson to star alongside him in his directorial debut.
By Lucy MiddletonThree paintings from the late actress Elizabeth Taylor's personal art collection have been sold by C…
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Stay Somewhere DifferentThere is a wide variety of interesting, unusual or historic short-term rental properties dotted around in cities, towns, villages, seasides and National Parks, many offering an incredible insight into life in the past. We take a look at some of the best.
An interview with Nick HelmNick Helm the author of the best joke at this years Edinburgh Fringe brings his bombastic act to The Therapy Room this month. We sent Sifaeli Tesha to quiz him on his being loud, meeting his heroes and to find out something nobody else knew. Well two out of three isn’t bad…
Top 10 London Plays -Spring 2011If you live in London or you're visiting the capital this spring, a night out at the theatre is always a great way to spend an evening. Check out the following 10 (song-free) plays to see in London this spring.
Trick or treat - Halloween coming soonThe run-up to halloween means just one thing - the supermarket isles are stocked up with scary costumes, horrible toys and things that go bump in the night. If you want to venture out this Halloween, we've got a list of events taking place near you.
