A month later, I’m finally getting around to posting about the last part of our Cotswolds trip. So you’ve had the journey there via Tesco and the Rollright Stones, I’ve moaned about our fruitless visit to Bicester Village outlet centre and then applauded a rainy Blenheim Palace which ticked many boxes despite the weather and the price (and the cafe floor).
Our final day was beautifully sunny and we had decided upon a trip to Oxford; see the dreaming spires and maybe inspire our teenage son that such delights could be his if would just pull his finger out. Of course I’m a Cambridge girl myself and so the Dark Blues are probably the spawn of the devil but I was told not to be so up myself and just soak up the atmosphere of what, I have to admit, was a rather attractive city.
As is often the case when we visit towns where parking is likely to be tight or made up of multi-storeys which bring me out in hives, we plumped for the Park and Ride. When Rory was little, this had the added benefit of giving him that “ooh we’re on a bus” adventure. Not sure he gets quite so excited now but at least it avoids the parental spat in the front seat over maps, one-way systems and parking spaces.
The area of Oxford where most of the colleges were situated was, indeed, quite lovely; honey-coloured stone, stunning architecture, a sense of calm and affluence. Like many cities however, there is a definite ‘tat end’ which we discovered later on when Dougie was desperate for a pee. During the day we had used the toilet facilities of Starbucks and McDonalds but things were really bad when all we could find were the loos belonging to the indoor shopping centre’s car park. I decided to give my pelvic floor a bit of a workout and held on until we found more salubrious surroundings. Dougie, unable to hang on, waded in.
Interestingly, whereas Rory had hated discount shopping at Bicester when all the shops were heaving and noisy, he adored the tranquility of the shops in Oxford. And didn’t the little bugger just go and find a nice quiet Jack Wills shop where he found a perfect (full-priced) hoodie. It took us some time before we could prise him out of the shop but once he’d got his pink and navy-striped bag he was a happy lad and allowed us to walk around the town without too much grumbling. Shopping with kids doesn’t change much as they grow older: buy them a toy, stuff sweeties into them on a regular basis and, with any luck, you can stretch the afternoon out a bit.
Bus back to the car park but then Dougie decided he was hungry. He’s worse than a child. Left us to sit like sad sacks in the car while he disappeared for well over half an hour. As we saw him approaching from the distance, we were about to shout rude things at him until we noticed he was carrying a Waitrose bag. Inside…treats! Crisps and Powerade drink in obligatory lurid colour for Rory: cream cakes and fancy fruit juice for me. Okay, he’s forgiven.
It's been a few years since I've been to Oxford but last time I was there I remember there being lots of lovely bookshops where you could cafe style meals inside whilst reading your new purchases. Very civilized.
I will never understand the allure of the hoodie; no matter how many they have, my boys are always eager to add one to their wardrobes…but I applaud Rory's decision to buy in peace and quiet instead of the madness of the outlet mall. I'm glad you had one sunny day, at least. Was Dougie traumatized by the subpar toilet facilities? My men never seem to be bothered by them, even when they're positively medieval.
We climbed a tower there last time for a great view….and if Dougie is anything like my mister he is thrilled to get reduced goodies to eat from Waitrose!
Steve – I didn't spot one of those. Sounds perfect. Will have to go again!
Ms Caroline – I can't say he relishes the experience but he tells me years of awful men's loos make a man resigned to the squalor (plus they don't have to sit down, do they!)
Libby – we were hoping to climb the tower too but it was shut!!
Laughed aloud at your "wading in" description re the public toilets.
Too true
Too often…
Macy – some of the worst loos are in France: you need flippers to reach the cubicle. Found some very smart ones on the Embankment in London a few weeks ago, although they did cost 50p a go.
Last time I went to Oxford was years ago, before digital cameras, where I took loads of photos as I was totally overwhelmed by the buildings there.
Did try to venture back a few years ago but got totally hacked off with the traffic and never got parked and instead went down to the Thames by Abingdon for a walk.
Troy – Ah, well now you know for next time: Park and Ride is the way to go. We did the same in Cheltenham last year and always P and R in Cambridge. Saves our sanity.
I've had some great times in Oxford (loos notwithstanding). I could do without Jack Wills tho'…sounds like an expensive way of keeping Rory happy!
Curry Queen – to be fair on Rory, I had been hoping to get him a few clothes he needed for the winter as he's grown so much. I waved trousers and jackets in front of him in Bicester and Oxford but he was happy with a hoodie. Just a shame he didn't find a reduced one!
One of our favs!
Makes you want to go and visit the town :o) (well, perhaps giving the car park loos a miss though!).
A man bearing food, now that's a sight to behold!
Sounds like you had a lovely day out, with even Rory a happy bunny.
Loos stories could fill a giant book!
jfb57 – It definitely deserves another visit.
Funky W – The Starbucks loos were lovely…!
Sarah – Ah yes, warms the cockles of your heart to see a man with carrier bags coming over the horizon.
Rory was a real pleasure this holiday: he was pretty relaxed and cheerful the whole time, apart from the discount shopping day.
Yes it's funny there's always the tat end and somehow that's the parts my kids remember (yikes) along with what we bought at the shops.
About Last weekend – When we were in Copenhagen there was a gorgeous shopping street, Stroget I think it was called, which started with Gucci and finished with 7-11. You could guess the rates the shops must pay as you worked your way down.
How do you come to Oxford and not come for a coffee with me? Huh? Well? glad you liked it. It is beautiful, but the tat end is very evident. x
You sound very good at shopping with young people. When you visit Munich you can take my two littlies out for the day if you like 😉 xx
Pants with Names – I didn't know you lived in Oxford! I wish I'd known as we could have come to your house for a pee!
Bavarian Sojourn – ooh yes, would love to! They would be utterly ruined and not eat their tea afterwards!