Adventure : Oxford

..So Guy and I promised ourselves that this year we would do lots of 'doing' and so far we have stuck to our promise as 2012 has been full of lots of little adventures! As we are mostly busy in the week with university and work we try to make the most of our weekends. In February we were stayed with Jess and Piers in London for the weekend and decided to go to Oxford. Jess studied at Oxford so was able to be our trusty tour guide for the day! It was a chilly February morning and the sun was shining..we wrapped up warm and set off early..grabbed a couple of coffees & had breakfast ( croissants & muffins courtesy of Jess) on the train which was lovely!

When we arrived we walked through the city centre to the University grounds which are not usually open to visitors, but as we were with a former student we were able to sneak in to have a cheeky little peek. The college and it's grounds are stunning and there was definitely a sense of Hogwarts around the place..

After that we wandered around, marvelling at the beautiful buildings, exploring the shops, and sampling the local ales and mulled wine.  The architecture in Oxford is so stunning, my hands were freeeezing because I had to keep taking photos of everything..(Such an embarrassing tourist)..here are a couple more shots from the day..including one of me, probably laughing at Guy's photo taking skills..

On our travels I spotted 'Sanders of Oxford' a shop with rare prints &  antique maps in the window...both of which are a fascination of mine. Once in the shop you are able to sift through the endless draws and files of maps/ prints / paintings and other bits and bobs! I could of spent hours & a small fortune in that shop! Fortunately for my buddys and my wallet I limited myself & only came away with one purchase..An A3 Complete Atlas Of The British Isles for a mere £2 ! I am absolutely thrilled with it, printed in 1965 it is in great condition, and is a joy to look through, each musty page filled with detailed illustrations and charming facts. There was also a box of ripped prints, half finished maps and broken book binds which you could help yourself to for free, naturally I did just that and found some interesting prints..

It was a lovely lovely day, and I cant believe I have never visited Oxford before, if you have not been I suggest you go! I cant wait for my next new adventure!

xoxo Abi .