Port Meadow

Aside from its fabulous location and lively personality, Port Meadow is undoubtedly one of Jericho’s greatest draw cards. I felt a little like Lucy in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, slipping through the magical closet to discover Narnia the first time I visited. It really is like stepping into another world, and a very unexpected one so close to the city. 

I must admit that after moving to Oxford, it took me several months to discover Port Meadow, but why no one ever mentioned it has me baffled - This is one little treasure too good not to share!

Accessed from Walton Well Road, Aristotle Lane or via the tow path, Port Meadow is the largest area of common land in Oxford and consumes a staggering 440 acres. With its green grass and wild flowers stretching as far as the eye can see it has been home to grazing horses, cattle and geese for centuries.  

Port Meadow is a fantastic place for a picnic, to fly a kite, or to walk, talk and enjoy a romantic afternoon in the sun, but leave before sunset and you’ll have missed it at its best.

Spring is another particularly special time to visit when all the new foals and calves are born and 
vast areas of the meadow are carpeted with buttercups. Through autumn and winter much of the Meadow is flooded, bringing flocks of migratory birds and nature enthusiasts as well as the odd ice skater or two! 

There are lots of gravel paths with which to explore the meadow, but they are nowhere near as fun as sloshing about in your Wellies (gumboots), which I highly recommend. A fifty minute stroll along the banks of the River Thames, (which flows through the meadow) will even take you past the ruins of Godstow Abbey to Wolvercote, a small village in the north of Oxford.

Here you can reward your hard work with a pint on the terrace at one of Oxford’s most famous pubs, The Trout. The Perch Inn, is a worthy stopping point along the way, (famous for its association with Alice in Wonderland and its yummy French food.) But you’ll have to find it first - It’s a true hidden gem. Follow the signs down the winding garden path littered with fairy lights to find their enchanting beer garden.  

Aside from The Perch Inn, Binsey's most noted feature is the parish church of St Margaret. This Grade 1 Listed building dates back to the 12th century and is most famous for its Well, which was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's, "Treacle Well" from in Alice in Wonderland.

Oxford University Press

Did you know that the Oxford University Press is the largest university press in the world? 

Its rich history spans five centuries and began in 1478, just two years after the first printing press was set up in London. From humble beginnings at the Sheldonian Theatre, (its first central print shop), the press moved to the Clarendon Building on Broad Street in 1713 and again in 1830 to its current location on Great Clarendon Street, Jericho. In 1857, it began one of its most significant projects, the "Oxford English Dictionary" and expanded significantly from the late 1800s, opening 
its first overseas office in New York in 1896.

The Oxford University Press Walton Street, Jericho. (Image © Copyright Fractal Angel)

The Oxford English Dictionary

The first part of "A New Oxford Dictionary," a tiny little bundle of unbound words ranging from 

'A' through to 'Ant' was first published by in 1884. However, it was not until 1928 that the entire work, comprising 128 individually published sections was complete. The title, "The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)," was first used in 1895.

Original slips from the first Oxford English Dictionary.

Oxford University Press Museum 

If you'd like to trace the history of Oxford University's involvement in printing and publishing

from the 15th century, why not visit the Oxford University Press Museum? Admission is free and tours include displays on the 17th century Fell Types, the Oxford Almanacks, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, The Oxford English Dictionary and much, much more. 

Click here for booking details.

The Big Scream

Setting up life in a new city is enough to challenge the best of us, but those who arrive with a newborn in tow, have a lot more to scream about than most. If you've recently arrived in Oxford 
with a baby aged 0-1 year old and are looking for a socially acceptable way to let it all out, the 
Big Scream club might be just for you.

Run by The Phoenix Picture House in Jericho, the Big Scream club screens films exclusively for parents with babies under one year old. So the next time you want to 'see' (but not necessarily hear) one of the latest releases, there's no need to find a babysitter or worry about causing a disturbance - Big Scream sessions are for parents and babies only. Low lights are left on in the auditorium and nappy changing facilities are available, but remember, no baby, no entry!

Phoenix Picture House, 57 Walton Street, Oxford.

Click here for details and session times.

Jeeves & Jericho's 'Oxford Brew'

In the lead up to Christmas I thought it would be fun to feature a number of 'Oxford' inspired gifts and I couldn't think of a better place to start. The Jolly Good Tea Company is not only based in Oxford, its house blend pays homage to it and for this reason, Jeeves & Jericho's 'Oxford Brew' goes straight to the top of the list. (It's just like an English Breakfast, but packed with a little more punch). 

Whilst Jeeves & Jericho take tea making very seriously, their approach is anything but. Included in their extensive range of loose-leaf teas are blends such as ‘First Flush, ‘The Earl of Grey’, ‘Smokey Russian Caravan’ and ‘Gunpowder.’  Each tea comes packed in its very own collectable tea tin with a personality to match. Jeeves & Jericho also stock a number of branded tea accessories including these adorable tea-cosies, handmade by their very own team of grannies. 

To order your Christmas gifts or perhaps a little something for yourself, 

visit Jeeves and Jericho - The Jolly Good Tea Company.

Oxford Brew £28.00, Turquoise Infuser Pot £22.00, Tea Cosy £28.00, 2 Cup Tea Ball Infuser £3.25

Manos Cafe & Deli

Just arrived? Still jet-lagged? Don’t feel like cooking? My guess is you’re after something cheap, quick and tasty to take away. Here are a few suggestions…

Manos will always bring back fond memories, not only for its food but because it is where we had our first meal in Oxford. Fresh off the plane and completely jet lagged we stumbled across Manos in our haze and were very pleasantly surprised. We’d been warned that the food in the UK left a lot to be desired - which we’ve discovered is totally untrue of course, (if you know where to go). So take yourself down to Walton Street in Jericho…..the food at Manos is great!

The food is always fresh, great value and made by Manos himself.

Manos Café & Deli 105 Walton St, Jericho.

Mamma Mia Pizzeria

Mamma Mia is a great little Italian offering incredible value for money. You'll find a selection of antipasti, salads, pasta and desserts on the menu but for me, the stone baked pizzas are the highlight. At half the price of what you’d pay at the likes of Domino’s you really can’t go wrong! There are lots to choose from, but my favorite is the ‘San Fernando’.  

Mamma Mia Pizzerias can be found in both Jericho and Summertown and provide a traditional, laid-back atmosphere perfect for family dining. The service is always efficient, friendly and particularly accommodating when it comes to children - 'kiddy' sized meals are never a problem.  Those dining in Summertown can even watch the chef preparing their meal through the window at the back of the restaurant.

Booking is recommended (particularly on the weekends) as it gets packed from as early as 6:30pm. However if you’re in Summertown and you can’t get a table, this needn’t ruin your plans. Order take-away and head across to the Summertown Wine Café and grab a drink while you wait. They’ll be happy for you to bring your pizza across when it’s ready too! 

Mamma Mia Pizzeria 8 South Parade Summertown &102 Walton Street Jericho