Hotels near the Oxford University

As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, Oxford lays claim to eight centuries of continuous existence. It houses many treasures - in building and park form - and any visit to the town should include at least one of its gems.

There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed here in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. The university is made up of a number of colleges, built at different times, 34 of which are open to the public.

As well as some spectacular architecture, some colleges have wonderful gardens and parks too. Christ Church college has impressive dimensions, a beautiful cathedral and perfect examples of the "quads" that make Oxford famous to the outside world.

Magdalen College (founded in 1448) is halfway up the High Street in Oxford and, as well as offering hauntingly beautiful buildings, sits amid 100 acres of woodlands, riverside walks and lawns. Its most famous open space is the Deer Park, which houses the college's 300-year-old herd.