There have been great changes since we left Dorset only 11 days ago. Winter is definitely in the air. It is very much colder – only 9 here today. We had our first frost of the season last night with a minimum of only 1 degree. Luckily our little house is sturdy and built to keep out the cold.  We have only used the heating a couple of times and then really only to warm the place up a bit then we turn them off. That will, of course, change pretty quickly.

Many of the trees have lost their leaves as it was very windy and wet while we were away. To be honest the whole autumn colour thing that we had looked forward to with breathless anticipation, has been a tad disappointing. There have not been the dramatic shows that we expected as apparently the trees have their own timetable and therefore are not all showing colour at the same time. Not sure if it is just caused by the weather in any particular year. The wooded areas near us are looking distinctly bare but some of the trees around the farm are pretty.

Oxford

On this trip, our first stop was Oxford where we spent some time with Rachael and Richard before they jetted off to Budapest for a few days. What an absolutely stunning place Oxford is. I first visited in 1984 and loved it just as much this time. We took a guided tour of the ancient and exquisite Bodleian Library which opened in 1602 then we wandered the streets admiring the architecture, caught up in the atmosphere of academia and history. The contrast of the ancient landscape with the colour and vibrancy of the student population lends a special quality to Oxford.

From the tower of The University Church of St Mary the Virgin

(circa 1252)

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin

The Bodleian Library

The guided tour of the Bodleian was well worth it.  The guide was informative and enthusiastic about her subject and it is the only way you can get into the most special areas of the library if you are not an Oxford scholar or staff member. The tours sell out days in advance so make sure that you book!  We did the 60-minute tour which includes the world famous Duke Humfrey’s Library which is something of a holy grail for librarians like me.  With its chained books and carved interior its magnificence will fill you with awe. The library is a reading library only and has never loaned a book out since its first incarnation in the 1400’s. Even Charles 1^st was refused permission to borrow a book in 1645 and had to come to the library to read. But with no heating until 1845 and no artificial lighting until 1929 opening hours were often short and visitors few. Hypothermia was one of the consequences for having a good read in “the Bod” especially in winter. Not so today. It is still, of course quiet and tour participants wear headsets so guides do not have to raise their voices.

On my first visit to The Bod in 1984 there were no organized tours. I simply handed over proof that I was a member of the Australian Library Association and was allowed to wander where I liked. Things have changed but I am glad that more people have access to this important, beautiful and historic place.

Oxford scenes

The Bear – Oxford’s oldest pub

We enjoyed dinner with Rachael and Richard then breakfast the next morning at our hotel before they left to go back to London then Budapest. Jim and I took a stroll along the River Thames and enjoyed some welcome sunshine before leaving for Norfolk.

There is so much more that I could mention including the picturesque Covered Market. The market has been serving Oxford in the current building since the 1770’s but dates back far further than that.

Oxford should be on everyone’s list of must see places. It is interesting, historic and beautiful. It was a treat to visit again.

Next stop – the Norfolk Broads.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.