The University Towns of Cambridge & Oxford
The United Kingdom has long been a center of learning, and two of its most prominent university cities are also popular tourism attractions. Cambridge and Oxford, just 128 kilometers apart and an easy commute north of London, have been competitors for centuries for the status of the country's finest academic establishment, a rivalry commemorated during the famed rowing event, The Boat Race, which occurs each spring on the River Thames.
Despite this friendly rivalry, each city has enough attractions to make them worthwhile additions to any UK vacation itinerary. The opportunity to tour the UK's biggest collection of preserved medieval buildings, many of which are located within an easy walk of Cambridge University's 31 colleges, the oldest of which was founded in 1284, is one of the attractions of a visit to Cambridge. In addition to viewing the beautiful college grounds (just a few of the university's buildings provide tours), tourists to Cambridge should take a punt down the River Cam and explore the historic town center.
Oxford University's 38 colleges are similarly appealing, each centered on a quadrangle and many inner courtyards, as well as chapels, dining halls, libraries, and student housing (some offer unique tourist accommodation packages, too). The Carfax Tower, with its excellent views of the city center, and the numerous superb historic buildings on Oxford's High Street are among the city's highlights.
- Recommended hotels: Graduate Cambridge - $285 per night & Jurys Inn Oxford - $150 per night
- Timings: NA
- Location: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK & Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
