Well this week has been a serious blogging fail, isn't it tough getting back into the swing of things after a break away? With payday and the weekend waving hello I couldn't think of a better time to bring you a meaty post about my time in dreamy Oxford and you never know, maybe you'll be inspired to take a break yourself.


Our adventure began at the Malmaison, a hotel which couldn't be more perfectly situated if it tried for navigating the city centre and did I mention it's part of Oxford castle? I don't know if I've ever swooned so much at my place of residence for one evening. After arriving a whole four hours later than planned (thank you M1) we decided to revitalise our selfs (and stomachs) at Bills.

Bills is one of those eateries that every blogger and their dog mentions but it really is great - the atmosphere is relaxed, the staff friendly and the food is just delish. After chowing down we decided to call it a night (I hold the seven hour drive responsible) and retreated to our former jail room with more original features than you could shake a stick at. I don't think staying in a purpose built hotel will quite cut it ever again. Sadly I've no snaps of our splendid room as I was too busy exploring the cute quirks but you can have a nosy here.


 Pulling back the wooden shutters on Saturday morning to a glimmer of sunshine got me happy dancing all around the room, that is until Craig banished me to jail.

I'm just kidding...

 After stuffing our faces breakfast fuelling at a place called Bills (yes the one I mentioned earlier) we decided to stretch our legs and have a good old mooch around town.

Giggling at Craig trying to take shots around the tourists, needless to say some stop for nothing.


Straight out of a scene from Lewis, what can I say? I have a penchant for Lawrence Fox.


If archaic buildings and out-of-this-world architecture is your thang then Oxford will be for you, everywhere you turn there's a building more exquisite than the last. The best thing? We had absolutely no plans, we wandered all day enjoying the scenery with the most taxing decision being to bear left or shimmy right. My days are usually planned within an inch of their existence so it was refreshing to just be with my love and be inspired by the outstanding beauty of our surroundings.


What a cutie...

 Even though Oxford is a true honey pot you feel as though you're in a grand open space. One thing that really stuck with us was contrast - making our way towards the river, and still in the centre we came across a huge, open green space where we spotted this fella.

Where in the world can you see a deer just moments away from hundreds of people? A city steeped in tradition and known for that boat race it felt fitting to see what the fuss is all about. So off to the river we walked.

With our minds full to the brim with wonderment (and a whole lotta love for the solidarity shown by ducks) it was time to wave goodbye to grandeur of Oxford centre and move on to our next destination, the Oxfordshire, a spa and golf hotel set just outside of Oxford and a little closer to Bicester. Purchases were made, peek here. Luxuriating in the spa facilities and swimming lengths was the perfect way to end a rather special day. Thank you Craig for such a thoughtful and magical weekend. 

We'll certainly be back.


Have you ever visited Oxford? Do you enjoy a city break?