Places of interest in Oxfordshire

OXFORD

Visit Oxford University at www.ox.ac.uk/

Oxford , The City of Dreaming Spires , is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years.

Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. Still with its ancient University, but home also to a growing hi-tech community. Many businesses are located in and around the town, whether on one of the Science an d Business Parks or within one of a number of residential areas.

But, if you find you do want more, then Oxford is a just a short hop away from many other attractions and the capital city itself, London.

HENLEY-ON-THAMES , OXFORDSHIRE

Henley is the jewel in Oxfordshire's crown. Nestling deep in the Thames Valley , it is one of the county's most picturesque towns.

Surrounded by lush woodland, it is the quintessential English small town, peaceful and self-contained, yet it is only a few miles from the hustle and bustle of motorway traffic, en route to the capital. While fashions may change and people look to exotic destinations for their pleasure, this little jewel continues to attract visitors from all over the world to sample its delights.

But Henley has anything but a small town mentality. Known and lauded the world over for its Royal Regatta, it is inundated each summer by international oarsmen and visitors, eager to be a part of one of the great sporting and social events.

The new River and Rowing Museum in its award-winning building is proving to be a magnet for those who want to learn about the history of rowing, the mighty Thames and, of course, the town. Who can forget that marvellous day in November 1998 when Her Majesty the Queen performed the official opening honours. For more than 150 years Henley has been synonymous with the sport of rowing and for five days of the year it becomes the focus of world attention during the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. And throughout the year, those out for a stroll along the towpath can enjoy watching crews in training from both local clubs and the world famous Leander Club which has its headquarters just downstream of the bridge. Nor does the town's sporting interest stop there. Rugby , football and

cricket thrive. The Henley Hawks is one of the top 28 rugby clubs in the country.

And there is so much else to do here, if you just take the time to look for it. Obviously, there is the river; just take a trip downstream, on the water or on the towpath, towards Hambleden Lock, and ahead of you is one of the finest, serene views in England .
For ramblers, the surrounding hills and woodland are criss-crossed with footpaths. With Henley as the hub, a circular walk is an attractive pastime, and one to end with a welcome cup of tea or coffee in one of the town's many teashops or cafes.
Or why not wander around some of Henley 's ancient streets, past the historic Henley Brewery, the home of Brakspear's ales? Or combine the old and new by visiting the quaint Kenton Theatre, said to be the fourth oldest in the country, then take in the latest movie at our Regal Cinema. The townsfolk campaigned for ten years for it to be built after the old one was pulled down.