Oxford - How to find Us

The Broad

Situated in the heart of the city is historic Broad Street, or The Broad as it is known locally. This picturesque thoroughfare is famous for its bookshops and listed buildings – some of which date back to the 17^th century. At the eastern end of Broad Street are important Oxford University buildings such as Balliol College, Trinity College and Exeter College (front entrance in the adjoining Turl Street). On the south side of Broad Street are the Museum of the History of Science (the original location of the Ashmolean Museum), the Clarendon Building, the Sheldonian Theatre and the new Bodleian Library building (the main University library, entrance is in Parks Road).

Getting to Broad Street

Map

The Chocolate Festival is within 10 minutes walking distance of the railway and five minutes of the main coach station. By taxi, the journey is just a short ride. Chocolate lovers traveling by car are advised that daytime parking in central Oxford is severely restricted; the city encourages use of its ‘park and ride’ car parks on each of the main roads into the city, with frequent bus services into the centre. You can catch a bus at Pear Tree, Woodstock Road (North); Water Eaton (North); Seacourt, Botley Road (West); Redbridge, Abingdon Road (South); and Thornhill, London Road (East).

Taxis

Taxi ranks are located at Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Coach Station and St Giles in the city centre.

Getting to Oxford

Car

Birmingham-Oxford: M40-A34, Bristol-Oxford: M32-M4-A34, Cardiff-Oxford: M4-A420, Edinburgh-Oxford: A74(M)-A74-M6-M42-M40-A34, Glasgow-Oxford: M74-A74(M)-M6-M42-M40-A34, London-Oxford: A40-M40-A40, Manchester-Oxford: M56-M6-M42-M40-A34, Newcastle-Oxford: A1-A1(M)-M1-A43-M40-A34, Nottingham-Oxford: M1-A43-M40-A34

Train

A direct service operates between Oxford and London Paddington (approximately every 30 minutes), and between Oxford and Birmingham New Street via Banbury and Coventry. Other services operate from the North via Birmingham New Street; from the South via Reading; and from the West via Didcot or Reading. For information contact National Rail Enquiries (Tel: +44 (0)8457 484950).

Coach

Frequent 24-hour direct services connect Oxford with London (peak times every 10-20 minutes). The Oxford Express service includes Victoria Coach Station, Grosvenor Gardens, Marble Arch, Baker Street/Gloucester Place and Hillingdon (Tel: +44 (0)1865 785410). The Oxford Tube service includes Grosvenor Gardens, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd’s Bush, and Hillingdon (Tel: +44 (0)1865 772250). For information on coaches to other major cities and airports contact National Express (Tel: +44 (0)8705 808080). Coaches arrive at Gloucester Green Coach Station in the city centre.

Places to eat

Feeling peckish? Oxford is a foodie heaven. Head for George Street where you’ll find Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant where simple, rustic Italian food is served in a relaxed environment. For bustling café culture, try The Quod Brasserie on the High Street. This stylish former banking hall houses an amazing collection of Young British Art including Gary Hume, Sandra Blow and Craigie Aitchison and attracts a lively mix of artists, writers and students. If you’re in town on Sunday evening, check out its world class Sunday night jazz sessions.

For fine dining, The Restaurant at The Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street is fully deserving of its two AA Rosettes in recognition of its food and impeccable service. Take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, or head for the iconic Morse Bar to sip cocktails in the elegant wood-panelled bar.

Things to see in Oxford

Why not combine your Chocolate Festival visit with a fun day out in Oxford? Grab your camera and climb the nearby tower of University Church of St. Mary the Virgin for an unforgettable view of Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’. The entrance is on High Street and Radcliffe Square. For a serene contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle head for the secluded Botanic Gardens to enjoy the spring flowers. Don’t forget to visit the Glasshouse to pay homage to the cocoa tree! For a mellow way to take in the sights, nothing quite beats punting on the River Cherwell. Magdalen Bridge Boathouse is just a stone’s throw away, at the end of High Street. Drift quietly through Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll was inspired to write Alice Through the Looking Glass.