As a local, which Oxford College have you visited?

I have seen the many beautiful Oxford Colleges on foot, via bicycle, bus and a car journey more times than I could ever begin to consider and you know what, something different catches my eye every time.

Sad then that the locals who similarly visit on a regular basis en-route to work, shopping, eating out etc; generally speaking haven't got a clue about where each College is situated, yet the American visitors know exactly where to find them. Don't you think that's strange?

My favourite has always been All Souls. I love the view from up St. Mary's Tower. The spires are just so pretty. 

Of course, my grandfather worked the spires on Magdalen College about seventy years ago, so thats special to me too, and the grounds are fantastic.

Here are some pictures I have taken of Magdalen College and its grounds.

Picture by Sue .

Picture by Sue .

Picture by Sue .

Amazing......... 441 views in two days!

Could it be the avatar showing me and mine, Sue and hers, or maybe the pictures of Magdalen College?

Got anything to say about a town near you?

All I have to say Ron is - Don't rub it in.  lol

I think it's a proven fact that people who live in an area are the last to visit their "sites."  Most of the people I know who were born and raised in Arizona have yet to visit the Grand Canyon.

Most of the colleges are only partially accessible to the public, and then usually after payment of a small admission fee. The central part of Oxford is quite small and the best way to explore is on foot. Sometimes I have discovered a new view when walking down one of the narrow lanes between the colleges. I have been inside many of the colleges over the years, Christchurch, Brasenose, St. John's, Magdalen and New College spring to mind and I am familiar with the exterior of many of the others. There is always something new to discover in Oxford. I find that the feel of the city is very dependent on the weather - blue skies and sunshine lighten the drab feel of the ancient stonework - a rainy day makes the old colleges seem rather oppressive in my opinion.

P.S. For those with a literary interest, Thomas Hardy's book 'Jude the Obscure' is largely set in Victorian Oxford, although the name of Oxford is disguised as 'Christminster'. The book is somewhat gloomy, and a heavy read, but I enjoyed the story.