We had another day trip to Oxford and traditional Cotswolds Villages operated by Rarities’ Tour. They did much better job with information about their pick up location and it was extremely convenient from our hotel (Comfort Inn Victoria).
The first stop was Oxford. The tour company provided a simple map to show us what and where to see all attractions. It was very helpful. We followed their recommendations to walk through these attractions, however, it was not clear enough, we still managed to get lost and had to re-try several turns.
We got to the Bodleian Library. We were able to visit the official Oxford University and shop for souvenirs.
Then, we went to the top of St Mary’s University Church to get the iconic rooftop 360 degree view of Oxford.
Then, we were trying to find Oxford University campus with great space like many other famous university for photo. To our surprise, we could not find it. After asking several locals, they told us that they do not know either. When we got into a campus ground and tried to get into it for photo, then we realized that it is locked behind a key coded gate. Since we don’t want to get locked behind the gate, we gave up and get back to the meeting point. Later we learned that each college in Oxford University doing their things individually, therefore not too many people know that which college campus you can get in free or which one are not. Confusing and disappointed!
Then, we went to Bibury which is a charming Cotswolds village just a short drive along country roads from "The Capital of the Cotswolds", Cirencester in Gloucestershire. When we got there, it was raining, so we all got our rain gear out following the guide to see the the cottages of Arlington Row first. It is often referred to as the most photographed and beautiful cottages in the country. Originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, the building was then converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century.
Later, we walked along River Coln to the other side of village. Our guide gave us free time for coffee or photo opportunity. Obviously we chose the photo opportunity.
Then, we drove to Burford. Little has changed over the centuries, Burford is popular with visitors, both for its beauty and history but also for its shopping, especially antiques, and for the wide variety of places to eat, with restaurants, pubs and teashops.
Our guide took us to visit the St John the Baptist Church, then he let us have some free time for tea and shopping.
After a short visit of St John the Baptist Church, most of us following the guide’s suggestion to have cream tea at Hunters Cake Company Burford. For cream tea which is a light English meal of scones, clotted cream, jam, and tea. It was delicious.
Then, we drove back to London and arrived Victoria, London around 7pm.
In the evening, we tried out an Italian restaurant "TOZI Restaurant & Bar, Victoria" near the Comfort Inn Victoria. They serve Italian tapas and we ordered Fennel soup, sunflower seeds, dill oil; Buffalo ricotta ravioli, black truffle; Paccheri, braised baby octopus, squid, taggiasca olives; Slow cooked pork shoulder, chickpea & vegetables stew, crispy pancetta, rosemary jus; and Pan-fried sea bream, cauliflower puree, sautee wild mushrooms, salmoriglio. Every one of the tapas had its own taste and was all delicious. We believed this was the best dinner we had on this trip.
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