---

[ Introduction | Thank yous | Notes | Oxford | Shopping | Restaurants | Entertainment/Recreation | Daycare/Schools | Accommodation | Travel | Health Care | Resources | Hints and Tips ]

---

Contents

• Introduction.
• Thank yous.
• Notes.
• Oxford: Neighborhoods.
• Shopping: Book Stores, Children's Clothing Stores, Charity Shops, Craft Supplies Stores, Department Stores, Discount Stores, Drug Stores, Furniture Stores -- Second Hand, Grocery Stores, Pram Retailers, Toy Stores, Other Sources For Used Equipment.
• Restaurants.
• Entertainment/Recreation: Basketball, Bicycling, Cinemas, Community Centres, Croquet, Dance, Drop-in Centres, Golf, Gym Classes, Horseriding, Ice Skating, Leisure Centres & Sports Centres, Libraries, Museums (Clubs: In Oxford, In Oxfordshire County), Music, Outdoor Activities, Parks/Garden, Skateboarding, Swimming, Theatres, Toddler Groups, Tours, Toy Libraries, Other Activities, Information Sources.
• Daycare/Schools: Childminders, Nurseries, Playgroups, Afterschool and Holiday Care, Nannies, Creches, Schools, Information Sources.
• Accommodation: Agencies, Other Sources.
• Travel in and out of Oxford: In Oxford, Out of Oxford, London (Children-Friendly Restaurants, Attractions), Great Britain, France.
• Health Care: Health System, Hospitals.
• Resources: Books (Oxford, Traveling with Children in England, Living in Britain, Traveling with Children), Other Information Sources, Vocabulary.
• Hints and Tips for (Almost) Trouble-Free Existence: London, Visiting Sites, Travel, Banking, Misc..

---

Introduction

When my family and I first decided to go to Oxford for three months last fall, I felt a bit at a loss at what my one-year-old daughter and I would do during the day when my husband was busy in the libraries. As a result, I faced the trip with some apprehension. However, when we arrived in Oxford, I found many great things to do with my daughter. (Some weeks, we almost had too many activities.) From this experience, I have put together this book to help other parents and children prepare for their time in Oxford. As you will read below, there is no shortage of activities both in Oxford and around the county and country for children of all ages. The only problem will be deciding what to do. I have also tried to share some of the lessons that we learned about living in England. Hopefully, these hints and tips will help you avoid the same problems. Enjoy your time in Oxford! L.S.

---

Thank Yous

I would like to give special thanks for several people. First, thanks to our friend Joanne Woolway who helped us find our housing and was a useful source of information and biscuits and tea. Second, thanks to Suzanne Custance who provided the roof over our heads and many books to read and who tolerated fingerprints and misplaced tupperware. Third, appreciation to Vicki Cullen at the New Parent Network who provided much of the input for the Childcare and Toddler Groups section. A very special thanks to the many women and children that I met at the various Toddler Groups; without you, the three months would have been very lonely. And finally, of course, thank you to my husband, Ray, and daughter, Kate. Without you guys, I would never have made the trip, much less put the book together. When is our next trip?

---

Notes

The information in this book was complied over the fall of 1995. The book is laid out by subject area covering just about any topic that child or parent needs to know to enjoy Oxford and England. Addresses and phone numbers are provided when possible. One can assume that phone numbers are on the Oxford Exchange (01865) unless stated otherwise.

Many of the groups, stores, hours of operation, etc listed tend to be fluid in motion. Call ahead to confirm the information. Please let me know of any updates so that others can benefit.

---

Oxford

Oxford has been described by poets as "that sweet city with her dreaming spires." This description accurately represents the city and its atmosphere. Of course, most people know Oxford for its famous university, but there is much more to the city. According to legend, in the 4th century, St. Frideswide founded a priory on the site where a thunderbolt saved her from the undesired attentions of a King. From this site, the priory drew upon its strategic location on two rivers and grew into a trading town, known as Oxford. By the 11th century, the city was recognized as one of the chief towns in England.

In the 12th century, groups of scholars began to meet in Oxford and established the first colleges. By 1990, 36 colleges had been formed. Presently, there are 13,000 undergraduates and 4,200 graduate students. Among its famous graduates include Margaret Thatcher, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean and Black Adder), and, notoriously, Hugh Grant.

In addition to its academic side, Oxford has a large-scale manufacturing base, specifically for automobiles. William Morris established a car factory in 1912 and produced the MG and the Austin Mini. The Rover factory still produces cars in city.

Neighborhoods

Today, Oxford has many diverse neighbourhoods in which its population of 130,000 make their homes. Each neighbourhood exhibits its own character and types of properties. Of concern to the short term visitor, rental rates tend to vary between areas. The main neighbourhoods are:

1. Central North Oxford -- This neighbourhood, within walking distance of the university around Woodstock and Banbury Roads, has large individual houses and several apartment blocks. The rents tend to be the highest in this area.
2. Central Oxford (City Centre) - The City Centre is defined by High and St. Giles Streets and Long Wall Road. The majority of Oxford University's colleges are based in this area and own most of the property. As a result, there are few rental properties. High, Cornmarket, and Queen Streets are the chief shopping areas.
3. Summertown -- This area, north of City Centre, is around Banbury and Marston Ferry Roads. There are many Victorian and Edwardian homes with several apartment blocks. Rents decrease as one moves away from City Centre.
4. St. Clements -- St. Clements is east of City Centre along St. Clements Street. The neighborhood is a fast developing area with small modern developments alongside older property.
5. Headington -- This neighbourhood, established in the 1930's, is along Headington Road and Headley Way east of City Centre. There is a shopping centre in the area. Brookes University is also located here.
6. Marston -- Marston is next to Summertown along Marston Ferry Road. Houses in this neighbourhood are described by some to be "functional, not attractive."
7. Jericho -- This neighbourhood is west of St. Giles, near City Centre. The narrow streets are lined with terraced-town 100 year-old cottages.
8. Osney -- Osney is along Botley Road and Thames Street, close to the railway station. The area is similar to Jericho.
9. South Oxford -- South Oxford is centred around Abingdon Road. It has narrow streets with terraced turn-of-the-century houses. It is within walking distance of City Centre and rents become less expensive as one moves south.
10. Wolvercote -- The neighbourhood is along the Western Bypass and overlooks the Common Land Meadows and river. It has a rural ambience.
11. East Oxford -- East Oxford is between Headington and Cowley Roads. It has older style property.
12. Botley and Cumnor -- These neighbourhoods are west of City Centre with both older style and modern homes. One links to City Centre with Park & Ride bus service.
13. Iffley -- This neighbourhood, along Iffley Road, has been characterized as a village within the city with its quiet neighbourhoods.

---

Shopping

Oxford has a wide variety of shops, specializing in everything from books to toys, to meet the needs of parents and children. The information provided below includes addresses and phone numbers of most stores. One can assume the phone numbers are on the Oxford Exchange (01865) unless stated otherwise.

Book Stores

• Blackwell's Children Bookshop, 8 Broad St., 792792
  • This is an excellent bookstore. There are three floors of books for children of all ages. In addition, the bookstore sponsors activities during term holidays.
• The Bookhouse, South Parade, Summertown, 510887
• The Bookshop, 2 St. Ebbes, 202196
• Cars, Trains, Boats & Planes, 15 Cowley Rd, 793553
• Comic Showcase, 19/20 St. Clements St., 723680
• County Bookstore, Claredon Shopping Centre (Discount bookstore)
• Dillons the Bookstore, William Baker House, Broad St., 790212
• The English Book Centre, 24 Middleway, Summertown, 514770
• Fantastic Store Comic Shop, Unit 13, Westgate Centre, 791302
• John (Booksellers) Ltd., The Old School First Turn, 512424
• Oxbow Books, Park End Place, 241249
• Oxford Book Sale, Cornmarket St. (Discount bookstore)
• Oxford University Press,
  • 8 The Gallery, 95 Gloucester Green, 242913
  • 116 High St., 242913
• The Paperback Shop, 23/25 Broad St., 248870
• Pumpkin Books, 91 The Gallery, Gloucester Green, 790724
• Rosenthan A. Ltd., 9 Broad St., 243093
• Thorntons of Oxford, 11 Broad St., 242939
• Trini, 136a Cowley Rd, 200256
• Usborne Books at Home, Oasis Park, Eynsham, 883731
• WH Smith,
  • 22 Cornmarket St., 248698
  • 4 The Square, Cowley, 771361
• The Works, 16 Westgate, 798211 (Discount bookstore)

Children Clothing Stores

• Adams Childrens Wear Ltd, 3 Cornmarket St., 201209
• Mothercare, 3 Market St., 241992
  • The store also carries toys, beds, car seats, and strollers.
• Nans Nearly New, 51 Sunderland Ave., 59909
• Roundabout, 19 Warnborugh Rd, 54961
  • The store is open limited hours, so please call ahead.
• Two Foot Nothing, Covered Market (no phone number available)

Charity Shops

These stores carry used goods such as toys, books, and clothing for children. North Americans know these as "thrift stores."

• British Red Cross, 5 St. Ebbes St., 200226
• Cancer Research Campaign Shops, 141 London Rd, Headington, 68199
• Imperial Cancer Research Fund Shop, 79c-81a London Rd, Headington, 61029
• Oxfam Charity Shops,
  • 223 Banbury Rd, 511018
  • 17 Broad St., 241333
  • 133-135 Cowley Rd, 722951
  • 83-85 London Rd, Headington, 742452
  • 56 St. Giles, 310145
  • 1 Windmill Rd, Headington, 742000
• PDSA Shop, 25 Upper Barr, Cowley Centre, 715549
• Save the Children Charity Shop, 47 High St., 247662
• SCOPE Charity Shops,
  • 256 Banbury Rd, Summertown, 54770
  • 107 Pound Way, Cowley, 718896
• Sobell House Hospice Shop, 4 Little Clarendon St., 59927

Craft Supplies Stores

• Broad Canvas, 20 Broad St., 244025
• Bead Games, 40 Cowley, 251620
• Donnington Doorstep, Townsend Square (off Donnington Bridge Road), 727721
  • The Doorstep is reported to be the cheapest place for art supplies.
• The Oxfordshite Scrapstore, Unit 33, Botley Works, North Hinksey Lane, Botley, 790578
  • The store sells paper, postcards, boxes, tubes, fake fur, beads, strings, etc., which can be made into play things. It is suggested that one calls ahead because the store is open limited hours. The store also sponsors evening seminars relating to play with the Oxfordshire Play Association. Call 880900 for information.

Department Stores

British department stores, as in North America, carry a variety of goods for children, such as clothes, toys, strollers, etc.

• Argos, New Inn Hall St., 724924
  • This store is similar to Consumers Distributors in North America.
• Boswell H. & Co., 1 Broad St., 241244
• C&A, 14 Westgate, 721466
• Clovers, 2a Windmill Rd, Headington, 66526
• Debenhams, Magdalen St., 243161
• Lewis, 27 Westgate, 244991
• Littlewoods, 52-53 Cornmarket St., 244781
• Marks & Spencer, Queen St., 248075
• One Village, 2 King Edward, 200400
• Woolworths, 3 The Square, Cowley, 778884

Discount Stores

These store are similar to the "Loonie" or "Dollar" Stores in North America and carry a variety of household goods, books, toys, and other items at a reduced price.

• Matalan Discount Club, 5 The John Allen Centre, Between Towns Road, Cowley, 747400
• Freds Discount Store, 185 Cowley Rd, 721080
• Mix-a-Mania, 24 The Square, Botley, 794721
• Pound Paradise, 24 George St., 245449
• Winners Bargain Centres, 41 Pound Way, Templar Square, 718332

Drug Stores

The following is a list of the larger drugstores which carry more than just drugs. There are also many neighbourhood chemists (pharmacists). Just a warning: chemists rotate Sundays openings. The local newspapers list the chemists that are open on a particular Sunday.

• Boots The Chemist,
  • 221 Banbury, Summertown, 56852
  • 6-8 Cornmarket St., 247461
  • 151a Cowley Rd, 243633
  • 96 London Rd, Headington, 62518
  • 20 The Square, Cowley, 711773
• Lloyds Chemists,
  • 64 Acre End St., Eynshaw, 881283
  • 100 Blackbird Leys Rd, 778729
  • 103-105 Pound Way, Cowley, 779299/776580
  • 8 Rose Hill Parade, Rose Hill, 777378
  • 3-4 The Square, Westway, Botley, 247023
  • 116 Walton St., 57219
  • 75 Wilkins Rd, Cowley, 777278
  • 1 Woodstock, 57301
• Proctor Pharmacy,
  • 13 Atkyns Rd, Headington, 66978
  • 252 Cowley Rd, 243307
  • 69 London Rd, Headington, 62979
  • 158 Oxford Rd, Cowley, 777089
  • 5 Round Way, Headington, 62891
• Superdrug Stores,
  • 11 Market St., 250117
  • Unit 5, Templar Square, Cowley, 718350

Furniture Stores-Second Hand

• Ford Richard A, 72 A Windmill Rd, Headington, 60053
• Goodies Second Hand Shop, 5 Windmills Rd, Headington, 744411
• Hitchcox Patrick, 29 Walton St., 53364
• Min-Rald, 37 Wellington Rd, 514793
• Newcomers Club Equipment Store, 13 Norham Gardens
  • The Club is designed for newly arrived spouses of members of the Oxford University or of academics visiting Oxford. The Equipment Store sells household goods, nursery equipment, toys, car seats, strollers, and other items. The store will repurchase the items for approximately half the original price.
• Oxfordshire Council for Voluntary Action Furniture Store, Westlands Drive, Headington, 63698
• Pledge CA, 42-43 St. Clements, 242596
• The Second-Hand Shop, 169 Cowley Rd, 249672
• Second-Hand Furniture, 65 Cowley Rd, 204401
• Second-Hand Furniture-Miles, 25 Catherine St., 726328
• Spinning Wheel, 226 Cowley Rd, 246763
• Steptoes, 110 Magdalen Rd, 794604

Grocery Stores

The following list of grocery stores include pick-your-own places which, as the name implies, allow one to pick fruit from the tree.

• Bonners, 20 The Market, 242183
• Budgens Store,
  • 228-240 Banbury Rd, 515377
  • 1 The Square, Botley, 721935
• Covent Garden Fruiters, 4th Avenue, The Covered Market, 243384
• Cowley Fruiters, 33 Upper Barr, Cowley, 775867
• Delteys Supermarket, 102-104 Blackbird Leys Rd, Cowley, 779495
• Dentons, 207 Banbury Rd, 56587
• Durham's, 4 Elm's Parade, 247136
• Fresh Gro, 237 Banbury, 54787
• Gateway, 263 Banbury Rd, Summertown, 52610
• Gee C.G., Medley Manor Farm, Binsey Lane, 241251
  • Pick-your-own fruit and vegetables
• Greens, 291a Iffley Rd, 244228
• Hole in the Wall, 21 Mill St., Eynsham, 882478
• Kingston Fruiterers, 14 Kingston Rd, 52812
• Kwik Save Foodstores,
  • 98 London Rd, Headington, 741337/741353
  • 10 The Square, Cowley Shopping Centre, 778817
• Lung Wah Chong, 41-42 Hythe Bridge St., 790703
• McCarthy Bros., 18-19 The Covered Market, 246975
• Moakes, 71 Balfour Rd, Blackbird Leys, 770790
• Nibletts Green Grocery, 44a High St., Cumnor, 863394
• Open Air Market, Glouster Green, Wednesday Only
• Oxford & Swindon Co-op, Cornmarket, (no phone number available)
• P&P Knight, 5 Atkyns Rd, Headington, 64269
• Sainsbury,
  • Heyford Hill Roundabout, Littlemore, 771146
  • 1-2 Templar Square, Cowley, 749910
  • 21 Westgate, 722179
• Solo, 9-11 Old High St., Headington, 68210
• Stokes, 19 The Square, Cowley, 779107
• Tesco, 159-161 Cowley Rd, 244470
• Topfruit, 106 London Rd, Headington, 64297

Pram (Strollers) Retailers

• Mothercare, 3 Market St., 241992
• Oxford Pram Centre, 56 Between Towns Rd, Cowley, 778898

Toy Stores

• Animal Animal, Little Claredon St., 514947
• Children's World Ltd, Oxford Retail Park, Easternby Passage, 712309
• Early Learning Centre, 30 Queen St., 246914
  • This store has a play area at the front of the store where children can try out toys.
• The English Teddy Bear Co., 84 High St., 201321
• The Games Workshop, 1a, Bush House, New Inn Hall St., 242182
• The Games Keeper, 105 Cowley Rd., 721348
• Mothercare, 3 Market St., 241992
• Risings of Summertown, 243 Banbury Rd, 515155
• Scrooge and Morley 39 Acre End St., Eynsham, 882014
• Toy's 'R Us Ltd., New Development, Botley Rd, 200567

Other Sources For Used Equipment

• Oxford Star
  • This weekly newspaper is delivered free to homes on Thursdays. Its The Classifieds section lists Bargains under 5 Pounds, Bargains under 25 Pounds, Bargains under 50 Pounds, Bicycles, Baby Transport, Car Seats, Cots & Bedding, and Baby Accessories.
• Oxford Mail
  • This daily newspaper, available through newstands, has an Items for Sale section which lists Bargains under 5 Pounds, Bargains under 25 Pounds, Bargains under 50 Pounds, Bicycles, Baby Transport, Car Seats, Cots & Bedding, and Baby Accessories sections.
• Yellow Pages, Telephone Book
  • As in North America, the Yellow Pages provide a wealth of information about which stores provide which goods. The Yellow Pages cover more than just Oxford.

---

Restaurants

The following list of restaurants are ones that are friendly to children.

• Blue Coyote, 36 St. Clements St, 241431
• BOD (Barton's Open Door), Burchester Avenue, Barton, 64952
• Browns, 5-11 Woodstock Rd, 511995
• Cuddesdon Corner Family Centre, Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, 773263
• Donnington Doorstep, Townsend Square (Off Donnington Bridge Rd), 727721
• Eagle and Child, St. Giles, 58085
• The Fishes Inn, North Hinksey Village
• Florenace Park Family Centre, Rymers Lane, 777286
• General Elliot, Manor Rd, Sough Hinksey (no phone number available)
• Go Dutch, 18 Park End St., 240686
• Gourmet Pizza Company, 100-101 Glouster Green 793146
• The Greyhound, A420, 862110
• Isis Tavern, Iffley Locks
  • This tavern, accessible only by a tow path, is located beside the Thames (Isis) River at the Iffley Locks, south of Donnington Bridge. It has an enclosed garden which means that parents can enjoy a drink and watch the rowers while the children run around.
• Jericho Family Lunch Club, St. Barnabas Centre, Canal St., Jericho, 57902/57249 Thursday 11:45-2:00
• Museum of Modern Art Cafe, 30 Pembroke St., 722733
• New Road Baptist Church Coffee House, Opposite Lewis' in Bonn Sq., 250134
• Old Orleans Restaurant, George St., 792718
• Pak Fook, 100 Cowley Rd, 247958
• The Perch, Binsey Lane, Binsey, 240386
• Rainbow House, Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, Wednesday - Fridays 10:30-2:00
  • A Coffee 'n' snacks place for children with a grown up, Rainbow House is a drop-in centre with a play space with toys, climbing frame, and slides for children to play on while one enjoys a cup of tea and a bite of lunch. Children's portions are available. Lunch for 2 is available for around 2 Pounds.
• Rose Hill Family Centre, Rose Hill First School, The Oval, 777937
• St. Aldates Coffee House, St. Aldates, 245952
• The Trout, Godstow Rd, Wolvercote (no phone number available)
• Victoria Arms, Mill Lane, Old Marston, 241382

---

Entertainment/Recreation

Activities for children are endless in Oxford. The following list is just a sample of the range available. Phone numbers have been given where available.

Basketball

• Barton Community Centre, Underhill Circus, Headington
• Botley Park, Henry Rd
• Blackbird Leys Lesiure Centre, Pegasus Rd, Blackbird Leys, 771565
• Bury Knowle Park, London Rd
• Cowley Marsh, Marsh Rd
• Cutteslowe Park, Harbord Road
• Douglas Bader Sports Centre, St. Edward's School, Woodstock Rd, 319288
• East Oxford Games Hall, Collins St., 242486
• Ferry Sports Hall, Diamond Place, Summertown, 510330
• Grandpont Park, Whitehouse Rd
• Northway Sports Hall, Maltfield Rd, 742048
• Oxford Brookes Hall, Cheney Lane, Headington,
• Peer Sports Centre, Sandy Lane, Littlemore, 779348
• Rosehill Sports Ground, Ashurst Way
• South Park, Morell Avenue

Bicycling

Bicycling maps are available from the Oxford Information Centre, Glouster Green, and Central Library, Westgate Centre. Some good places to bicycle include along the river paths and in the countryside.
• Rentals:
  • Pennyfarthing, 5 George St., 249368
  • Broad Ribbs, Market St., 242624

Cinemas

• MGM Cinemas, George St., 244607/723911
• MGM Cinemas, Magdalen St., 243067/725305
• Phoenix Cinema, Walton St., 54909/512526

Community Centres

These centres provide a wide range of activities from play groups to after school clubs to organized sports. Call the centre in your neighbourhood for more information.

• Asian Cultural Centre, Manzil Way (off Cowley Rd), 793087
• Barton Community Association, Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus, Headington, 61987
• Berinsfield Community Association, Community Centre Green, Furlong, Berinsfield, 340201
• Blackbird Leys Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Rd, Blackbird Leys, 777871
• Bullingdon Community Centre, Peat Moors (off the Slade)
• Cowley Community Centre, Barns Rd, Cowley, 777096
• Cutteslowe Community Centre, Wren Rd, 56254
• Donnington Community Centre, Townsend Square, 727721
• East Oxford Community Centre, 446 Princes St., 792168
• Florence Park Community Centre, Cornwallis Rd, Cowley, 775739
• Headington Community Centre, Gladstone Rd, Headington, 69794
• Jubliee '77 Community Centre, Blackbird Leys, 46 Sorrell Rd, 773496
• Northway Community Association, Maltfield Rd, Northway Estate, Headington, 64273
• Risinghurst Community Centre, Kiln Lane
• Rose Hill Community Centre, The Oval, Rose Hill, 777542
• South Oxford Community Centre, Lake St., 242666
• West Oxford Community Centre, Binsey Lane
• Wood Farm Community Centre, Titup Hall Drive, Headington, 751142

Croquet

• Cutteslowe Park, Elsfield Rd, North Oxford
• Florence Park, Florence Park Rd

Dance

Schools

• Colegrove Mary, A.R.A.D., 36 Elmthorpe, Wolvercote, 511097
• Oxford Dance Centre, Mortimer Hall, Oxford Rd, Old Marston, 56382
• The Oxford School of Ballet, 322 Woodstock Rd, 511097
• Vera Legge School of Dancing, 1st Poters Close, Cassington, 881173
Classes
• Barton:
  • Dancing for Under-5's, St. Marys Church Hall, Edgecombe Rd
• Cowley:
  • St. Francies First School, Horspath Rd, 779732
  • Vera Legge School of Dancing, Cowley Community Centre, Barns Rd, 881173
• East Oxford:
  • Bloomin' Kids Dance, Bloomin' Arts, East Oxford Community Centre, Princes St, 515576
  • Michele Rose School of Ballet, St. Albans Church Hall, Charles St., 243650
• Headington:
  • Ballet, Methodist Church Hall, New High St, 245292
  • Conservative Club Dance Group, Windmill Rd, 65382
• Kennington:
  • Ballet, St. Swithin's Church Hall, 245292
• Marston:
  • Tiny Tots Dance Class, The Dance Centre, Mortimer Hall, Oxford Rd, 56382
• North Oxford:
  • Ballet, St. Philip and James School Hall, Leckford Rd, 245292
  • Maretta Grace School of Dancing, St. Aloysius First School, Woodstock Rd, 57234
  • Michele Rose School of Ballet, St. Barnabas Centre, Jericho, 243650
• Rose Hill and Littlemore:
  • Jacquie Bebbington's School of Dance, Rose Hill Community Centre, The Oval, 772967
  • Tap Dancing, Peers Sports and Arts Centre, Sandy Lane West, 779348
• South Oxford:
  • Ballet, St. Ebbes First School, Whitehouse Rd, 248947
  • Tap and Modern Dance, Lakeside Centre, Lake St, 865175

Drop-in Centres

The drop-in centres are open everyday for people to drop in with their children to stay as long as needed to restore sanity. There are lots of messy play, toys, open spaces, and food.

• BOD (Barton's Open Door), Burchester Avenue, 64952, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-4:00, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00-3:00
• Cuddesdon Corner, 61-3 Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Monday - Friday, 8:30-5:00
• Donnington Doorstep, Townsend Square (off Donnington Bridge Rd), 727721, Monday - Friday 10:00-4:00
  • Besides the drop-in, the Doorstep also sells a small toys, cards, and a variety of art and craft materials. It is reported to be the cheapest place for craft materials. There is also a small library for adults and children. The Doorstep is presently building a larger facility at the same location.
• Florence Park Family Centre, Rymers Lane, Florence Park, 777286, Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30
• Rose Hill Family Centre, Rose Hill First School, The Oval, 776330, Monday - Friday 9:00-3:00

Golf

• Crazy Golf:
  • Bury Knowle Park, London Rd
  • Florence Park, Florence Park Rd
• Pitch & Putt:
  • Cutteslowe Park, 58490
• Putting Green:
  • Hinksey Park, Abingdon Rd

Gym Classes

• Botley:
  • Tumble Tots, St. Peters Church Hall, Elms Parade, 68443
• East Oxford:
  • Adult and Toddler Movement, Gymnasium, TVEI Centre, Cricket Rd, 245871, ext. 270
  • Under-5's Fun Session, East Oxford Games Hall, Collins St., 772602
• Littlemore:
  • Tumble Club, Peers School Sports and Arts Centre, Sandy Lane West, 779348
  • Tumble Tots, Peers School Sports and Arts Centre, Sandy Lane West, 68443
• Marston:
  • Under-5s Fun Session, Northway Sports Centre, Maltfield Rd, 742048
  • Under Fives Music, Movement and Play Classes, OXSRAD Sport and Leisure Centre, Court Place Farm, Marsh Lane, Marston, 741336
• North Oxford:
  • Music and Movement, St. Margarets Centre, Polstead Rd, 717348
  • Under-5's Gymnastics, Douglas Bader Sports Centre, St. Edwards School, Woodstock Rd, 53547
• Risinghurst:
  • Tumble Tots, United Reform Church, Risinghurst, 68443
• Summertown:
  • Pre-School Gymnastics, NOA, Ferry Centre, Diamond Place, Banbury Rd, Summertown, 52295
• Wheatley:
  • Joey's Minigym, The Park Sports Centre, Holton, 2128

Horseriding

• Jacky Langton Riding Stables, Abingdon Rd, 249174
• Old Manor House Riding Stable, North Hinksey Lane, Botley, 242274
• Oxford Riding School, Watlington Rd, Garsington, 361383

Ice Skating

• Oxford Ice Rink, Oxpens Rd, 248076/247676

Leisure Centres & Sports Centres

These centres, like community centres, run a variety of activities. Please contact each centre for a list of its activities.

• Abbey Sports Centre, Green Furlong, Berinsfield, 341035
• Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, Pegasus Rd, Blackbird Leys, 771565
• Blackbird Leys Pool, Blackbird Leys Rd, 779843
• City Leisure, 4 Collins St., 200550
• Douglas Bader Sports Centre, St. Edward's School, Woodstock Rd, 319288/319287
• East Oxford Games Hall, Collins St., 242486
• Ferry Sports Centre, Diamond Place, Summertown, 510330
• Lazer Quest, Three Ways House, Glouster Green 200233
• Northway Sports Centre, Maltfield Rd, Headington, 742048
• Oxford Stadium Northern Sports, Sandy Lane, Cowley, 778222
• Peers Sports Centre, Sandy Lane, Littlemore, 779348
• Temple Cowley Pools, Temple Rd, 716667
• Westminster Leisure Centre, Westminster College, Harcourt Hill, 201203
• Whiz Kids, 2nd Floor, Threeways House, George St., 791331

Libraries

The services for children include stories and books, story times, music, and tapes/videos. A free membership can be obtained through one of the branches. Just a note, before a non-resident can sign out books, a permanent resident of Oxfordshire must recommend them for membership.

Branches:

• Central Library, Westgate Centre, 815509
• Temple Cowley Library, Temple Rd, Cowley, 777494
• Berinsfield Library, Green Furlong, Berinsfield, 340771
• Blackbird Leys Library, Blackbird Leys Rd, 770403
• Botley Library, Elms Court, 248142
• Bury Knowle Library, North Place, Headington, 62867
• Eynsham Library, Mill St., Eynsham, 880525
• Kennington Library, The Village Hall, Kennington, 730763
• Old Marston Library, Mortimer Hall, Oxford Rd, Old Marston, 726823
• Peers Community Library, Littlemore, 714309
• Summertown Library, South Parade, 58290

Museums

• Clubs:
  • Oxmus Club, Dr. H. La Rue, Pitt Rivers Museum, Parks Rd
    • This club is for 8-14 year olds and activities include visits to Botanic Gardens, Christ Church Picture Gallery, and Cogges Manor Farm.
  • Young Archaeologists Club, Carol Anderson, Oxfordshire County Museum, Park Street, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1SN
    • This club is for 9-16 years olds and activities range from recording buildings, field walking to identifying archaeological finds.
  • Young Ornithologists Club, Oxfordshire County Museum, 01993 811456
    • This club is for 7-16 years olds.
• In Oxford:
  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Beaumont St., 278000, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-4:00, Sunday 2:00-4:00, free
    • This is the oldest museum in England and houses a collection of art and archaeology accumulated over 300 years.
  • Bate Collection of Historical Instruments, Faculty of Music, St. Aldates, 276139, Monday - Friday, 2:00-5:00, free
    • This museum has a collection of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
  • British Telecom Museum, Speedwill St., 246601, by appointment, free
    • Guided visits are available by appointment. The museum has a selection of telephone and telegraph equipment illustrating the history and evolution of telecommunications.
  • Cathedral Treasury, Christ Church, St. Aldates, 271654
    • The treasury has plates belonging to the Cathedral, college, and other parishes in the Diocese.
  • Christ Church Picture Gallery, Oriel Square, 276172, Monday - Saturday 10:30-1:00, 2:00-4:00, Sunday, 2:00-4:30, free
    • The gallery has a collection of paintings and drawings from the 14th to 18th century.
  • Colleges of Oxford, fee
    • Unlike many North American universities, Oxford University is divided into small colleges (36 in total) where students learn and live during their academic stay at Oxford. Each one has its own flavour and traditions as well as own grounds often enclosed within walls. (Traditionally, these walls were built to keep students from rival schools out.) Guided walking tours of the colleges are available through the Tourist Information Centre. One can also visit the colleges on one's own for a small fee during summers and school breaks. Some of the more memorable ones to visit include Christ Church, the grandest college, Merton College, the smallest one, Magdalen College, the richest one, and Oriel College, one of the original colleges.
  • Curiosity Science Gallery, The Old Fire Station, Gloucester Green, 794494, Monday - Sunday 10:00-4:00, fee
    • This is a "touch and feel" museum.
  • Dorchester Abbey Museum, The Monastery Guest House, 340056/340007, free
    • The museum shows the history of Dorchester area from early times with aerial photographs of prehistoric sites, displays of Roman, Saxon and Medieval material, and unusual items from the Old Grammar School dating from 1652.
  • Museum of the History of Science, Old Ashmolean Building, Broad St., 277280, Tuesday 10:30-1:00, 2:30-4:00, free
    • The museum displays scientific instruments dating to the 16th century. Highlights include the original penicillin apparatus and Einstein's blackboard.
  • Museum of Modern Art, Pembroke St., 722733, Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-6:00, Sunday 2:00-6:00, fee
    • There are free hours on Wednesday 10:00-1:00, Thursday 6:00-9:00
  • Museum of Oxford, Town Hall, St. Aldates, 815559, Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-5:00, fee
    • The museum tells the tale of Oxford and the University.
  • The Oxford Story, Broad St., 790055, Monday - Sunday, 9:30-5:00, fee
    • At the Oxford Story, the visitor sits at a medieval scholar's desk and takes a special journey through the history of the university.
  • Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Regimental Museum, Slade Park, Headington, 716060, Monday - Friday 10:00-12:30, 2:00-4:00, free
    • The museum houses a collection of medals, uniforms, badges and silver.
  • Pitt Rivers Museum, Parks Rd, 270927, Monday - Saturday 1:00-4:30, free
    • This museum has a collection of ethnographic and prehistoric artifacts from around the world. It has a group of shrunken heads and treasures brought back by Captain Cook, among many other interesting things.
  • Pitt Rivers Museum, Balfour Building, Banbury Rd, 274726, Monday - Saturday, 1:00-4:30, free
    • This museum has a collection of musical instruments.
  • The Rotunda Museum of Antique Dolls Houses, Grove House, Iffley Turn, May 1-September 1, 1st and 3rd Sundays 2:15-5:00, fee
    • This is a private collection of over 400 historic dolls' houses (1700-1900) with their period furniture, carpets, dinner services, silver, miniature books, and inhabitants.
  • Royal Mail, 781310
    • Guided calls of the Post Office are available upon request.
  • University Museum, Parks Rd, 272950, Monday - Saturday 12:00-5:00, free
    • This is a working museum with an extensive natural history collection which includes dinosaurs' skeletons and dodo remains.
  • Westgate Exhibition Gallery, Central Libary, Westgate, 810126/815409, free
    • This gallery regularly changes exhibits. Call the library for information on the current exhibit.
• In Oxfordshire County:
  • Abingdon Museum, The County Hall, Market Place, Abingdon, 01235 523703, Tuesday - Sunday 11:00-4:00, free
    • The museum houses the town's collection of archeology and social history.
  • Banbury Museum, 8 Horsefair, Banbury, 01295 259855, Monday - Saturday 10:00-5:00, free
    • The museum has a large collection of photographs and glass plate negatives of the region. It tells the story of 'Banburyshire.'
  • Benson Veteran Cycle Museum, 61 Brook St., Benson, 01491 838414, free
    • This museum is open by appointment from April to August. It houses a collection of about 450 veteran bicycles dating from 1818 to 1930.
  • Bloxham Village Museum, The Court House, Bloxham, 01295 720283, Sunday 2:30-5:30, fee
    • This collection reflects the past life in this ancient village.
  • Charlbury Museum, Market St., Charlbury, 01608 810060, Sunday 2:00-4:00, fee
    • The museum illustrates traditional crafts and industries of Charlbury with maps and photographs.
  • Charney Basset Mill, 01235 868677/763752/766752, fee
    • The 1807 mill, open by appointment, was built in the local timber and weather-boarded style with a hipped, tiled roof.
  • Cogges Manor Farm Museum, Church Lane, Witney, 01993 772602, April 4-October 29, Tuesday - Friday, 10:30-5:30, Saturday - Sunday 12:00-5:30, fee
    • This working 20-acre museum reflects a farm in the late Victorian times with traditional breeds of animals, original farm buildings, and displays of farm implements and machinery.
  • Combe Mill, Bleinheim Sawmills, Combe, 01993 891785, fee
    • The mill is a mid-19th century sawmill with working steam beam engine, original Cornish boiler, and a working blacksmith's forge. It is open limited days.
  • Didcot Railway Centre, Great Western Society, Didcot, 01235 817200, 11:00-5:00, fee
    • The centre has a steam locomotive in the engine shed, signaling displays, Burnel's broad gauge railway, and small relics display.
  • Fawley Court Historic House and Museum, Marian Fathers, Fawley Court, Henley-on-Thames, 01491 574917, March - October, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 2:00-5:00, fee
    • The museum houses historic and cultural Polish collections including paintings, books in several European languarges, documents of the Polish kings with their signatures, 15th century arms and armour, and domestic items.
  • Granary Museum of Bygones, Butlin Farm, Claydon, Banbury, Monday - Sunday 10:00-5:30, fee
    • The displays show 19th and early 20th century material from the homes, farms, offices and craftmen's workshops of North Oxfordshire.
  • Oxford Bus Museum Trust, BR Station Goods Yard, Long Hanborough, 240125/01993 883617, Sunday 11:00-4:30, fee
    • The museum houses over 30 vehicles, from the Oxford house trams to the buses of the 1960s. Some vehicles are still roadworthy.
  • Oxfordshire County Museum, Woodstock & Standlake Store, Fletchers House, Woodstock, 01993 811456, Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-5:00, Sunday 2:00-5:00, free
    • This museum has permanent display galleries which tell the story of Oxfordshire.
  • River and Rowing Museum, Henley Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, 01491 410909
    • This museum is opening in 1996.
  • Swalcliffe Barn, Swalcliffe, Nr. Banbury, 01295 788278, Saturday - Sunday, 2:00-5:00, fee
    • The barn was constructed between 1400-1409. Part of the original roof is still intact.
  • Swinford Museum, Filkins, Near Leachlade, 01367 860334, free
    • The museum is housed in a 17th century cottage with a collection of local domestic, agricultural, trade, and craft tools. It is open limited days.
  • Tolsey Museum, 126 High St., Burford, 0136 781294, March - October 2:00-5:00, fee
    • This museum shows Burdford's social and industrial past, including the town's seals and charters, and an unusual doll house.
  • Tooley's at Banbury, Factory St., Banbury, 01295 261221, free
    • The museum is open limited days. It has the last surviving element of a canal terminus that thrived in Banbury from 1778-90. The boatyard includes working forge and operational drydock, both almost 200 years old.
  • Uffington, Tom's Brown's School Museum, Broad St., Ufflington, 01367 820402, Easter - October 2:00-5:00, free
    • The museum houses memorabilia of Uffington and District ranging from prehistoric and Roman times to the present.
  • Wallingford Museum, Flint House, High St., Wallingford, 014948 35065, Tuesday - Friday 2:00-5:00, Saturday 10:30-5:00, fee
    • The museum is part of a medieval hall and includes features such as "The River Thames through time", "Saxon and Medieval Wallingford," a model of the castle, a Victorian street scene, pub shop, workshop, and domestic area.
  • Vale and Downland Museum Centre, The Old Surgery, Church St., Wantage, 01235 771447, Tuesday - Saturday 10:30-4:30, Sunday 2:30-5:00, free
    • There are permanent displays showing the geology, local history and archaeology of Wantage and the Vale of the White Horse.

Music

• Music Groups:
  • East Oxford:
    • Humpty Dumpty Music Group, various locations, 725477
  • Headington:
    • Doh-Ray-Mi Music Class, Community Centre, Gladstone Rd, Headington, Tuesday, 10:00, 01235 521039
  • Kennington:
    • Jack and Jill Club, Community Room in Old School Buildings, The Avenue, 736170
  • South Oxford:
    • Hilary's Music, Whytam St., 244415 (babies and toddlers & after school music groups)
    • Humpty Dumpty Music Group, Grandpont Nursey, Whitehouse Rd, Wednesday, 9:15-10:30
    • Pre-School Music Fun, 34 Weston Rd, 723412
  • West Oxford, Botley and Cumnor:
    • Family Music Group, Elms Road Nursery School, Botley, 2439550
    • Oxford School of Music, Ivony, Cumnor Hill, Oxford 865654
• Teachers:
  • J. Lavender G.G.S.M., 180 Herschel Crescent, Littlemore, 749019 (piano)
  • Music Lessons are Fun, 6 Wykeham Crescent, 749109 (piano, singing, music technology)

Outdoor Activities

• BBONT: The Local Wildlife Trust, 3 Church, Cowley Rd, Rose Hill, 775476
  • BBONT publishes a calendar of activities entitled "Wildlife Calendar: Walks, Talks & Conservation Activity". Sample activities include "Birds at College Lake Nature Reserve", "Bats in Our Neighborhood: Meet and Listen to Them", and "Hedge Laying Tuition."
• Oxford City Council's Countryside Service, Brasenose Farm, Eastern By-Pass, 715830
  • The Countryside Service looks after 1,000 acres of countryside and publish the following free leaflets:
    • Oxford's Countryside
    • Guide to Shotover Park
    • Countryside Events Programme
    • On the Right Track-- A Guide to Mountain Biking
    • Helping Oxford's Wildlife -- How You can Get Involved

Parks/Garden

There are many parks in Oxford with activities ranging from horseriding, mountain biking, fossil hunting, to picnic areas and more.

• Botley:
  • Seacourt Nature Park
  • Raleigh Park
  • Chilswell Valley
• City Centre:
  • Botanic Gardens -- These gardens are devoted to the study of the use of plants and medicine.
  • University Parks
• Cowley:
  • Lye Valley
  • Magdalen Wood
  • Spindleberry
  • Sandford Brake
  • Shotover Country Park
  • Cowley Marsh Recreation Ground
• Cutteslowe:
  • Cutteslowe Park
• Headington:
  • Borrowmead Nature Park
  • Peasmoor Piece
  • Barton Village Nature Park
  • Magdalen Quarry
  • Rock Edge
  • Tews Ground
  • Headington Hill View Point
  • South Park
  • Bury Knowle Park
• Iffley:
  • Rivermead Nature Park
  • Iffley Fritillary Meadows
  • Iffley Triangle
• Marston:
  • Sunnymead Meadow
• South Oxford:
  • Long Bridges
  • Aston's Eyot & The Kidneys
  • Hinksey Lake
  • Grandpont Nature Park
• Summertown:
  • Wolvercote Common
  • Port Meadow
  • Burgess Field
  • Trap Grounds
  • Wolvercote Green

Skateboarding

Skateboard Ramp, Manzil Way, East Oxford Health Centre

Swimming

These pools have parent & toddler swim times.

• Blackbird Leys Pool, Blackbird Leys Rd, 779843
• Ferry Pool, Marston Ferry Rd, 510330
• Ormerod School Pool, Waynflete Rd, Barton
• Peers School Sports and Arts Centre, Sandy Lane West, 779348
• SS Mary and John Church of England First School, Hertford St, 248865
• Temple Cowley Pools, Temple Rd, 716667
  • This swimming pool also has child care.
• Westminister College Pool, Botley

Theatres

• Apollo Theatre, George St., 244544/243041
• Bunton-Taylor Theatre, Gloucester St., 793797
• Music at Oxford -- Children's Series, 864056
• The Old Fire Station Arts and Music Venue, Gloucester Green, 794494
• The Pegasus Theatre -- Oxford Youth Theatre, Magdalen Rd, 722851
• The Playhouse Theatre, Beaumont St, 798600/247134
  • The theatre runs Young People's Theatre with activities such as plays, workshops, and instant circus.

Toddler Groups

These groups are generally run by volunteer groups in each neighbourhood and open to anyone. A small fee is usually charged which covers the cost of coffee, juices, biscuits, and toys. These groups tend to be fluid in nature so call ahead for information.

• Bartston, Risinghurst, Sandhills, and Wheatley:
  • Barton Village First School, Fettiplace Rd, Monday 9:00-11:00, Wednesday 1:30-3:00, 61536
  • Granary Evangelical Church, Church Rd, Wheatley, Friday 2:00-3:30, 714850
  • PALS (Parents and Little Uns), meets causally in people's homes, 742095
  • Sandhills County Primary School, School Hut, Delbush Avenue, Wednesday 1:00-4:00, 68707
• Blackbird Leys:
  • Jubilee 77 Community Centre, Sorrel Rd, 252839
  • Oasis Toddler Group, Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground Building, 1 Cuddesdon Way, Monday and Wednesday 9:30-11:30, 770363
  • St. John Fisher RC First School, Sandy Lane West, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-11:30, 779676
• Botley and Cumnor:
  • St. Andrews Church Hall, Orchard Rd, Thursday 10:00-12:00, 245164
  • United Reform Chapel, Leys Rd, Cumnor, Tuesday 10:15-11:45, 865015
• City Centre:
  • St. Ebbes Church, St. Ebbes, Wednesday 11:00-2:45
• Cowley:
  • Church Cowley St. James' First School, School Hall, Bartholomew Rd, Tuesday 1:30-3:00, 778484
  • Cowley St. Christopher's Church of England First School, Temple Rd, Tuesday 1:15-2:45, 779772
  • John Bunyan Church Hall, Crowell Rd, Monday 9:45-11:15, Thursday 10:00-11:30, 717759
  • St. Dominic's Church Hall, Hallow Way, Tuesday and Friday 9:30-11:00
• East Oxford:
  • Asian Young Mothers and Toddlers Group, East Oxford Youth and Community Centre, Union St. Complex, 251420
  • Cherwell Housing Flats Playroom, Bullingdon Rd, Wednesday 2:00-3:30, 794899
  • East Oxford Health Centre, Cowley Rd, Wednesday 9:45-11:15
  • Jeune St. Methodist Church, on the corner of Cowley Rd, Monday 10:00-11:30, 244253
  • Jing Ling Toddler Group, Oxfordshire Chinese Community and Advice Centre, 44B Princes St., First and third Wednesday 12:30-2:00, 204188
  • St. Clements Family Centre, Cross St., Thursday 10:00-11:45, 245147
  • Tiddlers Toddler Group, Bartlemas Nursery School, Cowley Rd, Tuesday 9:30-11:15 and 1:00-3:00, Thursday 9:30-11:15 (for 2-3's), Friday 9:30-11:15, 245768
• Headington:
  • All Saints Highfield, All Saints Church House, New High St., Monday and Thursday 9:30-11:30
  • Bullingdon Community Centre, Peat Moors, New Headington, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-11:30 (0-3 years), 66108
  • Headington Community Centre, Gladstone Rd, Monday 1:15-2:45
  • Headington Quarry Toddler Group, Methodist Church Hall, Quarry High St., Thursday 10:00-11:30, 61185
  • St. Andrew's Toddler Group, Headington Parish Hall, Dunstan Rd, Wednesday 10:00-12:00, 64348
• Iffley, Rose Hill, Littlemore and Sandford:
  • Iffley Church Hall, Church Way, Wednesday 10:30-12:00, 771875/715495
  • Mabel Pritchard School, St. Nicholas Rd, Littlemore, Tuesday 10:00-11:30, 777878
  • Rose Hill First School, The Oval, Rose Hill, Wednesday 10:00-11:45
  • Rose Hill Methodist Church, Rose Hill, Thursday 1:00-2:30, 711533
  • Sandford Village Hall, Henley Rd, Thursday 10:00-12:00, 716597
• Kennington:
  • Kennington Village Hall, Tuesday 2:00-4:00, Thursday 9:30-11:30
• Little Milton:
  • Music Group, Village Hall, Little Milton, 361596
• Marston:
  • St Michael's Church of England First School, Marston Rd, New Marston, Thursday 2:00-3:30, 241476
  • St. Nicholas Church Hall, Elsfield Rd, Old Marston, Wednesday 9:45-11:30
  • United Reform Church Hall, Marston Rd, Tuesday 9:45-11:30 (0-3 years), 67108
• North Oxford:
  • Barney Bears, St. Barnabes Centre, 33a Canal St., Jericho, Monday, 9:15
  • Cutteslowe Community Centre, Wren Rd, Wednesday 9:15-11:15
  • Newcomers Club, 13 Norham Gardens, Mrs. Gina Birch, 735367, Friday 10:15-12:00
    • This toddler group is open to the newly arrived spouses and partners of Oxford University students and their children. On Wednesday mornings, the Club also runs a coffee group and an equipment store for used household goods, nursery equipment, toys, car seats and other items.
  • North Oxford Association, Cutteslowe Park Pavillion, Monday and Thursday 9:30-11:30, 59433
  • North Oxford NCT Get Together, St. Margaret's Institute, Polstead Rd, Friday 10:00-12:00 (0-3 years), 59084
  • St. Andrew's Church Hall, Linton Rd, Wednesday 1:45-3:00
  • St. Barnabas School Family Group, Hart St., Jericho, Thursday 10:30-12:00
  • St. Peter's Church, First Turn, Wolvercote, Thursday 1:15-2:45, Friday 10:00-11:45, (0-3 years), 511770
  • Stepping Stones, Baptist Church Hall, Woodstock Rd, Thursday 10:15-12:00, 51067
• St. John:
  • The Holford Centre, Stanton, St. John, 351606
• South Oxford:
  • Coffee Mornings, Monday, This groups rotates around people's homes, 793862
  • Hinksey Pinksey, South Hinksey Village Hall, Friday, 1:30-3:00
  • Messy Play, St. Mathews Church Hall, Marlborough Rd, Tuesday, 9:30-11:00, Activities concentrate on the messy -- painting, playdough, etc.
  • Parent, Babies, and Toddler Group, Baptist Church, Wytham St, Thursday, 9:30-11:00
  • Parent and Toddler Group, St. Lukes Church, Canning Crescent, Friday, 10:00-11:30
• Summertown:
  • North Oxford Association, Ferry Centre, 4 Diamond Place, Summertown, Wednesday and Friday 10:00-12:00, Thursday 3:00-4:00
  • Rockabye, South Parade Clinic, Summertown, Monday 10:00-12:00 (0-3 years), 511157
• West Oxford:
  • West Oxford Community Centre, Binsey Lane, Tuesday 2:00-3:30, Friday 9:30-11:00, 245761/244125
• Whitney:
  • Bumps and Babes, The Under Five Centre, behind St. Mary's School, Church Green, Whitney, 01993 778722

Tours

• Guided Walking Tours of Oxford, The Oxford Information Centre, Gloucester Green, 726871 Guide Friday (bus tours), 790522
• Oxford Classic (bus tours), 819393
• Spires & Shires (bus tours), 513998

Toy Libraries

These libraries lend toys for babies, toddlers, and school-aged children for a small charge. My daughter and I found these libraries a good place to meet people and borrow new and (often bigger) toys. In fact, we would not have packed as many toys if we know these places existed.

• Blackbird Leys:
  • Cuddesdon Corner Family Centre, 61-3 Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Monday - Friday 8:30-3:30
• Cowley:
  • Cowley St. Christophers First School, School Hall, Temple Rd, 779772, Wednesday 2:15-3:00
  • Cowley Parish Hall, Between Towns Rd, Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-11:00
  • John Bunyan Church Hall, Crowell Rd, 716882, Monday 9:45-11:15
  • St. Francis First School, Nursey Class, Horspath Rd, 777408, Tuesday 11:15-11:45 and 2:15-3:00
• East Oxford:
  • Cherwell Housing Lending Pack Scheme, Playroom, Cherwell Housing Flats, Bullingdon Rd, Wednesday 2:00-3:30
  • East Oxford First School, Union St., 240219, Wednesday 9:15-10:30
  • Florence Park Family Centre, Rymers Lane, Florence Park, Monday 1:00-2:30, Friday 1:30-2:30
• Headington:
  • Headington Quarry Church of England School, Quarry School Place, 61552, Wednesday 2:15-3:00
  • St. Andrew's First School, London Rd, 62396, Monday 2:45-3:30
  • Windmill First School, Margaret Rd, 62509, Wednesday 2:45-3:15
• Kennington:
  • Community Room, St. Swithin's School, The Avenue, Kennington, 735577, Tuesday 10:30, Friday 2:30-3:45
• Littlemore and Rosehill:
  • Rose Hill Family Centre, Rose Hill First School, The Oval, Monday - Friday 9:00-3:00
  • Speedwell First School, Sandford Rd, Littlemore, 777659, Thursday 2:30-3:30 and Friday 8:40-9:10
• Marston:
  • New Marston First School, Copse Lane, 61560,Tuesday 10:30-11:30 and 2:30-4:00
• North and West Oxford:
  • Botley County Primary School, Elms Rd, First and Third Wednesday 3:00-3:45
  • Cutteslowe First School, Wren Rd, Friday 2:30-3:15
  • St. Andrews Church Hall, Orchard Rd, 245164, Thursday 10:00-12:00
  • St. Barnabas First School, Cardigan St., Jericho, Thursday 2:45-3:45
  • West Oxford Community Centre, Binsey Lane, Friday 10:00-11:00
  • West Oxford First School, Ferry Hinksey Rd, Alternative Wednesday 3:00-3:30
  • Wolvercote First School, First Turn, Tuesday 2:15-3:30
• Sandhills:
  • Sandhills County Primary School, School Hut, Delbush Avenue, Wednesday 2:30- 3:30
• South Oxford:
  • Marlborough Road Toy Library, St. Ebbes School, Whitehouse Rd, Monday, 2:30-4:00
  • South Oxford Toy Library, New Hinksey First School, Vicarage Rd, Wednesday, 2:00-3:30
• Whitney:
  • Whitney Youth and Community Centre, next to Windrush Sports Centre, Wotton Way, Whiney, Thursday, 10:00

Other Activities

• Oxfordshire Playbus Association, 269 Cowley Rd, 727811 Oxfordshire Play Association, Agriculture House, Stanton, Harcourt Rd, Eynesham, 880900/881114
• Young Women's Christian Association, Claredon House, 52 Cornmarket St., 726110
• 133 Woodstock Rd, 52021

Information Sources

The sources listed below can provide information on events and activities for children.

• Newspapers:
  • Oxford Star
    • This weekly newspaper is delivered free to homes on Thursdays. Its What's on column lists the upcoming week's activities, including toddler groups and other events for children.
  • Oxford Mail
    • This is a daily newspaper available at any news stand. The 24-hour Diary lists activities for the day and the following day, including toddler groups and other events for children.
  • Oxford Times
    • This daily newspaper is available at any news stand. Its Information column in every Friday's issue provides information on upcoming events for the week, including play groups and other children-oriented events.
• Other Sources:
  • This Month in Oxford
    • This monthly pamphlet is available free from the Tourist Information Centre and other places in Oxford. It provides information on the upcoming theatre, galleries and exhibitions, museums, and musical events.
  • Health Nurse
    • The health nurse is associated with the local health clinics and can provide information on neighbourhood activities for children.
  • Oxford City Council Leisiure Services Play Development Team
    • The team is responsible for the operation of 12 after-school clubs based in community centres and schools and work with voluntary play projects to help provide additional after-school clubs, play schemes, adventure play grounds, play bus, scrapstore, and play associations. The team is also developing a publications and resource library on children's play and brochures from suppliers of equipment and materials. For more information, contact the team at 252812/252742.
  • Oxford Play Association
    • The association promotes play for children in Oxfordshire. It sponsors a resource library with art, craft, and activity-related books and other resource books related to play. The association also provides activity boxes to after-school clubs. Examples of the boxes are candle making, tie'n'dye, and parachute games. It also provides training in first aid, creative play ideas, and starting after-school clubs. Over the summer, it operates a mobile play bus. From more information, call 880900.

---

Daycare/Schools

For those families who require some childcare, there are a variety of options in Oxford.

Childminders

Childminders are individuals who offer childcare in their own homes. The age and number of children under 8 years for which they can care is set at registration with Social Services. Parents and childminders negotiate the fees, the hours, and details of the day-to-day arrangements. Children's Information Service (more details below) or Social Services (815329) can provide a list of childminders. Rates tend to start at approximately 2 pounds per hour.

Nurseries

Nurseries provide more organized care than childminders and offer it on a part- or full-time basis. These are similar to day cares in North America. The various nurseries include:

Private Day Nurseries: These nurseries offer a year round service for children between 0- 5 years. The hours of operation tend to cater to working parents.

Work Place Nurseries: These nurseries are offered by an employer or by a private concern, and are hosted by an employer on or near the workplace. They take children between 0-5 years during the parents' working hours. Some nurseries have limited spaces for children of non-employees.

Local Authority Nurseries: These nurseries are generally attached to a school and fall under the authority of the Education Department. As a result, they follow the term pattern of local schools. Since there are no charges, there tends to be a wait list Children are offered a place when they are 3-4 years of age.

The following list provides names and addresses of the nurseries in Oxford:

• Barton:
  • Barton Village First School, Fettiplace Rd, 61536
• Blackbird Leys:
  • Orchard Meadow First School, Wesley Cl, 778609
  • Pegasus First School, Field Avenue, 777175
• Botley and Cumnor:
  • Cumnor Hill Nursery, 182 Cumnor Hill, 864030
  • Elms Rd Nursery School, Elms Rd, Botley, 243955
  • Osney Day Nursery, Botley Rd, 204891
  • Willow Cottage Kindergarten & Nursery, Oxleys Farm, Cumnor Rd, Farmoor, 865206
• East Oxford:
  • Bartlemas Nursery School, 269 Cowley Rd, 245768
  • Blue House Nursery, 34 Union Street, 247877
  • Church Cowley St. James First School, Bartholomew Rd, 778484
  • Dinky Doo Nursery, 13 Stanley Rd, 727281/351315
  • East Oxford First School, Union St., 240219
  • Larkrise First School, Boundary Brook Rd, 721476
  • Nursery Rhymes Nursery, Hollow Way, Cowley, 776086
  • Oxford Montessori Nursery, 73 Crowley Rd, 240150
  • St. Francis First School, Horspath Rd, 777408
  • Stepping Stones Nursery, 55 Glanville Rd, 717139
• Headington:
  • Ambleside House, 11 Ambleside Drive, 741033
  • Beech Tree Nursery School, Rye St. Anthony School, Pullen Lane, Headington, 62802
  • Durbin Julia Day Nursery, Churchill Hospital, Old Rd, Headington, 744448
  • Headington Nursery School, William Kimber Crescent, 62345
  • Hunsdon House, 12 Osler, Headington, 62704
  • Kiddies Korner Nursery School, Quarry Village Hall, Quarry Rd, Headington, 66762
  • Oxford Montessori Nursery, Headington Parish Hall, Dunston Rd, 63788
  • Oxford Polytechnic Nursery, Gypsy Lane, Headington 819195
  • Rookery Nursery, Ruskin Hall, Dunstan Rd, Old Headington, 742974
  • Sanfield Day Nursery, Sanfield Rd, Headington, 744200
  • Slade Nursery School, Titup Hall Drive, Wood Farm, 750670
• Kennington:
  • St. Swithins Primary School, The Avenue, 739608
  • Small World Nursery, 89 Bagley Wood Rd, Kennington, 326660
• Marston:
  • New Marston First School, Copse Lane, 61560
  • Pooh Corner, Milham Ford Centre, Jack Straws Lane, 58420
  • St. Nicholas First School, Oxford Rd, Old Marston, 242838
• North Oxford:
  • Barnett House Creche, 1 Warnborough Rd, North Oxford, 52366
  • The Beehive, 65 Kingston Rd, 52303
  • Cutteslowe First School, Wren Rd, 58944
  • Mansion House Nursery, 369 Banbury Rd, 511237
  • North Oxford Nursery, 56 Templar Rd, 59433
  • North Oxford Montessori Nursery School, Polstead Rd, 510719
  • The Nursery, 17 Lathbury Rd, 516636
  • The Oxford Montessori Nursery, Wolvercote Village Hall, Wolvercote Green, 63788
  • St. Barnabas First School, Hart St., 57178
  • St. Annes Nursery, 48 Woodstock Rd, North Oxford, 274800, ext. 74868
  • St. Thomas Day Nursery, 40 St. Thomas, 810197
  • Somerville College Nursery, 119a Walton St., Jericho, 270686
  • The Squirrel School, 90 Woodstock Rd, 58279
  • Summertown Nursery School, 294a Banbury Rd, 310016
  • Turbo Ted's Nursery, Park End St., 200967
  • Wolfson College Nursery, Linton Rd, North Oxford, 274100
  • Wolvercote First School, First Turn, 583011
  • Rose Hill and Littlemore:
  • Rose Hill First School, The Oval, 777937
  • Speedwell First School, 17 Sandford Rd, 777659
• South Oxford:
  • Grandpont Nursery School, Abingdon Rd, 242900
  • The Music Box, 1 Chilsworth Path, South Hinksey, 730242
  • New Hinksey First School, Vicarage Rd, 242169
  • Oxford College of Further Education, Oxpens, 245871, ext 443
• West Oxford:
  • West Oxford First School, Ferry Hinksey Rd, 248862
  • Old School Nursery, The Old School, Stanton, St. John, 8821
  • Willows Nursery School, 41 Witney Rd, Eynsham, 880504

Playgroups

Playgroups offer part-time childcare for groups of children who are between 2 - 5 years. These groups offer the care on a morning or afternoon session basis and usually in a community premises such as a church hall or community centres. Most close during school holidays. The playgroups are voluntary bodies and use volunteer parents and carers to assist the employed staff. Funding comes from fees and fundraising. For the nearest playgroup, one should contact the local community centre or Children's Information Service, 882288.

• Barton, Risinghurst and Sandhills:
  • Barton Community Playgroup, Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus, 62732
  • Bernwood Playgroup, Bernwood First School, North Way, 61852/61413
  • Risinghurst Pre-School Playgroup, Risinghurst Community Centre, Kiln Lane, 750688
  • St. Mary's Playgroup, St. Mary's Church Hall, Edgecombe Rd, Barton, 66220
  • Sandhills Playgroup, Sandhills County Primary School, Delbush, 62586
• Blackbird Leys:
  • Blackbird Leys Community Centre Playgroup, Adventure Playgroup Building, Moorbank, 776611
  • Family Support Group, Neighbourhood Centre, Cuddesdon Way, 747832/774425
  • Moorbank Playgroup, Adventure Playgroup Building, Moorbank, 776611
  • St. John Fisher RC First School Playgroup, Sandy Lane West, 779676
• Botley:
  • Botley Playgroup, Behind Elms Rd Nursery School, 862782
  • Wootton & Dry Sandford Playgroup, 157 Cumnor Rd, Wootton, Boars Hill, 326093
• Central:
  • Roots Playgroup, Roots Community Centre, Old South Oxford Middle School, Thames St., 774889
• Cowley:
  • Cowley Community Centre Playgroup, Barns Rd, 777096
  • Cowley St. James Church Hall Playgroup, Beauchamp Lane, 771093
  • Rocking House Playgroup, Florence Park Community Centre, Cornwallis Rd, 774958
  • Our Lady's RC First School Playgroup, Oxford Rd, 779176
  • St. Frances Playgroup, St. Frances Church Centre, Hollow Way, 776293
• East Oxford:
  • 3-5s Playgroup, Oxford Boys School, Glanville Rd, 779993
  • Cowley St. John Playgroup, Playgroup Building, East Oxford First School, Union St., 728370
  • Donnington Playgroup, Donnington Playgroup Hut, Behind Townsend Square, Off Donnington Bridge Rd, 727721
  • St. Clement's Church Pre-School, St. Clement's Family Centre, Cross St., 53972
  • Studio Playgroup, St. Alban's Church Hall, Charles St., 242348
• Headington:
  • Barton Community Playgroup, Barton Neighborhood Centre, Underhill Circus, Headington, 62732
  • Forresters Community Playgroup, Wood Farm First School, Titup Hall Drive, 750269
  • Headington Community Playgroup, Headington Community Centre, Gladstone Rd, 67562
  • Perrin St. Playgroup, Windmill First School, Margaret Rd, 66233
• Marston:
  • New Marston Playgroup, St. Michaels 1st Church of England School, Marston Rd, Marston, 798320
  • Mortimer Hall Playgroup, Oxford Rd, Marston, 727995
• North Oxford:
  • Jericho Playgroup, St. Barnabas Institute, 33A Canal St.
  • Opportunity Playgroup, Hernes, Hernes Crescent, 514697
  • Polstead Playgroup, St. Margarets Hall, Polstead Rd, 54961
  • St. Aloysius Playgroup, St. Aloysius Old School, 25 Woodstock Rd, 53127
  • St. Joseph's Playgroup, Corpus Christi Church Hall, Walton St., 728338
  • St. Michael's Playgroup, St. Michael's Church Hall, Portland Rd, Summertown, 511398
  • St. Peter's Church Playgroup, St. Peter's Church Rooms, First Turn, Wolvercote, 53574
  • Summertown House Nursery, Mrs. Haldene's Memorial Nursery, Summertown House, Apsely Rd, 69370
• Rose Hill and Littlemore:
  • Littlemore Playgrup, Littlemore Community Centre, Giles Rd, 771764
  • Rose Hill Community Centre Playgroup, The Oval, 777542
• South Oxford:
  • Lake Street Community Playgroup, Lake Street, 242666

Afterschool and Holiday Care

Afterschool care is offered outside of school hours and term times. It is generally run through schools and community centres for children between the age of 5-11 years. For more information, contact the local community centre or the Children's Information Service, 882288.

Nannies

Nannies offer childcare in the child's home, either on a daily or live- in bases. Parents act as employers and are responsible for National Insurance contributions, tax, conditions of employment, etc. The average rate in Oxford is around 4 pounds per hour.

Nanny Agencies:

Nanny at Last, Middleway Cotteslowe, 326227

nans (Oxford Aunts), 2 George St., 791017

Oxford Nannies, 34 Union St, 721511

Rocking Horse Childcare, 62 St. Johns Street, 516688

Creches

Creches offer care for a morning or afternoon on a casual basis for a small fee. They are staffed by trained personnel. On the first visit, one should bring two contact names, name of a doctor, and information on allergies plus two diapers.

• Drop-in Creches:
  • Afternoon Creche, Barton Neighbourhood Centre, 64952, Thursday afternoon
  • Cuddesdon Corner Family Centre, Blackbird Leys, 773263, Thursday 9:00-12:00
  • Donnington Door Step Creche, Townsend Square, Off Donnington Bridge Rd, 727721, Monday 9:30-11:30
  • Shoppers' Creche, Townhall, St. Aldates, 252085 (to book), 252627 (Creche), Wednesday and Saturdays 9:30-12:00, 1:00-4:00
  • Sunnymeade Creche, Cutteslow Community Centre, Wren Rd, 310596, Tuesday 10:00-1:00
• Sports and Leisure Group Creches:
  • Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre, 771565, Tuesday-Friday 9:30-12:30
  • Bloomin' Arts, East Oxford Community Centre, Princes St., 245735
  • Cuddesdon Corner Family Centre, Blackbird Leys, 773263
  • Douglas Bader Sports Centre, St. Edwards School, Woodstock Rd, 53547
  • East Oxford Games Hall, Aerobics, 242486, Tuesday 10:00-11:00
  • Rose Hill Community Centre, Keep Fit, 777542, Friday 10:30-11:00
  • Temple Cowley Pools, 749449
  • Young Mum's Craft Group with Free Creche, Cutteslowe Community Centre, Wren Road, 311172

Schools

For a list of state schools, contact the Oxfordshire Education Authority, Macclesfield House, New Road, 815449.

Information Sources

• Children's Information Service
  • The Children's Information Service offers free, personal telephone information service by accessing child related services from their extensive computer database. The database lists a full range of childcare provision, play facilities, and other child related services for children from 0-15 years of age. For more information, call 882288.

---

Accommodation

Property Letting and Management Agencies

There are several property letting and management agencies in Oxford which can assist one to arrange accommodation generally for a minimum of six months and longer.

Agencies

• Campus Housing, 60 Grays Rd, Headington, 742250
• Canaan Properties, 1st Floor, Golden Cross Court, Cornmarket St., 244688
• David Mills Estates (Oxford) Ltd, 5 Farndon Rd, 57356
• Finders Keepers, 73 Banbury Rd, 512168/27-28 St. Clements, 200012
• The Letting Centre, 51 Wharton Rd, Headington, 63785
• Lyttons, Property Service, 148 Cowley Rd, 725531
• Grovesons, 276 Banbury Road, 516611
• The Letting Shop, 171 Cowley Rd, 790609
• Rentaflat Ltd, 51 Cornmarket, 726966

Other Sources

• Oxford Gazette, University of Oxford, Accommodation, 278287

---

Travel in and out of Oxford

In Oxford

Besides getting around by one's own feet, Oxford has two bus lines that cover the city and beyond. The two companies are the Oxford Bus Company and the Thames Transit which both provide bus service within the city, Park & Ride from the suburbs, and into London (city centre and airports). Within the city, one pays by the distance traveled with the option of purchasing passes for zones. The bus drivers sell tickets. Bus schedules are available at the library and various travel agents. There is a high degree of competition between the bus lines which leads to price wars. For more information on bus routes and fares, call Oxford Bus Company (711312) and Thames Transit (772250).

Out of Oxford

Once one gets settled, there is much in England to explore. London is an obvious choice for sightseeing, but there is much more to the country. Listed below is but a small sample of what is available.

London

Children-Friendly Restaurants:
• British Museum, Great Russell St., 171 636 1555
• Cranks, 8 Marshall St., 171 437 2915
• Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Rd, 171 416 5000
• John Lewis, The Place to Eat, Oxford St., 171 629 7711
• London Zoo, Regent Park, 171 722 3333
• Milburns, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell St., 171 581 2159
• National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, 171 839 3321
• Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, 171 938 9123
• Selfridges, Oxford St., 171 691234
• Tower of London, Tower Hill, 171 709 0765
Attractions:

I have listed with each museum the convenient underground (subway) stops at which one would get off.

• British Museum, Great Russel St., 171 636 1555, free, Underground Stops: Holborn, Hottenham, Court Road, Russell Square
  • The British Museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of art and artifacts in the world. The displays include mummies, Rosetta Stone, Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial ship, and copies of the Magna Carta. Lifts are available to transport children in strollers. The only diaper changing location in the museum is located in Exhibit Hall 25 (Egyptian Exhibit) near the First Aid Office. To avoid weekend crowds, it is recommended that one visits the museum during the week.
• Hampton Court Palace, London, fee
  • This Palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey and given to Henry VII in the early 1500s. This is a good place for families to visit. A visit to the castle includes free audio tours with activity books, a maze, several gardens, and plenty of geese to chase, making it a full day and more.
• Hyde Park, Baywaters Rd and Kensington Rd, Underground Stops: Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Hyde Park Corner
  • The park, founded by Henry VIII, is the largest royal one in central London. Beside being famous for its Speaker Corner on Sunday, the park has plenty of green space, a swimming area and a boat launch.
• National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, free, Underground Stops: Leicester Square, Charing Cross, 0171 839 3321
  • The National Gallary has over 2000 paintings and is considered the best gallery in London. Works include paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Cezanne, Poussin, and Picasso. As with the British Museum, it is suggested that one visits on weekdays.
• Regent Park, Underground Stop: Regent Park
  • This is a great park for kids with 3 play areas with swings, slides, and sand boxes. Boat rentals are available. The London Zoo is also located in the park. Primrose Hill, north of the zoo, provides a view of the city skyline.
• Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, 171 589 6371, free, Underground Stop: South Kensington
  • The general theme of this museum is fine and decorative arts. Exhibits include Gothic tapestries, Islamic carpets, Renaissance sculptures, and Medieval portraits. The history of clothing exhibit will be a hit with older children. Just one note, the museum is not easily navigated with strollers because it is on different levels with few elevators available.

Great Britain

• Avebury Stone Circles, Avebury, Wiltshire, free
  • This stone circle, the largest in England, dates from around 2600 to 2100 BC, around the time of the first and second stages at Stonehenge. It is more enjoyable to visit than Stonehenge because it is not as touristy and one can actually touch the stones. Part of the exhibit is through a pasture which will provide children with an opportunity to view sheep up close.
• Bolton Abbey, Skipton, Yorkshire Dales, free
  • This abbey can either be accessed by car or by public footpaths. It dates back to the 13th century and has Flemish baroque pulpit-panels, antique pews, and hatchments. Part of the church is still in use.
• Brass Rubbing Centre, Chalmers Close, off Royal Mile, Edinburgh, free
  • This Centre displays many replica brasses. Children of all ages can enjoy making rubbings for a fee.
• Calton Hill, Princes St., Edinburgh, free
  • The climb to the top of Calton Hill provides an impressive view of Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat, an 800-foot-high rocky peak. There is an observatory at the top.
• Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
  • A trip to Cambridge is worth it to see the "other university" town in England. According to legend, Cambridge was founded by a group of rebel academics from Oxford. As a result, Cambridge is organized similar to Oxford University with colleges. Sites to visit include Fitzwilliam Museum, Folk History, and the various colleges and city parks. Just a note, strollers are not allowed in the Fitzwilliam museum. Front carriers are provided for infants.
• Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, Kent, free
  • The cathedral became the centre of medieval pilgrimages after the martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. (These pilgrimages were chronicled in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.) The Archbishop of Canterbury is the Primate of All England, the head of the Church of England, and the leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Cathedral is open to visitors who should set aside a full day to explore the cathedral and the city.
• Chester, Cheshire
  • Chester, located in the Northern Midlands, is the home of some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the country. There is an almost continuous red sandstone wall dating back to the Romans encircling the city which is today a 2-mile promenade with sign posts to explain the city's history. A Roman amphitheatre has also been unearthed and can be explored by children.
• Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland, fee
  • Edinburgh Castle, a dominant force on the city's skyline, cannot be missed as one approaches city centre. The castle was originally a 6th century fortress, but was developed into a royal residence for the Scottish royal family between the 11th and 16th centuries. Today, Scottish tour guides provide the castle's history and end the tour at the Palace which houses the Scottish crown jewels.
• Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, Yorkshire, fee
  • This attraction is a 800 acre complex with ruins of a 12th century Cistercian Abbey, Jacobean Mansion built in 1680, a Victorian Church, and a number of 18th century follies within a 18th century landscaped park built around a number of artificial lakes.
• Housesteads, Hadrian's Wall, Northern England, fee
  • Hadrian's Wall was an attempt by the Romans to divide the northern part of the island from the south at the country's narrowest part. Today, some of the 73-mile wall and its forts still stand. Children can experience life at a Roman fort by visiting the barracks, chapel, grainary, and other buildings at Housesteads fort.
• Lake District, Northern England
  • At the Lake District, families have a choice of activities, from hiking to boating to visiting museums. Attractions include the Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum, which celebrate the writings and life of the romantic poet William Wordsworth, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery and Beatrix Potter's Hill Top, where Potter wrote many of her Peter Rabbit books.
• Museum of Childhood, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, free
  • This museum has been described as one of the nosiest in the world. It will take adults down memory lane thought exhibits of old toys, clothes, games, and books as it introduces children to the childhood experiences of their parents and grandparents.
• Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, fee
  • Old Sarum comprises 56 acres of Norman fortification ruins and the visible foundations of the old cathedral which was used by Salisbury inhabitants until the Salisbury Cathedral was built in the 1200s. A highlight for older children will be the preserved latrine.
• Portchester Castle, Portsmouth, Hampshire, fee
  • Portchester Castle dates back to Roman times with subsequent developments by the Saxons, Normans, and Medieval kings. Much of the castle still exists and the top of the tower provides an excellent panorama of the countryside. Even if one does not pay to enter the castle, the grounds are a great place to enjoy a picnic and walk. This was one of the best places we visited because no ropes prevented us from examining the site.
• St. Andrews, Scotland
  • St. Andrews is a seaside town known to many as the birthplace of golf. Besides visiting the world's best known golf course, the Old Course, families can also explore the cathedral and castle ruins. Of course, if the children are tired of seeing ruins, they can always enjoy time on the beach. The beaches are sandy, but the water is cold. (St. Andrews is on the North Sea.)
• Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury, Wiltshire, free
  • This cathedral is over 700 years old and is considered one of the most beautiful in England. Besides viewing the highest spire in the country, one can tour inside the Cathedral, the chapter house and cloisters. Children can use the amble green space to run around.
• Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire, fee
  • Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Europe. It consists of a ring of enormous stones and was built in stages starting over 5000 years ago. It is an impressive structure when one considers that it was built without the aid of modern technology. Due to the fact that the site has been subject to visits by millions of tourists over the years, the site is barricaded by ropes. This means that one cannot acutally touch the stones. (As a result, it might be best to keep toddlers in a stroller or backpack.) Free audio tours are available.
• Wells, Somerset
  • Wells is the smallest cathedral city in England and takes it name from three springs that emerge near the medieval Bishop's Palace. The cathedral itself dates back to 1180 and incorporates a number of Gothic styles. The west front of the cathedral underwent extensive restoration in 1986 and houses a sculpture gallery. Other sites to visit in the city include the Bishop's Palace and Wells Museum.

France

There are many ways to get to France -- ferry, chunnel, and plane. We enjoyed a quick trip to the western area of the country. However, the country can be very expensive. A MacDonald's meal for 2 was approximately $20 Cdn. We found that it is cheaper to rent a car in France than to rent one in England and drive it across. This was primarily due to the extra insurance that has to be purchased to drive a car in France.

• St. Malo
  • This city is almost directly south of Portsmouth, England. It is a beautiful city with the old section still enclosed by walls. There are many beaches around the city where families can enjoy some relaxation.
• Brest
  • This city is on the most western part of the country. The beaches in this area held an important place in WWII history. It was here that the Allied Forces falsified intelligence in hopes that the Germans would expect an attack here, rather than Normandy where the attack actually happened. St. Matheiu still contains the defenses from both world wars and a bombed out cathedral.

---

Health Care

Health System

England has a public health care system much like Canada's. The government provides a full range of medical services for all residents regardless of income. The system is financed through general taxation. Health treatment is free to nationals of EEA countries and to people from other countries which have reciprocal agreements with Britain. Unfortunately, Canada is not one of these countries. While Canadians can access the health system, including the doctors at the local health clinics, they must pay for their usage of it. Luckily, provincial health care plans will cover a portion of the cost of some medical services in England. Additional travel medical insurance, which can be purchased through a travel agent, is highly recommended.

Hospitals

• John Radcliffe, Headley Way, Headington, 64711
• Churchill Hospital, Headington, 64841
• Eric Hospital, Walton Street, Oxford, 249891
• Radcliffe Infirmary, [no address or phone available]

---

Resources

I have listed below books that might be useful when preparing to live and travel in England. Many of these books are available through public libraries and bookstores. 

Books

• Oxford:
  • The Clarendon Guide to Oxford. A.R. Woolley, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1979.
  • Oxford. Jan Morris, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987.
  • Oxford & Cambridge: Blue Guide. Geoffrey Tyack, London: A&C Black, 1995.
  • Oxford: Insight City Guide. Brian Bell (ed.), Singapore: APA Publications, 1990. (1995 edition available)
  • Oxford for Under-Fives. Vicki Cullen and Sue Loochin (eds.) Oxford: New Parent Network, 1993.
    • To purchase a copy, please contact Vicki Cullen, New Parent Network, 01865 722667
    • This book is particularly useful and full of tips and suggestions for raising children in Oxford from pregnancy to school-age.
  • Oxford Visitor's Guide. John Chipperfield (ed), Oxford: Oxford City Council.
• Traveling with Children in England:
  • The Best Pubs for Families. Jill Adam, St. Albans, Herts: ALMA Books, 1989/90.
  • Britain: A Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit. Richard Everist, Bryn Thomas, and Tony Wheeler, Australia: Lonely Planet Publications, 1995.
  • Children Welcome: Family Holiday Guide '95. Children Welcome!, United Kingdom: FHG Publications, 1995.
  • Egon Ronay's Ford Guide 1994 ... And Baby Comes too. Egon Ronay, London: Egon Ronay's Guides, 1994.
  • The Family Guide to England and Wales. Peter Titchmarsh, Norwich: Jarrold Colour Publications, 1990.
  • The Family Welcome Guide 1994: The Best Selective Guide to Hotels, Self- catering, Restaurants and Pubs for Parents and Children. Jill Foster and Malcolm, London: Haper Collins, 1993.
  • Innocents Abroad: Traveling with Kids in Europe. Laura Sutherland and Valerie Deutsch, Viking, 1991.
  • Kidding Around London: A Family Guide to the City. Sarah Lovett, John Muir Publications, 1995.
  • Kids' Britain. Betty Jerman, London: Pan Macmillan Children's Books, 1992.
  • The New Let's Go With Children in Berks, Bucks & Oxon. Maureen Cuthbert and Suzanne Bennett, United Kingdom: Cube Publications, 1995.
    • Cube Publications also publishes guides for Avon, Gloucs & Northwilts, Beds, Bucks, & Herts, Essex, Suffolk & South Lambs, Hants, Dorset & South Wilts, Leics, Northants & Warwicks, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
  • The Oxford Guide 1995/96. Published by the Oxford Mail.
  • The Visitor's Guide to English Heritage. English Heritage, London: English Heritage, 1995.
  • The Wall's Guide to 1001 Places to Go to in the School Holidays. George Thaw, Wilts: Good Books, 1994.
• Living in Britain:
  • How to Live in Britain 1988: The British Council's Guide for Overseas Students and Visitors. The British Council, UK: MacMillan Publishers, 1988. (1991, 1995 editions are available.)
  • How to Study & Live in Britain: A Handbook for Students From Overseas. Jane Woolfender, Plymouth, UK: Northcote House Publishers, 1990.
  • Living and Working in Britain: A Survival Handbook. David Hampshire, Surrey, UK: Survival Books, 1991.
  • Residence in Britain: Essential Information for People From Overseas Intending to Stay for More Than Six Months.
    • This is a pamphlet available from the British Consulate Office.
• Traveling with Children:
  • Travel with Children: A Travel Survival Kit. Maureen Wheeler, Hawthorn, Australia: Lonely Planet Publications, 1990
  • Traveling with Children: A Survival Guide for Parents. Dr. David Haslam, Great Britain: MacDonald & Co. ltd., 1988.
  • Trouble-Free Travel with Children: Helpful Hints for Parents on the Go. Vicki Lansky, Deep Haven, MN: The Book Peddlars, 1991.

Other Information Sources

Once one is settled in Oxford, the following information sources can provide information that can facilitate life.

• Oxford Information Centre, Glouster Green, Oxford 01865 726871
  • The Centre carries a comprehensive selection of guide books, maps, town trails, and souvenirs on Oxford and England. Some of the information is free. The centre also publishes "Oxford Information Centre Children's Guide".
• OXCIS, Oxfordshire County Information Service
  • This information service provides information on:
    • home
    • family
    • schools and courses
    • environment
    • jobs
    • trade and business
    • leisure
    • consumer advice
    • local government
    • organizations news.
  • In terms of information related to children, OXCIS lists creches, adventure playgrounds, community centres, and other activities. The kiosks are located at the public libraries and Oxford Town Hall. A printout is available.
• Leisure Services Diary
  • This pamphlet is a list of upcoming communication recreation, events, plays, sports development, team and other activities that are happening in Oxford. It is available at Oxford Town Hall, public libraries, and Oxford Information Centre. For more information, call 252838. To be placed on the mailing list, call 252829.
• Daily Info, Oxford -- This is a website full of information about what is going on in Oxford, ranging from things for children to accommodation to theatre reviews.  It complements a print version which is printed three times a week.

Vocabulary

Though one will be living in an English speaking country, that does not mean that there will not be any misunderstandings. The following translations of North American English to British English should help ease the language barriers. The Lonely Plant Guide for England has a more comprehensive list.
 

North American English	British English
stroller	push cart pram
diapers	nappies
underwear	knickers
fanny pack	bum bag
downtown	city centre
bus	coach
cups	beakers
crib	cot
apartment	flat
soother	dummy
sweater	jumper

---

Hints and Tips for (Almost) Trouble-Free Existence Below, are hints and tips that our family gathered as the result of our experiences in England. Please use them is they make sense for your situation.

London

• One day fare cards are available for 2.80 Pound (children under five are free) for unlimited travel on the transport system within Zone 1 and 2. Most of the popular attractions are located within these zones.
• The Underground is not overly stroller-friendly because it is located several stories below street level. Few stops have elevators to carry passengers to platforms which means that one has to carry a stroller up and down the stairs. Needless to say, this can become tiring by the end of the day. Our response was to limit the use of the Underground. Others use backpacks to carry their children.

Visiting Sites

• Both English Heritage and National Trust sell yearly memberships for free entrance to their castles, ruins, palaces, and cathedrals. English Heritage also has a two week pass aimed at tourists. This allows free entrance to all attractions listed in their Legendary Days Out in England guide. Passes for both organizations can be purchased at an historical site.
• At National Trust sites, children can get their "passport" stamped with a unique stamp representing the site. The "passport" is available at the gift shops, which are also good places to pick up books to help children learn from the site.
• A free admission charge generally means a voluntary donation.

Travel

• Give children lots of time to run around. We found that our one-year-old daughter had an attention span of about an hour in a stroller before she had to explore. As a result, we tended to go to a park before heading to a museum. It is also important to keep in mind that most museums do not mind if children walk around as long as they do not touch the exhibits.
• Keep the day simple. We found when we tried to pack too many sights in a day, both us and our daughter were over tired by the end of the day. And an overtired child is not a happy child. And for that matter, neither is the parent. After much trial and error, we took the list of sights that we wanted to see and divided it in half for a manageable day.
• For the hot summer days, tetrapacks of milk are a lifesaver. These cartons of milk do not have to be refrigerated until opened and come in many convenient sizes. We also used a cooler bag with an ice pack to keep lunches and bottles cool. These cooler packs can be purchased at many department stores.
• Many Bed & Breakfasts have family rooms which are larger and often with a couple of beds. They may also be able to provide a bed for babies. The hosts are good sources of local knowledge.
• Tourist Information Centres often have accommodation guides.
• It can be a painful for children to make the transition to a new time zone. With some forethought, one can ease the transition by adjusting bedtimes before one leaves home. We ended up using the "sledge hammer" approach by waking up our daughter at 8:00 each morning regardless when she went to bed. After several torturous days, we were on the new time zone.
• We also found that the transition to the new place went smoother when we traveled with a few favorite things. We even took our daughter's stuffed whale toy and blanket on the lane to provide her comfort.
• Ferries are a pleasant way to travel with children to France. The ferries have many floors to explore and play areas. We learned the hard way that one should spend the extra money and get a cabin on the overnight ferries. Since there is a duty free liquor store on board, some British youth use the ferry as an opportunity to get drunk cheap and then antagonize the French. Our sleep in a salon was interrupted by one particular youth who chose the time to swear at the French who were also trying to sleep.
• Car rental tends to be very expensive in England. As a result, we rented through Alamo Rental through their Canadian office and picked the car up in London. We saved about half the cost of a car rental in Britain.

Banking

• Despite advances in computer technology and links between banks (Interac, etc), do not expect an easy time moving money between North America and England. Though one can withdraw money from one's bank account in certain circumstances, one cannot deposit money into a North American bank account easily nor cheaply. We found that it was easier and cheaper (the cost of a stamp) to mail cheques to someone in Canada to deposit for us. To deposit money to a Canadian account from within England or transfer money between accounts means both the sending and receiving banks will charge a fee for these services. To complicate things further, I am not aware of a Canadian charter bank which has retail services in the country. The best advice is to talk to your home bank before you leave.
• We found that credit cards are taken at most places, except for Bed & Breakfasts. One word of caution, we found that when we used our Mastercard to withdraw money from an ATM, the transaction was expensive for two reasons. First, the withdrawal was converted from British pounds to US dollars before being converted to Canadian dollars. These means that one loses on the exchange twice. Second, there is a dollar charge for using the ATM that one is not charged when using a bank clerk.

Misc.

• Be prepared to hang one's laundry up to dry. Since electricity is very expensive in England, many homes do not have a dryer.
• Be prepared for cold weather, which means bring lots of sweaters. Though the winters are not as cold as many parts of Canada, British homes are still cooler than Canadian homes in the winter months. Heating is very expensive and homes are generally not insulated as well nor have the central heating we are accustomed to in Canada.
• The average British home tends to be a small row house. Traditional North American detached homes are very expensive to rent.
• Though one can collect a refund on the VAT paid, it is not really worth the effort to collect the paper work from stores. VAT is a 17.5% sales tax that is levied on virtually all goods and services, but not on food and books. One can obtain a refund on goods that will exported within 3 months. The goods must be produced at the airport as part of the refund process. Due to administrative charges involved in processing the refund, one generally has to spend over 50 pounds at a single store to profit from the refund.

---

Getting Settled with Kids in Oxford. [Full Stride Publications, Baby Steps 1]. Lynne Siemens.

Copyright (c) 1995, 1999, 2004- by the author, all rights reserved, and may be used and shared in accordance with the fair-use provisions of U.S. copyright law. Archiving and redistribution for profit, or republication of this text in any medium, requires the consent of the author and Full Stride Publications.

[Last updated: September 10, 1997; 1999, 2004.]

---

Full Stride Publications
Nanaimo, BC, Canada.
siemensr@mala.bc.ca