How I spent 16 months journeying from the top to the bottom of England in a canal boat
From within sight of the Lake District to Surrey, an epic – and slow – journey along the length of England’s waterways
July 2023
The wonder of Wessex: walking the Ridgeway in Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
It is 50 years since this prehistoric thoroughfare in southern England became a national trail. We take a two-day walk with highlights including Uffington White Horse
April 2022
Where the magic happens: 10 of Britain’s most mystical sites
From healing wells to sacred stones, the author of a new guide to Magical Britain selects his favourite wild and enchanting places
October 2021
Kickstart for bad birdwatchers: joining an expert-led tour on the Thames
Hugh Thomson identifies as a ‘bad birdwatcher’: someone who likes birds, but doesn’t really know much about them
March 2021
A very British grand tour … for 2021
Our writer reimagines the cultural odyssey, selecting 12 highlights that together celebrate Britain’s history and modernity
October 2020
Oxford's new Story Museum finds fresh ways to tell tales in Covid era
Lockdown halted the opening of the ‘interactive and sensory experience’ but innovation, and determination, have won the day
July 2020
Messing about in boats … on the Thames
The Wollaston family should have been sailing the Med this summer, but a serene riverboat adventure more than compensates, with picnics, kingfishers and their own Mr Toad
December 2019
Car-free UK
Oxford at Christmas: a car-free trip to a city of dreaming spires
The city’s cultural highlights are part of a Christmas-tinged visit – by rail and bus – that also includes a walk by the Thames and Blenheim Palace’s festive extravaganza
October 2018
Jay Rayner on restaurants
Parsonage Grill, Oxford: ‘A lazy approach to cooking’ – restaurant review
This pricey but forgettable Oxford establishment is a lesson in disappointment
December 2017
British boltholes
The Tower House, Oxford: hotel review
This altruistic B&B and restaurant funds social projects and oozes warmth and quirky charm, but the food and some of the decor need a rethink
June 2016
Shore to shore tour diary
Poets on tour, part three: silence in Oxford, shouting in Chipping Norton
Today, the road trip reaches the heart of Oxfordshire, where tense political times provide the spark for hijinks and tomfoolery
February 2016
Take the kids to …
Take the kids to … Story Museum, Oxford
This museum is in thrall to the wonder of words with its Narnia and other themed rooms, and a new ‘Animal’ exhibition should boost its magical appeal
January 2016
Best craft beer pubs around the UK
Top 10 craft beer pubs in Oxford
Oxford’s emerging craft beer scene offers a good mix of cosy, cool and chilled-out city centre pubs and bars
March 2015
Do Something social
10 unusual British walking tours
From a look at York’s historic toilets to a Depeche Mode tour of Essex, talk a walk on the weird side
February 2015
20 great city walks
Great city walks: Oxford
A procession of stunning buildings with shades of Harry Potter and Morse
December 2014
Jay Rayner on restaurants
My Sichuan: restaurant review
The lamb ribs alone make the trip to My Sichuan worthwhile. And be sure to eat solo, says Jay Rayner, or you might be forced to share
November 2014
Britain's best budget eats
Top 10 budget restaurants and cafes in Oxford
After you have admired its dreaming spires, where can you eat well for under £10? Tony Naylor updates his 2010 budget eats guide to Oxford, including the city’s new street food scene
July 2014
We bought a house in Oxford. Just one problem: it's 60 miles from my desk
Graeme Wearden
Graeme Wearden: Commuting between Oxford and London can be a drag, but I see Oxfordshire before me and it all feels just about worthwhile
April 2014
Gig venue guide
The gig venue guide: The Jericho Tavern, Oxford
Welcome to the venue that hosted Radiohead's first-ever show, and has become a staple of the touring circuit (with good beers, too)
March 2014
Oxford Parkway station will lead to rise in house prices and commuter numbers
Station may be boon to area, but commuters just as likely to be locals heading to work elsewhere as former Londoners