Walking around Oxford

An opportunity to spend time photographing Oxford arose just before Christmas. My good virtual friend, Doddsie (Neil Dodd) was visiting from Switzerland as he was attending a course at Oxford. Neil and I take part in the well regarded Internet production, ‘the Photo Show’, which can be found at the BritishTechNetwork.com. Whilst I have met the other two presenters Martin Kelly and Ian Lewis several times before, I had only chatted to Neil virtually. As Neil was based in Oxford, we arranged to undertake a photowalk around the city. We started our journey on the river Thames. There is access to the river near to the hotel where Neil was staying. Officially our start point was University College Boat House, an imposing structure overlooking the river. We walked past many canal boats which were sealed up for winter. Some had even sunk into the river and were in in need of refloating. We walked along the river. There is Grandpoint House which has a commanding view of the river and merits a picture.

Walking around Oxford
Sitting out winter on the Thames
Walking around Oxford
College Boat houses on the East Bank of the Thames
Walking around Oxford
The impressive Grandpoint House

We came up from the river at Folley Bridge and then onto Christ Church College. The College over looks a meadow and the treelined popular walk. We circled Merton’s field walking along Deadman’s walk and Merton Grove. We took in Merton Church and went into Magpie Lane, over the High Street and then Catte Street. This led us to the Radcliffe Camera considering by many as one of the most beautiful buildings in Oxford. Here we were fortunate to see the filming by Warner Brothers for the upcoming film Willy Wonka. When we saw them they were filming scenes in the Radcliffe Camera. In order to give sunlight into the rooms, there were large cranes which were directing bright lights through the window.

Walking around Oxford
View from Folley Bridge
Walking around Oxford
Christ Church College viewed from Popular walk
Walking around Oxford
Bike in Magpie Lane
Walking around Oxford
Artificial sunlight for the Radcliffe Camera during the filming of Willy Wonka
Walking around Oxford
The interior courtyard of the Bodleian library

The courtyard at the Bodleian library is a wonderful structure and as you see I did some unorthodox picture taking of the skyline (Picture curtesy of Neil Dodd). Next stop the Bridge of Sighs followed by a quick visit to the Turf Tavern along St Helen’s passage. We retraced our steps back through the main shopping centre of Oxford. There is a veranda here where you can get a view of all the Oxford Spires. Next stop the Oxford prison and some photos of the green roof of Nuffield College. On the way back we made for the river and we were rewarded by a rowing boat from the city barge club moving along in Venetian style. Both pupil and instructor were standing and moving along briskly. The instructor even had time to chat to us as she coached her pupil on how to negotiate the river. They made good photographic subjects. We then retraced our footsteps along the river back to the hotel where Doddsie was staying. We spent some time taking pictures along the river and then it was time to say goodbye to Neil. A great day out photographing Oxford and I have shared the photographs so you can enjoy the place taken in winter.

Walking around Oxford
Oxford spires
Walking around Oxford
Castle Mound with the spire of Nuffield College
Walking around Oxford
Boating on the river
Walking around Oxford
Submerged
Walking in Oxford
Street photography in Broad Street Christmas market

If you enjoyed these photographs then be sure to follow my fellow colleagues at the BTN Photoshow
Ian Lewis
Neil Dodd
Martin Kelly our wonder chair and the person who puts the show together is on email. Drop him a line if you are interested about the BTN show.