1. Oxford University

The oldest English speaking University, Oxford University was established in approximately the 11th century, and, with Cambridge, developed into one the leading educational centre in the country. The city of Oxford is built around the University, which can be visited through guided tours via individual colleges. Individual attractions include All Saints Church, the Sackler and Bodelian Libraries, as well as the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Museum of the History of Science. Other attractions include the Sheldonian Theatre, the Botanic Garden and the Harcourt Arboretum.

Oxford University, England, UK by TEDizen

2. Bleinheim Palace

The stately home of the Marlborough family for centuries, and one of the largest houses in England, Blenheim Palace was built in the 18th century as part of a reward for John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the house was built around multiple blocks and parklands with deer, and remains one of the most lavish stately homes of all time. Blenheim later became a home for Winston Churchill, descendant of Jon, and was opened out in the late 20th century to a public site. It costs around £20 to enter the Palace.

3. Didcot Railway Centre

A treasure trove of old steam locomotives and other trains that is ideal for a family day out, the Didcot Railway Centre is near to the town of the same name, and is an extension of the now defunct Great Western Railway. Visitors can take in steam and diesel locomotives, as well as unique vehicles and exhibits. The Centre is open for weekends throughout the year, and puts on regular special events involving the locomotives and the history of steam railways.

4. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Adapted from the Bradwell Grove Estate, Cotswold Wildlife Park became a public destination in 1970. The estate’s grounds include 230 animals within its Walled Gardens. Notable animals include speckled mousebirds and sloths, as well as meerkats, oryx and llamas. A special section o the park is given over to highlighting rare species from Madagascar, and to conservation species like the Mount Omei babbler and the crested pigeon.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

5. Ashmolean Museum

Located on Beaumont Street, the Ashmolean Museum is part of Oxford Universities’ wide range of different institutions. Built between 1678 and 1683, the museum was created as an extension of the collection of Elias Ashmole. Its unique collection includes rare zoological specimens and rare items from world and English history. These include a stuffed dodo, pre-Raphaelite paintings, Greek pottery, the Alfred Jewel, Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, and the Abingdon Sword.

Brought to you by the bloggers from Inchcape Toyota Oxford, offering a wide range of used cars in Oxford.

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Manchester Town Hall by Julius

Situated in the south-central part of North West England, Manchester is home to over 500,000 and is part of the expansive Greater Manchester area that has a total population of over 2 million. The city is steeped in history, but in recent years has come on leaps and bounds in bringing a contemporary and modern feel to the city-centre.

Manchester is also one of England’s most sporting locations, with both Manchester United and Manchester City based inside the border of the city, with the latter the current Premier League champions.

The city can celebrate numerous feats, with Manchester home to the world’s first railway station, the location the atom was first split and where the first ever stored-program computer was developed.

That’s just a little introduction to Manchester, but what can you actually do in the city? Well here are a few ideas.

Where to go

Scattered across the city are various museums and galleries can be found and cater for all tastes. Notable mentions go to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Manchester Art Gallery, with the former housing steam locomotives, industrial machinery and aircraft. The art gallery features works by Thomas Gainsborough, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and one of Manchester’s famous sons L.S Lowry.

Canal street, Manchester, UK by Parrot of Doom

If travelling to Manchester to indulge in its sporting history, then a trip to Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground in Salford for a tour of the stadium that comprises of an extensive tour of inside the fabled football arena and a chance to see what everything looks like at pitch-level from the dug-out.

Both of Manchester’s football stadiums entertain the idea of hosting some of the best corporate events and you can click here for what else might be on offer in that area, or you can also look at standard events in Manchester by looking on Events-Manchester.co.uk.

Where to eat and drink

When looking for places to eat and drink anywhere in the world it comes down to your own personal tastes and thankfully Manchester is a city that offers a full-on range of both.

Albert’s Shed is a great place to go to if you’re after some great Italian cuisine in a stylish, modern environment, whilst also in a great location such as Castlefield canal basin for picturesque views.

With Manchester having the largest China Town outside of London, there is plenty of choice when it comes to picking a restaurant and you wouldn’t go wrong if you chose from any outlet such as Abacus, China Cottage, Choy Hing Village, or any other established Chinese venue.

If you happen to be a native of the UK and don’t want to steer too far from your native cuisine then Manchester will still be able to offer a great choice in British food. ABode Hotel’s restaurant, Alexander’s lounge bar and the Ashton Arms are fantastic places to go for traditional ‘grub’.

Where to stay

The Manchester skyline is dominated by the city’s Hilton hotel and is a wondrous place to stay, if only for the weekend for its spectacular views, modern facilities and its prime location in vicinity to some of Manchester’s best shopping districts. The Radisson is also a good choice and inhabits one of the city’s most famous buildings, the Free Trade Hall, offering luxurious and relaxing rooms, as well as spa and gym facilities.

About the author: Sam writes for Events-Manchester.co.uk, the go-to site for all things happening Manchester.

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National Railway Museum in York / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Robson

On leaving the Station, you will come across the fantastic, Victorian built Royal York Hotel. The hotel was opened in 1878, originally named The Royal Station Hotel. Today, you can enter the hotel’s pretty gardens and ascend 60 metres above the city on The Wheel of York, taking in the awe inspiring views across the city, and getting a unique view of the station and its surroundings.

Continuing on towards the city centre, you will come across a statue of George Leeman, who was the Chairman of the Railway Association of Great Britain and Deputy of North Eastern Railways. The statue was unveiled in 1885 and Station Road became Leeman Road, two years after his death.

Taking a left down Leeman Road, you will come to the world famous National Railway Museum, which opened in 1975 on the former site of the York North locomotive depot. The museum houses the national collection of historic railway vehicles, and includes some fantastic examples of Royal Trains, the Flying Scotsman, Mallard, and many steam locomotives.

In June 2012, the museum is holding ‘Railfest’, a celebration of Britain’s railways, where you can take a rare look inside the driver’s cabs, and ride on various trains. Rarely seen railway giants such as snow ploughs and a sail powered railway vehicle will also be on show.

A road train runs from the museum the short distance to the city centre; on this journey you will pass under the Bar Walls, through an impressive archway.  Opposite you will see a grand Georgian building, aptly named The Cedar Court Grand Hotel, York’s first five star hotel. It was originally built in 1906 by the North Eastern Railway Company and housed their headquarters. The street to the right of the building is the site of the old railway station.

Continuing past the old Headquarters, the first street on your right is Rougier Street, which leads onto George Hudson Street. Hudson, known as ‘The Railway King’, is famed with bringing the railways to York. He became Lord Mayor of the city in 1837, the same year he had a chance meeting with George Stephenson, ‘The Father of Railways’, who had built the world’s first steam locomotive railway line. The pair worked together on the building of the railways and were also friends. By 1844, Hudson was in control of over a thousand miles of railway, but despite his success, after being discovered of committing fraud, he died penniless in 1871.

York Minster / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by andy

Continuing on the road train, you will pass over Lendal Bridge, look to your left and you will see Scarborough Bridge a short distance down river. This train bridge takes trains from York Station to the seaside destination of Scarborough on a single track. The road train will take you to Duncombe Place, from where you can be inspired by the magnificent York Minster, and take time to wander through the streets of the historic city itself.

Returning to the Railway Station, it is impossible to leave the city without a feeling of wonderment, having taken in the history of the rail revolution, the very thing that makes York what it is today.

Author: Julie Ward writes on behalf of the Love My Vouchers Lifestyle blog, the UK’s discount and voucher code blog that helps you visit the UK on a budget.

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