Cotswold and Oxford Day Trip

Well today was our last weekend trip. We went to Cotswold and Oxford. We left about 8:45 and it was only about a two hour bus ride, not too bad. I got to sleep a bit on the bus. And I managed to get my own seat again.

Our tour guide explained the Cotswolds is famous for its picturesque rural countryside and beautiful villages made from honey colored limestone. The word "Cotswolds" comes from the word "cots" meaning stone sheep shelters and "wold" meaning rolling hills. There have been people farming the land for thousands of years. In medieval times it was famous for it’s wool trade and as a result there was a decline in arable farming. Rich merchants spent their money on “wool churches” and manor houses. In the 18th century the Enclosure Act changed the landscape forever. This act of parliament allowed landowners to divide open land with drystone walls. This required less farm labourers and as a result many villages emptied as workers sought employment in larger towns. The Cotswolds are rich in Oolite limestone, many quarries are still in use today. Most old limestone houses and cottages are listed buildings and protected from any major alteration. Limestone quarried from this region has been used in the construction of St Paul's Cathedral in London, Melbourne Cathedral in Australia and many of the colleges in nearby Oxford.

We got to Cotwold and we had about an hour to walk around and we also went to a cafe type place and I had toast and hot chocolate, it was about 10:45.  We really didn't end up staying long but it was pretty cool to see. There were many bridges and foot bridges crossing the river. It was only about 10 inches so you could actually walk across it.

We headed of to Oxford then which was about a 45 minutes bus ride. When we first got there we did a short walking tour to see the area and then we had some time to wonder around and get lunch. We went into the covered market and found a cafe and I ended up getting beans and toast. They seem to put beans with everything here. And then we wondered around for a bit and looked at everything. Then we met up again with the guide and we went to Christ Church College, one of 39 colleges in Oxford. It was really cool to see. They actually had filmed a couple scenes from Harry Potter there and the Great Hall was based on the Great Hall there. The Hall in the college only has three rows of tables and Harry Potter needed four so they ended up building the hall in a studio, but the idea came from here.

Christ Church College

Great Hall Inspiration (Harry Potter)

 Painting in the Great Hall, as you walk by it looks like his head turns and follows you, it was creepy, but so cool at the same. And his last name was Strange.

Steps used in Harry Potter. As Harry and the new first-years enter Hogwarts they are greeted by Professor McGonagall. This scene was shot on the 16th century staircase which leads up to the Great Hall. 

We actually managed to get back in good time. When I got back I worked on various tasks for getting ready for tomorrow for the Wizard of Oz musical and finding Heather Road and some homework of course. 

And I can't forget the wonderful rose Chris ended up sending me, just because. 

Cotswold and Oxford Part 1
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Cotswold and Oxford Part 2
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