Most of the colleges in Oxford have restrictions on visiting. Their current purpose is as homes for students, who should focus on their studies and not have tourists wandering around where they live. Some colleges allow visitor access at certain times and to certain parts only. Being home to the cathedral means non-students pass through Christ Church’s quad on Sunday mornings. In the afternoon, paying visitors wander around with audio guides telling the college tales and get to see the inside of Tom Tower.
I have the good fortune to have a friend who works at the College. As a member of staff, she has an Access All Areas pass which meant that not only did we not have to pay to enter, but she showed us parts even out of bounds to the students.
A particular delight was a visit to the Masters’ Garden and the staff garden with this spectacular supported tree.
There are doors in the walls surrounding the college. Some lead to other colleges, others onto the street. These two are called Alice’s Door and the King’s Door respectively. Alice’s Door after the Alice of Wonderland fame, the King’s Door because apparently a king used it to visit a lady who resided in the college next door.
When in the hustle and bustle of the streets of Oxford it is difficult to imagine the tranquillity behind the walls and the wide open spaces of adjoining college gardens.
This rose garden is just outside the college grounds where everyone can take respite from rushing around. You can also look over the wall of the bridge onto the Cherwell and watch the slow-flowing river in the middle of the city.
travel tales 