Took the bus from Abingdon to Oxford. Decidedly chilly, foggy day.

Started by looking at the outside of Christ Church College across The Meadows . Then walked through town to get an open top bus tour. So good to have live, really informative commentary from the guide on the top deck.

Then went to the covered markets - lovely shops that tempted us to spend but we resisted. Really conscious of how much luggage we have to take home in December.

Then a walking tour, lasting over two hours with great American guide, Jeff. Started at Balliol College, one of the three colleges that claim to be the oldest college. The circle closes again - we had visited Sweetheart Abbey in Scotland on November 8th, where John Balliol, the founder, was buried with his wife.

We learned all about the founding of the university and the college system, the Oxford Martyrs - Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley and Thomas Cranmer, who were burnt at the stake in 1555 and 1556. Then about Balliol College in detail, college life, the tutor system and looked inside the great dining hall .

We looked at the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera (a building) and the Sheldonian Theatre then the church of St Mary the Virgin at University College. Finished the tour with coffee, then looked at the Bridge of Sighs (the circle closed again, as we had seen the original in Venice) and the famous Inspector Morse pub, The Turf Tavern. Walked to look at the oldest pub, The Bear, then inside Christ Church College, (1500s) The Great Hall, used as Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films, was closed for renovations, but the cathedral, cloisters and the quadrangle impressive .

A quick peek inside the Alice In Wonderland shop (Charles Dodson was at Oxford when he wrote as Lewis Carroll) but it sold mostly disappointing rubbish . Back to spend another great evening with Janet and David.