Many of my regular readers will know that I used to live in Oxford. We lived there for 3 years in total, it’s where we rented our first marital home and raised our baby boy for the first year of his life – it’s safe to say it holds a special place in our hearts.
It goes without saying that Oxford and surrounding areas are stunning, steeped in history, culture, and beautiful architecture. However, I’m sure most of you will agree that you miss so much of where you live because you are busying yourself with everyday life. I can’t believe how much of the city we had missed while we had lived there, it’s quite sad really because it was all on our doorstep.
Ofo, a station-free bike sharing company invited me to take in the sights of Oxford while using one of their bikes. Like Cambridge, Oxford is synonymous with cycling; it’s like the butter to its bread. If I remember correctly, the Christmas decorations down one of the main streets in town feature bicycles. The bike sharing service is very clever because like most things these days is controlled by an app on your phone. Once you’ve located a bright yellow Ofo bike using the interactive map on the app you unlock the bike by scanning its QR code. Each of your journeys is chargeable and when you’ve finished you simply dock the bike in a safe place where bike-parking is allowed, so the next user can find it.
It felt good to swap my own 2 feet for a bike. I haven’t used a road bike since before I found out I was pregnant so it was nice to whizz round the streets on one again. I was sure to check out the university buildings, particularly the Bridge of Sighs, the Radcliffe Camera, Ashmolean Museum and Bodleian Library before heading off to find some lunch.
Ah, Oxford you really are beautiful, it always feels like home when I visit. At least I know that it’s not too far up the motorway and I can pop back for fun day trips to visit friends and enjoy all it has to offer on foot or by bike.
*This post was commissioned by Ofo, but all opinions are my own.
What a fun thing to do. We spent the summer cycling in the Netherlands and I’m desperate to do more of it in the UK so this looks perfect, thank you.
How far away from Oxford did you and your family move? I like idea of that bike service,what a nice way to see a cityscape…
Oxford really is a city of bicycles, it is such a lovely way to see a beautiful city as well so I’m not surprised.
Ahh I LOVE Oxford! I always say every time we go, we should hire bikes! But we never do. I’d love to hire a bike like this to see the sights!
The bright yellow Ofo bikes can be picked up practically anywhere in the city centre. You just need to download the app. ?
I love cycling, I don’t get to do it very often since I had babies! I haven’t been to Oxford but it look like a lovely place to explore by bike.
What a fab way to see the city. I cannot wait until the kids are old enough to go cycling with them
I recently went to Oxford and saw all these parts and you’re right it is a stunning place. I’d love to go back and explore more x
Oxford looks like such a beautiful place to cycle! I love the yellow bike it looks retro
I love cycling, it is a great way to get fit and to see the city too!
I’ve never been to Oxford as I’m more of a Cambridge girl myself (can’t help the rivalry) but it looks breath taking and riding through the city would be the best way to see and explore it x
I love that cities are embracing cycling and have those bikes everywhere. I think it’s fabulous and those yellow bikes look proper cute too!
It is lovely! Great for the environment too.
I really need to visit Oxford one of these days… And a cycling trip seems like a great way to do it!
Definitely a great way to get around.
I didn’t know about this bike service. Makes me want to revisit Oxford to try out Ofo, thanks for sharing!
They’re such a great idea!
Sadly, I never learnt to ride a bike because of my curved spine. This is most definitely something I would have loved to have done if I had, though! Oxford looks stunning, I may have to go for a non-cycling visit when I next get the chance 🙂
Louise x
Sorry to hear that Louise. It’s enjoyable on foot and bicycle.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Oxford but it does look stunning. Love the idea of these bikes, definitely a way to encourage me to explore
You would love it! Biking is lovely way to explore the city.
I got a vintage bike which I love at the beginning of July and I love it so much. The yellow colour of this bike is so pretty bet it was nice to have a tootle on it ?
I love vintage bikes so jealous!
I’ve never been to Oxford but it looks like a beautiful area. I really want to get a bike so I can take up cycling
Oh, it’s a magical place. 🙂