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If you are exploring Berkshire it is worth exploring Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is famous for its University and it has a place in history. An hour away from the Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading it’s a visit that you can not miss. Home to scholars and royalty since the 9th century.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford can trace its roots back to the 11th century, the oldest university in the English-speaking word. Throughout the years the university has seen some of the world’s greatest writers, politicians, scientists and thinkers teach or study at its colleges. 27 British Prime Ministers were educated at Oxford. It also has the oldest university museum, the largest university press in the world and also Britain’s largest academic library system.

Many colleges open their doors to visitors for a few hours a day. Every day during term-time, between 5.15pm-6.45pm many Oxford college chapel choirs and some parish churches sing beautiful music, Choral Evensong is a great way to enjoy a choir service in the heart of some of the Oxford’s University Colleges.

Blenheim Palace

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The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and now home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. It is the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of palace. Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. When you enter the palace you can explore the State Rooms and see the priceless collections.

The breathtaking Baroque architecture, extraordinary landscaped Parkland and the stunning award winning Formal Gardens are a must visit. You can ride the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens, which is an area dedicated to families with an adventure playground, butterfly house and a giant hedge maze, you can wind down in the peaceful lavender garden. Throughout the year there are tours and events to enable you to marvel in Britain’s. There are a great selection of places to eat. You can visit the Orangery Restaurant for lunch or have a traditional afternoon tea. You can have coffee at the Water Terrace Cafe or have sandwiches and cake.

Botanic Gardens

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Founded in 1621 with an aim To Promote the furtherance of learning and to glorify nature. One of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. A beautiful and calm place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing day. With apple orchards and a variety of flowers. One of the aims is to educate people about the importance of plants in order to conserve plants around the world and to support teaching and medical research.

Staff are at hand if you have any questions, the garden contains over 8,000 different plant species. Many visitors find the medical section fascinating. The glasshouses have a good range of tropical flowers to cacti and carnivorous plants. There is a cafe behind the greenhouses where you can stand on the bank of the river and relax and there is also a gift shop to buy your gifts.