Virgin Hot Air Balloon G-VBFN

I have been working out of Oxford for a few weeks, and today was late getting back onto Oxford without a photo for the blog, when I saw this hot air balloon taking off on Oxpens Road. There is something so gentle about a hot air balloon as a mode of transport, I think it is the movement along with the silence of them just quietly floating along. About three years ago I took a flight on this very same Hot Air Balloon, see here.

Empty High Street Oxford

You have to get up early to see the High Street in Oxford this empty, I could only spot one other person on the street early this morning, in just a couple of hours, this street is going to be full of people and traffic. I bet the street just loves this time of day when it can breath and think, without all the noise and traffic. It looked very clean as well this morning.

The Ultimate Picture Palace

You know I have not been to the Ultimate Picture Palace for years, and I do enjoy going to the movies, so this summer I think I am going to make a trip to this cinema. Just reading the reviews about the place on google from customers who have left comments makes you want to go down there and catch a film, I might even get a photo of the ODP from the inside. Anyone else been recently? The Girl On The Train that is showing at the moment looks interesting.

Rowing Training

I was out and about this evening along the River Thames and spotted this group of new rowers getting instructions on a very important Oxford past time if you are linked to a college, rowing. As all the Oxford students are away for the Summer holidays I am only assume that these guys are in Oxford as part of a study programme and while in Oxford are testing the waters of this college past time. Nice evening to be out, I am hoping to improve my fitness with a little jogging and cycling, we will see how I get on at the end of the month.

Blandford Avenue Bike Route

I have been seeing a few new cycle signs around Oxford lately, like this one showing the way to Wolvercote on the Blandford Avenue street sign. I think it is good that the Oxford Councils are providing more navigational signage for cyclists of Oxford.

On The Oxford Canal

What a way to spend a Sunday, relaxing on a nice Canal Boat navigating the locks along the Oxford Canal. This is Canal Boat season at the moment with loads of boats going up and down both the canal and the river, and Oxford makes a great couple of day exploring if you are new to this part of the world, which is why it is often hard to get a mooring around Oxford.

Paperchase Store Opening On Queen Street Oxford

I have been walking past the old Evan's store in Queen Street for a couple of day now trying to find out what is going on behind the purple hoarding under Maxwells. Well today I found out that Oxford will be getting a Paperchase store, which I think is going to be great if correct. Since Boarders closed last year we have not had access to Paperchase products in Oxford, so lets hope that the information I have is correct.

Eagle Owl In Oxford Castle

Today and tomorrow at the Oxford Castle you can get up close and personal with some of the worlds greatest birds of prey, like this visitor to Oxford with the Eurasian Eagle Owl the largest owl in the world. Right next to the Unlocked Visitors centre you will find these lovely birds and there very knowledgeable keeper from Fir Tree Falconry, providing you with heaps of information about these birds of prey, well worth a look if you are in the area.

Radcliffe Camera With Scaffolding

One of the most popular photo's while in Oxford I would think, Radcliffe Camera. These Spanish tourist are having there photo taken in front of this famous Oxford University building, but there is repair work on the side of the camera at the moment, with scaffolding up one side, so it might be better taking your photo's from another angle.

Bee's In Christ Church Meadows

Boy it is busy in Oxford this weekend, I was out for a walk showing a few friends around Oxford. I have not been around Christ Church for a few months, so this was the first time I have seen the Honey Bee's that are on display. It is very interesting, they have a couple of very attractive bee hives, would have liked to have had a chat with the keeper but he was very busy with other. Worth a look if you are in the area. More Photo's here.

Opp's Is Queen Street One Way?

Please use your satnav and the road signs together! Queen Street is oneway, and it is only for buses. You see a few people every now and then entering Queen Street from the High Street in there car following what the Satnav is saying, but it is not wise, those buses don't have a lot of room to move while in Queen Street. So please take note driving visitors to Oxford, use the park and ride for a better experience, parking is a nightmare in Oxford, and Queen Street is one way and only for buses and taxi's.

Evening View Of Oxford From South Parks

Was in South Parks this evening enjoying the view over Oxford with all the dreaming spires, and a hot air balloon that did not seem to move for about an hour, nice warm evening with no wind. Not been to South Park for a while and it was nice to just sit on the bench and watch Oxford and the world as the sun was setting.

Best Cookies In Oxford - Ben's Cookies

These cookies from Ben's Cookies in the Covered Market must be the best cookies in Oxford if not the country, just look at the people lining up to get them. Ben's Cookies would have to be a must stop if you are a visitor to Oxford as this store in the Covered Market is the original store, my last photo of Ben's was in 2007, have a look here

Great Day For A Swim

I wish I was going in for a swim like these girls today, as it was a great day in Oxford, and it is always nice to have a swim on a warm day. I have never been in to Temple Cowley Pool, as I don't like indoor pools, but I should go along one day to see what this centre is like as I know the council has just spent a lot of money doing it up.

The Big Lunch Wolvercote Green Oxford

This years Big Lunch at Wolvercote was great fun, and well organised with a stage and band, the Oxfordshire fun bus and bouncy castle for the kids to play on, and the food that everyone pulled together was something else. I love the idea of meeting your neighbours in a relaxed picnic style day, with everyone bringing a plate to share. The Big Lunch should be held in every street, but the Wolvercote event is starting to gain momentum each year.

More photo's here of The Big Lunch in Woldvercote.

Visitors Everywhere In Oxford Today

Boy, was it busy in the city centre today, visitors everywhere 1000's of them. Now I know why, the coach parks where full all over the city for must of the day. The Summer is always busy for tourist in Oxford, but I think that this year has been busier than the last couple. In the coach park I saw 7 buses from the same company, that must be a large tour.

Full Head Of The River

Evening in Oxford are always great when the weather is fine, and the place to be is anywhere by the River. Combine that with all the conferences that are happening in Oxford at the moment like the TED event, these places easily fill up, like the Head Of The River this evening. I am not sure where the River Isis starts and ends, I think I will have to look this up??

TED Conference Arrives In Oxford

TED Conference hits Oxford for the next three days. TED which I have been told is the Technology Education and Design conference has a very international following bringing the brightest minds in these fields together in Oxford. This TED movement has become very popular in recent years, with the worlds best and brightest attending, however the streets of Oxford can still be confusing to navigate so the event organisers have staff on hand to direct delegates to the conference venues.

Spain Win World Cup, Carfax Turns Spanish

Just after Spain won the world cup, 100's of Spanish gathered at Carfax to celebrate the win. Hundreds of Spanish supporters gathered at Carfax to sing and celebrate their country's win over The Netherlands. Well done Spain and I am sure that there will be a few Spanish hangovers tomorrow.

World Cup Final Fever Hits Oxford

From the number of Spanish flags seen in Oxford today, I have a feeling that Spain may just win there first world cup. There are lots of language students in the city at the moment, with a majority of them from Spain, so all day I have been seeing young excited students touring Oxford with Spanish flags and chanting song in Spanish. Not many Dutch fans have been seen on the streets, this afternoon...Tim where have you been hiding?

River Cruise On Friday Evening

What a great way to end the week and also the hottest day of the year so far, it was 28.5 today, with a river cruise and drinks on the River Thames. Had a walk along the River this evening, was nice to cool down while walking along the River.

Great Time To Go Punting

Thanks Tim for holding the fort while I was away, and sorry for the break in photo's, but when I got back I when down with a virus for about 48 hours, so I have not been fit to post. Anyway today it was nice to get out and go for a walk around this great city, and I managed to get a nice photo of the punts at Madgdalen Bridge next to the college. These guys are flat out at the moment with all this great weather that Oxford is having, they even had a little TV out that the staff have been watching all the football action on.

Cowley Road Carnival 2010

This shot from Sundays procession in the midst of the carnival.

Great to have the Carnival back on the Cowley Road. Good atmosphere and plenty of music.

Let's hope there is enough money raised to stage it next year.

A little love story

In earlier posts I wrote about my attraction to Christ Church Meadow. Especially with the weather we have had during the last couple of days it's a lovely place to be. A few days ago I just sat along the river Cherwell to relax for a while. Just to see some people punting, enjoy the sun and watch a boy trying to persuade his girlfriend to take a dive into the river. While he stripped off his clothes (except from his boxer of course) she kept refusing to take some clothes off because she totally wasn't up for it. She even moved away a couple of metres from her boyfriend. Now, this is Oxford and he looked like a bright, clever student so he said "ok, if you don't like to join me then I'm going on my one". "But please do me a favour, pick up my clothes and place them on that bench over there". She agreed, walked towards his clothes and bent over to pick them up. At that moment her boyfriend quickly moved behind her, lifted her up and jumped into the water with her. Luckily for him she was only angry for a few seconds and a lovely smile from him followed by a kiss made them both laugh again. It was only at that moment I realised I wasn't the only spectator. At the other side of the river these two roe deer fawns and a squirrel saw it happen too. I was fortune enough to have my camera with me so I was able to take this shot. Unlike me our two "love birds" in the water didn't see them, they were far too busy with each other. I guess that's what people mean by loves makes us blind.....

Empty shops at Gloucester Green

Some of us are lucky to have a view on the countryside from their living room, others have a major high street or a busy pub at the front door. I don't know about yours, but mine is quite nice: a busy square with a food market on Wednesday and an antiques market on Thursday. During the day tourists and locals drink coffee, have lunch or just sit down, relax and watch young children chasing the pigeons. In the evenings we get to see and hear the people coming out of the pubs. Somehow they always make sure that everyone hears they had a good evening with lots of beer. Also, the young folks who are too young to buy and drink alcohol in the pubs hang around on the benches at the square with some cans of beer or some bottles of wine, bought in the supermarket by someone else who is old enough to buy alcohol. Earlier during the evening, somewhere between 7 and 8, I often see people on the square just sitting down and doing nothing. You don't hear them, they don't drink, they don't eat, they just sit, that's it. Now by that time the coffee shops at the square have already closed. Knowing that at least three shops are empty and available to let at the moment, why isn't there someone who opens up a business with a nice terrace at the square which is open until at least 10 or 11 pm? With the summer coming up, surely there most be enough people who like to sit at that terrace, enjoy a nice drink and have some fun during a nice summer evening? Interesting to see how long it will take before some new businesses open at Gloucester Green....

Proud to be Dutch

Thanks Percy for wishing everyone a good weekend, hope you will enjoy yours in Germany. And what a start of my weekend I had yesterday! Loyal readers probably know that i'm Dutch and what a huge surprise we've had at the World Cup in South Africa (football) reaching the semifinals by beating Brasil. Until this morning I didn't felt really proud, but when I passed Ladbrokes in the citycentre and saw the poster at the window showing that in their opinion Holland is the top favourit to win the World Cup I must admit I did. I do regret not being in The Netherlands at this moment. The country is turning into one giant orange spot on the globe. So far I haven't spotted any Dutch people dressed in orange in the city yet but I did see some animals near Christ Church Meadow. Not sure whether his mate on the background was just looking for some food under water or that he was ashamed of him taking this funky orange haircut....

Cowley Road Carnival This Sunday

This is an advance warning that the Cowley Road will be closed this Sunday for the Cowley Road Carnival, you have been warned. I am unfortunately going to be away for a few days in Germany, but there will be daily photo's from Oxford posted by Tim. Not sure what Tim has in mind but I will be watching from afar. Have a great weekend everyone, and if you are going to Cowley Road, enjoy.

Oxford City Open Bus Tours

Tickets for the open bus tours of Oxford can be purchased at a number of outlets around the city including this mobile stand that is normally outside Boswell's on Broad Street. They are a good way to see the highlights of Oxford if you are visiting for the first time. I was thinking that I might conduct a tour of my favourite spots for visitors who follow ODP?

Jamming At The Half Moon

I have not been to the Half Moon in St Clements for about 4 years, but last night I was in the area and dropped in on my way home. The Half Moon is a real traditional Irish pub close to the city centre that has always been associated with the folk music scene in Oxford. Last night when I was having a pint there was a few harpists in the corner jamming. It was strange, cause another customer of the pub started talking to the group, and ended up bringing her harp in later and they all just started playing. I decided that this photo needed the sounds of the bar to give you more of the atmosphere of this pub, never put sound to a photo before, but this one needs it I think.

I will not leave it so long before I am back in the Half Moon, great little pub with great bar staff, well worth a visit if you are in the area. This photo is not the best, because I did not have my camera with me and just used my trust iPhone.

The Oval - Rose Hill

Not often up this way, so today decided to take a walk and see what was going on up this way, and buy redevelopment after redevelopment. Right behind me from where I took this photo is a large redevelopment of council housing, that looks close to complete with housing for key workers, affordable rent and shared ownership, looks like they have done a good job it as well. Plenty of buses at the back of the shot ready to start the run back into the city centre.

Debenham's George Street Oxford

Looks like there is a sale on at Debenham's at the moment. That is not why I have posted this photo, I had a request from one of the viewers of ODP, who was a resident in Oxford a few years back, but is now back in Russia. It is amazing who is looking at this blog, hope this brings back memories of your time in Oxford, Алексей and thanks for the request.

England 1 - 4 Germany - World Cup

Most of the bars and pubs in Oxford had the world cup showing this afternoon, but I think the pubs with large outdoor area's where the best place to watch the world cup game England v Germany with people enjoying the great weather we have been having in Oxford this weekend. I was at The Black Horse in St Clements, and it was great to see a few very Happy German supporters in the crowd, the pub was very busy as they had a good BBQ on, it was a great afternoon. Bad luck England, England just did not turn up this afternoon with the German's winning 4-1 easily, I think Germany will win this World Cup?

Big Bang Oxford

I have only been to this restaurant once, but I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to eat a great locally produced meal at a reasonable price. It is a small funky place on Walton Street, Jericho specialising in uniquely flavoured sausages. I am not sure who the diner in the street is, but I would love to visit one morning for breakfast, they also have Jazz evenings one night a week, which is popular I have been told.

Tesco Is Grabbing Corners All Corners Of Oxford

Been awhile since I was down at Elms Parade in Botley, so much so that I noticed this new Tesco Express in the shopping centre down there. I have posted a couple of photo's of the Tesco that we are getting in the city centre and there are roamers of a second on the Abingdon Road, so Tesco are moving in on Oxford. I like the way the guy in this photo is standing, looks like he is in awe and wonder of the new store!

Victor Street - Jericho

Quiet back street in Jericho, Victor Street. This is a typical row of English terrace houses highlighted by the sun and blue summer sky. It is not normal to not have lots of cars parked either side of the street, I think that is what caught my eye when taking this photo and also the lack of people in the street.

Beware Of Banbury Road Works

The road works have moved from the Woodstock Road to Banbury Road, I am not sure how long it took to get the gas pipes down the Woodstock Road, but it was long time. This afternoon while trying to get to Summertown I was caught in the chaos near Parks Road, I would try and avoid this area for awhile if you can, I even think the buses are using Woodstock Road it is that bad at the moment.

The Old Next To The New

Queen Street this evening was not sure what I was going to use as my photo when I spotted these two rubbish bins next to each other. It's like British buses, when you want one they never come and can wait forever, and when they do arrive these is normally two. Maybe the newer stainless steal one can not cope with the amount of rubbish over the Summer so the council has put the old ones out, not sure.

Start Of The Oxford Canal

What a nice part of the city to relax and have a break. The Oxford Canal starts just of Hythe Bridge Street in the city centre, and as soon as you start walking along it the busy noise of the city fades away quickly and soon you think you are in the country. The Oxford Canal will take you all the way to Coventry if you kept walking or even better had a narrow boat.

Day Moon

Not the best photo of the Moon, but I was hoping to get a bigger photo of the Moon during the day against the Engineering Department building on Parks Road. I think that they have a telescope on the roof of this department, which would have been nice to see the Moon through today as it is so clear. How often can the Moon be seen during the day?

Port Meadow Looking Towards Oxford

I am never sure what to call this parcel of land, one end it is referred to as Port Meadow but at the Wolvercote end it is always called Wolvercote Common, mmm? I think I need a bit of local knowledge on this one. Anyway today this meadow was just beautiful in the sun light all covered in little yellow flowers, the photo is not that great, as I was hoping to get the yellow effect of the meadow. Still a bit of water about, but a great day for walking out and about.

Reflecting On Broad Street

Pedal power reflecting on Broad Street this afternoon, not sure what the yellow jersey was won or just part of this fellows cycling outfit. Nice day for a ride.

World Cup Fever Hits Oxford Shops

The World Cup has hit Oxford with lots of people proudly displaying and flying the flag of St George on everything that they can hung it on. There are also very imaginative store windows in the High Street, like this one in a florist with the logo of the South Africa 2010 made in flowers along with the red and white England flag. England play the USA tonight, so there will be along of red and white about today in Oxford I am sure.

View From Malmaison

Was in this great redevelopment from Prison to 5✭ hotel today for a meeting when I spotted this brightly coloured taxi out the front, just liked the dark interior against the bright colours of the taxi. If you have not seen the Malmaison hotel which is right in the centre of town it is worth a look to see what they have done with the former HM Prison, you can walk around the complex and see how they now have the old cells as luxury accommodation.

Tesco New Store Coming Soon

Late last year I took a photo of this store in Magdelan Street, it was then a Borders and it had all the signage about it closing down and the sale starting, see here. A month later Tim too a few more as seen here of all the mess that had been left. Walking past this week I had a quick look in and noticed work being carried out and this sign stating that Tesco was coming soon. This will be the first Tesco in the city centre and it is only a couple of doors up from Sainsbury's, which is going to be good for competition and customer service.

Prince Charles is in Oxford this afternoon, unfortunately I am out of town this afternoon and can not get any photo's of him, if you managed to get one, email me and I will pop it up for the readers for tomorrow, thanks Percy.

Neil Finn Talking To Fan's Outside New Theatre

One of the many things I like about Oxford as a city is the number of people who pass through it, it is only a matter of time before someone who you want to see comes to Oxford, like Neil Finn and Crowded House on Sunday night. I know this photo was not taken today, but very close to it, at about 2345hrs at the back of the New Theatre in George Street after the Crowded House gig. Neil , pictured here talking to fans, along with Nick Seymour, Mark Hart and Matt Sherrod chatted, sign autographs and posed for photographs for every fan before getting on the tour bus, which was very nice.

Oxford Modern Art Yard Café

There is always something new happening or opening in Oxford, today I was walking around the city centre and noticed that Modern Art Oxford had extended their gallery to include a new café which opens onto St Ebbes Street, they have called it Yard Café. I like the space that they have used, the lights and light are interesting, along with the off street location I think this will be a good addition to Oxford Modern Art.

Summer Sports Lawn Bowls

Summer is not all about cricket and tennis, Lawn Bowls is also very popular in most Commonwealth country's and while I was out walking today I noticed a lesson taking place on this empty green. I really like Lawn Bowls, and would love to have a game this Summer, it is very relaxing on a nice warm evening having a beer while playing a couple of ends. I am going to do this, this Summer.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Dress Up In Oxford

First of all I must say thanks to Tim for posting great shots of Oxford while I was out of town, and he may not have know it but the photo from Saturday with the colourful rowers was the 1000th photo posted on Oxford Daily Photo, and I love that shot.

This week at the New Theatre in George Street they have a week long run of The Rocky Horror Show, and if you are in the area just before the show starts you will see alot of the show goers all dressed up. You can occasionally see people in George Street dressed unconventionally but to see 100's dressed up as transvestites had me stumped until I saw them all going to the Theatre. The show has had very good reviews in the local press, contact the box office if you are wanting to see the show, if you get dressed up email me a photo.

How to park a bike in the city centre?

The city centre of Oxford isn't exactly heaven on earth for car drivers. With the roadworks near Highstreet, loads of one-way streets and the pedestrians zones near Cornmarket it takes ages to travel by car in downtown Oxford. The City Council encourages citizens and tourists not to travel by car and I do think that's a good thing. It suits an old city full of history like Oxford not to have too much car traffic in the town centre. A lot of residents, especially students and people who work at the University, use their bikes which leads to another problem; where do you park your bike? Last week I saw this bike near the Radcliffe Camera, attached in a rather unusual way, I would say.

Christ Church meadow

I took this photo a couple of days ago at one of my favourite spots in Oxford, the Christ Church meadow. It's an ideal place for a picnic, a nice walk, to read a book at the riverside or just enjoy some time when the sun is shining. If you're lucky and keep your eyes open, you might spot a roe deer or some squirrels, like I did. This little fellow was enjoying a nut before climbing back into a tree, probably because I scared him with my camera. I'm quite sure he wasn't aware of the fact that he's eating his nuts at the place where in 1784 James Sadler was the first Englishman to make a balloon ascent in England. Did you?