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As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a unique and historic institution. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

In 1188, the historian, Gerald of Wales, gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons and in around 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University's tradition of international scholarly links. By 1201, the University was headed by a magister scholarum Oxonie, on whom the title of Chancellor was conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the masters were recognised as a universitas or corporation.

In the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval 'halls of residence' or endowed houses under the supervision of a Master. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, which were established between 1249 and 1264, are the oldest.

Oxford United F.C. is an English football team currently playing in Football League Two. The club is owned by chairman Firoz Kassam and managed by Brian Talbot. Its home ground is the Kassam Stadium in Oxford with a capacity of 12,500. Oxford United was formed as amateur club Headington in 1893, adding the suffix United the following year, and competed in local leagues until being elected to the Southern League and becoming professional in 1949. In 1960, Headington United was renamed Oxford United in order to give it a higher profile.

There has been racing at Standlake since 1972 and it originally started off as a dirt track. In April 1983 the Hook family took over the promotion of it and are still running it today. After the first meeting the decision was taken to concrete the bends and later on that season the straights were done. The promotion of the Track changed hands in the mid 90's from Mike Hook (who is on the PA on race days), to his son Keith. The track originally had a ditch running around the outside and although it was fairly popular amongst racers, the decision was taken in 1995 to replace the ditch with the current Armco barrier. The following winter the race control building was moved from what is now the back straight to its current location, giving the track its current layout.

Blenheim Palace offers a wonderful day out for all the family. You will be inspired by the majesty of the Palace, with its carvings by Grinling Gibbons, delighted by the interior filled with treasures and intrigued by the apartments devoted to Sir Winston Churchill. There are gardens in a variety of styles; lakes to row on, an adventure play area for children and even a narrow-gauge railway to take you from car park to the Palace. Blenheim Palace was built for the National Hero John 1st Duke of Marlborough and his Duchess Sarah, given by Queen Anne as a gift in reward for his military services. The palace was built between 1705 and 1722.The Park and Gardens at Blenheim provide a majestic formal setting for the Palace.

The Oxfordshire Golf Club, set in beautiful rolling English countryside, is located approximately one hour north west of London on the outskirts of the historical university town of Oxford. The course has been designed by world renowned golf course architect Rees Jones and has gained an enviable reputation among amateur and professional golfers alike, hosting numerous international tournaments over the years.A relative rarity in Britain, the course has been designed in a modern American parkland style, and specifically as a potential venue for international golf tournaments. Since opening in 1993, The Oxfordshire has hosted the Anderson Consulting World Matchplay and the English Ladies Open.

Waddesdon manor was built between 1874 and 1889 in the style of a 16th-century French chateau for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to entertain his guests and display his vast collection of art treasures. It houses an extraordinary assemblage of French 18th-century decorative arts to rank in importance with the Metropolitan Museum, New York and the Louvre in Paris. Outstanding paintings include portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds and works by Dutch and Flemish masters of the 17th-century. Waddesdon has one of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain and is renowned for its seasonal displays. A Rococo-style aviary houses a splendid collection of exotic birds and vintage Rothschild wines are found in the wine cellars. This property is owned by The National Trust.

Oxford conjures up images of students riding their bicycles furiously to their next lecture, elegant university buildings and the terribly English pastime of spending a leisurely afternoon punting on the Thames. However, there is more to Oxford than the university... from museums... to peacefulparks... to its lively social life. The origins of the city of Oxford are lost in the mists of time. The remains of a priory were discovered close to the present day site of Christ Church Cathedral. Most of the colleges are open to the public, All Souls founded in 1437, Balliol founded in the 13th century, Christ Church which was founded by Cardinal Wolsey.