Oh people of Oxford, lend me your ears..and thoughts

[JoshandJamie]

My DH's family are front up north and they're coming to stay with us for Christmas. Not sure they've ever been to Oxford and as it's only about 25 mins from us, thought it might be a good place to go on Boxing Day. But I'm not at all familiar with the place having gone there twice in my life before.

A) Do you know how much of the touristy things) will be open?

B) The Castle - how long a walk is that to the middle of town where all the shops are?

C) Any brilliant sightseeing tours you can recommend bearing in mind we'll have two kids with us and they'll need to be operating on Boxing Day

D) of the places at the Castle, which would you go to for a boxing day lunch - we will have done the Christmas thing so not looking for a traditional meal but will need to accomodate kids.

E) is there parking at the Castle?

Thanking you in advance

1. Don't know, sorry. But try the thisisoxfordshire website.
2. The Castle is about 5 minutes walk from M&S etc in Queen St
3. I just walk around, so don't know which tours to recommend. There is a tour bus company that takes in the major sites. But the area around the Colleges is compact and you'd have a better time just walking. Be warned that they'll all be closed, however. There is also an 'Oxford Experience' place to visit in Broad St. It's a bit naff (sitting on an a moving desk, with mock-ups of the history of the University), but children usually like it.
4. I would highly recommend Carluccio's at the Castle. Good food and child friendly. They are open all day.
5. No, but there are two nearby (Westgate Centre and also at the bottom of the street where the castle is (opposite Nuffield College).

Have a nice time!

you can pick up a self-tour walking tour from tourist information and walk around the colleges. Have done this and enjoyed it. (they might be able to send you a copy)

Not sure which direction you are coming from - but the park in Abingdon is supposed to be good.

Blenhim Palace or Cotswold wildlife Park - possible options??

There's always a lot of recommendations for Carluccios - not been but can recommend Tootsies, also in castle complex.

The Trout at Wolvercote and walk along the river...

Would recommend Tootsies in the Castle complex as very child friendly. Also recommend using the park and ride rather than trying to get into the centre by car.

Oxford Castle Unlocked (the visitor attraction at the castle) is open every day except Christmas Day.

We went to tootsies at the weekend ,the burgers are lovely,very child friendly.
Easy walk from town centre but we needed to ask for directions as couldn't see many signs.

Thank you for the suggestions. Wish my kiddies were a bit older so we could go ice skating at the castle.