THE OXFORD CONCIERGE
William Thomson - The Oxford Concierge
Visitors to Oxford can now enjoy the Concierge Services of a five star concierge team. Once available only to guests of top class hotels, William Thomson and his team at Ask William are now able to help anyone wishing to get the best out of their visit to the area.
If you want guidance on what to do and see while you’re here, give us a call now on 01865 341993 or 07960 289961, or email hello@askwilliam.co.uk.
Talk to us about
planning full itineraries of things to do in Oxford
arranging hotels
booking travel connections
finding the best restaurants
sourcing tickets
We offer many exclusive treats and experiences, not normally available to the public, and we can work with visitors to plan very special, bespoke events and travel plans for big occasions.
No task is too grand or modest so please just Ask William. We are at your service.
Ask William
We offer guidance, help and recommendations, using our ‘little black book’ of treasured contacts to make arrangements – and sometimes magic – happen for you!
THINGS TO DO IN OXFORD
Some Oxford Inspiration…
Walking Tours of Oxford
After a whole year of limited exercise, now’s the time to pull out the plimsoles and book a fantastic walking tour of Oxford. Ask William has teamed up with some of the best guides in the city to offer truly memorable guided tours of Oxford, with sights to enthral and memories to treasure.
Punting and River Cruises in Oxford
Take a relaxing cruise, with your glass of Pimm’s in hand, around the historical setting of Oxford.
Or try punting! Suitable for novices and experts alike, students, corporate parties, families and groups of friends can all experience this quintessential Oxford experience of punting on the river Cherwell.
Picnic Hampers in Oxford
Nothing says “Summer” like a great British picnic. Combine it with a chauffeured punt down the Thames followed by a sunny mooring on the riverbank and you’ve got one of Oxford’s quintessential pleasures sewn up!
Luxury, Chauffeur-Driven Tour of The Cotswolds
Fully explore the Cotswolds, and immerse in its history, all from a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, or Bentley Turbo R.
Your charismatic and knowledgeable guide will show you some of the wonderful historical locations in Oxfordshire. This former history master from a well-known independent school will take you to various historical sights, and educate and entertain you.
Blenheim Palace
Buy tickets for Blenheim Palace, park and gardens. Explore 2,000 acres of parkland, and 300 years of history.
We can offer you delightful walks on the shores of ‘The Queen Pool’ at Blenheim Palace. Hailed as ‘The finest view in England’, this glorious lake and its Grand Bridge, created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown over 250 years ago, will set the scene for one of the most exquisite days out available anywhere.
Open Top Buses around Oxford
On this wonderful open top bus tour around the vibrant and cultured city of Oxford, you’ll get fantastic views of Oxford’s buildings, as well as glimpses of many of its colleges' courtyards.
Choose from 3 tours - all include a free walking tour.
With one fantastic route with 20 bus stops, you're free to hop on and off at your leisure.
Whisky Tasting Opportunity
Calling all connoisseurs of fine whisky for a very rare treat! Those delightful folk at The Oxford Artisan Distillery are allowing us to offer exclusive private whisky tastings at their site in Oxford, with an investment opportunity.
Small Group Minibus Tour of the Cotswolds
Go and see the English countryside at its very best on an award-winning, small-group minibus tour of the Cotswolds (with a maximum of 12 guests).
You can be assured of a warm welcome by this family-run business. They have a small team of highly professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides and drivers, dedicated to helping visitors.
Private Guided Minibus Tour of the Cotswolds
You will be collected from the Oxford region, for a tour in a luxury minibus, with seating for up to 7 passengers.
View and experience the rolling hills and picturesque honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds, with great viewpoints and stops including Burford, Broadway, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold.
MUSEUMS IN OXFORD
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time.
The much-loved Pitt Rivers Museum is unlike any other. Founded in 1884, it houses within an atmospheric building more than 500,000 objects, photographs and manuscripts from all over the world, and from all periods of human existence. Within these are exceptional objects of ritual significance, and objects made for tourists or trade.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History holds an internationally-significant collection of natural history specimens and archives in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. It is home to a lively programme of research, teaching and events focused on the sciences of the natural environment.
OXFORD TRAVEL TIPS
Parking in Oxford
The most central location is the Westgate shopping centre. If you’re staying in Oxford, you can park for 24 hours for £35.00, and of course there are short stay options.
Park and Ride
Alternatively, Oxford has a wonderful selection of park and ride services which drop directly into the city centre. There are 5 located at every entrance to the city. The charge for using this service is a fraction of the cost of the public parking services in Oxford.
See the Oxford Bus Company website for details on locations, timings and costs of the park and ride services.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN OXFORD
Here are a few of our favourite restaurants in Oxford
Location: City Centre
Cuisine: Modern British
The freshest of ingredients, from Devilled Kidneys, to Braised Octopus, their speciality of Surf and Turf, to daily caught House Specials of Oysters. They are spread over two floors with the top floor offering a wide variety of Cocktails.
Location: 1 Folly Bridge
Cuisine: Modern British
Located on the bank of the River Thames, with dining options inside and on the outside terrace. Especially good in summer, to wine and dine watching the boats pass by.
Atmospheric, with delicious food and wine, The Folly offers an exquisite selection of foods presented delicately and colourfully. From their homemade bread board, to Beetroot cured Cod, Beef Sirloin, Rump of Lamb and finishing off with Calvados Panna Cotta for dessert.
Location: 9 Little Clarendon Street
Cuisine: French
This popular, relaxed French bistro restaurant makes you feel you are dining in Paris. They offer a great set menu with a variety of choices from Moules Marinieres, to St Jacques, Filet de Boeuf, Canard aux Framboises, to a mouth-watering Torte au Chocolat. This restaurant is highly recommended for its amazing food and ambiance.
Location: Westgate Shopping Centre Rooftop
Cuisine: Modern American/European
Overlooking the famous spires of Oxford, beautiful, vibrant, upscale yet informal, Victors is the perfect neighbourhood restaurant. Share a modern American menu of small and larger plates, in a casually elegant setting, with service to match. Victors is the perfect spot to while away a few hours over coffee, lunch, cocktails and dinner, or a spot of brunch at the weekend.
Location: Bardwell Road
Cuisine: European
The restaurant was started in an authentic Victorian working Boathouse, alongside the punt station (established in 1904) on the banks of the river Cherwell by Anthony Verdin, a local entrepreneur and connoisseur of fine wine and food. It is still family-owned and run today by John Verdin, Anthony’s eldest son, and his team of hard working, friendly waiting staff who enjoy delivering a professional and special service. This is a great location for lunch dinner and punting all in one place.
BEST PUBS IN OXFORD
Here are some of our favourite traditional Oxford pubs
Location: 6 Alfred St
Classified as one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, dating back to the 12th Century. This Traditional low-ceilinged pub is known for its creaky floorboards and large collection of cut-off ties. A must see for those who appreciate history. They are currently operating a large outside area.
One of the oldest pubs in Oxford, The Bear Inn
Location: St Ebbes Street
Situated off the busy pedestrianised Queen Street, this Traditional 19th Century pub offers a wide variety of non-expensive locally brewed cask ales and British pub foods.
Locally brewed ales and pub food at The Royal Blenheim, Oxford
Location: 108 St Aldates
Typical Victorian pub, just a stone’s throw away from Carfax Tower. Situated near the High Street, in the heart of Oxford City Centre, opposite the Town Hall. They are an independent free house pub who pride themselves on a superb range of local cask ales, as well as other interesting beers, wines and spirits. They offer a delicious menu of freshly cooked food, ranging from light snacks to main meals.
Fresh cooked food and local cask ales at St Aldates Tavern, Oxford
Location: 4-5 Bath Place
Historic pub dating back to 1381, this is another hidden gem secretly located off Broad Street. Frequented primarily by students and locals alike, this pub can be crowded, but is very friendly and offers great history, food and drink.
It was frequented in the past by world renowned figures such as former US President Bill Clinton, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, as well as Stephen Hawking.
Frequented by the famous, Turf Tavern, in Oxford
OUR PARTNERS
For further guidance on what to see and do while you’re in Oxford, call 01865 341993 or 07960 289961, or email hello@askwilliam.co.uk