Information about Oxford and Aberdeen

I've never been to Aberdeen, but Oxford is lovely! Lots of literary history there, if you're a book nerd. (Tolkien, CSLewis, Philip Pullman, Lewis Carroll, etc.). I think Rick likes Cambridge better, and suggests that people visit one or the other. I haven't been to Cambridge, so I can't compare, but there is no reason to avoid Oxford if you want to go. The Ashmolean Museum is legendary. The Bodeleian Library, too. It's a very walkable city. A bit busy, and a bit pricey, but you won't regret going. It's a beautiful place!

Yes, Rick chooses Cambridge over Oxford, rather than trying to do it all and risk university overload. I have enjoyed both. Rick does now cover Oxford and a few other towns in his England book that are not in the wider-ranging Great Britain book.

Everyone has their preferences for the places that they love and Rick is no different, I'm sure!
My personal preference is for Oxford rather than Cambridge. I have spent a great deal of time in both and think that Oxford has more to see and the college are more accessible than those in Cambridge. The city itself has much more open space that is accessible to everyone and as far as things to do, there are many more. IMHO of course!

The other big attraction in Oxford is the University Museum (natural history) and the linked Pitt-Rivers Museum (anthropology), which are interesting not just for their collections but the superb Victorian building. The Covered Market in Oxford is worth visiting as well for atmosphere and lunch.

Do be aware that the colleges in Oxford are working educational institutions, not tourist attractions. They are particularly difficult to visit in May and June when students are studying for and taking their final exams and seriously don't want to be disturbed.

The stereotype answer is that Oxford is a city which has a university; Cambridge is a university that has a city. Bit unkind to both really, but to some extent Oxford has less 'wow' eye candy factor, but more to experience beneath the surface. IMO of course, no doubt some will prefer the other place.

Many people like Aberdeen, but I've not gotten there yet. The hotels were pricier during the week when I was trying to go as there are a lot of business travelers. It is also a university town. And while I've not been to the city, I have read some of Stuart MacBride's novels which are based there.

But, I have stayed in the Aberdeenshire area. I've stayed in Deeside in Ballater. I checked out a number of castles and found a couple of stone circles. It was a lovely part of my trip. Have you found Undiscovered Scotland yet on the web? Here's the feature page for Ballater. If you love, love, love castles, then Aberdeenshire is a good place to visit! You're also close to Speyside for Whisky as well.

And, as for the Oxbridge debate, I think I am with Rick on this one. I liked the small town nature of Cambridge. But, you won't go wrong in either place.

Pam

We like Oxford and have been there several times. It's a small city but loaded with great museums (including one solely dedicated to musical instruments) and restaurants. If you're there in the spring, summer and fall, do visit some of the formal gardens. There are even open houses into the various colleges. The countryside is nearby and easy to get to. Do go to Blenheim Palace, ancestral home of Winston Churchill. Be sure one evening to attend evensong at one of the colleges. There's always something going on at one of the colleges, lectures, concerts, performances. As for hotels, we like the Old Bank Hotel, The Old Parsonage Hotel and Hotel Randolph (which unfortunately just had a fire). Buses direct to Heathrow and Gatwick depart from the Gloucester Green just about 24/7. You can even get into London (Marble Arch) in an hour.

I will be in Scotland/Ireland for 12 days in September. I too was disappointed that RS did not cover Aberdeen. This is the home of Clan Keith, which is my mother's family. I am spending 2 days in Aberdeen, taking the train from Edinburgh. Another major travel book recommended Jay's Guest House (B/B), and I was lucky enough to get a reservation. I know I will find plenty to do, including a trip to Dunnottar Castle. I love RS tips, but I believe you have to research other sources to be well informed!