Oxford vs. Cambridge and best restaurants/pubs in Westminster area

We are staying at the Park Plaza near the London Eye. Thanks.

Thanks Emma. Can you give guidance on Oxford vs. Cambridge?

If you opt for Cambridge be sure to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum.

I have not visited Oxford , but did visit Cambridge . It's quite a beautiful place , both for what it represents ( higher education and the world of advanced thought ) and the panoply of stunning English architecture . A few of our favorites were Queens' College , St. John's College and Newnham College ( a bit further away from the center , but worth the effort ) . Make certain to see Kings' College Chapel with its stunning fan vaulted ceiling ( that alone is worth a trip to Cambridge ) , and wander the Cambridge Backs .Go early and if you have time see the Fitzwilliam as Norma recommends . Also , since I have an interest in polar exploration , a visit to the Scott Polar Research Institute was a high point for me . On our way back to England and Scotland next week . and will most certainly go back to Cambridge !

I've been to both towns and both worth visiting. Lovely churches and cathedrals and punting too (punters stand at the back or front depending on the city). Try to visit some of the colleges if they are open to visitors.

Oxford and Cambridge are very different in nature. Granted they both have the colleges, but Cambridge is in a smaller town. Oxford on the other hand is a bigger city. I would suggest that you look at what would interest you. Look at the different tours you can take in each city. I have been to both and like both. Ask yourself why you want to visit the campuses. If you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland you might want to visit Oxford. If you're a John LeCarre and cold war spy follower you might want Cambridge. But you should think about these types of things. You really won't go wrong with either choice.

For restaurants in the area there are a couple of the Wahaca Mexican restaurants in the area. One on the south bank on Belvedere Road near Queen Elizabeth Hall (went there last week after a trip to the Imperial War Museum, a really fun venue brightly painted old shipping containers) and one on Waterloo Road. Highly recommended.

Sharon, What time of the year are you planning your visit? FYI, during exam time access to the colleges in both Oxford & Cambridge is limited. I have been to both Oxford & Cambridge and would give a minor nod to Cambridge. If you do opt to visit Cambridge stop by the Madingley American Cemetery(www.madingleyamericancemetery.info). The HOHO bus drops you at the main entrance.

Haven't been to Oxford, but we arrived last week for a month in Cambridge as my husband is working here and it's lovely! Punting along the River Cam is a must-do as you float behind the college "backs". Very picturesque.

I have been to both and very much preferred Cambridge. I've been to Oxford twice - the first time the weather was very unpleasant, and I thought that might have influenced me. But when I went back a couple years later I discovered I just plain liked Cambridge better. It is smaller but the atmosphere was more of a match for us.

Joel, I will be visiting next week. Thanks.

I was in Cambridge on a sunny October day and highly recommend the punting tour. Very beautiful. And Kings College chapel is an architectural marvel. Haven't been to Oxford in over ten years so it's not as fresh in my mind except for what shows up in Lewis and Endeavour episodes! Both are interesting in their own rights.