Sponsored: Discover Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, with these great deals from talkholiday

LOOKING for somewhere different for a few days away?

Stop your search right here. Oxford is an ideal choice for a city beak crammed with culture, history and… class.

If you’ve tired of the big guns like London, Manchester and so on, Oxford could be your next adventure and you’re going to love it. A real blend of medieval charm with modern day facilities and top notch pubs, trust me, there’s a lot to love.

Oxford is probably best known for its world-famous university, but this gem of a city is a treasure trove of delights just waiting to be explored.

It’s no sleepy hollow either – it’s vibrant and cosmopolitan yet its ancient treasures keep the city’s history alive and preserved.

Centres of learning aside, Oxford may have come on to your radar if you’re a fan of Inspector Morse and Lewis. It’s the hometown of Morse author Colin Dexter and became the backdrop for his murder mysteries and these much-loved British dramas were filmed in and around the city. There’s even a dedicated Inspector Morse walking tour- I’m sure Inspector Morse would approve!

Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour from £18pp

Top 7 things to see and do in Oxford

Visit Radcliffe Square

You won’t be able to avoid this pretty spot but do try and spend some time admiring the stunning buildings dotted around this cobbled square. Radcliffe Square is home to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, the Bodleian Library and its centre-piece, the Radcliffe Camera. This is a beautiful piece of architecture and one of Oxford’s most striking buildings.

Oxford University

Nobody could possibly visit Oxford without taking a peek at one of the world’s oldest universities. Walking tours around the college campus will give you a glimpse of student life as well as learning about the university’s famous alumni.

Oxford University Walking Tour from £15pp

Hop-On/Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Sit back, relax and soak up the city’s vibe with an open top bus tour. This an ideal way of seeing all the iconic landmarks without getting sore feet!

City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours from £16pp

Shop ‘til you drop in Oxford’s Covered Market

This is a must for your ‘to-do’ list. Indulge in some retail therapy among all manner of stalls and quirky boutiques.

Ashmolean Museum

Spend a few hours in the oldest university museum in the world, taking in the fascinating collections which range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art as well as Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The Ashmolean was also the first public museum in Britain.

Punting on The River

Hire a traditional Oxford punt, rowing boat or pedalo and enjoy some fun along the beautiful River Cherwell. Hire the boats from Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.

Blenheim Palace

No trip to Oxford would be complete without a visit to Blenheim Palace – roughly 20 minutes’ drive away from central Oxford. This masterpiece of baroque architecture hosts many treasures within the State Rooms and visitors can learn about them all in the guided tours available. The palace is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open all year round except Christmas Day.

Regular, reasonably priced public transport is available from Oxford.

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket from £25

If Oxford sounds like just the place for a few days away with your nearest and dearest, there are some good travel deals around right now from the travel social network talkholiday. Choose from smart hotels in the city to quaint cottages in and around Oxford.