Pubs are an important part of the city of Oxford, as well as the whole of England, for that matter. They are frequented by young and old alike, and the role of the pub is very important to socialization in England, as well as europe. Take a look at the Pubs of Oxford, shown at right. Click on the map to get an idea of how England ranks with the rest of the world in beer consumption. Many of the pubs have great names and a storied past, (J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde are said to have favored the Lamb and Flag) and there is an extensive review of their food, drink, and atmosphere hidden in the picture as well.

They do not control the social scene, however. There are also a large number of theatres in the city as well. Perhaps most striking of these is the Sheldonian Theatre, a beautiful building built in the 1660's which still is open today. Oxford's Apollo Theatre stages ballet productions, musicals, opera, pantomimes, pop and rock concerts, and the Oxford Playhouse has a long and distinguished theatrical history. Innovative and experimental theatre is the speciality of the Pegasus Theatre in east Oxford. The Holywell Music Room, Europe's oldest concert hall, and the Jacqueline du Pre Music Centre, one of the newest, host events throughout the year, as do many of the beautiful college chapels.

Key to the social scene in Oxford are the University-run events. There are numerous balls held on a annual basis which are attended by most of the University's students and faculity. There is a great deal of green space in the city, and weather allowing, you can find many people enjoying a picnic or a pickup football match in any of the parks of the city. Oxford United, a second division football club, is the town's representative in the prestigous English Football leage, and they are currently developing a beautiful new state-of the-art stadium, which is attracting international attention, and is shown under construction at left.

There is also a fantastic music scene in the city. Local bands Radiohead and Supergrass are the most renowned products of Oxford's musical scene. There are numerous outdoor and indoor musical fesitvals with genres ranging from rock to pop to classical and opera. For the resident of Oxford, there are also numerous theatres in the county of Oxfordshire which are worth a look or listen, such as nearby Garsington.

There are also wonderfull museums in the city. Some of the museums include the Ashmolean Museum, which is the oldest public museum in the country, the Chrish Church Picture Gallery with hundreds of paintings dating to the 14th Century, the Museum of the History of Science with hundreds of items from the early days of asrtonomy, surveying and mathematics, and the Museum of Oxford, which chronicles the history of the city and University.

The Oxford botanical Garden (left), and Magdalen Meadows (right).

The University Parks