What’s On: Oxford Property Consulting ultimate guide to spring in Oxfordshire
It might not feel like it – but spring is on the way!
The first daffodils have sprung, the evenings are drawing out and soon Oxfordshire will be a picture perfect county with properties looking their very best in the improving sunlight.
Spring is historically a busy month for our county socially too. From Oxford city’s iconic May Morning celebrations, climbing the roof of Blenheim Palace and the world-renowned literary festival.
In our latest blog, our team lists our favourite things to see and do in Oxfordshire and our county’s surrounds this springtime.
May Morning
Oxford’s May Morning celebrations date back more than 500 years and sees thousands of people gather along High Street and Magdalen Bridge at 6am on May 1.
The tradition sees Magdalen College Choir herald the arrival of spring from the top of Magdalen College's Great Tower, which members of the public can visit 12 months each year.
May Day morning celebrations are free, but if you want to visit the college outside of this tickets can be purchased online for £10.
Town and Gown 10k charity race
Thousands of runners will take to Oxford’s streets on Sunday, May 11, for the historic Bidwells Oxford Town and Gown 10K race.
First held in 1982, the event supports Muscular Dystrophy UK and is open to runners of all experience levels. It’s a great opportunity to take in Oxford’s surrounds with the course stretching through the city’s parks and alongside its rivers.
Even better, there’s a junior event too – with 500 children aged nine to 15 from local schools taking part in a 3k race.
Climb up Blenheim Palace
This May Blenheim Palace will unveil its new Rooftop View.
For the first time ever as the Palace roof is restored, visitors can climb on to the rooftops and see the breath taking views below, including the Grand Bridge, the Great Court and out towards the famous Column of Victory.
The Palace is also staging an egg-citing Easter with a range of activities and egg trails in the Walled Garden from April 18 – 21 – perfect fun for the family.
Oxford Literary Festival
The world-renowned literary festival will return in March 2025 with more than 350 events exploring a huge variety of topics, literary genres and contemporary issues, and feature names from literary and showbiz worlds.
Dame Joanna Lumley, Alexander Armstrong, Deborah Meaden, Richard Coles and Miriam Margolyes are among the big names already confirmed for the festival.
You can find out more online by clicking here: www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org (http://www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org).
The boat race
Technically speaking, we’re venturing far beyond our county’s borders for this one.
But the 169th Oxford vs Cambridge boat race isn’t one to miss. And to those of you who are new to Oxfordshire, yes - the boat race is a big deal!
Approximately 200,000 spectators will line the banks of the River Thames to watch one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. If you’re looking to stay closer to home, many of Oxford’s historic pubs will have their doors open for the race and a quality atmosphere guaranteed.