Oxford is a compact university city with plenty to see, and delegates of the 2009 Smith conference were given a short set of pointers for the trip. The advice below is aimed at academic visitors, and the transport details are from 2008 and should be checked before travel.
Getting oriented
The university runs a visitor information site, and the city’s tourist information centre stands opposite Balliol College. Printed and online maps were recommended for first-time visitors. Book lovers could note that Blackwell’s, one of the city’s best-known bookshops, is only two minutes’ walk from the college.
Where to stay
Accommodation was offered in the college itself, though only single rooms were available, so couples had to look elsewhere. The page suggested the university visitor site and a couple of hotel listings for other options.
Transport
- Coach: a frequent service links Oxford with the airports at Heathrow and Gatwick. The central coach station, Gloucester Green, is within walking distance of Balliol, with a taxi rank nearby for those with heavy luggage. Services between Oxford and London were also listed.
- Rail: trains run between Oxford and London Paddington.
- University guide: the university publishes its own directions on how to reach Oxford.
Back to the conference
For what was on the timetable see the programme or the conference overview.