Carlisle Oxford Train

Located in Cumbria, the city of Carlisle is the county town and administrative centre of Cumbria in north west England. The cities lies at the confluence of the rivers Eden, Caldew and Petteril and is roughly 10 miles to the south of the border with Scotland. The transformation brought about by the Industrial Revolution started the transformation of Carlisle into a densely populated mill town. Combined with its strategic location it led to the town becoming an important railway town.

Nicknamed the Great Border City, Carlisle today is the main cultural, commercial and industrial centre for north Cumbria and is home to the main campuses of the University of Cumbria and a variety of museums and heritage centres. Carlisle has a compact historic centre with a castle, museum, cathedral and semi-intact city walls. The former law courts or citadel towers which now serve as offices for Cumbria County Council were designed by Thomas Telford. The city centre is largely pedestrianised and The Lanes shopping centre is home to around 75 stores.

The University of Cumbria has a four campuses in Carlisle on Fusehill Street, Brampton Road, Paternoster Row and Newcastle Street. The university provides a wide range of degree courses in higher education such as Applied Computing, Applied Psychology, Art, Business, Law, Media, Social Work and Teacher Education.

Located in the county of Oxfordshire, the city of Oxford is roughly 50 miles to the west of London. The city is known throughout the world as home to the historic Oxford University, founded in the 12th century, which is the oldest university in the United Kingdom. Oxford's famous "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. Picturesque architecture and a vibrant modern life (driven by students, light industry and technology) set in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire make this a great destination.

Oxford city centre is very compact and easily walkable with many areas of the city centre pedestrianised. All major tourist sights are well-signposted. The narrow streets of the city centre are pedestrian-friendly, difficult for cars and full of beautiful buildings that will draw your attention upwards.

The preferred mode of transport for the university student is the bicycle and like Amsterdam, Copenhagen or Beijing, there are hundreds of them. Most trains into Oxford allow bicycles to be carried for free. Fortunately, there are cycle lanes on virtually ever street near the centre; however, you will sometimes be sharing the road with other motorists.