Oxford Portsmouth Train

The historic university city of Oxford is located in the county of Oxfordshire and is roughly 35 miles to the east of Cheltenham and 30 miles to the south west of Milton Keynes. Although known for its university the economy of Oxford is also reliant on car making, publishing, science and technology, bellfounding and brewing. Several of the University's colleges had private breweries which includes Brasenose College whose brewery survived until 1889.

Oxford used to be an important port of the River Thames, although the section of the Thames that runs through Oxford is called The Isis. To accommodate commercial traffic the Oxford-Burcot Commission in the 17th century took steps to improve the navigability of the river. The Oxford Canal was constructed in the 18th century in order to connect Oxford with the Midlands. Commercial traffic has given way to recreational use of the river and canal. Oxford was the original base of Salters Steamers and there is a regular service from Folly Bridge downstream to Abingdon and beyond.

Interesting attractions in the city include the Ashmolean Museum, the Bodleian Library, Christ Church Cathedral, The Headington Shark, the Museum of History and Science and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Portsmouth is a city located in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Visitors to the city are spoilt with things to do and places to see. For those interested in naval history the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must. The Dockyard has 800 years of naval history and is the oldest dry dock in the world, as well as being the home for two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface fleet. Alternatively, get a birds-eye view of the city and ascend the Spinnaker Tower or find out more about the historic landings at the D-Day Museum. Portsmouth's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Hampshire and the south of England. Discover the region's fascinating villages, towns, cities, waterfront and rolling countryside. Gosport is just on the other side of Portsmouth Harbour and can be reached by a four minute ferry ride. Gosport has a lovely combination of waterfront activities and peaceful countryside which visitors enjoy. Whilst there go onboard a Royal Navy Submarine, HMS Alliance, or go back in time and go aboard the first Royal Submarine, Holland 1. You can also follow the Waterfront Trail which is a 3km walk that links the town’s main attractions while gazing at the yachts gliding in and out of the marina.