Alice's Shop

One of the more obscure tourist attractions I came across during my road trip to Oxford was Alice's Shop. Located on a busy main road opposite Christ Church Cathedral, the shop is an Aladdin's cave full to the brim with Alice in Wonderland gifts and memorabilia.

Apparently, Oxford is the birth place of Lewis Carrol's masterpiece, with many inspirations for the stories originating from the city. In fact, Alice's Shop is featured in the story Through the Looking Glass.

When I first set eyes upon the shop, I was disappointed. It is much smaller than one would expect, and the outside is surprisingly understated for a fantasy novel. However, once you step inside, you are transported into the Victorian world of Alice. It is so quaint, with nick-nacks everywhere you look. I was actually overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff on display in the deceptively small space.

I couldn't help myself though, and I treated myself to my own little piece of Wonderland in the form of an apron decorated with all the magical characters from the story.

The Harry Potter trail

Deciding upon a suitable destination for a day-trip away from the hustle and bustle of London can be a difficult task. With so many towns and cities surrounding our capital city, choosing the best location requires a great deal of research.

After spending what seemed like a lifetime on Google, it was the city of Oxford which caught my eye. Lying only 50 miles northwest of London, Oxford is only a short motorway journey away. And aside from the world-renowned university and medieval architecture, the city is also home to a number of magical locations. Yes, many Oxford landmarks were used in the Harry Potter films (indeed, it was this fact that swayed my decision most of all).

So, if you're after an interesting and cultural destination for a mini road-trip, Oxford is an ideal bet. Home to a Saxon castle, numerous medieval buildings, the iconic Radcliffe Camera, a cathedral, and the second oldest university in the world, Oxford is a true English gem.