Today we traded the hum of London for the charm and history of Oxford—and the change of pace was just what we needed. We took the train in the morning, and the moment we stepped off, the entire atmosphere felt different. Slower, quieter, but still brimming with character.

Staying at the Malmaison: A Castle and a Former Prison

Our hotel, the Malmaison Oxford, set the tone for the day. It’s not your typical hotel—it’s housed in a converted castle and former prison, which made checking in feel more like stepping into a storybook than a standard hotel lobby.

The thick stone walls, original cell doors, and winding staircases made it feel like we were sleeping inside a piece of history. It somehow managed to be both eerie and elegant. My daughter was instantly intrigued—there’s something very cool about sleeping in what used to be a jail cell, especially one that now comes with luxurious bedding and mood lighting.

A Classic English Pub Lunch

After dropping off our bags, we wandered into town and found a cozy, classic English pub for lunch. It was the kind of place with wooden beams, quirky decor, and the comforting smell of fried food and ale.

We shared a plate of crispy chicken strips, and I enjoyed a local English beer—mild, malty, and just right after a morning of travel. There’s something so grounding about pub culture here; it’s not just about food and drink, but about slowing down and soaking it all in.

Exploring Oxford on Foot

In the afternoon, we joined a walking tour of Oxford, and that’s when the real magic of the city came alive. Our guide led us through narrow alleys, peaceful courtyards, and past buildings that looked straight out of a medieval painting.

The University of Oxford’s traditions run deep—each college has its own crest, its own customs, and centuries of stories baked into its walls.

A City of Literary Legends

Oxford’s literary history is just as impressive as its architecture. As we wandered, I couldn’t help but think about the other incredible authors who lived and wrote here—C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll, to name a few.

Imagining Tolkien working on The Lord of the Rings or Lewis dreaming up Narnia in the same pubs and libraries we were passing made the whole place feel like a living tribute to creativity. Oxford doesn’t just teach knowledge—it inspires imagination.

Traces of Harry Potter Magic

One of the highlights of the tour was discovering Oxford’s connection to Harry Potter. We visited spots that inspired J.K. Rowling or were used as filming locations in the movies.

My daughter lit up when we walked through cloisters that looked like Hogwarts corridors, and even I felt a flicker of magic seeing the real-life backdrops to such a beloved world.

A Cozy Dinner and the Importance of Rest

After all the walking and exploring, we were ready for a relaxed evening—and dinner at the Malmaison restaurant was just right. I had a delicious spring vegetable risotto, light but satisfying, while my daughter enjoyed a burger from the kids’ menu. The food was beautifully presented, and the quiet, stylish dining room gave us the perfect setting to wind down.

For dessert, I couldn’t resist ordering sticky toffee pudding—a total Great British Bake Off moment. It was rich, warm, and topped with just the right amount of toffee sauce and cream. Absolutely worth it. My daughter, however, declared that she was “practicing being an ascetic” and declined dessert entirely, which I have to admit was both hilarious and a little impressive.

It was a nice, low-key way to end the day. With all the travel and sightseeing on this trip, we’ve made a point to build in time to rest and recharge—especially important when traveling with kids. Not every moment has to be filled with activity; some of the best parts of the day happen when you’re simply sitting down, sharing a meal, and reflecting on what you’ve seen.

History, Magic, and Memories

What struck me most was how easily Oxford blends the academic, the historic, and the magical. You can be standing in a place where ancient scholars once debated philosophy—and then turn a corner and feel like you’ve wandered into the wizarding world.

There’s a quiet power to the city, the kind that makes you want to learn more, look deeper, and maybe even write your own story.

By the end of the day, we were tired in the best way. Oxford had wrapped us up in its mix of tradition and fantasy, and we were happy to return to our castle-turned-hotel for a well-earned rest.

Today was all about seeing the world through new eyes—through ancient architecture, beloved books, and the shared joy of discovery.

It’s a day we’ll remember for a long time.