Cycle Oxford Festival : May 7th - 9th

A weekend of events including bicycle polo, alleycat rides (a kind of treaure hunt on bikes), bike bell orchestra and a cargo bike race is to be held from 7th to 9th May in Oxford. The city is renowned for being cycling friendly so we are sure the event will be a great success. Anyone can take part in the activities - just bring your bike! For further information go to www.myspace.com/oxfordbikefestival

Borough Market

London brims with markets in all shapes and sizes. We love Borough Market located just off the Thames Path under the arches of London Bridge and behind Southwark Cathedral.  Apparently there have been traders here for hundreds of years and a market since the mid 18th Century selling fruit, vegetables,bread and meat.  Now, there's a huge variety of produce on offer and much is reared, grown or made by the stall holders which is why the place is so vibrant and full of passion. The community of 130 traders from all over England, Europe and further afield are a draw for chefs, restauranteurs and all who care deeply about food.   So visit when its open on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. If you like less busy then make it Thursday. Their website also offers some interesting recipes.
Take in the market on our walking and cycling tours

Bath and Jane Austen

Jane Austen is one of Bath's most famous residents. She and her family lived there from 1801 for 5 years when it was a thrivimg spa resort and popular with  fashionable society. Two of Austen's novels - Northanger Abbey and Persuasion  are largely set in Bath. The BBC rendition of Persuasion was partly filmed in Bath with the ballroom scenes being staged in one of its elegant town houses. If you want to stay in this immaculately restored house then take our Cotswolds and Bath Tour and you will have 2 fine nights there.
If you fancy dressing up in full Regency costume and parading the streets then you could visit the Jane Austen Festival which this year takes place from September 17 - 25
If you want to download a free audio walking tour of Austen's Bath - In the Footsteps of Jane Austen, then click here

Jane may have sighed wearily as she wrote to a friend "that Bath is still Bath" ; we're just thankful that its so well preserved.