In just over one month's time, Lasting Impressions 2019 will be kicking off. On 28th June we will take over the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford for a day focused on making and remaking the replica. For those attendees who will be new to Oxford, our team has put together a guide to the city of dreaming spires to help you explore everything that it has to offer.
Finding our venue
This year, we are lucky enough to be hosted at the Museum of the Year-nominated Pitt Rivers Museum. The entrance to the Pitt Rivers Museum can be found within the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW. Once you have entered the Museum of Natural History, walk straight past the dinosaurs and take a left at the statue of Darwin. That is where you will find the Pitt Rivers' arched door. If you get lost, friendly gallery attendants will be on hand to help you. You can also ask for directions at the Museum of Natural History front desk.
Where to stay
Oxford is not replete with centrally-located, budget-friendly accommodation but there are a few options available for those looking to spend the night. For those who do not mind a shared dorm room, we can recommend Central Backpackers Oxford which can be found a short walk from the train station. Chain hotels like Premier Inn are located a 20 minute bus ride away from the city centre at the Oxford Business Park. Other options can be explored on sites such as Booking.com.
Things to do in Oxford
Our study day will provide the opportunity to attend tours of two of Oxford's incredible museums: the Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology. But the delights of Oxford extend far beyond this. During your time in the city, you could attend a tour of the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. You can also hop on an open-top bus tour to take in some of the city's architectural wonders. Other attractions include visiting some of the historic colleges, with Christchurch College and Merton College being two of the most impressive. Inkeeping with the theme of our study day, you may also like to visit the Thinking 3D: Leonardo to the Present exhibition at the Weston Library, which explores the development of three-dimensional communication over the last 500 years.
Food and drink
You'll be spoiled for choice when planning a meal out in Oxford. George Street, located a short walk from the train station, has a wide selection of chain restaurants serving everything from pizza and burgers to traditional pub grub. Independent restaurants also worthy of attention include Pierre Victoire on Little Clarendon Street, Turl Street Kitchen, and Moya, which serves Slovakian food on St Clements Street.
Lunch will be served to all attendees on the study day itself, but if you find yourself in need of a sandwich at any other time, Taylors Cafes have several locations across Oxford to keep you sated. A hidden gem and real student favourite is The Alternative Tuck Shop, which can be found on Holywell Street. Queues often stretch out of the door at lunch time, attesting to the great quality and reasonable price of the food.
Don't forget!
If you want to join us at Lasting Impressions 2019, registration closes on 31st May. Secure your place on Eventbrite today to avoid disappointment.
