As you may have seen from
my million Instagram pictures (#sorrynotsorry) Mark and I spent a lovely day and night in Oxford for our anniversary and we had an amazing time. We managed to get a good deal at
Malmaison Oxford (yes that
is a converted prison) and it was the perfect base for exploring Oxford as it is right in the centre of town. I have been wanting to stay here
ever since Sophie raved about it and I was so thrilled that we were able to book it for our anniversary. Usually we stay in Travelodges when we go away so it was nice to experience a 'proper' boutique hotel- I just couldn't believe how fancy it all was! We haven't got a big holiday booked for this year but we are keen to see as much of the UK as we can so expect to see lots of little day trips like this one...
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The exterior was amazing, so imposing and absolutely beautiful, especially in the sunshine, I imagine it would have looked slightly less welcoming if you were being imprisoned here, I couldn't believe that the prison only closed in 1996!
I loved that the original fronts of the cell blocks were still in place although I wasn't a fan of that narrow walkway crossing the hall. Me and heights are not a good combination!
We stayed in the beautiful room 210 in C-Wing and I couldn't have been happier. The room had quite a rustic feel with the exposed brick and the tartan accents. It could have ended up looking awful but I actually loved it, it must be my Scottish heritage ;)
This was what we could see from our window, how ace is that view?!
I absolutely loved the bathroom, it was absolutely stunning although I have never stayed anywhere with so many mirrors- we had about 6 in our room which made it lovely and light but it was very disconcerting to keep catching glimpses of yourself, haha!
Being soppy with a smiley selfie with Mark. I can't believe that we have been together for so long, nine years seems to have passed by in a flash and I couldn't be happier :D Ok soppiness over for another year ;)
Radcliffe Camera- I am always amazed at how crowded a spot this is in, it always looks much roomier on the TV! We were planning on going to
The Vaults and Garden Cafe for lunch (as recommended by
Kat) but it was absolutely jam-packed so we sadly had to try somehwere else.
I had
a flat white and this smoked mackerel and potato salad and was just sad that I didn't have a larger portion as it was absolutely delicious.
The super cute Bridge of Sighs...
Mark and I spent a few hours in the
Ashmolean Museum and took
so many photos! The Greek and Roman stuff was my favourite and the classicists among you may recognise a few pieces!
I also really loved the Japanese and Chinese stuff-
the Tapestry of the Battle of the Animals was amazing, I love the look on that leopard's face. It's as if he is saying 'I have made a terrible mistake' haha
This had to be one of my favourite sections though, everything was so SHINY! The picture in the centre made me laugh so much, the way it took makes me look like I am wearing a giant shiny crown- I just wish I had cause for a gilt owl and diadem!
A beautiful ivy covered building, I just wish I could remember where this was- we did a lot of walking and took a lot of photos...
Mark looking a little bit sheepish outside
Oriel College- his grandpa went here so we wanted to take some photos but they were doing a lot of building work and it was a bit awkward taking them with the workmen, haha!
Have you been to Oxford?
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