Want to mindfully explore with an Oxford day trip? Try a photography focused approach!
I love Oxford.
It’s one of my favorite places in England to explore with photography in mind. Whether there’s a day to spare or an entire weekend, the beautiful honey colored buildings inspire the classical architecture lover in me.
A few weeks ago, with a last minute train ticket in hand, I made the journey from London on the early morning train.
This day was just for me.
A chance to unwind.
To practice photography for well-being.
A relaxing day to see the world through the lens and be present in every glorious moment. Why not come along and gather some inspiration for your next Oxford day trip?
Exploring Oxford Through the Lens
Setting off in the crisp morning air, I had no set plan. Today would focus on capturing the world with my DSLR, with a sprinkle of smartphone photography too.
The only certainty was that coffee would be the first order of the day. That, and enjoying the freedom that comes from time to leisurely wander, and nourish the mind & body.
Having been to Oxford many times, this trip was more of a spontaneous adventure. A gift to myself, a gift of time to do what lights me up inside, photography.
Mindful travel experiences, like photography, can be a powerful form of self-care.
For me, wandering with a camera in hand to capture the present moment is one of the best ways there is to practice mindfulness in daily life. As a travel coach, I also champion its use as a tool to deepen travel experiences.
Why? Because I know it’s power and potential.
Not only has it helped me grow my well-being, others tell me the same too.
Mindful photography makes it easy to practice self-care from the inside out, which is perhaps the best kind.
Aligning your inner world with the outer world feels genuine and authentic. You simply want to do it and this creates engagement, thus no motivation or pep talk needed for this self-care practice. In essence, that’s what wellness really is and what so many of us are seeking, living an engaged life.
Savoring Coffee
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know that my morning coffee ritual is an absolute must, whether I’m home in Italy or traveling the world.
Luckily, Oxford has a wonderful array of places to savor a coffee and experience the local side of life. On the way in to the city from the train station, my first stop was The Society Cafe. Located on a quiet side road, any coffee shop that has several roasts available daily is sure to please, and makes my bucket list.
A few hours later, a second cappuccino was in order at my favorite place, The Missing Bean. I took out my journal, jotted down some thoughts about the morning, and relished the fact that for the first time since the before the pandemic, I was deeply grateful to be back in Oxford.
Mindfully Capturing Architecture
One of the reasons Oxford is a rich place photographically, are its many details.
Historic cities with period architecture like Oxford, Bath, York, and Edinburgh, are ideal for mindful photography.
Mindful photography is an approach that is about slowing down and being present in the moment.
Using your senses and practicing being present is an intentional way to shift your focus to the process of exploring. That shift helps brings attention to the joy of the moment versus simply considering the technical aspects of photography.
It’s an experience enhancer.
There are many great spots to capture architecture in Oxford, including the many honey colored colleges. Here are just a few spots I love:
- The Radcliffe Camera & Square
- The Sheldonian Theatre
- St. Mary’s Passageway
- Magdalen College
- Trinity College
Lunch at Vaults & Garden Cafe
Traveling with well-being in mind, I’m always on the lookout for eateries that support local and organic ingredients. So, there’s lots of to love about eating at The Vaults & Garden, as this cafe actually has a mission to promote individual, social & ecological well-being!
Besides serving yummy and nourishing food, the inside space is graced with a beautiful vaulted ceiling. The prices are fair and they are conveniently located under St. Mary’s University Church, across from The Radcliffe Camera.
Frequenting this cafe is a win-win all the way around!
St. Mary’s University Church
One of my goals for this trip was to take a self-portrait.
For several years, I’ve been exploring photography from the angle of mindfulness and personal growth. A self-proclaimed non-selfie kinda gal, taking a self-portrait presented me with a new curiosity to explore.
Letting my intuition guide the way, the right time revealed itself after climbing to one of the best aerial views in the city.
The St. Mary’s University Church overlooks the Radcliffe Camera, a unique circular library and an architectural gem.
I find this building awe-inspiring, so capturing my contented gaze looking at it seemed quite fitting. In reflecting on the photo, it reminded me of the many moments of joy travel has showered me with over the years.
Oxford’s Outdoor Spaces
Alongside Oxford’s historic buildings, are some beautiful and calming outdoor spaces.
Parks, meadows, riverside towpaths, and beautifully maintained gardens are sprinkled though out the city center. Just waiting to be explored, these spaces provide easy access to nature and are lovely to capture.
In fact, one of my most enduring photographic memories is a summer afternoon I once spent at The Oxford Botanic Gardens. Capturing the colorful glow of the flowers with my LensBaby Velvet lens made me giddy and happy, all at the same time!
After lunch, I found myself wandering towards Christ Church College. The best of all worlds, The Christ Church Gardens and are a Grade 1 Landscape in The English heritage Register of Historic Parks & Gardens. I could smell the hyacinths 25 feet away, it was intoxicating.
The Meadow Walk is a treat to wander as it follows along The River Thames and The Cherwell River. Far away from the crowds, it provides ample space to get lost in your thoughts as you stroll with the vibrant greens of nature.
In the end, my Oxford day trip was an enjoyable mix of savoring food, walking, and mindful moments.
Getting off of autopilot and letting my intuition and senses lead the way was a welcome experience. Although this is something I seek to do in my daily life, I’m grateful for traveling because it allows me to more deeply work with this approach, on my own schedule. Photography is an integral part of my wellness travel lifestyle.
If you love photography and want to spontaneously explore with no agenda, a day trip from London to Oxford definitely fits the bill!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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