Oxford

It's now the focus for leisure activities, culminating in the Eights Week rowing races, when colleges compete to 'bump' each other's boats. If you're inspired to take to the river, there's a wide choice of craft - from stately Edwardian Salters' steamers to elegant electric launches, rowing boats and traditional punts.

You might retrace the route taken by Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) 150 years ago; he recounted the tale of Alice in Wonderland to the real Alice while rowing upriver to Binsey. Many people and places featured in the Alice books really exist - and you can find them in Oxford.

Harry Potter fans seek out Christ Church, New College and the Bodleian Library - places which inspired or were featured in the books or films.

With 5 free museums including the Ashmolean, Britain's first Botanic Garden and 37 historic colleges, Oxford merits a two-day visit and is probably best explored on foot with an Official Walking Tour guide. Historic pubs and hotels provide ample refreshment while the Covered Market, selling everything from lobsters to lardy cake, provides freshly-cooked goodies. The Visitor Information Centre in Broad Street is a mine of useful information.