A region northwest of London marked by verdant woodlands and rolling hills dotted with villages of thatched cottages, Oxfordshire centers on the prestigious town of Oxford. Bibliophiles will be entranced by the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, at the University of Oxford. On a sunny day, we love to stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens at Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or glide along the River Cherwell aboard a punt, a traditional flat-bottomed boat propelled with a long pole. But no trip to the city is complete without a visit to one of its historic pubs, such as the Bear Inn, which dates to 1242 and is distinguished by the thousands of snipped and labeled club ties framed on its walls. The Kings Arms, a local institution, is probably the best spot to enjoy the company of Oxonians in their element. And the Turf Tavern is a very old, well-hidden pub that rests on remnants of the old city walls.