Although we may not be able to get abroad this year, that doesn’t mean our dreams of fun in the sun have to be cancelled. 

There are plenty of things you can do to recreate your holiday, all you’ll need is yourself and some family members or friends to come along for the ride. 

Whilst your home town may not always feel like a holiday haven, it’s time to put on those rose tinted sunglasses and get out there. 

With an open mind recreating your longed-for break couldn’t be any simpler. 

Here are some of the key elements you’ll need for a fabulous summer holiday in Oxford: 

1.Go to the beach or pool

Every summer holiday starts and ends with visions of sunning yourself on a sandy beach somewhere exotic.

It’s time to pack your beach bag and slip into your favourite fashionable swimwear, don’t worry if it’s strappy - a benefit of holidaying in the UK is that you probably won’t get tan lines. 

The closest beach to us is in Bournemouth and takes just under two hours to get there. 

However, if you’re looking for something a little closer to home and wanting to avoid any over crowded beaches, try swimming at the natural Isis Pool on Weirs Lane.

Whilst the kids splash in the pool don’t forget to pack the latest gossip magazine or a crime thriller for a bit of holiday reading. 

2. Go sightseeing 

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Copyright © 2005 Kaihsu Tai

No holiday is complete without dragging yourself on a little sightseeing tour and this summer holiday doesn’t have to be any different - in for a penny, in for a pound? 

Why not immerse yourself in the history of our wonderful city by getting on an open top bus or visiting one of the many historical sites such as the Matyrs Memorial. 

Don a pair of socks and sandals and you’ll really feel like a Brit abroad.  

3. Sample some local delicacies 

One of the most exciting parts of a summer break for any food lover is sampling some of the weird and wonderful local delicacies. 

Make sure you stop off at the Covered Market for some tasty treats including a milkshake from Moo Moos and some Oxford sausages from the butchers. 

4. Go on a bike ride 

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Image courtesy of Donkey Republic. 

A fun activity for all the family, especially if it ends with a picnic or pub lunch. 

A benefit of holidaying at home means that if you have your own bikes you won’t need to hire one. 

If you don’t own any bikes, fear not the Donkey Republic bike scheme lets you easily hire a bike from anywhere around the city through their app. 

Cycle down the Thames path for a truly scenic ride from Oxford to Abingdon stopping at some of the gorgeous beauty spots along the way. 

5. Get competitive with a round of mini golf

It’s time to get competitive and let the holiday feud begin, who will be mini-golf champion? 

Gravitee Golf minigolf at the Ozone Leisure Park by the Kassam Stadium and is open daily.

Or for something in the centre try out the Junkyard Golf Club when it opens back up from August 3. 

6. Book a slot at Wet'n'Wild waterpark 

There’s nothing funnier than watching your friend or loved one fall off the back of a banana boat or off the edge of an inflatable.

To recreate one of the most memorable parts of a holiday you can visit the Wet'n'Wild Aqua Park between Berinsfield and Dorchester. 

The waterpark has giant inflatable obstacles for you to test your skills and feel like you're on the hit show Ninja Warrior. 

7. Go souvenir shopping and pick up a postcard 

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Although we may not have hair braids and henna tattoos everyday in the town centre, we do have lovely gift shops. 

Support your local businesses and pick up a magnet of Oxford to display in pride of place on the fridge to remind you of your favourite holiday forever more. 

Whilst you’re out don’t forget to get a postcard to send to Gran!  

8. Sample some of the finest Meditteranean food Oxford has to offer. 

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If you were going to visit somewhere in the mesmerizing med then why not book a table at the Greek Taverna on Cowley Road or Gee's on Banbury Road. 

With classic cuisine such as hummus, tapas and fresh fish on offer it will feel as if you had hopped on that plane after all. 

9. Have cocktails at sundown 

Lots of people’s favourite part of their trip involves picking out a special holiday outfit, having some Lays (Walkers in the UK) and heading out to a beach side cocktail bar. 

Although we may not have seafront lounges, we do have some wonderful bars in our city such as Mad Hatter in Cowley and Angels on Little Clarendon Street just to name a few.

Why not get your holiday crew together and head out for some sunset drinks this summer. 

10. Holiday romance 

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Finally, no holiday is complete without a holiday romance, so if you're single be sure to spend some time on your favourite dating apps.

If we’ve missed anything off the list, comment below.