OXFORD residents can now take advantage of the quieter streets with a free sightseeing bus tour of the city’s landmarks.

The offer, which launches today, is part of the Oxford Mail and Oxford City Council’s Rediscover Oxford campaign, which aims to revive visitor numbers following the lockdown-induced slump.

In a joint initiative with Oxford Bus Company, which owns City Sightseeing Oxford, residents will be able to cut out one free ticket each from the Oxford Mail.

Meanwhile, under-12s will also be able to get a free ticket by taking part in the ‘Oxford – My Treasure Island’ art competition – more on that will be revealed tomorrow.

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The initiative runs until Friday, September 4 and Mary Clarkson, Oxford City Council’s cabinet member for the city centre, Covered Market and culture, encouraged residents to get out and about.

She said: “Before the language schools and tourism took off, this time of year used to be really magical in Oxford.

“Those things are great, but Oxford residents would have the city to themselves.

“Normally we would have St Giles’ Fair, which is very much an Oxford thing.

“Now there’s an opportunity to rediscover some of that and it might be a really small window before everything gets back to it’s frantic self.

“It’s a perfect time to explore.”

Oxford Mail:

The vouchers are valid any time from Monday to Friday and do not include walking tours, while all children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

The City Sightseeing Oxford open-top bus tours restarted on July 18 and have been operating with a special timetable.

An enhanced hygiene regime has been implemented across the fleet, with all buses cleaned nightly.

Drivers have been provided with PPE, while face coverings are available for passengers to wear while they are on board.

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Phil Southall, managing director of Oxford City Sightseeing said: “We’re proud to take part in this important Rediscover Oxford campaign.

“The tourism industry is a vital part of Oxfordshire’s economy and it is encouraging to see key stake-holders pulling together for the overall good of the city.

“Oxford is a beautiful historic city and our open-top bus tours are a fantastic value for money way to see the sights and rediscover Oxford.

“We have enhanced cleaning regimes on our fleet after each trip and have put social distancing measures in place to ensure our passengers are safe.

“We have partnered with the Oxford Mail and Oxford City Council to provide a fantastic free offer for residents to rediscover Oxford via our open top bus tours and we look forward to welcoming all on-board.”