Historic Oxford opened its arms to students yesterday as they toured the city’s sights and punted on its rivers. Congratulations to everyone for staying dry throughout their first punting trip!

Students explored 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle, where they climbed the Saxon St George’s Tower to take in its panoramic views of the city, delved deep underground into the 900 year old crypt, probed the stony confines of the Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-wing, and crested the mound of the 11th-century motte and bailey to hear tales of gruesome executions.

Next up was Christ Church, whose legendary reputation and photogenic edifices have inspired many writers and film-makers over the years: the college was the setting for parts of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited, and more recently hosted the young witches and wizards of Hogwart’s School in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter.

Back at St Hugh’s, students learned some salsa steps, and worked out to soca, tango and reggaeton in an energetic Zumba class.