WITH tourism at its peak and the weather – hopefully – at its warmest, Oxford’s pubs are normally heaving for the August bank holiday weekend.

Yes, some have done a roaring trade since reopening last month, but those on the tourist trail are inevitably less busy than normal.

While there are plenty of quality pubs across the city, here are a few famous names that are worth a visit while the centre is quiet.

The Bear Inn

This classic pub, on the corner of Alfred Street and Blue Boar Street, is renowned as one of the oldest in the city, dating back to 1242.

It is also notable for its collection of more than 4,500 snippets of ties on the walls and ceiling – some of which have been there since 1952.

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The Chequers

Located down an alleyway near the top of the High Street, you can easily miss The Chequers if you do not know it is there.

Another pub that dates back hundreds of years, this tavern exhibited strange animals and technological marvels of the age during the 17th century.

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The Crown

Like many city pubs, The Crown has a literary connection - it is believed to have been a favourite of William Shakespeare when he visited Oxford.

The Bard would stop off on his way between Stratford-upon-Avon and London and it remains popular in its Cornmarket Street base.

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Turf Tavern

You normally cannot move for tourists and students at this Holywell Street pub, so there has never been a better time to visit.

The 14th century tavern has too many famous former patrons to count, with everyone from Margaret Thatcher to the fictional Inspector Morse to have visited.

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King’s Arms

Just around the corner from the Turf Tavern is the King’s Arms, another one usually popular with students and academics.

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The name is reference to King James I, who had links with the next-door Wadham College.

Of course, there are plenty of other fantastic pubs across the city, all worth a visit and all in need of local punters' support now more than ever.

We are encouraging all of our readers to get back to the pub – and the rest of the city centre – all this month and next, as part of our Rediscover Oxford campaign with Oxford City Council.

With many people still wary about going outside and visiting shops and restaurants, we are aiming to reassure people that the vast majority of visitor attractions are going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure they are 100 per cent safe for visitors.

City councillor Mary Clarkson, speaking at the launch of our campaign, said: "This summer, why not be a tourist in your own city?

"Now is the time to explore our wonderful city, its golden colleges, its plethora of parks and riverside walks, its world-famous museums and galleries, and its wide range of international and independent retailers and brand businesses.

"Now is the time to rediscover Oxford."