Celebrate the season by staying in an atmospheric Oxford or Cambridge college this December

There’s something about visiting an historic city in December that seems to capture Christmas magic. Now we can all stay in an Oxford or Cambridge college to soak up centuries-old traditions.

Think Christmas and atmospheric, candlelit buildings spring to mind. That’s partly because of the wonderful sound and spectacle of Carols from King’s. It’s must-see Christmas Eve viewing and not to be missed if you are staying in Cambridge.

However, a more chilling reason an age-old university town may leap to mind is that Christmas has become synonymous with cosy ghost stories. Thanks to M.R. James, the famous former Provost of King’s College, Cambridge, some of the spookiest tales have been set in an atmospheric college. Meanwhile, Oxford’s colleges have been used in some of the glittering Christmas scenes in the Harry Potter movies.

Now it’s possible to soak up the old-fashioned and occasionally eerie atmosphere with a stay at an Oxford or Cambridge college this December, says a leading travel booking expert.

Antonio Gargiulo, from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: ‘There is something about majestic buildings, cobbled lanes and seasonal markets that really captures the magic of Christmas.

‘At the turn of the last century, M.R. James would light a single candle at Christmas and tell his haunting ghost stories to groups of undergraduates and dons. Mark Gatiss has recently filmed several adaptations for Christmas viewing. From his versions to Robert Powell’s classic BBC readings, James’ haunting tales are now as much a part of Christmas as stockings and mince pies.

‘Meanwhile, the dining hall at Christ Church College, Oxford, is the inspirational film setting for the Hogwarts Christmas feast in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Duke Humfrey’s Library, part of the Bodleian, was where they filmed Harry sneaking into the restricted books section under his Cloak of Invisibility during the Christmas holidays.

‘If you have been hooked by the atmosphere of these seasonal adventures, it’s now possible to stay at several Cambridge and Oxford colleges this December. The good news is you don’t have to be a student to stay in them and many are considerably cheaper than staying in a hotel in these historic cities.

‘The beautiful city of Oxford is a truly memorable Christmas location. Despite its name, New College dates back to 1379 and its cloisters and quad are full of character. In fact, they will be familiar to Harry Potter fans as they feature in the movie “The Goblet of Fire”. Inexpensive ensuite rooms in New Buildings (well, they were new in the 19th century!) are available from just £90 a night in December.

‘Over in Cambridge, Corpus Christi college dates back to the 14^th century. It is situated in the heart of the city and combines age-old buildings with modern facilities, making it the ideal alternative to a hotel or bed & breakfast. The accommodation is either single standard or basic ensuite bedrooms. The College promises stunning architecture steeped in history, atmosphere and very friendly service. Rooms are available this December from just £70 a night.

‘It doesn’t take an educated guess to realise that university accommodation is likely to get booked up for the Christmas period. Using the innovative service UniversityRooms.com, visitors can choose from singles and doubles with ensuite facilities, on a B&B or self-catering basis. For more information and to book your stay in Oxford see https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/oxford/home/ and for Cambridge see: https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/cambridge/home/’