StreetOwlstreetowl.co.uk
Oxford
Photograph: Folly_Bridge_View_of_downstream_River_Thames,_Oxford_-_May_2010.jpg : Diliff derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oxford

United Kingdom
#125 most looked-up1,187 readers a monthup 20% on a year agoguide last edited August 2026
☆ Save this destinationShow on a map

Oxford is the oldest university city in the United Kingdom, some 50 miles (80 km) to the west of the capital London in its own county of Oxfordshire, on the rivers Thames and Cherwell. Together with Cambridge (the second oldest university city and Oxford's great rival), Oxford has long represented the English academic establishment and elite ("Oxbridge"), a haven of tradition and endeavour. Oxford's famous "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. Picturesque architecture and a vibrant modern life, driven by students, light industry and technology, all set in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire, make this a great destination.

Most read about in August, least in December. That is when people look it up, which tends to run a month or two ahead of when they go.

Before you book

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office publishes the UK’s official travel advice for United Kingdom. It changes without notice and travelling against it usually invalidates your insurance, so read it at the source rather than anywhere else — including here.

FCDO travel advice

Understand

The Radcliffe Camera, Oxford
The Radcliffe Camera, Oxford — Kaofenlio · CC BY-SA 3.0

History

Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was known as "Oxanforda". The settlement began with the foundations of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century, and was first mentioned in written records in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the year 912. By the 10th century Oxford had become an important military frontier town between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and was on several occasions raided by the Danes. The University of Oxford was founded in the 12th century and therefore constitutes the oldest English-speaking university. Oxford, like Cambridge, differs from many other universities in that there is no 'campus' as such, and no central university building. Instead, the university consists of approximately 40 colleges and associated buildings, such as the Exam Schools (on the High Street: closed to the public), the world-famous Bodleian Library (main buildings in Radcliffe Square, off the High Street: limited access to the public), and several world-class museums. Each college has its own individual character, some date from the 13th century, others are merely a few decades old. Many of the colleges are closed to the public, particularly during term times, but some are open at different times. For example: Christ Church (the college of "Brideshead" fame) is mostly open, and has the added bonus of having a (small) cathedral attached, where excellent music is performed at Evensong everyday; it also has an excellent art gallery. Some of Christ Church's buildings are used in films such as Harry Potter. Other colleges of note are Magdalen (pronounced 'maudlin'), which has a deer park, and those along the High Street, all of which have an impressive list of alumni. Shelley fans should visit University College. Former women-only colleges such as the pretty Somerville (Woodstock Rd) further to the north of the centre are interesting to get a feel for the range of colleges in Oxford. The divide and sometimes enmity between the "town and gown," or, in other words, the university and everyone else, is quite real, and has been the case since the middle ages. A local legend has it that the steeple of a local church was removed, since it was being used as a snipers' nest by crossbowmen who would fire on any passers by in academic dress. During World War II, Oxford was spared from the German carpet bombing that levelled many other British cities, making it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the United Kingdom. The city has a population of 150,000, and the metro area 244,000.

Orientation

One of the best online resources for planning a visit to Oxford is the Virtual Tour of Oxford, hosted by the university's chemistry department.

Visitor information for Oxford from Experience Oxfordshire.

This is the start of the section. Read “Understand” in full on Wikivoyage.

Getting there

All Souls College
All Souls College — Godot13 · CC BY-SA 4.0

By road

Oxford is linked to London by the 50-mile (80-km) south-eastern stretch of the M40 motorway. The journey takes 50–90 min, depending on traffic, which can be heavy. The north-western continuation of the M40 conveniently links Oxford with England's second largest city, Birmingham, and the West Midlands. Parking and access restrictions are very stringent on the narrow streets of central Oxford, policed by both wardens and cameras, with heavy fines applicable. The one-way traffic systems are circuitous and confusing, making it difficult to get around by car. An alternative is to use one of the five municipal park and ride sites which are on the outskirts of all sides of Oxford, and are well signposted. Park and ride sites are open 24/7, and you can park there for a maximum of 72 hours. Forget about using the Thornhill Park and Ride on weekdays; it is invariably full. As of Oct 2024, a combined day's parking and a return ticket to the city centre costs £4 for one adult or £5 for two adults (up to three children travel free). Without the bus ticket, the first hour of parking is free, with parking up to 16 hours costing £2.50. Buses going from Seacourt P+R terminate west of the train station, around a 10-minute walk from the city centre. This is due to works on the Botley Road bridge, and the reopening of this route has been indefinitely delayed. A zero-emission zone (ZEZ) imposing charges on non-electric cars has been under trial in certain areas of the city centre (up to £10 per day for the most polluting vehicles, increasing to £20 from August 2025). The streets contained within the trial area are easy to avoid for the time being, however, the council has plans to expand this zone to enclose much of the centre of Oxford.

By train

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain 1 Oxford railway station. A large station that is located immediately west of the city centre and south of Jericho. Fast First Great Western trains run to and from London Paddington every half an hour, the trip takes about an hour. Commonly, these trains call at Reading, Slough (for Windsor Castle), and Didcot Parkway, though not all trains call at each of these stations. Without a railcard, tickets to London cost £20 off peak and £40 at peak times, although you can buy tickets for about £4 if you book in advance online. There are also stopping services to London calling at a large number of stations, which run every hour and take about 90 min. First Great Western also runs approximately hourly trains on the Cotswold line to Worcester. (updated Mar 2022) 2 Oxford Parkway railway station. A service from Oxford to London Marylebone by Chiltern Railways calls at & Bicester Village. Journey time is just over 1 hour. (updated Mar 2022) Cross Country Trains run through Oxford, mostly running from Manchester and Southampton. These trains run approximately half-hourly in both directions until about 9PM. All of these trains stop at Reading going south, and Leamington Spa for Warwick and Warwick Castle, and Birmingham going north.

By bus

3 Gloucester Green. Buses from all over England arrive here, including from London, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and other national destinations. Most long-distance buses do not take credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash, but most services to London, Heathrow, and Cambridge also accept contactless cards.

This is the start of the section. Read “Getting there” in full on Wikivoyage.

Getting around

Oriel College
Oriel College — Steve Daniels · CC BY-SA 2.0

On foot

Oxford city centre is very compact and easily walkable. Many areas of the city centre are pedestrianised, and all major tourist sights are well signposted. That the narrow streets of the city centre are pedestrian-friendly, difficult for cars and full of beautiful buildings that will draw your attention upwards (rather than onto a more horizontal plane) does not mean that the roads of the city are overspill pavements. You will find most cyclists quite forgiving on this point as they are used to it and are often themselves pedestrians tempted to do the same as long as you suppress the urge to pass comment on any near-misses actually arising from your standing in the middle of the road.

By bicycle

The preferred mode of transport for the university student is the bicycle and, like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, there are hundreds of them. Most trains into Oxford allow bicycles to be carried for free. There are cycle lanes on most streets near the centre, however you will sometimes be sharing the road with other motorists. Though the bus traffic can be daunting, the familiarity of cyclists to local drivers makes cycling safer than it seems at first. The best option is to follow the locals as they know what they are doing. It is illegal for cyclists to run red lights (although many do) and you must use lights at night; local police frequently set up checkpoints and impose fines. Bike parking is available everywhere, but make sure you get a strong lock as bike theft is common. Avoid cable locks as they are cut through frequently, use D-locks when possible, and try to avoid leaving your bike locked in the same place in public for an extended period of time (especially overnight), since unlocked wheels or even the saddle may be stolen. If you expect your time in Oxford to be spent largely in the city centre, getting around on foot is often just as convenient as by bike due to the high density of pedestrians in the centre. Only if you plan to frequently venture to the outskirts of the city, for example to Summertown, Cowley, or Iffley, does a bike really become worth your while.

By e-bike

As of 2025, there are two providers of e-bikes within Oxford, Voi and Lime. Both offer the ability to unlock bikes which can be found around Oxford using the relevant app, and charge by the minute for their use (you can also buy subscriptions). As with bicycles, they're not really necessary unless leaving the compact city centre. It is recommended that a helmet is used with them; they can move fairly quickly so may not be suitable for inexperienced riders. Unlike scooters, they can be used on cycle paths.

This is the start of the section. Read “Getting around” in full on Wikivoyage.

See

Hertford Bridge (aka the Bridge of Sighs)
Hertford Bridge (aka the Bridge of Sighs) — Philip Halling · CC BY-SA 2.0

Visitors to Oxford should definitely visit at least one museum, visit at least one college and – if possible – hear one of the world-class college chapel choirs. A walking tour (see 'Do' below) is a good way of achieving this.

Landmarks

1 Bodleian Library. The main research library of the University of Oxford, the Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe (opened in 1602, based on the collection of Thomas Bodley), and in the UK is second in size only to London's British Library. The Bodleian now possesses numerous branches throughout the university; visiting bibliophiles will be most keen to peruse the central site, which includes Duke Humfrey's Library above the Divinity School, the Old Schools Quadrangle with its Great Gate and Tower, the Radcliffe Camera, Britain’s first circular library, and the Clarendon Building. (updated May 2023) 2 Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Square. Built 1737–49, this is a library and reading room for Oxford students and so is not generally accessible. The grand exterior, however, is well worth viewing. 3 Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs) (Hertford College). A quaint pedestrian bridge for the students of Hertford College which has popularly become known as the "Bridge of Sighs" of Oxford. 4 Sheldonian Theatre, Broad St. This unusual building was Sir Christopher Wren's first major architectural commission. At the time he was a professor of Astronomy at the university. There is a series of busts outside the theatre facing Broad St with strange expressions and facial hair. (updated Jun 2023) 5 Taylorian Institute (also known as the Taylor Institution), St Giles', OX1 3NA (corner of St Giles' and Beaumont St, opposite the Randolph Hotel). The university's centre for the study of modern European languages and literature, established in 1845. Its library contains the largest specialist collection in its field in Britain. It is in a neo-classical building designed by Charles R. Cockerell and erected between 1841 and 1844 by the university to house the institution and the Randolph Galleries (now the Ashmolean Museum). 6 Tolkien's House, 20 Northmoor Rd, OX2 6UR. Appointments only. Fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien lived in this mansion from 1930 to 1947, and wrote The Hobbit here. For the uninitiated little more than an average house in a residential street, but a must see for Lord of the Rings fans. Free. (updated Mar 2019) 7 University Church of St Mary the Virgin, High St (entrances from the High and from Radcliffe Square), ☏ +44 1865 279112. Some of the best views of Oxford are afforded from the tower of the church, dating to 1280. The church, rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries (with various additions after this time), is full of architectural and historical interest. The church has a coffee shop, the Vaults and Garden, now re-opened under the management of Will Pouget (already known for his 'Alpha Bar' in the Covered Market) and specialising in organic food and fair trade tea and coffee. 8 The Shark House, 2 New High Street, OX3 7AQ (In Headington, 2 mi (3.2 km) E of city centre). 24 hours daily, but exercise common sense and respect for the neighbours. An ordinary terraced house in suburban Oxford, with a 25-foot shark buried face-first in the roof. Supposedly erected as an anti-war statement, this one-time controversial sculpture has become a much-loved public artwork and photo spot. Free. (updated Aug 2022) 9 Godstow Abbey (Godstow Nunnery) (Walk north along the western bank of Port Meadow for roughly an hour, when starting from near the train station.). A nunnery dissolved during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and eventually abandoned during the English Civil War. A beautiful place to explore, as it is completely open and able to be wandered through. It was the final resting place of a mistress of Henry II. (updated Jan 2024) 10 Oxford Castle. Oxford Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest. The castle later became a functioning prison until the late 20th century. Today, guided tours take visitors through cells, the Saxon St George’s Tower, and up to the motte for sweeping views over Oxford. (updated May 2026)

Colleges

Many Oxford colleges allow tourists to visit their grounds during certain hours and certain seasons, although some are closed to tourists at all times. During certain times of the year, those that do open their doors generally offer reduced public opening hours or are closed completely to tourists, especially during University terms (approximately October/November, January/February and May/June). This is particularly true in May/June, which is when examinations are taken. It is advisable to visit the college's website before visiting, or to enquire at Oxford's local tourist information office to be certain you are not disappointed. Each college has a unique history and something interesting to offer in terms of striking architecture or historical notoriety. Balliol, University, and Merton Colleges each claim to be the 'oldest' in the university, with founding dates in the 13th century, although the exact year may be unclear or contested. They are fine examples of the collegiate Gothic architecture for which Oxford is renowned. Exeter College on Turl Street is an example of one of Oxford's smaller colleges. Built in 1314, it is also one of the oldest and in its front quad exemplifies collegiate architecture in Oxford. The Victorian neo-Gothic chapel is modelled on the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, and houses 'The Adoration of the Magi', the famous pre-Raphaelite tapestry by William Morris. The Fellows' Garden neighbours the Divinity School and the Bodleian Library and offers one of the best views in Oxford, over Radcliffe Square. New College on Holywell Street is interesting for being the only college to be built straddling the ancient city wall, which cuts through the center of the grounds. The Queen's College along High Street, founded in 1341, is renowned for its grand 18th-century Classical style architecture for which is unique among the ancient (medieval) colleges, which have otherwise each been rebuilt or expanded over the years in a largely Gothic or neo-Gothic style. Tourists are not admitted to this college. All Souls, also along High Street, is famous not only for its striking towers, but also in that it does not accept undergraduate members, but rather elects only two graduate fellows each year based upon their performance in what has been described as the 'hardest exam in the world'. Finally, two colleges (some of the largest and most famous in Oxford) that have somewhat established themselves as tourist destinations are Magdalen and Christ Church. You're as likely to see a tourist inside as a student, but they do offer regular visiting hours, tourist facilities, meticulously manicured and beautiful grounds, and ticket booths for charging admission fees.

This is the start of the section. Read “See” in full on Wikivoyage.

Do

The Oxford Tourist Information Centre on Broad Street offers a Pottering in Harry's Footsteps tour.
The Oxford Tourist Information Centre on Broad Street offers a Pottering in Harry's Footsteps tour. — CharlyDMiller · CC BY-SA 3.0

Oxford is the home of the MINI. The MINI Plant Oxford continues to produce the iconic British car. Its award-winning factory tours, held several times daily, provide detailed insights into the manufacturing processes, including robotics and logistics.Factory Tours MINI Walking tours, starting from St Aldates in the city centre, are an excellent way of visiting some of the more famous colleges, such as Christ Church and Merton. Independent general and ghost tours also start nearby in Broad Street. In general, a walking tour lasts about two hours and can cost around £20 plus college admission fees.

There are a number of Harry Potter walking tours in Oxford that are such as Oxford Magic Tours. The guide's here are professional Magicians and the only tour's that offers Magical entertainment on the tours. others are offered by the Oxford Tourist Information Centre. Like all the non-Oxford-based Potter tours, Duke Humfrey’s Library is not included (only Bodleian Library staff can lead visitors into this hallowed space). Harry Potter Places Book Two—OWLs: Oxford Wizarding Locations guides Potterites through the decision-making process required to enjoy all Oxford Harry Potter sites, including Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Sport and recreation

Oxford United FC, Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Rd OX4 4XP, ☏ +44 1865 337500. Oxford were relegated in 2026 and now play soccer in League One, the third tier. Their Kassam Stadium (capacity 12,500) is 3 miles southeast of city centre. (updated May 2026)

This is the start of the section. Read “Do” in full on Wikivoyage.

Shopping

1 Covered Market, Market St, OX1 3DZ. M-Sa 8:30AM-5:30PM; Su 10AM-4PM. High Street. Oxford has the oldest covered market in England. Unusual small shops, including a chocolate shop, cake shop, fine butchers, hat shop, florists, glassware, and charming cafes. 2 Clarendon Centre, 52 Cornmarket St, OX1 3JE, ☏ +44 1865 251493. M-Sa 8:30AM-6PM; Su 10:30AM-5PM. Small shopping centre located on the southern Cornmarket with modern shops for clothes, electronics and food. 3 Westgate Shopping Centre, OX1 1TR, ☏ +44 1865 725455. M-F 10AM-8PM; Sa 9AM-8PM; Su 11AM-5PM. Westgate has mostly designer clothing shops such as Levis, Timberland, Hugo Boss and Cath Kidston. There is also a large John Lewis and yet another Blackwell's store. (updated Oct 2017) A large number of shops in the city centre specialise in selling the ubiquitous Oxford University range of souvenirs. One is official, the others less so, but all do a roaring trade in T-shirts, sweaters, calendars and paraphernalia:

4 University of Oxford Shop, Oriel College, 106 High St, OX1 4BW, ☏ +44 1865 247414, fax: +44 1865 724379. M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM. The official outlet for university souvenirs and gifts. (Bank Holidays and Sundays in June 11AM–4PM, Sundays in July and August 11AM–5PM.) Larger stores selling apparel, electronics and furniture can be found in Oxford's retail parks at the Botley/Seacourt area:

5 Botley Retail Park, Botley Rd, OX2 0HA. Has a Currys/PC World, Argos, Pets at Home, Hobbycraft and other large stores. (updated Sep 2018) 6 Seacourt Tower Retail Park, OX2 0FB. Has a Sports Direct, Homebase, Dreams and Decathlon. (updated Sep 2018)

This is the start of the section. Read “Shopping” in full on Wikivoyage.

Eat

Pembroke College
Pembroke College — Godot13 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Budget

1 Alpha Bar, 89 Covered Market, Avenue 3, ☏ +44 1865 250499. 9AM–5PM(ish). One of the healthier options inside the Covered Market, Alpha Bar serves up organic, fair-trade food. Sandwiches are reasonably priced, at around £3.50, and you can choose from their many interesting fillings, including baked tofu, seaweed and roasted vegetables. Their salads are priced by the pound and you can fill your recyclable container with good-for-you grains. A favourite among students for lunch, but make sure you get there early — they tend to run out of the more popular ingredients by around 3:30PM. (updated Jan 2021) 2 The Alternative Tuck Shop, 24 Holywell Street, OX1 3SB, ☏ +44 1865 792054. M-F 8:15AM-6PM. One of the best sandwich shops in Oxford. Cheap, lightning-fast service, high-quality food. Offers a great selection of sandwiches (warm and cold), panini, pasties and cakes. Friendly and efficient staff. Queues during term time are longest in the lunch rush 12-2pm, but don't be put off by this. Minimum £5 spend when paying by card. 3 Ben's Cookies, 108-109 Covered Market, OX1 3DZ, ☏ +44 1865 247407. M-Sa 9:15AM-5:30PM; Su 10AM-4PM. Great little shop right in the centre of Oxford, and much better quality than some of the other, over-priced coffee shops. Also notable for being the first store in what would later become an international chain. Popular with Oxford University students! 4 Brothers and Georgina's, Covered Market, OX1 3DY, ☏ +44 1865 249527. M–F 8:30AM–5PM. Georgina’s is tucked away on the upper floor of the Covered Market, and this small café has a fairly groovy, hippy-ish décor and atmosphere. You’ll pay more for your sandwiches and wraps here than you would at other places, but portions are huge and, for the most part, healthy. An exception to the latter is their loaded potato skins, which are slightly spiced and come with a heaping of sour cream. Delicious! £. 5 Dosa Park, 25 Park End St, OX1 1HU (next to the train station), ☏ +44 1865 791197. M-Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su noon-10PM. Tiny South Indian restaurant/café/takeaway next to City Centre bus stands and train station, whose appearance belies its quality — some of the most mouth-watering authentic South Indian food out there, and dirt cheap too! Well worth a stop if travelling through Oxford Station and needing a snack or meal. £.

Café

6 G&D’s (George and Davis), 55 Little Clarendon Street, OX1 2HS, ☏ +44 1865 516652. 8AM–midnight. The original G&D’s was opened in Little Clarendon Street by an Oxford University student and soon became an Oxford institution. No other ice-cream themed shop has survived long in Oxford due to the fierce loyalty of G&D’s customers. Popular flavours include ‘Oxford Blue’ (blueberry), Crunchie bar, Turkish delight and InLight Delight (white chocolate with chocolate chip cookie dough). G&D’s also offers bagels, salads and baked goods, all extremely reasonably priced and extremely tasty. Has a minimum of £5 spending for debit and credit cards. £. (updated Nov 2017) 7 G&D’s (George and Danver), 94 St. Aldates, OX1 1BT, ☏ +44 1865 245952. 8AM–midnight. £. (updated May 2023) 8 G&D’s (George and Delila), 104 Cowley Road, OX4 1JE, ☏ +44 1865 727111. 8AM–midnight. £. (updated May 2023) 9 The Grand Cafe, 84 High Street, OX1 4BG, ☏ +44 1865 204463. 9AM – 8PM. Lunch options include Waldorf salads, oak smoked salmon and varied sandwiches, but the real draw here is the afternoon tea. For £16.50 you get a couple of sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, handmade chocolate truffles, tea or coffee and a glass of champagne. True extravagance! ££.

American

10 Byron's, 33 -35 George Street, OX1 2AY, ☏ +44 1865 792155. Part of a chain. An upmarket diner experience offering burgers, fries and milkshakes. Recommended to try are the "hard shakes" which add a shot of liquor (such as rum or Bailey's) to any milkshake. (updated Nov 2017)

This is the start of the section. Read “Eat” in full on Wikivoyage.

Drink

The Eagle and Child
The Eagle and Child — Hofendorf · CC BY-SA 4.0

Coffee shops and cafés

1 Brew Coffee Shop, 75B Banbury Rd, OX2 6PE. M-F 7:30AM-6PM; Sa Su 8:30AM-5:30PM. Serving up some of Oxford's best coffee in all its forms from espresso, to pourover. Brew also stocks coffee to buy from all over the world as well as everything you need to make the perfect cup at home. Run by friendly coffee experts and frequented by locals and students who enjoy its intimate atmosphere, delicious treats and excellent caffeinated beverages! 2 The Missing Bean, 14 Turl Street, OX1 3DQ (only 1 minute's walk from the main quadrangle of the Bodleian). 8AM–6:30PM. Hidden halfway down Turl Street is this little gem of a coffee shop; it only opened in October but already has a reputation for the best coffee in Oxford. Laid-back atmosphere & friendly staff. Ask for the famous flat white! 3 Quarter Horse, 76 Cowley Road, OX4 1JB (over the Magdalen Bridge, through the roundabout and a short walk up Cowley Road), ☏ +44 1865 248808. Venture over the Magdalen Bridge to the delights of East Oxford and take a break at Quarter Horse, another of Oxford's serious coffee ventures. They offer delicious, expertly crafted cups of coffee, some cold drinks and delicious baked goods and sandwiches. The Banana Bread is a must if you have a sweet tooth! 4 The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen (Zappi's Bike Cafe), 26-32 St Michaels Street, OX1 2EB (inside above Bike Zone), ☏ +44 7964 241212. M-Sa 8AM-11PM; Su 10:30AM-6PM. Need to recharge after some hectic sightseeing in Oxford? Then Zappi's is the place to go for a fantastic cup of coffee or a simple lunch or snack. Located in the middle of town just off Cornmarket Street. 5 The Natural Bread Company, 29 Little Clarendon Street, Jericho, OX1 2HU (a short walk from the centre of town, in 'Jericho'), ☏ +44 1865 302996, contactus.naturalbread@gmail.com. M-Sa 7:30AM-5PM; Su 9AM-4PM. Just north of the city centre on Little Clarendon Street, the Natural Bread Company offers a fantastic coffee as well as its famous cakes and sourdough bread. Perfect for a quiet break away from the standard tourist trail. (updated Feb 2017) 6 Costa Coffee, 29 Queen St, OX1 1ER. Costa Coffee has been named best chain coffee shop in UK, friendly staff & wide range of hot & cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes. (updated Feb 2017),

Pubs and bars

Oxford has many old pubs, as well as newer nightclubs.

Traditional pubs & inns

Oxford has a lot of traditional pubs and inns. While some are modern, many are hundreds of years old and are notable enough to have their own Wikipedia page.

This is the start of the section. Read “Drink” in full on Wikivoyage.

Sleep

St Edmund Hall
St Edmund Hall — Grayswoodsurrey · CC BY-SA 4.0

Oxford has a large number of B&Bs and guesthouses, located both centrally and in the suburbs. Check the website of the Oxford Association of Hotels and Guesthouses to get some ideas of available options. Most hotels in the city centre are pretty expensive, and you pay almost London prices. Book in advance if you are travelling in summer: accommodation can be scarce during high season. The tourist information office in the city centre can help find available accommodation for a small fee.

Budget

For visitors of Oxford University, low cost residency may be available in St Edmund Hall.

1 St Edmund Hall (Teddy Hall), Queen's Lane, OX1 4AR, ☏ +44 1865 279000, lodge@seh.ox.ac.uk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A constituent college of Oxford University, and the oldest academical society for the education of undergraduates in any university. It is the last surviving medieval hall at the university, and offers double private rooms in a dormitory scheme with shared bathrooms and toilets to travelers visiting for academic purposes. Although you're likely to be housed in the brutalist concrete building behind the historic one, an eyesore to many, it still offers a great view at a reasonable price. Breakfast is included in the dining hall at ground level. £65. (updated Sep 2018) Travelodge and Premier Inn have budget hotels on the outskirts of Oxford, although one will need to take a 20-minute (or more) bus ride to get to the centre.

This is the start of the section. Read “Sleep” in full on Wikivoyage.

Stay safe

Although Oxford is an affluent university city and is generally very safe, as with any city care should be taken with personal belongings and surroundings. Street crime in the centre of the city, with the exception of bicycle theft, is low, though proper precautions as would be followed in any other city should be taken. Avoid getting caught up in drunken revelry or street fights, and, remember, traffic is on the left (so look both ways). Oxford has a lot of student cyclists, especially during term time (January, February, April, May, October, and November), making hearing alone insufficient for checking whether a road is clear. Though having seen improvement following local government investment, the suburb of Blackbird Leys on the southern outskirts of the city ranks amongst the 10% most deprived areas in the country, and has a higher rate of crime than one might expect in Oxford. Visitors are, however, unlikely to visit this area of the city other than on football matchdays. Oxford has a relatively high rate of not only street performers but also beggars (though still a low number of the latter by international standards). Police advise not handing over money to those who expressly ask for it unless threatened.

Police stations

For emergencies, dial 999 or 112. For non-emergency situations use 101. 101 is a charged call.

3 Police Station (St Aldates), St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1SZ, ☏ +44 1865 841148. 8AM-10PM. Parking is for disabled badge holders only and fines are hefty. 4 Police Station (Cowley), Oxford Rd, OX4 2LE. 5 Police Station (Kidlington), Oxford Rd, Kidlington, OX5 2NX. M-F 8AM-5PM. Free parking available, closed on bank holidays.

This is the start of the section. Read “Stay safe” in full on Wikivoyage.

Go next

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

1 Woodstock. 8 mi (13 km) north-west of Oxford is the picturesque and historic market town of Woodstock, the location of UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace, and birthplace of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. 2 Bicester. 10 mi (16 km) north of Oxford, a nice little town famous for its outlet shopping centre Bicester Village. 3 Goring-on-Thames. A small, typically English village on the Thames, with beautiful walks through the nearby Goring Gap, where the Chilterns meet the Berkshire Downs. Take the stopping service to Reading from Oxford railway station. 1 Waterperry Garden. Near Thame, A lovely wander through manicured gardens.

The guide text on this page is from the Wikivoyage article Oxford, written by Wikivoyage contributors and published under CC BY-SA 4.0. The authors are listed in the article’s edit history. It has been shortened and re-laid-out for this page; that adapted text is available under the same licence. Nothing else on this page is.

Wikivoyage is written by travellers, not by us. Opening hours, prices and whether a place still exists are exactly the details that go out of date, so check anything you are relying on.

“1,187 readers a month” and the ranking are ours, counted from Wikimedia’s published pageviews (CC0) — the median of twelve complete months. They count people reading about a place, which is not the same as people going there.

← All hot spots