St Catherine's College, Oxford

History

St Catherine’s is one of Oxford’s youngest, and largest, undergraduate and graduate colleges. Although founded in 1962, its roots actually date back to the nineteenth century and a 'Delegacy for Unattached Students' formed in 1868.

St Catherine's is famous for its architecture and is an example of Danish architect Arne Jacobsen's modernist and all-encompassing design. Highlights include striking buildings in glass and concrete which marry modern materials with a traditional Oxford College layout. Jacobsen's designs went further than just the fabric of the buildings and included the gardens, cutlery, lighting and furniture. The iconic dining hall is notable for its Cumberland slate floor and bespoke furnishings. Original 'Jacobsen bedrooms' are often available to B&B guests wanting the full Modernist experience (please enquire when booking).

Today, the college remains as vibrant and dynamic as it has ever been. Its connection with the saint that shares its name is highly appropriate for a college founded on an ethos of high academic standards combined with a doggedly independent streak. With some of the few post-1940s Grade 1 Listed Buildings in the country, St Catherine's is a modernist architectural gem and a surprising contrast to many of Oxford's other Colleges.

Food & beverage

For packages including breakfast, the option of either a continental-style or full English breakfast buffet is provided each morning between 8.00am and 9.00am. Breakfast is served in the unique, Jacobsen-designed Dining Hall, complete with stunning concrete structures and bespoke furniture and lighting. On the few days of the year where the kitchens and Hall are closed, a continental style packed breakfast can be provided to guests within their bedrooms.

There are many restaurants, bars and cafés nearby for your dinner arrangements.

Grounds & Gardens

At the heart of the college lies a traditional rectangular quad. Unlike most quads, St. Catherine's is not, however, closed off - instead, hedge-lined walks lead to other buildings and garden areas planted with a fascinating variety of trees, shrubs and flowers (largely all planned by Arne Jacobsen and noted as being 'of interest' by English Heritage). The whole is flanked on one side by the River Cherwell and on the other by Merton College's playing fields (which themselves border the University Parks), giving St. Catherine's a peaceful and apparently rural setting. Footpaths lead directly from the College into the University Parks.

Throughout the gardens, visitors will find benches and tranquil spaces in which to relax and unwind as well as sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Ju Ming. Or relax, read a book in the peaceful gardens or by the river.

Other facilities

Free Wi-Fi is available across the College (please note that mobile telephone reception may be very limited in certain areas depending upon individual mobile providers). Wi-Fi is provided via 'the Cloud' which is a 3rd party service powered by Sky (and support for users is only available from the Cloud via https://www.thecloud.net/.)

A light and bright common room with comfy chairs is usually available during the evenings within University vacations. Here you can relax, read a book or watch TV. 

Hair Dryers and adapters can usually be hired/purchased from the Porters Lodge.

Please note: Many rooms are located upstairs and there are no lifts in the accommodation staircases. If you have mobility difficulties and require a low floor or accessible room, please note this in the 'Additional information' section when booking. The utmost will be done to support any special access needs, bearing in mind the constraints of listed buildings. If you have a question regarding accessibility, please do not hesitate to email the College.

The Lodge staff will be happy to store small amounts of luggage for short periods of time to allow guests to make the most of their visit.

Please note that parking is, unfortunately, NOT available to B&B guests.