Whether you're off to Oxford for the first time or returning to soak up more of its allure, we’re here to show you the highlights of this captivating city.
Oxford is a treasure trove of history and creativity, with its iconic spires and a legacy of inspiring alumni - but alongside the beauty of the university’s hallowed halls lies a vibrant melting pot of contemporary culture. If you're planning a visit to Oxford in 2024/2025, here’s how to make the most of your stay.
Why Visit Oxford in 2024/2025?
Oxford isn’t all ancient architecture; past and present collide on these cobbled streets, which are also home to modern art, live music and exciting global cuisine, creating a destination that feels simultaneously timeless yet refreshingly modern.
And Oxford isn’t just the scholarly setting for some of the world’s brightest minds - it’s also one of England’s most well-preserved, compact, and central cities. Sitting halfway between London and Birmingham, it’s a suitable stop on almost any UK road trip and with easy access from most parts of the country, it’s ideal to explore over a weekend.
What Makes Oxford Unique?
From the iconic classical Radcliffe Camera to the famous dreaming spires, Oxford boasts some of the most stunning architecture in the world. Its 39 colleges blend Gothic, Neoclassical, and modern styles, making for visual delight from every viewpoint.
Oxford has retained its old-world charm, giving visitors the atmosphere of a small market town despite being a fully-fledged city.
That’s largely because strict planning regulations have preserved the architectural integrity of its historic buildings and have limited development – but there is a modern mall with rooftop food court in the heart of the city centre which will delight those who rate retail therapy on their city breaks.
Enveloped by greenbelt land, surrounding the scenic beauty of the skyline, Oxford maintains an intimate and tranquil atmosphere in comparison with most British cities.
Best Views Over Oxford
First stop on any visit to Oxford should be picking a panoramic viewpoint to get a sense of the city below and a dose of serenity; with its historic skyline Oxford is a city best appreciated from above.
Here are five of the top viewpoints to tick off during your Oxford trip:
• Westgate Oxford Roof Terrace: The top floor of the Westgate shopping centre offers a stunning (and accessible) view over the city’s spires. With bars and restaurants on offer, it’s a lovely spot to relax.
• Carfax Tower: Climb 99 steps to enjoy a 360-degree view over Oxford’s historic heart, surrounded by ancient rooftops and charming streets.
• St Mary the Virgin Church Tower: This tower provides the classic Oxford vista, with Radcliffe Square below and the surrounding colleges framing the scene.
• South Park: From this elevated green space, you’ll get an unobstructed view of Oxford’s skyline. It’s also perfect for a picnic, perhaps as the sun sets over the city.
• Magdalen Tower: One of the city’s highest points, offering a unique perspective on the High Street and the surrounding college buildings.
Quirky, Arty and Off-the-Beaten-Track Oxford
Oxford is full of hidden gems and artistic flair. We’ve rounded up a few offbeat spots that will turn your head during your trip to Oxford:
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Modern Art Oxford: A contemporary art gallery featuring rotating exhibitions from exciting international artists. A great way to explore the modern and artistic side of the city.
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The Story Museum: Celebrate the power of stories with whimsical exhibits for all ages and - late-night interactive events for grown-ups.
• The Headington Shark: An unexpected art installation and a real Instagram opportunity - a giant shark embedded in the roof of a house.
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The O2 Academy: The Oxford outpost of this music venue is pint-sized compared to the London equivalent and tickets are more modestly-priced – making it fantastic for fans.
Oxford’s Must-Visit Museums, Where Money’s No Object
These museums showcase art, history, and science, and with free entry they’re perfect for those who prefer to blow their budget on fine dining or incredible accommodation in Oxford.
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The Ashmolean Museum: The world’s oldest public museum, with collections ranging from Egyptian mummies to Van Gogh paintings.
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Pitt Rivers Museum: Known for its diverse artifacts, including shrunken heads and tribal masks. Its atmospheric exhibits are fascinating and thought-provoking.
• Oxford Blue Plaques: Exploring Oxford’s blue plaques is like stepping into a museum that’s spread across the city, and just like Oxford’s other museums, is free.
Discovering Oxford’s Famous Blue Plaques
Scattered around Oxford, the Blue plaques – which were first introduced to the UK in 1866 - commemorate notable former residents, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the city and made a mark on the world beyond it.
J.R.R. Tolkien
The famed author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, has a blue plaque at 20 Northmoor Road, where he lived while teaching at Oxford University, and wrote many of his famous works.
Dorothy L. Sayers
A leading figure in British literature, celebrated for her impact on detective fiction and her pioneering voice for women in
academia, her blue plaque can be found on Brewer Street, where she lived and studied as one of Oxford’s first female graduates.
Sir Roger Bannister
Known for running the first sub-four-minute mile, with a blue plaque at 24 Bardwell Road, where he lived in Oxford, Bannister’s record-breaking run took place at the nearby Iffley Road track in 1954, which remains an iconic moment in sports history to this day.
Edmund Halley
The renowned astronomer, best known for predicting the orbit of Halley's Comet, is commemorated with a plaque at Queen’s College, where he was a student. Halley's work transformed our understanding of comets, and his plaque offers a reminder of Oxford’s role in shaping scientific thought.
Oscar Wilde
Wilde’s plaque at Magdalen College commemorates the iconic author’s time in Oxford in the 1870s, which left a lasting impact on his life and work.
A.E. Housman
A renowned lyrical poet, Housman’s plaque can be found at 106 Banbury Road, where he lived and worked.
Places to Eat and Drink in Oxford
Oxford’s dining scene is as delightfully diverse as its population, and the city punches well above its weight when it comes to world cuisine:
Ramen Kulture: A tiny ramen bar beloved by locals for its authentic flavours and cosy setting. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal.
The Old Bookbinders Ale House: An old English pub serving a French-inspired menu of raclette and galettes in the eclectic and bohemian residential area of Jericho.
Vaults & Garden Café: Set in the University Church of St Mary’s courtyard, it’s ideal for a peaceful brunch with organic, locally sourced dishes.
Lula's Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine: Considered an Oxford gem, this family-owned restaurant serves tasty traditional Ethiopian cuisine that’s known for being reasonably-priced.
Gee’s Restaurant: Perfect if you’re visiting Oxford in summer with its stunning glass conservatory, Gee’s offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu and an elegant atmosphere.
Beyond Oxford: Consumerism, Cool, and Countryside
For those wanting to venture beyond Oxford’s city limits, there’s plenty to explore nearby:
• Bicester Village: A luxury outlet destination offering designer brands at discounted prices. A short drive or train ride from Oxford, this open-air shopping village is popular with tourists from around the world.
• Soho Farmhouse: Located in Chipping Norton, this members-only club offers super chic cabins and a spa in a countryside setting. It’s a celebrity favourite and a luxurious rural escape – unfortunately if you’re looking for places to stay near Oxford you’ll have to rule this one out unless you’re friends with a member.
• The Cotswolds: Just a short drive from Oxford, the Cotswolds are known for their honey-coloured cottages, rolling hills, and quaint villages. Towns like Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold are brimming with tea rooms, artisan shops, and historical sites.
Stay in Oxford: Sleep Like a Scholar
Want to sleep in stunning colleges, all without sitting the entrance exams? The University opens student rooms to visitors during breaks, offering a unique opportunity to experience the most elegant places to stay in Oxford as if you’re an insider.
Here are our top 3 options for 2024 / 2025:
Harry Potter fan and wondering witch college is best? You’re guaranteed to be spell-bound by a room in Oxford if you choose to make Christ Church College your chamber for the night.
This college was the inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall and was a major filming location not only for Harry Potter, but for many other movies set in Oxford.
Availability:
Currently there’s availability for a week in mid-December—perfect timing for a pre-Christmas wander around the spectacular cloisters.
Walk in the footsteps of famous alumni C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde and soak up the ambience of Saltburn by staying at Magdalen College.
In addition to its literary and cinematic allure, Magdalen College is one of Oxford’s most picturesque sites, with its iconic tower, serene Deer Park, and beautiful cloisters.
Staying here allows guests to immerse themselves in the college’s rich history and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Availability:
With November and December availability, this option is ideal for lovers of literature, film buffs - or in the case of Saltburn, fans of in the buff films.
Fancy sleeping like a Rhodes Scholar? Rhodes House in central Oxford, designed by Sir Herbert Baker in the 1920s, combines classical and Oxford Gothic styles and serves as the headquarters for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships.
Featuring a beautiful library, grand hall, and intricate woodwork and known for its historic charm, Rhodes House is a popular venue for events and conferences, embodying Oxford’s academic heritage.
Availability:
It has openings during the 2nd and 4th weeks of November, making it ideal for anyone planning a last-minute visit to the city.
From dining Draco style in the Great Hall at Christ Church to exploring the tranquil gardens at Rhodes House, each college accommodation offers a unique slice of Oxford’s illustrious history. Booking a stay within these university walls allows you to step back in time and truly soak up Oxford’s scholarly ambience.
When to Visit Oxford
Oxford’s charm transcends the time of year; whether you’re visiting during the blossoming spring or want to get cosy in a college during the cooler months, there’s something for all seasons:
• Spring: Oxford’s gardens and parks bloom. Mild weather and springtime flowers make this a fantastic time for outdoor exploration of University Parks and the Oxford Botanic Garden.
• Summer: Perfect for punting, picnics and catching an alfresco performance at one of the many festivals - the city can get busy, so get your accommodation booked early and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Autumn: The cooler weather brings vibrant autumnal colours to Oxfordshire. When the new university term starts, the city buzzes with energy.
• Winter: In the colder months and especially at Christmas, Oxford can feel quite magical and is perfect for those museum visits, most of which are free then curling up in a pub with a roaring fire.
Getting to Oxford
Located just an hour from London, whether you're planning an overnight stay in Oxford or an extended stay, it’s simple to reach the city.
• Train: Direct trains run frequently from London Paddington to Oxford, taking around an hour. The station is just a short walk from the city centre.
• Coach: Services like the Oxford Tube and X90 connect London’s Victoria Station with Oxford. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Car: Driving from London takes 1-2 hours via the M40 dependent on exact locations and traffic. Parking in the city can be limited, so it’s often better to use the Park & Ride services and explore on foot.
