travel meaning oxford

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Meaning of travel – Learner’s Dictionary

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travel verb ( MAKE A JOURNEY )

• It costs less if you travel at the weekend .
• We hired a car so we could travel further afield .
• I have travelled extensively in Europe .
• They travelled the length and breadth of Scotland together.
• It's a film about the adventures of two friends travelling across Africa .

travel verb ( MOVE )

• Space travel may become very common in the near future .
• The price includes travel and accommodation .
• The travel company completely fouled up our holiday .
• They offer a 10 percent discount on rail travel for students .
• Over the years I've lost my taste for travel.

(Definition of travel from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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under lock and key

locked away safely

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ]

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.

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 [ edit ]

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 fir Oxford from Experience Oxfordshire.

Central Oxford [ edit ]

Central Oxford is bound to the west and south by the River Thames, which in Oxford is known as the Isis , and to the east by the Cherwell , which confluents into the Isis at Boathouse Island, a centre for university rowing. The city centre is built around two intersecting thoroughfares which cross at Carfax:

• the High Street — running east–west, this is the main road coming in from Headington and Cowley.
• George Street — runs west from the centre and is known for the New Theatre and its restaurants
• Running north–south is another road, essentially continuous, but with separate ancient names for its various stretches — St Aldates and St Giles , separated by Cornmarket (now a pedestrianised shopping boulevard).

Surrounding districts [ edit ]

• Jericho is an affluent area just north of city centre. Jericho is home of the Oxford University Press and its museum. It also has plenty of nightlife, including pubs and cocktail bars.
• Summertown is an affluent area north of central Oxford. Most of Summertown is directly on the Banbury Road, however there are shops and restaurants on the side roads such as the South Parade.
• Kidlington is north of Summertown. It is apparently Britain's largest village. It has a small high street with a Tesco's and Co-operative supermarket, several pubs, resaurants and a large Sainsbury's supermarket.
• Wolvercote is an affluent village to the north-west of Oxford. It has a church, three pubs (The Plough, The White Hart and Jacobs' Inn), a village store and a common for walking on.
• Headington is to the east, perhaps most notable for one of Oxford Brookes University's main campuses. It has a small high street and Thornhill Park & Ride nearby. There is also a house with a large shark sculpture in the roof, located just off the high street, which may be of interest.
• Botley and Osney are west of the train station. Much of the area is industrialised and therefore uninteresting to tourists. However the area has the city's Waitrose store and several retail parks such as Botley Retail Park and Seacourt Tower Park, along with Seacourt Park & Ride nearby.
• Cowley , to the south east of the city, has a plethora of restaurants, pubs and shops, many of which are independent. Confusingly the term Cowley can refer to two distinct areas: the area along the Cowley Road to the east of Magdalen Bridge tends to be more commercial and student focussed (and is the part which appeals more to tourists), while the suburbs to the south east of this are more residential and working class. In this more outlying area is Plant Oxford where cars have been made for over 100 years, the Templars Square Shopping Centre (and nearby Templars Retail Park), and the Oxford Retail Park with a large 24-hour (on weekdays) Tesco supermarket.
• Blackbird Leys is south of Cowley. It is a social housing (housing projects) area and is generally not recommended to tourists. However the Kassam Stadium, home to Oxford United F.C., and the Ozone Leisure Park nightlife complex opposite may justify a trip.

Get in [ edit ]

By road [ edit ]

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 located 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. The first hour's parking is free, after which you pay £2 for up to 12 hours, £4 for up to 24 hours, and so on. In addition, the return bus trip to the city centre costs £2.80. (May 2022) .

Since February 2022, a zero-emission zone (ZEZ) closed to non-electric cars has been under trial in the city centre, albeit on streets which are essentially pedestrianised, making it 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 [ edit ]

Cross Country Trains run through Oxford, mostly running to/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 [ edit ]

Oxford tube [ edit ].

The express coach service between London and Oxford is called the Oxford Tube , and is run by Stagecoach. The "Tube" runs very frequently and the journey time is usually 100 min (longer during rush hours).

There are frequent and comfortable coach services that run from several convenient bus stops to Gloucester Green coach station in Oxford. They normally start at the London Victoria station, running westward and parallel to the London Underground Central line via Marble Arch , Notting Hill , Shepherd's Bush and then Hillingdon . Before arriving in Oxford, there is one last stop at Lewkner. Stops in Oxford include Thornhill Park & Ride, Headington, Oxford Brookes University, St. Clements, High Street (Queens Lane) (which is best for daily visitors, as it is right in the middle of the majority of University Colleges) and finally the Gloucester Green bus station, which is also well situated.

As of Feb 2023, prices for the Oxford Tube are £12/£11/£4 for an adult/concession/under-16 one-way and £18/£16/£7 for an adult/concession/under-16 period return ticket. Some peak-time journeys take slightly different routes in London, so the place that you want to go to/from may influence when you board the coach. If you wish to travel late at night, the Oxford Tube runs 24 hours a day. You can also book London to Oxford coach travel through Megabus.com , but you'll be travelling on an Oxford Tube coach.

The Airline [ edit ]

There are regular bus services between Oxford and London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports with The Airline , run by Oxford Bus Company.

Stagecoach X5 [ edit ]

There is also an X5 [dead link] bus between Oxford and Bedford (via Milton Keynes), taking approximately two hours, along with the S6 service to Swindon. Several coaches in other parts of the country are run by National Express.

Stagecoach S2 [ edit ]

Another useful (but infrequent) service is the S2, which travels using the A40 from Cheltenham to Oxford via Charlton Kings, Andoversford, Northleach, Burford, Witney and Eynsham, which runs from the bus station about every two hours and takes approximately an hour and three quarters.

This is operated by Stagecoach and it is possible to buy a day ticket for it which allows you unlimited travel on it and allows you to make connecting journeys anywhere on Stagecoach's buses in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, or Wiltshire.

Local Stagecoach buses [ edit ]

Local buses to Bicester, Blenheim Palace, and Banbury are run by Stagecoach , and depart from Magdalen Street, near Cornmarket. There are also bus services to Reading, Abingdon, and Didcot run by the Oxford Bus Company from St Aldate's, also in the city centre.

By plane [ edit ]

51.837298 -1.319298 4 Oxford Airport ( OXF  IATA ) at Kidlington is used mainly for private and charter aircraft and has only intermittently had scheduled airline flights; it is useful only if you fly your own plane, or are able to charter a small aircraft.

The nearest commercial airports are those around London , to the south-east, or Birmingham , to the north, with most foreign travellers preferring London.

Heathrow ( LHR  IATA ) is the closest major airport, followed by Gatwick ( LGW  IATA ) in terms of size and popularity. Road access from both Heathrow and Gatwick (fastest) is by M25 (heading north and west respectively) and then the M40 to Oxford's outskirts (follow the signs).

Oxford Bus Company runs several airport bus services called The Airline to Oxford Gloucester Green bus station (running in from Thornhill Park & Ride, then Headington and up the High St with several convenient stops: check web pages below). The Oxford Bus Company recommend allocating a minimum of an hour for between when the coach arrives and flight check-in:

• between London Heathrow and Oxford . generally every 30 minutes . Travels to Heathrow Terminal 5 and then Heathrow Central bus station. The route takes an average of 1 hour 20 minutes, but this can be increased due to traffic congestion. The Oxford Bus Company recommend stopping at the Heathrow Central bus station for Terminals 2&3. For Terminal 4, there's a free shuttle bus from Terminal 5 that leaves from bus stand 7. £23 single, £30 return . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• between London Gatwick and Oxford . hourly 7AM-11PM, less frequently thereafter . Travels to Gatwick South Terminal and then Gatwick North Terminal. The route takes an average of 2 hours and 30 minutes, but this can be increased due to traffic congestion. £28 single, £37 return . ( updated Nov 2018 )

National Express bus company runs airport bus services to Luton Airport ( LTN  IATA ) and to Stansted Airport ( STN  IATA ).

Birmingham Airport ( BHX  IATA ) has fewer destinations compared to the London airports (it still has quite a lot), but it is the closest to Oxford in terms of public transport travel time. Birmingham Airport has its own railway station called Birmingham International , which is connected to the airport terminal building via the free AirRail Link cable car shuttle, taking 1–2 min. From the railway station, trains depart to Oxford every hour between 6:14AM and 10:14PM and take about an hour. A non-advance, non-rail card single costs £25.50, a return £28.80 off-peak or £51 any time. You could do a lot cheaper by booking an advance ticket though (but be careful as tickets are valid only on the booked train, so if your flight is late and you miss the train, you will have to buy another ticket).

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

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, 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 scooter [ edit ]

Since at least 2022, a trial of electric scooters for hire has been running in central Oxford. These can be found at designated points across the city and unlocked using a smartphone app, and provide an inexpensive means of travel if you want to venture a little further out of the city centre. However, they must be used on the roads, which, coupled with the volume of road traffic, can make travelling this way fairly daunting.

By car [ edit ]

Avoid driving in central Oxford. Traffic is heavy, the one-way system is very confusing, the streets are often very narrow with restrictions, and parking is very expensive. Use the park and ride system, or forget the car and come in by public transport. If you have a motorcycle or a scooter, things are a little easier.

Local urban buses are mostly operated by the Oxford Bus Company (largely in the south and east of the city) and by Stagecoach (largely in the north and west). Fares are expensive and are charged by distance (starting at £1.10 single, £2 return (Oct 2018), pay the driver when boarding: cash or contactless; change is available), but if you plan on making more than two trips in one day, buy an all-day pass (£4.20, Oct 2018) to save money. The main hubs for local buses are the rail station and St Aldates.

Oxford Key [ edit ]

If you are in town a while, there is also a rechargeable smart-card known as the Oxford Key that gives discounted bus fares for a week, month, 13 weeks, or a year. It can take several hours for the Key to be ready once recharged.

• CityZone [dead link] is the standard Key which allows travel only on Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel buses, the radius covers as far north as most of Kidlington to as far south as Cowley, Kennington, and Blackbird Leys.
• SmartZone allows the same travel as CityZone including Stagecoach buses (which is very convenient, particularly in rush hour).
• CityZone Extra extends the CityZone radius to include as far north as Woodstock to as far south as Abingdon.

The Oxford Bus Company have two travel shops where you can top-up or ask questions in-person:

• 51.7539 -1.2622 1 Gloucester Green Travel Shop , 89 Gloucester Green, OX1 2BU . M–F 8AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 9AM-4PM . You can sign up for an Oxford Key, top it up in-store and purchase tickets for the Airline bus. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.7541 -1.2573 2 High Street Travel Shop , 44 - 45 High Street, OX1 4AP . 9:30AM-5:30PM . Only provides sightseeing information. ( updated Jul 2020 )

Park and ride [ edit ]

Oxford Bus Company operates several park and ride services for people visiting the city by car, because parking is difficult to find and expensive in the centre.

The purple buses operate from 6AM to 11:30PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Return fares start at £2.80 per adult, and children travel free when accompanied. Parking charges apply at Pear Tree, Redbridge, and Seacourt.

Oxford has 5 park & ride bus stations:

By taxi [ edit ]

Oxford has Black Cabs (Hackney Carriage) which can be flagged down from the street or taken from taxi stands located around the city, and 'minicabs' which must be ordered by phone or app, 001 & Royal Cars are the most popular services. Black Cabs are quite pricey but are convenient for short hops if travelling in a big group. Minicabs are much cheaper for long-distance journeys; the fare should be agreed over the phone when booking or should be bargained with the driver for long distance, however within city the fare is set by meter within every taxi–never get in a minicab without agreeing the price.

Uber is not yet available in Oxford.

See [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

Colleges [ edit ]

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.

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

Parks, gardens and open spaces [ edit ].

Many of Oxford University's colleges have parks and gardens to walk through that are open to the public.

Do [ edit ]

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.

The only Oxford-based Harry Potter walking tour is 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 [ edit ]

• University Boat Races (usually W-Sa of Week 7 of Hilary Term and W-Sa of Week 5 of Trinity term - check www.ox.ac.uk for term dates) Twice a year, the river is taken over by the inter-college boat races. The races are a great way to experience the Oxford obsession with rowing first-hand. The river is full of people and there is a great atmosphere of college spirit. Races take place south of the city centre on the Isis, between Donnington Bridge and Christ Church Meadows. The best places to watch are either the towpath along the side of the river, or at the bottom of the meadows - both accessible by foot from the centre (about 10-15 minutes). Word of warning however for those watching along the towpath, the towpath is likely to be swarming with marshals and bike riders while the crews are racing. The towpath does however offer the best vantage points, particularly for the bumps races where crews will often 'bump out' halfway along the course. Most college boathouses will also be serving food and drink throughout the week of racing. Races take place 11AM-6PM, with the better boats racing later in the day.
• 51.751414 -1.246342 2 Oxford Punting , Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, High St, OX1 4AU , ☏ +44 1865 202643 , [email protected] .  
• 51.746084 -1.256175 3 Salter's , Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4LA , ☏ +44 1865 243421 .  
• 51.768116 -1.257267 4 Cherwell Boathouse , Bardwell Rd, OX2 6ST , ☏ +44 1865 552746 .  
• In the summer, check out the nesting swifts (birds) at the Oxford Museum of Natural History [dead link] . These elegant little birds have been nesting in ventilation flues in the tower of the University Museum for many years, providing a wonderful opportunity for scientists. Visitors to the museum between May and August can watch live pictures from three of the nests in the tower on a television monitor.

Stage and screen [ edit ]

Oxford has four city-centre cinemas, screening mainstream (Odeon) and art films (Ultimate Picture Palace, Phoenix Picturehouse). The latter sometimes has showings at 11:30PM for night owls.

• 51.7537 -1.261398 5 Odeon (Gloucester Green) , George St, OX1 2BL , ☏ +44 333 0067777 . Largest cinema in the Oxford city centre.  
• 51.760275 -1.266421 6 Phoenix Picturehouse , 57-58 Walton St, Jericho, OX2 6AE , ☏ +44 871 9025736 . Vibrant independent cinema with an assortment of viewings available.  
• 51.717473 -1.211804 8 Vue , Ozone Leisure Park, Grenoble Rd, OX4 4XP , ☏ +44 871 2240240 . Large mainstream cinema located just opposite the Kassam Stadium.  

Oxford also hosts a number of London productions on tour, as well as playing host to a large number of student productions each year. Oxford has a lively student-drama scene. The following theatres put on amateur student productions during term-time, which are often very good value for money:

• 51.754515 -1.261223 9 Burton Taylor Theatre , 11 Beaumont St, OX1 2LW , ☏ +44 1865 305350 . M-Sa 8AM-1:30PM . Tickets sold at the Box Office of the Oxford Playhouse (see above)  
• 51.753493 -1.262213 10 Old Fire Station Theatre (OFS) , 40 George St, OX1 2AQ , ☏ +44 1865 263980 . Tu-Sa 11AM-6PM . Charity-run culture hub showcasing contemporary UK and local art, drama and music. Also has a café.  
• Oxford Show Details . Aggregation website that highlights shows worth seeing in Oxford.  

Concerts [ edit ]

Learn [ edit ].

Most lectures are only open to members of the University of Oxford; however, a variety of public talks and lectures are organised throughout the year.

It is also possible for members of the public to attend residential summer schools within the university, such as with Oxford Royale Academy or Lite Regal Education . The university's Department of Continuing Education also runs a series of short courses on various subjects.

As well as the obvious world-famous university, those wishing to study in Oxford may wish to enter at Oxford Brookes , an entirely separate institution.

Buy [ edit ]

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:

• 51.752345 -1.256559 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:

• 51.752068 -1.286602 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 )
• 51.754054 -1.294992 6 Seacourt Tower Retail Park , OX2 0FB . Has a Sports Direct, Homebase, Dreams and Decathlon. ( updated Sep 2018 )

Books [ edit ]

Unsurprisingly for a university city, Oxford is noted for antiquarian, specialist and new books.

• 51.754582 -1.25768 7 Blackwell's Books , 48–51 Broad Street ( opposite the Sheldonian Theatre ), ☏ +44 1865 792792 , [email protected] . Founded in 1879, Blackwell's main Oxford shop is a veritable tourist attraction in itself, the vast 10,000-square-foot Norrington Room excavated beneath Trinity College Gardens laying claim to being the largest space dedicated to book sales in Europe. Another 9 speciality branches of this Oxford institution dot the city.  
• 51.753057 -1.26283 8 Oxford University Press Bookshop , 116 High Street , ☏ +44 1865 242913 , fax : +44 1865 241701 , [email protected] . Stocks a wide variety of books published by Oxford University Press.  
• 51.75409 -1.260772 9 Waterstones , William Baker House, Broad St , ☏ +44 1865 790212 , [email protected] . Situated in the grade II listed William Baker House is one of the largest branches of Britain's dominant bookshops. The bookshop houses many different works both academic and leisurely catering to many tastes and preferences. There is also a café making it perfect for meeting friends or taking a break.  

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ]

• 51.7529 -1.2567 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 )
• 51.755068 -1.251836 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.  
• 51.752432 -1.256404 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!  
• 51.752853 -1.256749 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! £ .  
• 51.752465 -1.26814 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. £ .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

Café [ edit ].

• 51.750544 -1.257007 7 G&D’s (George and Danver) , 94 St. Aldates, OX1 1BT , ☏ +44 1865 245952 . 8AM–midnight . £ . ( updated May 2023 )
• 51.748374 -1.239233 8 G&D’s (George and Delila) , 104 Cowley Road, OX4 1JE , ☏ +44 1865 727111 . 8AM–midnight . £ . ( updated May 2023 )
• 51.752382 -1.250416 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 [ edit ]

• 51.753555 -1.260584 10 [dead link] 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 )

Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indochinese [ edit ]

• 51.753742 -1.26121 11 Angrid Thai , Threeways House, 36 George St, OX1 2BJ ( Opposite the Odeon cinema in Gloucester Green. ), ☏ +44 1865 791898 . 11:30AM-11PM . An inexpensive Thai fast-food establishment right in the centre of Oxford that offers great value dishes and a casual atmosphere. Recommended to try are the panang curries and the prawn crackers with a helping of sweet chilli sauce. A 15% student discount is available.  
• 51.780463 -1.266469 12 New Dancing Dragon , 283 Banbury Rd, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JF , ☏ +44 1865 554475 . Contemporary restaurant specialising in primarily Cantonese cuisine, but has other Asian dishes too. Located on the site of former cheap buffet restaurant Dancing Dragon. ( updated Sep 2016 )
• 51.748392 -1.239495 13 Taberu , 100 Cowley Rd, OX4 1JE ( west end of the Cowley Road opposite Big Society and the church ), ☏ +44 1865 434100 . M-Th noon-3PM, 5:30PM-10:30PM; F-Su noon-10:30PM . Authentic Japanese restaurant with a superb atmosphere and menu to boot. Start your meal with some delicious takoyaki, a snack dish originating from Osaka that involves frying octopus in dough and garnishing with sauces. Enjoy traditionally made sushi or go for katsu curry or a bento dish instead. While alongside having a sake beer or instead a Ramune which is a Japanese-made soft drink.  
• 51.753707 -1.260857 14 Thaikun , 36 George St, OX1 2BJ , ☏ +44 1865 591960 . noon-10:30PM . An extensively decorated Thai restaurant in the centre of town. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Indian, Nepalese, Bangladeshi [ edit ]

• 51.746129 -1.231861 15 Kadai & Naan , 209 Cowley Rd, OX4 1XF , ☏ +44 1865 241493 . Restaurant specialising in primarily Nepalese cuisine but also offers Indian dishes too. The Nepalese food here is strong and bursting with flavour particularly the rum-rum chicken. Also recommended are the momo dumplings, served with a delicious spicy tomato chutney they both compliment the meal or serve as an excellent appetiser.  
• 51.748364 -1.239036 16 Majliss , 110 Cowley Rd, OX4 1JE , ☏ +44 1865 726728 . Su-Th noon-2:30PM, 5:30-11:30PM; F Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30PM-midnight . Contemporary designed authentic restaurant specialising primarily in Indian cuisine but also caters to other Asian delicacies. Food is delicious regardless of the diner's spice preference and the service is excellent. ££ .  
• 51.775908 -1.264538 17 Spice Lounge , 193 Banbury Rd, OX2 7AR , ☏ +44 1865 510071 . Oxford Spice Lounge has a delicious Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine with a very friendly staff. They offer a lunchtime buffet on Sundays from noon to 3PM. At the Spice Lounge the emphasis is on organic and creative dishes. Ethnic recipes are used to provide a diverse, unusual menu, while focusing on healthy eating.  

Italian [ edit ]

• 51.748351 -1.238314 18 Pizzeria Trattoria Mario , 103 Cowley Rd, OX4 1HU , ☏ +44 1865 722955 . M-Sa 6-11PM, Su 6-10:30PM . Rustic Italian restaurant with typical cuisine. Offers a selection of pizzas, pastas and a specials menu. Has plenty of vegetarian dishes and some vegan dishes as well.  
• 51.748949 -1.262302 19 Pilgrims Pizza , Westgate Centre Roof Terrace RU12, OX1 1PG , ☏ +44 1865 808030 . M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10:30PM, Su noon-9:30PM . Very good pizza with in a relaxed atmosphere. The place has several arcade games set up to keep busy while the pizza is being prepared. £8.50-12 . ( updated Mar 2019 )

Mexican [ edit ]

• 51.754155 -1.262118 20 El Mexicana , 92 Gloucester Green, OX1 2BU , ☏ +44 1865 251253 . 11AM-9PM . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 51.753523 -1.259131 21 The Mission (St Michael’s Street) , 8 St Michael’s Street, OX1 2DU ( off Cornmarket ), ☏ +44 1865 202016 , [email protected] . Su-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-11PM .  
• 51.752091 -1.254743 22 The Mission (King Edward St) , 2 King Edward Street, OX1 4HS ( off High St. ), ☏ +44 1865 722020 , [email protected] . The King Edward St. location of the Mission chain. Delicious burritos at a low price.  

Other [ edit ]

• 51.758545 -1.261907 23 Wilding , 11-12 Little Clarendon St, OX1 2HP , ☏ +44 1865 985630 . Open daily 10AM-11PM . Opened in 2021, is a wine shop-cum-restaurant on Little Clarendon St. ( updated Feb 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.760889 -1.267534 24 Brasserie Blanc , 71-72 Walton Street, OX2 6AG , ☏ +44 1865 510999 . 11AM – 11PM . Raymond Blanc’s French brasserie is intimate and full of charm. Considering the quality of the food, prices are extremely reasonable – a rack of lamb, potatoes and cabbage will set you back £17.50, and for vegetarians the grilled Crottin goats’ cheese and beetroot tart is an exquisite choice. A great place for a date or to bring your mother.  
• 51.764322 -1.261003 25 Gees Restaurant ( Gees ), 61 Banbury Rd, OX2 6PE , ☏ +44 1865 553540 . Gee's is an Oxford restaurant serving traditional British food with an emphasis on seasonal food, simple, good cooking and value for money  
• 51.7525 -1.2531 26 Quod Brasserie , 92–94 High Street , ☏ +44 1865 202505 . Quod Brasserie & Bar on the famous High Street in Oxford, with its terrace and bar forms the hub of the Old Bank Hotel ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 51.755 -1.2594 27 The Randolph Hotel , ☏ +44 1865 791678 . Afternoon tea at the Randolph is world-renowned, but a sit-down dinner in the beautiful dining room is an experience. Mains include roast loin of Highland venison, served with chestnuts and sprouts at £26.50, and fillet of wild seabass, fennel puree and langoustine sauce at £25.50. Their cheese trolley is an indulgent way to end the meal. £££ . ( updated Jan 2021 )

Drink [ edit ]

Coffee shops and cafés [ edit ].

• 51.764694 -1.261263 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!  
• 51.753195 -1.25625 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!  
• 51.74884 -1.240726 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!  
• 51.753265 -1.260421 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.  
• 51.758148 -1.26306 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 , [email protected] . 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 )
• 51.751721 -1.259411 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 [ edit ]

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

Traditional pubs & inns [ edit ]

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.

• 51.750279 -1.242596 7 Angel and Greyhound , 30 St Clement's St, OX4 1AB . Popular with Friday evening after-work crowd, letting their hair down. In quieter moments good for board games. Food is average.  
• 51.744406 -1.240044 10 The Fir Tree , 163 Iffley Rd, OX4 1EJ ( on the corner of Bullingdon Road and Iffley Road ), ☏ +44 1865 245290 . Good beer, open till 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays, friendly atmosphere.  
• 51.762696 -1.266618 11 The Gardener's Arms , 39 Plantation Road, OX2 6JE , ☏ +44 1865 559814 , [email protected] . Very pretty with a beer garden, and an excellent all-vegetarian menu with vegan dishes offered as well.  
• 51.75033 -1.243562 12 Half Moon , 17-18 St Clement's St, OX4 1AB . Ignore the plastic faux-Irish outlets in the city centre and head out along the High St and over Magdalen Bridge and enjoy the relaxed vibe in this small, friendly pub.  
• 51.746799 -1.256226 13 Head of the River , St Aldate's, 40 Pembroke Square, OX1 4LB ( follow St Aldate's down past Christ Church college until you reach the river (the pub's on the far bank) ), ☏ +44 1865 721600 . M-Sa 11AM-11PM; Su noon-10:30PM . Perfectly located, right on the Thames. This place buzzes on summer evenings, when the large garden gets extremely busy. Food is mediocre.  
• 51.749998 -1.242761 16 The Old Black Horse , 102 St Clement's St, OX4 1AB ( opposite the Angel and Greyhound ), ☏ +44 1865 244691 . Quaint little pub used formerly as a coaching inn from the 17th century, still offers lodgings to those who need them to this day. Serves sub-zero Carling and often shows live football on an adequately sized TV. Sometimes there is the odd round of chess played among patrons too.  
• 51.758447 -1.269754 17 The Old Bookbinders' Arms , 17-18 Victor St, OX2 6BT ( go down Great Clarendon Street, turn right into Canal Street ), ☏ +44 1865 553549 , [email protected] . Hidden in the back streets of Jericho. Has eccentric decorations, but friendly and with lots of beers. Bookings to made by telephone only.  
• 51.750739 -1.261555 18 Royal Blenheim , 13 St Ebbes St, OX1 1PT , ☏ +44 1865 242355 . Quirky, friendly place with good beer and food. Check out the Chuck Norris quotes in the gents.  
• 51.760687 -1.261736 19 The Royal Oak , 42-44 Woodstock Road, OX2 6HT ( opposite the Radcliffe Infirmary ), ☏ +44 1865 310187 . Graduate and North Oxford local pub, offering Schneider Weiße from Germany. Popular with scientists and doctors working in the area.  
• 51.755 -1.254444 20 St. Aldates Tavern , 108 St Aldates, OX1 1BU ( located on the former Hobgoblin site ), ☏ +44 1865 242369 . Su-Th 11AM-11PM; F Sa 11AM-midnight . Small and traditional Victorian tavern but with adequate seating, with drinks varying in price depending on how early you get there.  

Cocktail bars [ edit ]

Oxford has a few cocktail bars. Most are in the Jericho area or on the Cowley Road.

• 51.747184 -1.236037 22 The Cowley Retreat , 172 Cowley Road, OX4 1UE ( located on the former Hobgoblin site ), ☏ +44 1865 247878 . Lively student pub with a decent cocktail selection. Staff are friendly until 11PM, at which point you'll be rudely kicked out.  
• 51.758693 -1.261556 23 The Duke of Cambridge , 4 Little Clarendon St, Jericho, Oxford, OX1 2HP , ☏ +44 1865 558173 , [email protected] . Fashionable for young students wanting great cocktails with some cheeky bar staff. Swisher than you might expect.  
• 51.757966 -1.263676 25 LJ's (Love Jericho) , 30 Walton Street, Jericho, Oxford, OX2 6AA ( on the old site of Sweet Browns and adjacent to Raoul's ), ☏ +44 1865 424631 . M-Sa 4:30PM-1AM . Cocktail bar with a great atmosphere and vibrant menu. There is a variety of flavours to be chosen from, ranging from sweet to spicy. Patrons consider the place to be trendy and also has a happy hour.  
• 51.758051 -1.263741 26 Raoul's , 32 Walton Street, Jericho, Oxford, OX2 6AA ( adjacent to LJ's (Love Jericho) ), ☏ +44 1865 553732 , [email protected] . Su-Tu 4PM-midnight; M-Sa 4PM-1AM . A trendy and upmarket cocktail bar with a strange and rather futuristic interior design. Often very busy at weekends.  

Gastropubs [ edit ]

Oxford has a few gastropubs, often with clean modernist decor and a large emphasis on food.

• 51.748584 -1.239412 27 Big Society , 95 Cowley Rd, OX4 1HR , ☏ +44 1865 792755 . Noon-midnight . A modern bar with minimalistic decor and an emphasis on murals. Serves a US-inspired diner menu complete with burgers, fries and milkshakes (along with excellent Southern-fried chicken). Has free Wi-Fi with a password that rotates on a daily basis and plenty of entertainment activities including pool, table tennis and an upright arcade machine with a plethora of classic titles.  
• 51.764185 -1.210724 28 The Black Boy , 91 Old High St, Headington, OX3 9HT , ☏ +44 1865 741137 . Headington gastropub named after a racehorse, hence its unusual name. Apparently has a nine year award winning streak. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 51.777636 -1.264524 29 The Dew Drop Inn , 258 Banbury Rd, Summertown, OX2 7DX , ☏ +44 1865 559372 . Summertown's own pub is now a gastropub. The menu is a bit expensive, though recommended is the Bloody Mary station that allows customers to add their own amounts of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 51.783604 -1.293515 30 Jacobs' Inn , 130 Godstow Rd, Wolvercote, OX2 8PG , ☏ +44 1865 514333 . Tucked away in the affluent village of Wolvercote lies the Jacobs' Inn. ( updated Dec 2017 )
• 51.747357 -1.235928 32 The Bullingdon , 162 Cowley Rd, OX4 1UE , ☏ +44 1865 434998 . Lively and unpretentious with a mixed clientele. Live music and club nights in the back room. Jazz club on Tuesday nights. Blues on Monday nights.  

Nightclubs [ edit ]

Certain weeknights are student-only at some clubs, so you should probably check before going.

• 51.75327 -1.266006 33 The Bridge , 6-9 Hythe Bridge St, OX1 2EW , ☏ +44 1865 242526 . Nightclub frequented by students. Two floors — R&B on one, dance on the other. Plenty of acceptable seating, long bars and quite importantly clean bathroom facilities! Drinks can be a bit pricey: bottled beer £3 (no draught), double vodka coke £2.70, entry £4–£5. VIP room.  
• 51.752684 -1.265611 34 [dead link] Atik ( previously 'LavaIgnite' ), Cantay House, Park End St, OX1 1JD , ☏ +44 1865 250181 . M–W 9PM–2AM; Th–Sa 9:30PM–3AM . Nightclub frequented by students and locals. Come here to drink heavily and dance to uninspired pop tunes. £1-5 cover, £3 pints, £3 mixed drinks (some nightly drink specials). Monday is Brookes student night, Wednesday is OUSU student night (many bottled drinks £1.50). Student ID required for both.  
• 51.752324 -1.257008 35 The Varsity Club , 9 High St, OX1 4DB , ☏ +44 1865 248777 . Su-Th noon-midnight; F Sa noon-3AM . ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 51.753021 -1.25921 36 Plush , Frewin Court, OX1 3HZ , ☏ +44 1865 247966 . 6PM-3:30AM . Colourful LGBT bar and nightclub located in one of the old Oxford University coal cellars. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• 51.746955 -1.234578 37 O2 Academy Oxford ( previously Carling Academy and The Zodiac' ), 190 Cowley Rd, OX4 1UE , ☏ +44 1865 813500 . Live music venue and stop-off for many a band's UK tour, turned nightclub after hours.  
• 51.752844 -1.26534 38 Thirst , 7-8 Park End St, OX1 1HH , ☏ +44 1865 242044 , [email protected] . M–W 6:30PM–2AM; Su 6:30PM–1:30AM . A small nightclub with a cocktail bar - drinks from £1.75. Also has an extensive outdoor smoking area with a bar and shisha.  

Sleep [ edit ]

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 [dead link] 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.

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

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.

• 51.79451 -1.282815 2 Travelodge (Pear Tree) , Moto Service Area, Peartree Roundabout, Woodstock Road, OX2 8JZ , ☏ +44 8719 846206 . Premier Inn and next to the Pear Tree Park & Ride making it a great place to stay on a budget. From £49 per night .  
• 51.731278 -1.248997 3 Travelodge (Abingdon Road) , Abingdon Road, OX1 4XG , ☏ +44 8715 591877 . On the bottom of the Abingdon Road - 1.6 miles (2.6 km) away from Oxford city centre. It's next to Redbridge Park & Ride, making getting into the city centre convenient. From £57 per night .  
• 51.741938 -1.115605 4 Travelodge (Wheatley) , Harvester A40, London Road, Wheatley, OX33 1JH , ☏ +44 8719 846207 . ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 51.731049 -1.202971 5 Premier Inn (Oxford) , Oxford Business Park, Garsington Road, OX4 2JT , ☏ +44 8715 595454 . Another budget hotel. From £49 per night . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 51.71552 -1.206374 6 Holiday Inn Express , Kassam Stadium Grenoble Rd, Oxford, OX4 4XP , ☏ +44 1865 780888 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . A modern hotel next to Kassam Stadium with free parking, free WiFi, inclusive breakfast and easy access to Oxford city centre, hotel is less than 5 miles (8 km) from central Oxford's bus and railway stations. £56 per night . ( updated Feb 2017 )

Alternatives in the centre include:

• 51.752685 -1.271601 7 YHA Oxford , 2a Botley Road, OX2 0AB , ☏ 0870 770 5970 (high cost number), +44 1865 727275 (outside UK) , fax : +44 1865 251182 , [email protected] . Housed in newish, purpose-built building next to the railway station and minutes from the city centre, prices from £20.50 adult, £15.50 under 18s. Prices are a bit steep, and unfortunately no longer include breakfast. Location is convenient although avoid getting a room facing the train station as the sound of passing trains and station PA announcements can become annoying after a while.  
• 51.752855 -1.265745 8 Central Backpackers Hostel , 13 Park End Street, OX1 1HH , ☏ +44 1865 242288 . Close to the city centre. Clean and airy. Make sure to grab a pair of the free earplugs they hand out at the reception, though, as the bar crowd on the street can get noisy at night. From £14 . ( updated Sep 2019 )
• 51.753227 -1.266159 9 Oxford Backpackers , 9a Hythe Bridge Street, OX1 2EW , ☏ +44 1865 721761 , fax : +44 1865 203293 , [email protected] . Cheap and a little dingy. 2-min walk the rail and bus stations. Dorm beds from £13.  
• 51.753643 -1.260366 10 Victoria House Hotel , 29 George St, OX1 2AY , ☏ +44 1865 727400 . Popular 3-star hotel in the heart of Oxford on George Street. From £71 a night .  
• 51.758821 -1.216242 11 Dial House Guest House , 25 London Rd, Headington, OX3 7RE , ☏ +44 1865 425100 . Bed and breakfast from £91 .  
• 51.7876 -1.2836 12 Leonardo Hotel ( formerly Jury's Inn ), Godstow Rd OX2 8AL , ☏ +44 1865 489988 . Located near the Wolvercote Roundabout with plenty of amenities nearby and easy access to the number 6 bus to the city centre. This 4-star hotel offers decent accommodation along with pool & spa facilities. From £125 per night .  
• 51.784627 -1.269079 13 Remont Boutique B&B Oxford Hotel , 367 Banbury Road, OX2 7PL , ☏ +44 1865 311020 , [email protected] .  
• Tower House , 15 Ship St OX1 3DA ( one block west of Bodleian ), ☏ +44 7402 008003 . Comfy little B&B, only one shared bathroom and rooms are small, but great value for this location. B&B double £120 .  
• Oxford University Rooms . Some of the colleges rent out rooms out of term time, providing a B&B-like experience. ( updated Dec 2016 )
• 51.775211 -1.263813 14 [dead link] The Galaxie Hotel 4-Star B&B Summertown , 180 Banbury Road, OX2 7BT , ☏ +44 1865 515688 .  
• 51.782519 -1.267083 15 Burlington House Hotel , 374 Banbury Road, OX2 7PP . £157 .  
• 51.744688 -1.258857 16 Ethos Hotel , 59 Western Road, Grandpont, OX1 4LF , ☏ +44 1865 245800 . £130 .  
• 51.752932 -1.267165 17 Royal Oxford Hotel , Park End Street, OX1 1HR ( near the Saïd Business School ), ☏ +44 1865 248432 . Three-star hotel on the west-side of town. It has its own restaurant Jam Factory , and the city's first Korean restaurant called Bamboo .  
• 51.770276 -1.259569 18 Linton Lodge , 11-13 Linton Rd, OX2 6UJ , ☏ +44 1865 553461 , [email protected] . Mid-sized hotel in a quiet side street of Banbury Road, 5 min from a bus stop and ca. 15 min from the University Engineering Faculty. Full Continental breakfast, garden, lounge, and well equipped rooms with bath tub and comfortable beds. No air conditioning. Express checkout available. Wifi is free, submit random name and room number on the landing page and click "Connect". £94 . ( updated Mar 2019 )
• 51.835 -1.27 19 The Bell at Hampton Poyle , 11 Oxford Rd, Hampton Poyle, Kidlington OX5 2QD , ☏ +44 1865 376242 . Country pub of character with nine rooms and great cooking. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 51.751549 -1.262517 21 Malmaison Oxford Prison Hotel , Oxford Castle, 3 New Rd, OX1 1AY , ☏ +44 1865 689944 . Set in the old prison, this modern quirky 4-star hotel also allows pets!  
• 51.75948 -1.260317 23 The Old Parsonage Hotel , 1 Banbury Rd, OX2 6NN , ☏ +44 1865 310210 . Small, modern luxury hotel in Oxford 5 minutes from the city centre.  
• 51.740494 -1.25168 25 Oxford Spires Hotel , Abingdon Road , ☏ +44 1865 324324 , fax : +44 1865 324325 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Close to the city centre but set in a large garden area. There's an indoor pool and spa treatments are available. £79-£229 .  
• The Store opens in April 2024. It's in the former Boswell's department store on Broad St.

Stay safe [ edit ]

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 [ edit ]

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

• 51.748166 -1.256285 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.  
• 51.734451 -1.213764 4 Police Station (Cowley) , Oxford Rd, OX4 2LE .  
• 51.813245 -1.278598 5 Police Station (Kidlington) , Oxford Rd, Kidlington, OX5 2NX . M-F 8AM-5PM . Free parking available, closed on bank holidays.  

LGBT scene [ edit ]

Oxford has a small gay scene and a gay area, which is accepting and friendly. The city's LGBT population is not as high as in places like Manchester, Brighton, London, Blackpool; but it is a safe and comfortable feeling for gay visitors. The Plush Lounge , Frewin Court, is the most popular gay nightclub in the city, busy on Friday & Saturday nights, though visitors should be aware that it is largely the haunt of undergrads during the Autumn months.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

In a life-threatening medical emergency, dial 999 or 112 . For urgent, but not life-threatening emergency issues it is recommended to call 111 and ask for assistance.

Hospitals and clinics [ edit ]

Although there are many hospitals in clinics in Oxford, the following are most likely to be of use to the sickly traveller.

• 51.764268 -1.219434 6 John Radcliffe Hospital ( JR Hospital ), Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU , ☏ +44 300 3047777 . The largest hospital in Oxford, used for most illnesses. Has an Accident & Emergency department for severe injuries.  
• 51.750135 -1.213861 7 Churchill Hospital , Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LE , ☏ +44 300 3047777 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Oxford itself has a reasonably good mobile signal available on all carriers including Vodafone, O2, EE and Three.

Oxford's own public library has free internet available. It has moved to the Oxford Castle temporarily due to the construction of the new Westgate Shopping Centre.

The hostels near the train station all provide the Internet to residents.

There are also internet cafes in the city. One to try is located above the baguette (sandwich) shop on the far south end of New Inn Hall Street (the little lane running perpendicular to George Street, right across from Gloucester Green bus station and immediately parallel to Cornmarket Street). They also offer international telephone calls, international fax, and printing.

• 51.7521 -1.2599 15 La Baguette , New Inn Hall St, OX1 2DW . Sandwich shop with a whole internet cafe setup upstairs. Computers run Windows. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Go next [ edit ]

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

• 51.8986 -1.1508 2 Bicester . 10 mi (16 km) north of Oxford, a nice little town famous for its outlet shopping centre Bicester Village.  
• 51.75187 -1.09053 1 Waterperry Garden . Near Thame , A lovely wander through manicured gardens.  

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Pilar Lopez-Cantero, The Meaning of Travel, The Philosophical Quarterly , Volume 71, Issue 3, July 2021, Pages 655–658, https://doi.org/10.1093/pq/pqaa065

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A philosopher's inquiry on travel may take different paths. Emily Thomas follows several in The Meaning of Travel , where she uncovers novel philosophical debates such as the ontology of maps or the ethics of ‘doom tourism’. Perhaps unexpectedly for the reader, Thomas also offers accessible and engaging discussions on—mostly Early—Modern philosophy by connecting travel-related topics to the work of some well-known authors (René Descartes and Francis Bacon), some unjustly neglected ones (Margaret Cavendish) and some known mostly to specialists (Henry More). The result of this bric-a-brac approach is mostly positive: Thomas's work stands out as an entertaining, insightful read, suitable for a wide readership, whilst also having the potential to be a foundational text in the philosophy of travel. And I agree with Thomas: philosophy of travel ‘isn’t a thing, but it should be’ (p. 3).

The book has twelve short, self-standing chapters that I divide here into two categories: chapters concerning the philosophy of travel and chapters attending to other philosophical themes that Thomas then connects with travel. Let us start with the first category. Chapter 1 convincingly states the case for the philosophical investigation of travel, and introduces the idea of travelling as the discovery of the unfamiliar, the exploration of ‘otherness’ (p. 3). In Chapter 2, on maps and cartography, Thomas impeccably combines a one-page, layperson-oriented definition of ontology with the launch of an intriguing question of concern to metaphysicians: Are maps things or processes? She believes they are the latter (p. 24), a point that is illustrated by the fact that we currently rely mostly on online maps—which, arguably, cannot be static things given their constant updating. This is an excellent chapter.

The following travel-focused discussion takes place in Chapter 5, on the origins of tourism. Tourism, says Thomas, was born when people started to travel by choice and for pleasure (p. 69). More recently, we travel to open up to the world by facing our fears (p. 84), to be able to brag to our friends (ibid.), and for ‘interior voyages’ of self-discovery (p. 85). This chapter contains a lot of historical trivia about the Grand Tour (the European adventure for young, wealthy British men in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries). It is both interesting and amusing, particularly the birth of the continental trope of debauchery-prone Brits abroad (pp. 78–9), which still pervades in some parts of Europe (the examples of Magaluf or Amsterdam come to mind, although the parallel with the present seems to have escaped Thomas).

Chapter 10 reveals the other side of the Grand Tour's story by launching the question of whether travel is a male concept. Whereas men were encouraged to embark in leisure travelling from its origin, women had to disguise themselves as men or use travel as a pretext for ‘ladylike pursuits’ such as painting (pp. 170–1). Again, the chapter is mostly historical, although Thomas also offers an explanation of the concept of gender for non-philosophers and highlights that in many cultures maleness is connected to adventure and exploration, while femaleness is usually tied to ‘home’ (p. 175).

Finally, Chapter 11 explores the ethics of ‘doom tourism’, that is, travelling to places that are bound to disappear due to climate challenges. Thomas reveals a moral dilemma: while mass tourism may destroy these places faster, it may be that their precarious situation can only become known via the mouths of travellers (or ‘tourist ambassadors’, p. 183). This raises the question of what exactly it means to travel responsibly. Then, Chapter 12 delves on space tourism to reflect on the fact that travelling changes people, and specifically changes how they feel about their home places (pp. 190–1).

In the second group of chapters, Thomas connects travel to the work of several philosophers from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. This is the time of the explorers and the birth of tourism, which shape the structure of the book, and Thomas's works showcase how the work of philosophers reached beyond the armchair in the shape of Bacon's philosophy of science (Chapter 3), Locke's metaethics (Chapter 4), or More's philosophy of space (Chapter 7). Cavendish's account of matter in her fantasy short story Blazing World , which Thomas considers both a travel book and a thought experiment, receives long-deserved limelight in Chapter 6. There is also a place for discussing the sublime as an aesthetic concept (Chapter 8) and Thoreau influence on environmental thought (Chapter 9).

It is no minor feat to make the history of philosophy interesting for the non-specialist while trying to explain complex philosophical concepts in plain words. There aren’t either many philosophy books where one lifts one's head from the book to tell whomever is in the room yet another interesting anecdote (and does so often). However, the connection between travel and these authors (and, in turn, with chunks of the author's own travel diary) is not always done as seamlessly at it could be. These links often require stretches of thought, which Thomas, I believe, is too quick to endorse (More's influence on our view on mountains and Thoreau's link to the popularity of ‘cabin porn’ are two examples of this tendency).

I believe that the main strength of The Meaning of Travel is the chapters on the philosophy of travel, to the point of deserving a foundational status in the branch. Thomas launches more questions than she answers, but we must remember that this is not a book ‘for academic eyes only’. The type of answers a certain kind of philosopher may demand would have resulted in a completely different work—one with a way narrower reach. This book's academic value lies in the formulation of travel-focused questions on ontology (maps), ethics (responsible tourism), and political and social philosophy (personal change, gender), which by themselves deserve a philosophical branch of their own.

These questions that Thomas puts forward are not only of interest to people shielding in philosophy departments, but have a direct link to current affairs. I am referring specifically to the distinction between traveller and tourist, and to the notion of responsible travel (or responsible tourism, since these questions are related but independent of each other). Several local authorities (like those of Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Venice) have long raised the alarm regarding the effect mass tourism has on their homes. This is directly related to Thomas's doom tourism (in fact, Venice is in the list of disappearing destinations she reproduces in p. 181), but is put in slightly different terms by leaders in these mass destinations. Whereas travelling to environmentally challenged locations may be put in terms of responsibility, as Thomas does, the mayors of Amsterdam or Barcelona have been calling for quality tourism. But what is quality tourism? Is this a matter of the experiences travellers are seeking, of being more like those who embark on an interior voyage than the party-prone Grand Tourists? Thomas's book is definitely the place to begin with to answer this question, which I think will benefit from the input of political philosophers. After all, the lowering of the ‘quality’ of tourism seems to have followed the lowering of the cost of travelling, and hence opens a sub-debate on fairness and travelling as a human capability—this is an example of how Thomas's work opens a number of new, fascinating questions, which will shape the discipline of philosophy of travel in the coming years. (A side note here: at the time of publication of this review, the global health crisis has decimated international travel, but I believe that does not do away with these issues; if anything, it offers some space to have these debates.)

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Oxford Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Oxford is a charming, historic city located just a short ride from London . The city is famed for its prestigious university, which is one of the oldest in the world (it was founded in the 11th century).

Oxford first earned fame in the Middle Ages as a hub for theological learning. It then expanded into medicine and law. Today, the university is home to over 24,000 students and you can study with the best and brightest in pretty much any field here.

While the city can feel stuffy and lacks the cut-loose university town feel that cities like Bristol have, visiting Oxford and seeing the old architecture more than makes up for it.

This Oxford travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you have an amazing visit to the historic city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Oxford

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Oxford

1. Tour Oxford

The University is the main attraction here. 24,000 students study at the famed college and on a visit to Oxford, you can tour fascinating museums, botanical gardens, and relax in the many pristine green spaces around campus. Bodleian Libraries offers guided tours of the university, including the inside of many historic buildings, which have been featured in countless movies over the years (including Harry Potter). They provide a look at university life, the history of the school, the architecture, and more. Tours last a couple of hours and cost 20 GBP.

2. Visit Balliol College

Founded in 1263 by wealthy landowner John I de Balliol, Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges in the University of Oxford. After Balliol’s death, his widow Dervorguilla continued to fund the founding of the college. This college was one of the first to create academic opportunities for women after only admitting men for 700 years and now the walls inside are lined with portraits of female graduates. Four Prime Ministers are alumni of Balliol college, as well as influential philosophers like Adam Smith and Aldous Huxley. It’s a prestigious college within Oxford and has a student body of about 400 who study Biology, English, History, Law, and more.

3. Admire South Park

Located in east Oxford, South Park is the largest park in Oxford, with free admission and a sweeping view of the city, including the university skyline. The land was privately owned until 1932 when the Oxford Preservation Trust acquired it and transformed it into a public park. The park is a favorite spot for photographers and from the highest point you’ll be able to see the towers of Oxford College. Within the park, you’ll find a 19th-century bridge and the Oxford Artisan Distillery. On a nice day, the park is filled with locals getting a tan, playing sports, and lounging. There are also a variety of events held there throughout the year including parades, firework displays, food festivals, and concerts.

4. Stroll under Hertford Bridge

This bridge is known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ because college students sigh under it on their way to take exams, and because it resembles the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. Hertford Bridge has an iconic design and connects the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College. It was completed in 1914 and serves as a convenient link between the two buildings. Visit the nearby Turf Tavern and commiserate with the students over a pint. You’ll be drinking in good company — Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking, and Margaret Thatcher have all paid a visit to Turf Tavern over the years.

5. Visit the Ashmolean Museum

Founded in 1683, this is Britain’s oldest public museum with a focus on art and archeology. It was originally constructed to house a “cabinet of curiosities” that Elias Ashmole donated to the University of Oxford in 1677. Ashmole’s collection was combined with older university treasures that supposedly included Guy Fawkes’ lantern and Jacob’s Coat of Many Colors. It recently went through a renovation in 2009 and displays Ancient Egyptian art, as well as an impressive Eastern Art collection. Today the museum is also working to preserve history, while simultaneously decolonizing the language and practices surrounding certain exhibits. Make sure to see the Amarna Princess Fresco and the Alfred Jewel before you leave. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Oxford

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the first things I do in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land and connect with a local guide. Footprints Tours are run by students and offer a solid introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Admire the University of Oxford Botanical Gardens

When it opened in 1621, the botanical gardens here were the first of their kind in the UK. Today, the collection includes traditional English landscape designs and some of the UK’s oldest redwood trees. There are over 5,000 plant species here spread out over 4.5 acres. Admission is 6.30 GBP and pre-booking is highly recommended to guarantee entry.

3. Shop for snacks at the Covered Market

This historic 250-year-old market has dozens of coffee bars, restaurants, traditional butchers, fish merchants, and independent shops. You’ll be able to find everything from artisanal sausage to sushi. There are a lot of homemade meals served here and it’s the best place to do some cheap shopping for groceries in the city. In addition to food, there are also lots of local vendors selling handmade wares, including clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry.

4. Browse the Bodleian Library

As the main research library of the University of Oxford, the Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second-largest library in the UK (after London’s British Library). Opened in 1602, its English Gothic architecture is gorgeous — so much so that it has served as a set for numerous films, including the first two Harry Potter films (its Divinity School, with its fan-vaulted ceiling and ornate decoration, was used as the Hogwarts hospital wing.) Entry is free and tours start at 9 GBP.

5. Go punting

Punting is a quirky and unique summer activity in Oxford. It’s essentially pushing a small boat around the River Thames or the River Cherwell with a pole. Punting season takes place from mid-March to mid-October when you can rent a boat or hire someone to take you. Rentals cost 30 GBP per hour and can fit up to 5 people.

6. Visit the Museum of Natural History

Established in 1850, this museum holds the University’s scientific collections of zoological, entomological, geological, paleontological, and mineralogical specimens. The exhibits are devoted to the history and diversity of life on Earth. One of their most famous exhibits is the Oxford Dodo. It has the only surviving dodo soft tissue remains in the world as well as a dodo skull (the dodo is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to Mauritius). Admission is free.

7. Learn about medieval life at Oxford Castle Prison

Originally built in the 11th century, visiting this Norman castle prison (which was in operation until 1996) is like stepping back in time. You can descend into a 900-year-old crypt and then climb to the top of Saxon St George’s Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. You’ll also learn about the past residents of the prison and hear stories of their crimes, which range from murder to tyranny to religious rebellion. Admission is by guided tour only and costs 15.25 GBP.

8. Get lost in Blackwell’s Books

For the bookworm, this historic shop is a must. Opened in 1879, it’s home to the Norrington Room, which holds the Guinness Record for the largest bookselling room in the world. Named after Sir Arthur Norrington, a former president of Trinity College, the 10,000-square-foot (929-square-meter) basement is just one of Blackwell’s four floors of books.

9. Take a day trip to Blenheim Palace

This underrated attraction is just 8 miles (12 kilometers) outside of Oxford. Built in the early 18th century, it is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the amazing Baroque architecture, the rooms are preserved with their original furniture and the grounds include a beautiful garden and a butterfly house. The entire palace is filled with statues, tapestries, priceless furniture and fine china, and huge oil paintings. Highlights include the room in which Winston Churchill was born and the Blenheim Tapestries, which are 10 large tapestries that commemorate the first duke’s conquests. Fun fact: this 17th-century palace is the only non-royal house in the UK that’s still allowed to be referred to as a palace. Admission to the palace, park, and gardens is 35.00 GBP.

10. Have a pint at the student pubs

A lot of Oxford’s energy comes from the huge student population. Around Oxford, you’ll find everything from small, quirky dive bars to romantic cocktail bars. The Eagle and Child pub on St Giles’ street is one of the most famous of Oxford’s pubs. The pub was a popular meeting spot for literary heavyweights like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide

Oxford Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There is currently just one hostel in Oxford and a bed in a dorm with 8 beds costs 35-40 GBP. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are included.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for 14 GBP per night. This gets you a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels that include free Wi-Fi and breakfast start at around 80 GBP per night.

There are lots of Airbnb options available in Oxford. A private room costs at least 25-35 GBP per night, while an entire home/apartment starts around 60-90 GBP per night.

Avoid visiting during alumni weekend (which takes place in September) and the annual Oxford Boat Race, which draws 250,000 visitors around Easter. The city fills up fast and prices rise!

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular here too.

You can eat cheaply in Oxford if you stick to the cafes centered close to the university. Most give discounts to students, and whether you pick up a sandwich, salad, or bagel, you won’t pay more than 9 GBP for a meal (even if you aren’t a student).

You’ll find most student restaurants on and around George Street with small takeaway windows and stands selling everything from falafel to burritos. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 GBP for a combo meal while a pint at a pub costs around 5 GBP.

A personal pizza can cost as little as 5.55 GBP while Chinese food costs around 8 GBP for a meal.

Expect to pay 12 GBP for a meal at an inexpensive casual restaurant, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 25 GBP per person, including a drink.

If you’re cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s.

Backpacking Oxford Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Oxford, expect to spend about 70 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, public transit, limiting your drinking, cooking your own meals, and doing mostly free attractions like hanging out in the parks and exploring Oxford University. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of 140 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel room, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few drinks, and doing some paid activities like a guided tour of Oxford or going punting.

On a “luxury” budget of about 240 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or bike to explore, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Oxford Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

As one of the UK’s biggest university towns, Oxford has many free and low-cost things to do. With plenty of cheap pubs, student-focused restaurants, and lots of public spaces, cutting your costs and saving money is easy here. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit Oxford:

• Take a free walking tour – One of the best ways to learn about Oxford is with a free walking tour. Footprints Tours runs free walking tours that can introduce you to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!
• Cook your own food – Like elsewhere in the UK, eating out in Oxford will destroy your budget. Cook as much as you can to save money.
• Eat cheap food – If you do plan on eating out, head out to neighborhoods outside the city center, where most of the students live. Stick to fast food and take-out joints for the cheapest options.
• Bike or walk everywhere – Oxford is not a large city so you can pretty much walk or bike everywhere. Skip the taxis and public transportation if you can.
• See the student theater – You can see cheap and cutting-edge student theater for a couple of pounds at the Burton Taylor Studio (near the bus station). It’s a small theater, but because it hosts student and independent productions, you can find a good deal on the ticket prices — even for last-minute tickets.
• Stay in an Oxford University dorm – When classes aren’t in session, it’s possible to stay in a dorm on the university campus. Exeter College is located in the center of the city and offers bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation in the dormitory. Rooms are only available during the Easter, summer, and winter vacations. (Not currently available due to COVID).
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget you’ll definitely want to try Couchsurfing . It’s a great way to cut costs while connecting to the local scene. Many students are away in the summer, however, so be sure to apply early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Oxford

Oxford currently has just one operational hostel. Fortunately, it’s a good one!

• Central Backpackers

How to Get Around Oxford

The easiest way to get around Oxford, especially if you stick to the central tourist areas, is by walking. Oxford is compact enough to get around on foot.

Bus – There is an extensive bus network through Oxford to get around if you choose to take public transportation. Three separate bus companies operate public transport in Oxford, with single trip fares as low as 1.20 GBP and day passes costing around 3.90 GBP.

Bicycle – Oxford is very bike-friendly if you stick to the bike paths. Pony Bikes and Donkey Bikes are dockless bike companies operating in Oxford, meaning the bikes can be picked up and left anywhere on the sidewalk. Download and rent directly from their respective apps.

If you’d rather pay for a full day of access, you can rent a bike from Summertown Cycles for as little as 18 GBP for your first day (6 GBP for each following day). Brompton Bike Hire offers folding bikes for 5 GBP per day, which you can pick up from the self-serve bike locker next to Oxford Station.

Taxi – Taxis cost around 4.60 GBP to start and 2.40 GBP per mile, but the price depends on the time of day and traffic. You can also use an app like MyTaxi to order your ride. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Uber – Uber is available in Oxford, but again, walking or cycling are the easiest way to get around in the compact city so I’d skip them if you can.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind you’ll be driving on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. Drivers need to be at least 21 and have had their license for at least one year.

When to Go to Oxford

Summer (July-August) is peak tourism season in Oxford, and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely do they go above 22°C (72°F). It’s perfect weather for exploring, punting, and relaxing in the many parks.

Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit as the city is abuzz with student life and temperatures are mild. This is my favorite time to visit.

Winter lasts from December through February, and tourism crowds thin out dramatically during this time. Temperatures can dip below freezing, and prices are slightly lower. The days are cold and grey, however, so I wouldn’t suggest visiting during this time if you can avoid it.

How to Stay Safe in Oxford

Oxford is safe and the risk of violent crime is low. The biggest risk here is petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in the busy student pubs and clubs (however, it’s still quite rare).

Solo travelers, including female travelers, should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re partying in the student pubs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys and pathways when heading home. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and keep your valuables tucked away.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Oxford Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Oxford Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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A Dictionary of Travel and Tourism  

Allan beaver.

Over 6,500 entries

Provides over 6,500 definitions of travel and tourism terminology, including the operating language of the travel industry, acronyms of organizations, associations, and trade bodies, IT terms, and brand names. Completely up to date, this dictionary covers the implications of web technology and social media on the travel and tourism industry, as well as new products and services, such as e-tickets, home-based travel agents, awareness amongst consumers and within the industry of terror-threatened travel, recent changes in legislation, and environmental concerns.

Useful appendices include the World Tourism Organization Global Code of Ethics for Tourism , the recommended tourism syllabus content for Higher Education courses worldwide, and a list of the EC Neutral Computerized Reservation System Rules . Providing a wealth of information on one of the fastest-growing global industries of the 21st century, this dictionary is the ideal point of reference for students taking travel, tourism, and hospitality courses, as well as professionals working within these areas.

Bibliographic Information

Affiliations are at time of print publication..

Allan Beaver is an expert in the fields of travel and tourism, and is Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University and Director of Beaver Travel . Previous publications include Mind Your Own Travel Business (1993), Travel Agency Layout, Equipment and Design (1989), and Air Fares Guide (1995).

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Front matter, publishing information, general links for this work, introduction, recommended tourism syllabus content for higher education courses, ec computer reservation system rules, acknowledgements.

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Philosophy professor Emily Thomas delves deep into how we think about travel and throws light on why we do it.

Thomas ranges from the 16th century, when philosophers first began thinking and writing about travel, to the 21st century and how space travel might affect understanding of our place in the universe. She looks at the thoughts of Montaigne on otherness, John Locke on cannibals, and Henry Thoreau on wilderness. Thomas examines how the philosophy of space fuelled mountain tourism and offers thoughts on ‘doom tourism’ – why we travel to doomed places such as glaciers and coral reefs.

Thomas is assistant professor in philosophy at Durham University. She has published widely on the philosophy of space and time and on philosophical issues in travel.

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Coral reforestation helps restore desolated reefs around Landaa Giraavaru Island on Baa Atoll in the Republic of Maldives.

For travelers, sustainability is the word—but there are many definitions of it

Most people want to support sustainable tourism, even though the concept remains fuzzy.

The word “overtourism” is a relatively new term—but its novelty has not diminished the portent of its meaning: “An excessive number of tourist visits to a popular destination or attraction, resulting in damage to the local environment and historical sites and in poorer quality of life for residents,” according to the Oxford Dictionary .  

As travel recovers from pandemic lows, travelers are once again experiencing the consequences of overtourism at enticing, but crowded, destinations. The UN World Tourism Organization, along with public and private sector partners, marks September 27 as World Tourism Day and uses this platform to discuss tourism’s social, political, economic, and environmental impacts.

This day highlights the importance of sustainable tourism —a framework for engaging travelers and the travel industry at large in supporting goals that include protecting the environment, addressing climate change, minimizing plastic consumption , and expanding economic development in communities affected by tourism.

Getting the facts

A National Geographic survey of 3,500 adults in the U.S. reveals strong support for sustainability. That’s the good news—but the challenge will be helping travelers take meaningful actions. According to the survey—which was conducted in 2019—while 42 percent of U.S. travelers would be willing to prioritize sustainable travel in the future, only 15 percent of these travelers are sufficiently familiar with what sustainable travel actually means.  

( Learn about how to turn overtourism into sustainable global tourism .)

In the National Geographic survey, consumers most familiar with sustainable travel are young: 50 percent are 18 to 34 years old. Among travelers who understand the sustainable travel concept, 56 percent acknowledge travel has an impact on local communities and that it’s important to protect natural sites and cultural places.

The survey has informed National Geographic’s experiential travel and media businesses and sparked conversations for creating solutions around sustainability. Our travel content focuses on environmentally friendly practices, protecting cultural and natural heritage, providing social and economic benefits for local communities, and inspiring travelers to become conservation ambassadors. In short, we see every National Geographic traveler as a curious explorer who seeks to build an ethic of conserving all that makes a destination unique.

Building better practices

National Geographic Expeditions operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 80 destinations. Rooted in the National Geographic Society ’s legacy of exploration, the company supports the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

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For example, South Africa’s Grootbos Lodge launched a foundation to support the Masakhane Community Farm and Training Centre. Through this program, the lodge has given plots of land to local people who have completed the training, increasing their income and access to local, healthy foods; so far the program has benefitted more than 138 community members.

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time-travel verb

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What does the verb time-travel mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the verb time-travel . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the verb time-travel ?

How is the verb time-travel pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the verb time-travel come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the verb time-travel is in the 1930s.

OED's earliest evidence for time-travel is from 1937, in the writing of F. H. Brabant.

time-travel is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: time n. , travel v.

Nearby entries

• time-taker, n. 1576–
• time-taking, adj. 1839–
• time-taper, n. 1810–18
• time-taught, adj. 1758–1859
• time term, n. 1878–
• time-tested, adj. 1821–
• time thrust, n. 1771–
• time ticket, n. 1840–
• time train, n. 1853–
• time travel, n. 1914–
• time-travel, v. 1937–
• time traveller | time traveler, n. 1894–
• time travelling | time traveling, n. 1894–
• time-travelling | time-traveling, adj. 1871–
• time trial, n. 1857–
• time trialist, n. 1939–
• time trialling, n. 1953–
• time triangle, n. 1920–
• time-tried, adj. 1780–
• time value, n. 1848–
• time variation, n. 1847–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, entry history for time-travel, v..

Originally published as part of the entry for time, n., int., & conj.

time-travel, v. was revised in March 2012.

time-travel, v. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into time-travel, v. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

A Supplement to the OED, Volume IV (1986)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View time, n. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for time-travel, v., browse entry.