Oxford travel guides

Oxford spotlight

An Oxford travel guide – majestic medieval colleges, classical concerts, riverside walks and tea-time treats

On an Oxford city break visit the centuries-old colleges of Oxford University and stroll or punt along two pretty rivers. Browse high-quality shops, enjoy classic set teas and sample local ales in wood-beamed old pubs. Book an Oxford hotel to discover a city steeped in tradition and prestige.

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Oxford travel guides

Where to Stay in Oxford – a neighbourhood guide

Oxford is a fascinating blend of old world English charm and bohemian energy. The university attracts a term-time population of high-flying youngsters, as well as a year-round influx of tourists, lending a bubbly cosmopolitan vibe to this historic city. Take your pick from one of the stone-clad central pads, or enjoy a relaxing stay in the surrounding suburbs, which offer the bonus of easy access to the best of the British countryside.

Oxford Shopping Guide – where and what to shop and buy

Given its diminutive size, Oxford really punches above its weight when it comes to shopping. Top of the list for many visitors is a piece of university memorabilia, from college sweatshirts to hoodies. With its formidable reputation as a seat of learning, it’ll come as no surprise that the city boasts a bunch of first-rate bookshops. Locals are also fantastically served by a tantalizing range of independent boutiques, department stores, and gourmet food stalls.

What to See and Do in Oxford – a guide to notable landmarks and attractions

Oxford is historic Britain at its most beguiling. Home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the area is packed to bursting with medieval churches, ramshackle wood-panelled pubs, and immaculately manicured college lawns. But while the university may cling proudly to its eccentric, old school traditions, the city is vibrant, cosmopolitan, and forward-thinking. Scratch beneath its cobblestoned surface, and you’ll find sleek bars, designer shops, and a surprisingly rich live music scene.

Where to Eat in Oxford – a food and dining guide

Oxford may be small, but it's certainly cosmopolitan – that's partly down to the students, who come from all corners of the world to study at the renowned universities in this grand old city. The result is a diverse and tempting dining scene, with restaurants serving everything from hearty traditional English pub fare to chic Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Whether you're eating on a student budget or splashing the cash, there’s something to suit every preference.

Oxford Travel Tips

The stately, historic city of Oxford is a forest of fascinating buildings dating back to medieval times, a series of enlightening museums, and an air of old school English refinement. That said, it also has a lively student scene, as well as a busy cultural calendar with music, art, and theatre an integral part of city life.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Oxford

With a big student population, and a huge influx of tourists throughout the year, it’s no surprise that Oxford has a thumpingly diverse evening scene. You'll find a calendar full of events, from highbrow cultural shows to live music in local pubs, giving you plenty of chances to mingle and enjoy the city at night.

Family Friendly Attractions in Oxford

Oxford may be famed for its scholars, but it’s also a great city for little learners to explore, with whimsical cobbled streets, lush gardens, and dramatic buildings. It's also host to educational attractions, including museums and galleries which offer activity books and children's corners for younger guests to enjoy.

Arts and Culture in Oxford

Unsurprisingly for a city home to an ancient educational mecca, Oxford has a highbrow cultural scene, with the university attracting many international speakers and visiting artists. From the vast libraries stacked to the ceiling with leather-bound books, to the museums full of relics from around the world, Oxford is as fascinating as it is picturesque.

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