The Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture of Oxford gives the city its famous dreaming spires skyline.
With amazing architecture, history, and hidden treasures, Oxford is a wonderful city to visit. Celebrated in poetry and literature, Oxford was home to famous literary figures. C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll all wrote their masterpieces while working here.
There is much to explore in Oxford. Nearby both the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills offer traditional stone villages, and scenic walks. Ideal for nature lovers and hikers. The rivers Thames and Cherwell offers boating, punting, and riverside walks. Petrol heads might enjoy watching thousands of parts coming together to produce up to 1,000 vehicles per day at the BMW Mini Plant Oxford. The county has a strong motorsport heritage. Nearby, Silverstone hosts the British Grand Prix, and Formula 1 teams like Red Bull Racing are based in the county.
Getting There
By Road
London is 60 miles or 1.5 to 2 hours drive depending on traffic. Take the M40 motorway westbound towards Oxford/Birmingham. Exit at Junction 8 or 9 and follow signs to Oxford via the A40 or A34.
From Birmingham the 70-mile drive should take around 1.5 hours
Take the M40 motorway southbound. Exit at Junction 9, then follow the A34 south to Oxford.
From Bristol allow 2 hours for the 75-mile drive. Take the M4 eastbound. Exit at Junction 13, then head north on the A34 to Oxford.
Drivers coming from the east (including London), the south and the west use the Redbridge Park and Ride. Drivers arriving from the north can choose between Pear Tree and Oxford Parkway. See below under parking.
From London airports
From London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, take The Airline coach service, which runs 24 hours a day. You can also get to Oxford by train from Heathrow via London, and from Gatwick via Reading.
From London Stansted airport, take the Stansted Express train service to London Liverpool Street and then take the tube to either Paddington or Marylebone for direct trains to Oxford. Alternatively, there is a National Express 737 coach service.
Trains
Direct services run from London Paddington (serving Oxford station) and London Marylebone (serving Oxford and Oxford Parkway stations). Other services operate from the north via Birmingham New Street; from the south via Reading; and from the west via Didcot or Reading.
Oxford Railway Station is a 5-10 minute walk from the centre of Oxford.
Coaches
The Oxford Tube offers a direct service between Oxford and London, running a frequent timetable on a virtually 24-hour basis, Monday to Sunday.
Parking
Many Oxford streets are closed to traffic and parking is severely limited. Parking in Oxford city centre can be expensive. Visitors are encouraged to use one of five Park and Ride bus services.
Park and Ride
There are five Park and Ride sites all of which serve Oxford City Centre.
- Oxford Parkway (north). For satnav use OX2 8HA. Take the Stagecoach 7 bus to and from the city centre.
- Pear Tree (north). For satnav use OX2 8JZ. Take the 300 bus to and from the city centre.
- Redbridge (south). For satnav use OX1 4XG. Take the 300 bus to and from the city centre.
- Thornhill (east). For satnav use OX3 8DP. Take the 400 bus to and from the city centre.
- Seacourt (west). For satnav use OX2 0HP. Take the 400 bus to and from the city centre.
Taxis
There are taxi ranks at Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Coach Station and St Giles’ in the city centre.
Staying Overnight
The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a 151 room Graduate by Hilton is very well situated.
Set in the heart of the city, steps from the University and its iconic colleges, this landmark hotel celebrates centuries of academic innovation. Enjoy inspired guest rooms, an all-day British brasserie, the storied Morse Bar, a relaxing wellness centre, and signature Graduate amenities.
Sightseeing
Join one of the award-winning Oxford Official Walking Tours operated by Experience Oxfordshire, the official Destination Management Organisation for Oxford and Oxfordshire.
Among the city’s more important landmarks is the Radcliffe Camera. It is one of Oxford’s most iconic buildings, and part of the Bodleian Library. Be sure to visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Christ Church College. The Cathedral which is a stunning blend of university and religious heritage.
Magdalen College Tower is a classic Oxford landmark, where May Morning celebrations take place. As is the Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and now used for university ceremonies.
Museums
The Ashmolean, Natural History, and Pitt Rivers museums lived up to their reputation. Finding the Pitt Rivers is an art in itself because the only public entrance to it, is through the Natural History Museum. ‘s values.
Shopping
Oxford’s Covered Market proved to be a disappointment. Not many of the stalls are devoted to food anymore and many of the markets other stalks are either abandoned or seldom open. A much better bet for quality shopping is the purpose built Westgate, an American styled Mall.
Out of town, Bicester Village, is a luxury shopping destination. This open-air outlet mall offers the A to Z of designer boutiques with more than 160 brands selling fashion, beauty and homeware. From Armani to Zwilling, shopaholics can enjoy year-round discounts of up to 60% as well as pitstops at a big selection of cafes and restaurants. It is home to the world’s most extraordinary brands, including Coach, Penhaligon’s, Polo Ralph Lauren and The White Company. Make a day of it and enjoy eating in Cecconi’s, farm shop restaurant and cafe, or Ottolenghi.
Eating
Located inside The Randolph Hotel, The Alice is an all-day British brasserie in the heart of this historic city. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, The Alice serves comforting, seasonal dishes with a contemporary twist. We enjoyed our meal all the more because we were kept amused by artwork of the Illustrator John Broadley. His illustrations bring together the hotel’s rich history, the City and iconography from Carroll’s story.
