Hotels in Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Located in the southern region of England, between the River Cherwell and River Thames, is the lovely town of Oxford. Outside of London, it's one of the most famous and most prominent English cities. The city is known worldwide for its renowned university, including the World's oldest English-speaking university. Significant across all eras of history, Oxford's city centre and its college buildings and associated institutions showcase buildings in every architectural style from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day. Also known as the "City of Dreaming Spires", this fun destination hasn't been overrun by trends and features some of the best British pubs.

There is always a great deal of annual tourism in the town of Oxford. Thus, there's no shortage of hotel accommodations throughout the city, no matter what size of budget. There are rooms of every style and design in Oxford waiting to welcome you with lovely city views, great food and friendly hospitality.

Neighbourhoods of Oxford

Oxford is divided into several different neighbourhoods, each boasting its personality. Some of the more notable areas include:

• City Centre: Dominated by university buildings, you'll get totally immersed in intellectual history and architecture here.
• Jericho: This is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the country and the university’s science area. However, it really comes alive at night in the many pubs, street-side bars and music venues.
• Cowley Road: With its cultural diversity, this area has a relaxed boho-like feel. It features amazing street art and interesting independent cinema (the Ultimate Picture palace).
• Summertown: This is the resting place of JRR Tolkien. This high-street centre has a great mix of trendy boutiques, thrift shops and eateries.

What to see and do in Oxford

As one of the United Kingdom's most historically important cities, Oxford has so much to offer. Tourists will be amazed by how much a small city centre can contain. The following are some of the top things to do and see from a very long list:

• Radcliffe Camera: A columned, circular library built in a grand Palladian-style theme.
• Ashmolean Museum: This is the oldest public museum in Britain. It's housed in a magnificent neo-classical building.
• Colleges: The most striking and beautiful colleges are Christ Church, Magdalen, Merton, New, Brasenose and All Souls.
• Oxford Castle & Prison: The city’s oldest building, St George’s Tower, remains at Norman Fort. This tourist magnet offers entertaining theatrical tours for visitors.
• Bridge of Sighs: This Venice-style bridge links the two halves of Hertford College.
• Pitt Rivers Museum: Home to a fantastic collection of strange, eccentric and unexpected exhibits.
• Story Museum: Take a visit and enjoy this great exhibition. It honours the city’s literary heritage and many famous writers, like Lewis Carroll, TS Elliott, CS Lewis, Phillip Pullman, JRR Tolkien and Nick Park.
• Botanic Garden: First built in 1621, this small and peaceful garden sits along the River Cherwell.
• Sheldonian Theatre: The first major building of Sir Christopher Wren. The theatre now plays hosts to graduation ceremonies for the local colleges.
• Blenheim Palace: The ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill lies 60 miles out of Oxford.

What to eat in Oxford

There are no significant dishes specific to this area or referred to as traditional Oxford cuisine. Still, you'll find a range of great meals that taste better in England than they do anywhere else. Food in Oxford is very international, primarily since the town caters to students and visitors from all over the globe. Thus, you'll find a good representation of global cuisines for all corners of the world. Here are a few treats indelibly associated with the city:

• Oxford Marmalade: A type of jam that Frank Cooper invented in 1874. It's a much darker orange than other marmalades.
• Oxford Sausages: These are popular C-shaped skinless sausages that are eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• Hollygog pudding: This dessert is like a roly-poly pudding but filled with golden syrup and cooked in milk.

Typical events and festivals in Oxford

Oxford boasts a lively and vibrant culture. Some of the most popular events are:

• International Women’s Festival: This is an early February celebration to women, their achievements and a show of solidarity.
• May Morning Mayday is marked by fun and traditional events at various colleges.
• The Town & Gown: This annual 10k-run happens in late May.
• St Giles Fair: A large funfair travels to Oxford and takes over the streets early in September.

How to move around in Oxford

As the centre of Oxford is a relatively small area, it is relatively easy to navigate the area on foot. The town is also a great place to cycle. For journeys further out of the city, you can use the city's extensive bus network. Tourists can also enjoy hiring a private punt to take them on a trip down the famous river. There are also many hop-on/hop-off open-top bus tours. Oxford is well connected to other English cities by coach and rail, and it’s just a short 90-minute drive on the M4 to get to London.

The climate in Oxford

Oxford has the same typical climate as the rest of southern England. The city experiences low winter temperatures, usually averaging a freezing 2°–3° C. The summers tend to be fairly mild, with temperatures ranging in the mid-20s °C. In Oxford, there's always a risk of rain from September through June. The best time to visit the town is from spring through summer, lasting between April and September.