A guide to Oxford

Did you know?

  • 1.
    The University of Oxford has evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
  • 2.
    Oxford offers a full range of amenities beyond the university as well as a wealth of theatre, festivals, museums and exhibitions.
  • 3.
    The name 'Oxford' derives from the Anglo-Saxon 'Oxnaforda' meaning a ford for oxen. The ford would probably have been where Folly Bridge crosses the Thames which, in the 8th C AD would have been on the border between the counties of Mercia and Wessex.

Oxford Area

Comprising the historic city of Oxford, Oxfordshire is steeped in local history. Benefitting from some of the most beautiful countryside in the whole of the UK, it is easy to see why it is one of the most desirable parts of the country to live. Between the many historic attractions, pubs and restaurants, tourists and residents have plenty to do.

Surrounding Villages

  • Taynton
    Located to the west of Oxford, this pretty and unblemished Oxfordshire Cotswolds village remains unspoilt. The village was well-known for its stone quarries, and many buildings of importance throughout the Thames Valley use Taynton limestone. Situated in the Windrush Valley, and surrounded by a private estate, it is a highly desirable location to live.
  • Swinbrook
    Swinbrook is another village built almost exclusively from Cotswold stone. Also said to be untouched by time, it is a classic English village with its stone walls, attractive church and cricket pitch with wooden pavilion. Sitting in the Windrush Valley, The Swan is one of the area’s most popular Public Houses.
  • Dorchester-on-Thames
    This historical village with the Abbey as the main tourist attraction is just 9 miles south of Oxford. Originally with 10 coaching Inns, two remain; The George and The White Hart. This village is perfect for discovering some of England’s most charming villages, beautiful countryside, grandest of homes and oldest universities, all while being a wonderful place to live.
  • Great Milton
    The village is well located for the M40 and access to London, as well as being home to Le Manoir. Along with affordable housing, Great Milton has a range of period houses both large and small, cottages, some of them thatched, as well as contemporary dwellings and bungalows.
  • East Hendred
    East Hendred is a pretty south Oxfordshire village set at the bottom of a chain of hills known as The Downs in the notable Vale of White Horse in the heart of England. The pretty village also has three pubs, museums, art galleries and tourist attractions.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Oxford has a wealth of shopping opportunities:

    there are the expected high-street brands, mostly around Cornmarket and Queen Street, interspersed with some smaller boutique shops. You can also browse quirky boutiques, delicatessens, craft shops and antiques stalls. There are also numerous well known restaurants and pubs along with historic and individual bars and hotels.

  • Eating

    The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

    Sean Burbidge has designed a menu to offer an eclectic mix of modern British comfort food and international dishes.

    Gee’s Restaurant & Bar

    A unique setting in a large Victorian glasshouse. Sitting amongst the olive trees and plants, the menu evolves daily inspired by the regional dishes of Spain and Italy.

    Soho Farmhouse

    A private members’ club based just outside Great Tew, there are a selection of restaurants including Japanese, Italian and traditional British cuisine.

    Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

    Raymond Blanc opened Le Manoir 35 years ago and it has retained its two Michelin stars ever since. Offering the expected high quality gastro experience, it is a destination venue for many.

    Old Bank Hotel

    The independently owned Old Bank, centrally located on Oxford’s famous High Street, is a breath-taking statement in design with unrivalled views of the city’s most famous landmarks.

  • Drinking

    The Turf Tavern

    One of Oxford’s historic pubs offering good pub food with a wide range of draught ales.

    The Bear

    Maybe it is the oldest pub in Oxford, maybe it isn’t - when you are there, you believe it is - the home of Inspector Morse & Lewis.

    The Eagle and Child

    Possibly the most famous pub in Oxford, owned by St. Johns College since the 17th Century. It has associations with the Inkling’s writers group which included J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

    The Swan at Swinbrook

    Sitting on the Windrush, this is a pub offering an excellent selection of real ales as well as a locally sourced menu.

    The Bull, Charlbury

    A fantastic village pub with a wonderful selection of wines and real ales alongside a good quality traditional pub menu.

    The Duke of Cambridge

    Oxford’s leading cocktail bar for 30 years, located centrally in the bohemian district of Jericho.

Travel

  • Trains
    • Oxford Centre to Paddington from 51 minutes.
    • Oxford Parkway to Marylebone from 55 minutes.
    • Bicester North to Marylebone from 54 minutes.
    • Charlbury to Paddington from 69 minutes.
    • Didcot Parkway to Paddington from 39 minutes.
  • Other transport

    Other transport in the area includes many buses to the surrounding areas, as well as good access to the M40 and A34.