where to stay in oxford ( best area & hotels )

Which is the best area to stay in Oxford?

By Lauren Kendrick. November 06, 2023

Oxford is a quaint English city, most famous for being home to Oxford University and its numerous colleges. Founded in the 12th century, the university is the oldest English-speaking university and draws in huge amounts of tourists each year. Described by the famous poet Matthew Arnold as a “city of dreaming spires” in reference to its medieval churches and colleges, this is a whimsical destination that you must visit. Add to this traditional English pubs, brilliant shopping opportunities, and punting along the Thames and Cherwell rivers, and it’s no wonder this is one of the most famous cities in the UK.

But where should you base yourself during your stay? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, without a doubt, the best area to stay in Oxford is the city centre. This is because it’s extremely compact and, from here, you can access the top landmarks and attractions easily. You’re also just a short walk from South Oxford’s picturesque colleges and Oxford Castle and Prison. The surrounding Gothic architecture in the city centre houses colleges, libraries, theatres, and churches, while there are also plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars in this neighbourhood.If you are interested in where to stay in Oxford, you may also be interested in where to stay in London, where to stay in Brighton, where to stay in York and where to stay in Bath.

City Centre, the best area to stay in Oxford

First time / Sightseeing / History

With its charming cobbled streets and famous Covered Market, Oxford’s city centre is the best place to stay for first-time visitors. This is especially true if you want to be within walking distance of the university’s top colleges - Lincoln and Exeter are in the city centre, while Keble and Christ Church are close by.

The city centre consists of a few major streets, so it’s extremely easy to explore. The Bodleian Library opened in 1602 and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, second in size only to the British Library in London. In addition, the Radcliffe Camera is a gorgeous circular building that is used as a reading room for students but is off-limits to the public.

The city centre is also teeming with museums; the most popular are the Ashmolean Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Pitt Rivers Museum. What’s more, there’s a mix of local and designer stores in this part of the city.

Hotels in Oxford City Centre

Other areas to stay in Oxford

South Oxford

Colleges / Nature / Culture

South Oxford is the best place to stay for those looking to delve deeper into the city’s fascinating history. Much of Oxford’s allure lies in its colleges, and South Oxford is home to two of the largest and most famous colleges in the city: Magdalen College and Christ Church. Both are open to the public, with Christ Church College famous for being a filming location in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Aside from colleges, there are plenty of other sights to explore in South Oxford. Christ Church Meadow is a huge green space that surrounds the college - the perfect spot for a picnic on a warm day or for punting along the River Cherwell. Additionally, the Modern Art Oxford Gallery and Westgate Shopping Centre are also nearby, and the Oxford Botanical Gardens is another popular place to unwind in the city.

Most booked hotel in South Oxford:  Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Summertown

Shopping / Culture / Restaurants

In North Oxford, Summertown is one of the most underrated areas to stay for those who want to enjoy an abundance of independent stores and cafes. Summertown is an important business district and is home to a huge range of shops selling both souvenirs and high-end goods.

While Summertown is ideal for luxury travellers with its beautiful boutique offerings, it is also home to some of the most reasonably priced hotels in the city. There are also many upmarket restaurants and bars here, serving up a range of local and international specialities. And, of course, you can find many traditional English pubs in Summertown.

Nature lovers and active travellers will also enjoy staying in Summertown. From here, you have great access to some lovely countryside walks and open-air parks - Sunnymead Park and Port Meadow are both short walks away.

Most booked hotel in Summertown:  easyHotel Oxford  ⭐⭐

Cowley

Nightlife / Students

For younger tourists, or those keen to explore Oxford’s nightlife, look no further than Cowley. This neighbourhood is a major student hub where many students from the prestigious Oxford University live. As a result, there are plenty of nightlife options here, from clubs to bars and a large helping of traditional English pubs.

You also don’t need to look too far in Cowley to find a delicious meal - there are restaurants boasting cuisines from around the world. Better yet, the hotels here are reasonably priced compared to the offerings in the city centre.

Aside from partygoers, Cowley is a convenient area to stay for entertainment lovers. You have great access to the O2 Academy Oxford and The Bullingdon here, both of which host regular music events throughout the year. Cowley is also home to the annual Cowley Road Carnival, which rivals London’s Notting Hill Carnival with its beautiful costumes and tasty street food.

Most booked hotel in Cowley:  Old Black Horse Inn  ⭐⭐⭐

Jericho

Restaurants / Bars / Shopping

Jericho is widely known for being a youthful area of Oxford, perfect for tourists who love a mixture of relaxing, socialising, and partying. Located just north of Central Oxford, the area has convenient and practical public transport options.

During the day, one of the best things to do in Jericho is to stroll around and admire authentic Victorian architecture, explore some of the world-famous Oxford University, and shop at the brilliant boutique stores along Walton Street. The leafy Port Meadow Park is also nearby if you want to relax and unwind in Oxford.

Despite being a fairly laid back neighbourhood, Jericho does have a lively social scene and plenty of places to go out in the evening. You can enjoy a beer at one of the traditional pubs, dine at a variety of international restaurants, or even head to one of the many hipster cocktail bars.

Most booked hotel in Jericho:  The Jericho Hotel ⭐⭐

Abingdon

History / Relaxation

If you don’t mind compromising on the distance to the city centre, Abingdon is a stunning area to stay in Oxfordshire. Just 6 miles south of the city of Oxford, this charming town awaits history buffs and those looking for an off-the-beaten-track trip. Better yet, there are excellent public transportation options that will take you to the city centre in around 30 minutes.

Abingdon is steeped in history, and there is no shortage of sightseeing to be done here. You can just stroll around the town admiring the authentic medieval architecture, visit many historical landmarks (such as The Abbey Gateway and St Helen’s Church) and learn about Abingdon’s history in its fantastic County Hall Museum.

After a day jam-packed with sightseeing, there is nothing better than enjoying dinner at one of the delicious local restaurants or having a beer at the pub.

Most booked hotel in Abingdon:  Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford  ⭐⭐⭐⭐