Known as the City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is famous around the world for its university, but there is so much more to this unique city. The architecture, museums, and statues are just a handful of the many things that visitors can marvel at when exploring the city on foot, as it is also well known for its walkability.
Train tickets to Oxford
Visiting Oxford by train with CrossCountry is a breeze. CrossCountry have a number of direct services to Oxford from some of the UK’s biggest towns and cities. These include popular areas such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Bournemouth.
It is advisable to book your Advance Ticket as early as possible in order to secure the best price.
It is important to double-check whether you are eligible for a Railcard, which can help you save money on your journey. With a number of different Railcards available, ranging from a 16-25 to a Veterans Railcard, it is worth checking your eligibility.
FAQs
Oxford Station is the only train station in the city.
Oxford city centre is easily accessible from the station. In just 10 minutes you can walk to Westgate Shopping Centre, top attractions and numerous restaurants and bars.
The closest airport to Oxford is London Heathrow. Passengers can reach Heathrow directly by catching The Airline coach - this takes 1hr20 to reach the airport. Alternatively, getting a train into London and then travelling to Heathrow from the capital is another option.
However, an easier option may be getting on of our trains to Birmingham Airport. This is a direct service and only takes an hour.
Getting a cheap train to Oxford can be done if you know how! Our cheap train ticket has lots of suggestions.
If you have any further questions about the station in Oxford, check out our station guide.
Experience Oxford
Places to eat in Oxford
Ideally situated just next to the River Thames is The Folly Restaurant. To make the most of its location, the restaurants terrace floats on the river, so diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the serene atmosphere of the water lapping against the nearby bridge.
The modern European menu is filled with popular dishes such as beef sirloin with creamed cabbage, as well as smoked cauliflower with crispy potatoes. Make this dining experience even more special by boarding one of their Edwardian River boats and take in the sights of Oxford before enjoying a meal from their a la carte menu.
For an authentic taste of Italy, you can never go wrong with Mario’s Pizzeria located on Cowley Road. Step inside and you are welcomed like family before you are shown to your table donning red and white tablecloths.
During busy periods, it has been known for patrons to queue around the corner – so it’s clear that the people of Oxford love Mario’s! For a more informal dinner, we recommend ordering your pizza to take away and enjoying an al fresco meal in South Park if you are visiting during the summer months.
Places to stay in Oxford
There are a number of grand hotels as well as quaint B&Bs scattered across the city, giving visitors a varied choice of accommodation for their stay – whether you’re staying for just one night or a little longer.
One convenient and luxurious option for your stay in Oxford is the Royal Oxford Hotel. Located just a few minutes from both the train station as well as the city centre, the hotel is ideal for visitors who are looking to check in soon after arriving at the station, drop their bags off, and get ready to explore the city. Each of the twenty-six en-suite rooms on offer in the Royal Oxford Hotel has its own unique character and charm, meaning no two stays are the same.
You don’t have to venture too far from the city centre to find a stylish B&B, with the Newton House Bed & Breakfast just one mile from the centre and overlooking the Corpus Christi College grounds. This late 19th Century townhouse boasts fourteen stylish en-suite bedrooms with rural scenery even though it is just a ten-minute walk from the centre.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Culture and heritage in Oxford
When visiting Oxford, you have to take a closer look at the world-famous university. There are forty-three colleges that make up the university, and their historic buildings are spread across the whole of Oxford.
There are a handful of colleges that are not open to the public, but the majority welcome visitors who want to admire the grounds and see how Oxford students live. Trinity College remains popular with visitors from all over the world due to its central location, as well as its famous chapel and dining hall.
It is also difficult to experience Oxford authentically without punting across the River Cherwell with the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse. Take in the sights of the iconic Colleges, botanical gardens, and Magdalen Bridge from the unique perspective of the water. Either hire one of the punting boats for your group of friends and family and have a go yourself or take it easy and hire a chauffeur.
Shopping in Oxford
Since the grand opening of the Westgate Oxford back in 2017, Oxford has become a must visit for shoppers all around the Oxford area as well as visitors from further afield. The Westgate is more than just home to some of the most recognisable brands in the UK, but there are countless activities that help make a visit to the Westgate a grand day out. Mini golf, darts, and a Curzon cinema are all on offer within the Westgate alongside popular restaurants to keep you entertained beyond your shopping spree.
For a more independent shopping experience, visit the Oxford Covered Market. This market has been a go to area for shoppers for over 250 years and is the heart of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you are looking for quality meat, flowers, gelato, books, and even more, you’ll be sure to find whatever it is you’re looking for.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Oxford
Enjoy a vegan meal out in the historical city of Oxford.
Free Things to Do in Oxford
Discover the best of Oxford on a budget with CrossCountry.
