Visiting Oxford
What you will find on this page:
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Getting to Oxford & travelling around Oxford
The famous city of Oxford is easily accessible by coach (bus) and train from London.
From the airport:
London Heathrow Airport
This is the easiest option for Oxford.
- The Airline bus – (approximately every 20 mins during the day) A 24/7 coach/bus that travels directly from London Heathrow Airport to Oxford in about 90 mins. Check the times, stops and prices on their website. You can book online or pay on the bus.
- Taxi companies – 001 Taxis or Royal Cars offer an airport pickup service (this is an expensive option).
London Gatwick Airport
This is also a good option for Oxford.
- The Airline bus – (approximately every 60 mins during the day) A 24/7 coach/bus that travels directly from London Gatwick Airport (via Heathrow) to Oxford in about 120 mins. Check the times, stops and prices on their website. You can book online or pay on the bus.
- Taxi companies – 001 Taxis or Royal Cars offer an airport pickup service (this is an expensive option).
Luton Airport and Stansted Airport
These London airports are a bit more difficult for Oxford.
- National Express (737) – A direct 737 bus runs every 3-4 hours starting at Stansted Airport and passing through Luton Airport. Check the times on their website.
From London:
Coach
We suggest:
- The Oxford Tube – Runs 24/7 every 15 mins during the day (every 60mins at night). Check the times on their website.
Train
Trainline is a good website for buying tickets.
We suggest getting off at ‘Oxford’ station which is in the city centre (NOT ‘Oxford Parkway’).
Trains go from:
- Paddington Station
- Marylebone Station
Around Oxford:
Oxford is a very small city. The best way to move around Oxford is to walk, cycle or use the bus.
Bus
There is a big network of buses around Oxford. You will always be within a short walking distance of a bus stop.
Most buses are operated by The Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach. We suggest paying on the bus with cash or card.
Bicycle
Oxford is a cycling city. It is an enjoyable mode of transport. However, we suggest you only cycle in Oxford if you are a confident cyclist as it can be quite challenging when you are new to the city and to the rules of the road. If you do wish to rent a bike, we have local hire companies such as Bainton Bikes (Voi and Lime rental bikes also operate in Oxford).
Taxi
- 001 Taxis – (0) 1865 240000
- ABC Taxis – (0) 1865 770077
- Royal Cars – (0) 1865 777333
(Uber also operates in Oxford)
Car
We strongly suggest you do not use a personal car inside Oxford as there are many restrictions, lots of traffic, and expensive parking. It is far easier to use public transport in this small city.
Where to stay
There are plenty of options in terms of hotels, university rooms and apartments in and around Oxford.
As Oxford is a very busy place especially during the summer, it is essential to book your accommodation as early as possible. Use the links below to check availability and book where you will stay.
Things to do in Oxford
You will be in the heart of the historic city, which you will have plenty of time to explore during your stay. We will be happy to point you in the right direction for tours, museums, and walks in the area.
Top attractions in Oxford include:
- University of Oxford colleges – particularly Christ Church which is famous for Harry Potter & Alice in Wonderland, as well as having the city’s cathedral within its walls.
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin – Where the University began. It also has a tower with one of the most beautiful views of the city.
- The Bodleian Library – One of the most famous libraries in the world.
- The Sheldonian Theatre – Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this building is an amazing concert hall, as well as where students of the University of Oxford pass through during matriculation (becoming a student) and graduation.
- The Ashmolean Museum – world-class and free.
- The Natural History Museum / The Pitt Rivers Museum – Two free museums in the same stunning building ranging from Dinosaur fossils to musical instruments from around the world.
- The History of Science Museum – Also free, with a board from one of Einstein’s lectures at the University of Oxford, as well as a selection of many other historical science objects.
- The Oxford Botanic Garden – Oldest botanic garden in the UK. Always a lovely place to visit on a sunny day, with views onto the river where punting takes place in the summer.
- Punting on the river – Quintessentially Oxford. There are a couple of options, we suggest Magdalen Bridge as it is the closest to the city centre (spring/summer only).
- The Covered Market – Explore the historic market (250+ years) with beautiful shops – great for lunch breaks and local shopping.
- Blackwell’s Bookshop (48-51 Broad Street) – This legendary academic bookstore opened in 1879 and still looks amazing inside. The Norrington room was created in the 1960s by excavating underground. Once the world’s largest display of books (over 150,000 books) in one single room.
- Tasting local food and drinks in one of the many traditional pubs and restaurants
Day/Weekend trips from Oxford include:
- Blenheim Palace – A beautiful historic house a short bus ride from Oxford.
- The Cotswolds – including Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold, Burford, Chipping Norton and many more.
- London – London is very close, either by train (from Oxford station) or bus (the Oxford Tube bus).
- Bath – A beautiful Historic city that is famous for its Roman Baths.
- Stratford-upon-Avon – Famous birthplace and home of William Shakespeare.
- Bicester Village – is a designer outlet shopping centre famous with tourists around the world. Buses and trains from Oxford.
Annual events in Oxford
These are the events that all Oxford residents go to at least once in their lifetime.
May Morning
(1st May, City centre/Magdalen College)
Although May morning is celebrated around the UK in many ways, Oxford is unlike any other. Wake up at the crack of dawn to witness the most “Oxford” event. Crowds start to form from early morning near Magdalen College, in the city centre, waiting for the start. At 6 a.m. the Magdalen choir sings from the top of college tower as the crowd falls silent to listen to the beautiful voices. Then, once the singing stops, performers (Morris dancers, jugglers, bands…etc) bring the city streets to life on this exciting morning!
Oxfordshire Art Week
(Most of May)
Art week is actually a month of local artists displaying their art in homes, businesses, public spaces and art galleries throughout Oxfordshire. Each week is a different area’s turn to exhibit. This is an amazing opportunity to see individuals who love art showing what they make. You can often buy pieces but there is no pressure to buy, this is a community event where everyone is welcome to just enjoy art. https://www.artweeks.org/
The Cowley Road Carnival
(Dates vary between July-September, Cowley Road)
The day is a vibrant celebration of culture, entertainment, and community spirit, featuring dazzling performances, lively parades, and diverse activities that highlights the city’s rich cultural tapestry. What a fun day!
St Giles Fair
(Monday and Tuesday following the first Sunday of September, St Giles)
This fair dates back to 1625. Although all the rides are now modern fair rides, the location on St Giles has been the same for 400 years. It also means that one of the main roads, with beautiful old Oxford buildings, is closed for the fair. It makes for a very surreal couple of evenings!
Bonfire Night
(Closest Saturday to 5 November, South Park)
Although this is not specific to Oxford, it is a very big show considering the size of the city and is for charity. Usually has a small fair, some food vans, bands playing and eventually a large fireworks show.
Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find something to amuse you during your stay in Oxford.
Packing your bag
Going abroad is fun and comes with questions like “What should I wear?”, “What plug do they use?”, “What money do I need?”. So we’ve put together a few details to make this exciting trip easy for you!
UK weather & clothing
The weather in the UK can vary a lot even throughout one day and dressing correctly for the weather can be confusing! This is a rough idea but be aware that the variation even day to day is large. Please always check the weather before travelling.
For the course, you can dress casually as we just want you to be comfortable during your training. However, we do have photos at the certificate ceremony and some people may choose to dress formally for this. That is for you to decide.
In spring, you can expect:
– medium daylight hours (approximately 12 hours of daylight)
– Weather: Mixed weather from cold/freezing and overcast or rain, to sunny and warm.
– to need layers on top and reasonable trousers (e.g. t-shirt, jumper and light coat, jeans)
In summer, you can expect:
– Long daylight hours (approximately 17 hours of daylight)
– Weather: Sunny and warm (possibility of overcast or rainy days).
– to need a mixture of light clothes with optional warmer layers (e.g. t-shirt, shorts or light trousers, with option for jeans and a light coat in case of rain)
In autumn, you can expect, cold and wet weather
– medium daylight hours (approximately 12 hours of daylight)
– Weather: cold and overcast or rain
– to need layers on top and reasonable trousers (e.g. t-shirt, jumper and light coat, jeans)
In winter, you can expect:
– short daylight hours (approximately 7 hours of daylight)
– Weather: cold/freezing and overcast or rain
– to need layers on top and reasonable trousers (e.g. tshirt, jumper and big coat, jeans)
UK electrical plugs & sockets
The UK uses a unique plug and socket design that does not look like any other nation. This is a 3-pin plug that looks like the picture below. Please remember to bring the correct plug adapter for your travels.
Money – Cash or Card
In the UK we use what is commonly known as the ‘pound’ (GBP – Great British Pound). Our coins and notes have changed a few times, so it’s always worth checking you have the correct money if you prefer to use cash. In the UK, it is now more popular to pay by card. Almost every shop accepts card and some shops only accept card. If you can only use cash, you will still be able to buy everything you want as we have many shops that sell similar products.
Current notes: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/current-banknotes
Current coins: https://www.royalmint.com/collect/collector-resources/uk-coin-mintage-figures/
Important information about Oxford & the UK
UK Emergency phone number (Call 999)
EMERGENCY ONLY – Immediate danger only
Police – 999
Medical (NHS) – 999
Fire – 999
Non-emergency contacts
If you have anything to report to the police or you want help with medical advice or services from the fire brigade but you are not in immediate danger, please use these numbers.
Police – 101
Medical (NHS) – 111
Fire Brigade – 112
The UK is a very safe country and we hope you never have to use these contacts. However, it would be good to save them in your phone just in case.
Smoking/vaping in the UK
Smoking/vaping is not allowed inside any work/public building (e.g. Offices, hotels, hospitals etc.) and vehicle (e.g. bus, taxi, work van etc.) in the UK. Leaving cigarette ends on the floor is considered littering. Please put the cigarette ends into an appropriate cigarette bin/ashtray.
Documents needed to enter the UK
The documents you need to enter the country: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk
Internet and Eduroam in Oxford
The University of Oxford is spread all over Oxford. This means you will find many buildings throughout the centre of the city with Eduroam available. Many cafes and some shops also have internet free internet for customers. Most accommodation and classrooms we use will also have internet.
