Oxford City Centre

Oxford
Oxford Town Hall showing heritage elements and street scenes
The center of this English town is known for its medieval architecture, much of which is part of a prestigious university that was used as a location for Harry Potter films.

Visit Oxford City Centre to be immersed in the history and culture of one of the U.K.’s most recognizable places. Dating back to the 9th century, the town has been a center for scholars for more than 800 years and is an architectural treasure trove. Stroll down cobbled streets to discover Oxford’s striking buildings, intriguing museums and shooting locations for Harry Potter movies.

Compact Oxford City Centre is filled with attractions. Climb the spiral staircase of the historic Carfax Tower for stunning bird’s-eye views. The nearby Town Hall and St. Aldates Church, which has origins in the 12th century, are also worthwhile stops for history buffs. Don’t miss Modern Art Oxford, an art gallery that showcases modern and contemporary art and hosts regular events.

One of the biggest attractions in Oxford is the university, with its colleges and museums. Tour the University of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, which was founded as a cabinet of curiosities in 1683. Continue to the Science Area for the University Museum of Natural History and its skeletons of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.

Also at the University of Oxford is the Radcliffe Camera. This striking circular building houses one of the world’s greatest collections of scientific books. Just behind the area is the Bodleian Library, a stunning neoclassical structure housing more than 13 million items, including every book ever published in Britain.

Fans of the Harry Potter movies should visit the city’s famous locations that were used when shooting the first, second and fourth films of the popular series. Hallways of the Christ Church College became the corridors at Hogwarts, while the Christ Church dining room served as an inspiration for the Great Hall. The New College Cloisters were used as the location for some of the Hogwarts scenes in the fourth film. Look for the oak tree, the setting of Draco Malfoy’s transformation into a ferret.

While touring the University of Oxford, be sure to stop at Exeter College. Many of its top attractions, such as the dining hall where J.R.R. Tolkien ate, are open to the public.

At the heart of one of the oldest university towns in Europe, Oxford City Centre is a history enthusiast’s dream. Enjoy its museums, galleries and attractions that are part of today’s popular culture.


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Oxford City Centre Hotel Deals

Malmaison Oxford
Malmaison Oxford
4 out of 5
3 Oxford Castle, Oxford, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $190 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$190
$228 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Interesting experience sleeping within prison walls. Loved the room - atmospheric. Interactions with staff was businesslike rather than warm. They did their job but with no extras.. all in all very pleasant but not totally worth the money."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Malmaison Oxford
The Randolph Hotel, by Graduate Hotels
The Randolph Hotel, by Graduate Hotels
5 out of 5
Beaumont Street, Oxford, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $339 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$339
$407 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (410 reviews)
"It's an excellent hotel. Well located. Rooms are a good size. King bed was large and comfy. Breakfast was fabulous. Bar is nice too. Had a lovely time. Will definitely be back."

Reviewed on May 24, 2024

The Randolph Hotel, by Graduate Hotels
Vanbrugh House Hotel
Vanbrugh House Hotel
4 out of 5
20-24 St Michaels Street, Oxford, England
The price is $200 per night from Jun 5 to Jun 6
$200
$239 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (979 reviews)
"The room and bed were smaller than expected but for a single occupant for a work trip it had everything I needed and was in a very convenient location with lots of walkable amenities nearby"

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

Vanbrugh House Hotel
George Street Hotel
George Street Hotel
5 out of 5
15-19 George Street, Oxford, England
The price is $226 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$226
$271 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (572 reviews)
"It was such a great trip and the comfort of room."

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

George Street Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre
4 out of 5
15 Paradise Street, Oxford, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $190 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$190
$228 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (468 reviews)
"Absence of a car park is a deficit and the breakfast menu is mean compared with similar hotels."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre
The Bocardo Hotel
The Bocardo Hotel
4 out of 5
24-26 George Street, Oxford, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $177 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
$177
$212 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Oxford Castle and New Theatre Oxford ...
8/10 Very Good! (47 reviews)
"Clean and convenient. Fit for purpose and in a good location"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

The Bocardo Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Oxford City Centre

Really friendly shop to rent a road bike and get some advice on routes. David helped me get set up.  Call ahead to make sure they have a bike that works for you.  From here I did about 50 mile RT to Henley.  I posted some related photos from different points along the ride.  Have fun!

Jericho

Though Jericho might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Oxford Playhouse and Ashmolean Museum.

Jericho


Oxford City Centre

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