City Guide Oxford - Oxfordshire

Oxford

Oxford is a historic city in southern England, renowned for its prestigious University of Oxford, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The city is home to a collection of famous colleges, including Christ Church, Magdalen College, and Balliol College, each with its own rich history and architectural beauty. Combining academic prestige with stunning medieval architecture, Oxford is certainly worth a visit.

Neighbourhood Jericho Oxford

Jericho is a laid-back, bohemian neighbourhood near central Oxford. Its quiet residential streets, lined with redbrick and pastel-coloured Victorian terraces, border ancient Port Meadow, where wild ponies graze. Hip cocktail bars, an arthouse cinema, and hipster coffee shops and eateries line Walton Street and Kingston Road. You'll find Edge Coffee, Barefoot, Broche Coffee and Branca Deli + Cafe.

Oxford & The Cotswolds

Oxford is also close to Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. If you are after quentessential english honey-hued cottage and the countryside than The Cotswolds is certainly for you. Make sure to rent a car as the picture perfect villages can best be travelled by car.

Boutique Hotels Oxford

The Store Hotel Oxford is a scandi-style designed boutique hotel set within the historic former Boswells department store, featuring 101 elegantly styled rooms and suites. Check out the rooftop terrace for a cocktail and stunning views across Oxford. Artist Residence Hotel Oxfordshire is an eccentric bunch of of friendly places & stays across England to eat, drink and sleep. One of the hotels is in Oxfordshire, an idyllic retreat at the gateway to the picture-perfect Cotswolds.

Coffee Oxford

The Independent Cafe is a minimalistic cafe opposite Christ Church College and Christ Church Meadow. The Paperboat Cafe - further down towards the water from Christ Church College you'll find The Paperboat Cafe for lovely coffee. Perfect for a stroll along the Christ Church Meadow, the College Grounds and the University College Boathouse. Newground Coffee – A certified B Corp roastery and café in Oxford, Newground offers specialty beans roasted on-site and delicious coffee.

The Missing Bean is an artisanal cafe for students and the hipster crowd in Oxford. Crowded but a lovely place for a coffee and baked goods. The location on Turl street is nice. The Coffee Guild (TCG) – A late‑opening sober venue in Jericho, The Coffee Guild blends quality espresso drinks, light bites and board games.

Society Cafe is an independent specialty coffee shop with scandi-inspirered interiors for a lovely coffee. Barefoot – A cosy Jericho café famed for its in‑house cakes, pastries, fresh breads, UE‑roasted coffee and charming indoor/outdoor seating perfect for relaxed coffees and people‑watching .

Broche Coffee - Absolutely loved the Broche Coffee cafe. This cute little neighbourhood cafe in Oxford Jericho. With a small outside terrace, this is perfect for your flat white whilst enjoying the sun.

Deli's and Cafes Oxford

Oli's Thai & Elle’s Deli - Oli’s Thai food is served at Elle’s Deli, which occupies the same space as Oli’s Thai. Elle’s is a deli and food shop in East Oxford and sells high quality produce from Britain, Europe and Asia. There is a weekly changing menu offering baked goods each morning such as iced buns, welsh cakes and custard tarts.  Branca Deli + Cafe in Jericho Oxford; this deli serves fresh sandwiches, salads, and daily-baked focaccia. Its bright café and terrace makes its a beloved neighbourhood hotspot.

Bakeries Oxford

Hamblin Bread  is a hipster neighborhood bakery offering organic sourdough, rolls, buns, pizzas, and baked goods in Oxford’s historic Covered Market. Only open from Thursday - Sunday.

Proof Social Bakehouse – An artisan café and social‑enterprise bakery in Kennington just outside Oxford, open Thursday to Sunday and famous for its sourdough breads, pastries, traybakes, and cakes.

Things To Do Oxford

There are so many colleges to visit in Oxford. Explore Christ Church and Magdalen college, then enjoy a classic punting trip along the River Cherwell for a scenic view of the city’s spires and gardens. Below is a list of the things and sights I enjoyed when I was in Oxford in 2014, 2015 and 2025.

Christ Church College · New College · All Souls College · Magdalen College · Exeter College · Trinity College · Worcester College · Balliol College. I went to visit Christ Church College, probably the most famous one due to the staircase and dining hall being inspired by the Harry Potter movies. Make sure to check which colleges are open. Especially Christ Church College I would book in advance. Make sure you start your tour early in the morning. because if you wish to see the dining hall it closes at 11.30am for lunch.

Bridge of Sighs Oxford / Hertford Bridge, often called the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane in Oxford, England.

Bodleian Library The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, is a stunning architectural landmark and a must-visit for its vast collections and historic reading rooms.

Covered Market Oxford - I feel the covered market is maybe a bit overrated and more likeable back in the days. I would go for Hamblin Bread Bakery and the Ice Cream Shop where they also sell William Morris goodies. I bought a lovely pouch at the Christ Church College giftshop.

Ashmolean museum Oxford is the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology and its free. If you like impressionist go to the 3rd floor where you can see a collection of Camille Pissaro, the only artist to exhibit at all eight impressionist exhibitions between 1874 and 1886.

Blenheim Palace - The only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. Also birth place to Winston Churchil. Make sure you visit the impressive Blenheim Palace when you are planning a trip to the Cotwolds or Oxford. This beautiful baroque country house is close to Oxford and is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and its family. You can easily spend a few hours on the grounds. Make sure you pre book.

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