About Oxfordshire

The history of Oxfordshire attracts people from around the world. From the famous colleges in and around the City Centre to the Cotswold villages and historic buildings.

Location

Oxfordshire is set in the centre of England, which means you are never too far away from some of the hottest spots to visit:

  • Central London - 57 miles
  • Central Birmingham - 66 miles
  • Bath - 69 miles
  • Southampton - 66 miles
  • Portsmouth - 84 miles

London is only an hour away on the train and 90 minutes by coach from the city centre. Services from both the train and coach stations run frequently throughout the day with a coach service running every 20 minutes throughout the night.

Buses run throughout the county between villages and towns. There are also train stations dotted around for easier access.

Shopping

Oxford City Centre was recently voted 8th best place to shop in Britain. Clothes shops, varsity shops, book shops... Oxford really does have it all!

The many towns throughout Oxfordshire also boast an array of places to spend your money. Bicester Village, located in the North East of the county, is home to an outlet shopping centre with low prices.

Attractions

There need never be a dull moment for people living in Oxfordshire. With the numerous parks, its enchanting waterways, Cotswold villages and wildlife centres, there is always plenty to do:

  • Blenheim Palace - Woodstock
  • Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - Burford
  • Waddesdon Manor - Near Aylesbury
  • Ashmolean Museum - Oxford
  • Oxford University Botanic Gardens - Oxford
  • Cogges Manor Farm Museum - Witney

Oxfordshire also houses many Cotswold villages with local attractions such as model villages, trout farms and even a maze.

The two rivers running through Oxford - the River Thames (Isis) and the River Cherwell - make it an ideal place for either hiring out a punt for the day in Oxford or hiring a boat to float along the Oxford Canal, stopping at one of the many pubs along the way! The artificial canal environment has also become a thriving habitat for many wildlife creatures and plants.

Evening Entertainment

You are spoilt for choice when dining out in Oxfordshire, with choices ranging from local pub cuisine to Raymond Blanc. There are also many Indian, Chinese, French, Spanish and Thai restaurants dotted around the county. With cinemas, theatres, jazz clubs and a comedy club, there is plenty to keep you occupied in the evening. There are often plays, ballet performances and musicals featuring on the programmes of Oxford's theatres.

However, you don't have to go into the town centre to enjoy an evening. The numerous local village pubs have a friendly atmosphere and beer on tap for both local residents and the many tourists which visit these villages.