Oxford is a great city break if you want to take in some beautiful architecture, punt along the river, and wander around the old college streets. There is lot’s to see and do here in 48 hours, so I will suggest my top picks for you, and you are sure to have a great weekend away.
You will be spoilt for choice with some insta worthy cocktail bars and rooftop restaurants, and high street and independent boutiques. Whether you want to learn more at a museum or sit on the riverfront with a glass of Pimms, you will definitely find more than enough to do, whatever your interests are.
I would recommend doing the park and ride, as parking is limited in the city, can be expensive, and not many hotels have parking spaces unfortunately. It’s safe and easy to leave your car at the multiple park and ride destinations and buses are always available.
Where to stay
Ever fancied staying in an old prison for the night? Now your answer to that may be no, which I get, but go and have a look at the Malmaison Hotel in Oxford. They renovated a former prison which sat within a medieval castle, so history nerds, this one is for you! However don’t worry, you won’t be sleeping in a cell but rather 3 cells and they have definitely improved since the last inmate stayed the night. They have kept some original features like the wrought-iron staircase and walkway and cell doors, so you genuinely feel you are staying in a prison but it’s way more luxurious than you could ever imagine.
If that doesn’t sound like your sort of place then don’t worry as there are many other exquisite hotels you can choose from:
Museum Hotel – Wanting a bit of history but maybe not a prison, then this one is for you. The building dates back to 1594 but don’t worry the bedrooms have all been updated since then and all have a modern twist. The main lobby and lounge all have some of the original features such as fireplaces and a spiral staircase though. It’s situated in the heart of the city so great if you want to step out of your door and explore straight away.
Old Bank Hotel – If you are looking for a real treat then check out the room with a view, it’s incredible, but if you can’t take out a small loan for a night away, don’t worry they have other more affordable rooms. This hotel is in a superb position as it’s within walking distance of the shops, theatre, and the city’s Botanic Gardens. The hotel has a secure car park, which is complimentary for guests and provides all guests with bikes to explore the city (so you can feel like a local) and daily walking tours of the city with an in-house guide.
The Head of the River – This is a pub come hotel but don’t worry, noisy drinkers won’t keep you up to the early hours. The pub sits on the river which is idyllic on a summer day and is a great location to explore the city centre but also to walk along the river to the colleges. The rooms are on the smaller side but for a cheaper night away it won’t cause you any problems if you are just looking for somewhere to rest your head.
The Porter House – This hotel is slightly out of the main city but close to the train station, so if that’s how you are making your way to Oxford, this could be the one for you. Again this is a pub with rooms but don’t let that put you off as this is a high-end boutique style pub with rooms which have all been stylishly decorated. Also if you are a steak lover, then check out their restaurant too!
Vanbrugh House Hotel – Right in the centre of the city, surrounded by the many college buildings that Oxford has to offer, is this charming, Grade II listed building. It’s full of character which means no two bedrooms are the same and each room has been decorated with beautiful, modern furnishings. Described as ‘ a boutique hotel in Oxford, where the past blends seamlessly with the present in the heart of the ‘City of Dreaming Spires‘ need I say anymore.
Where to eat and drink
Oxford has a real mix of places to eat, from food from all around the world, cosy cocktail bars, and rooftop restaurants, so whatever the weather and whatever you fancy you are sure to find something you will love.
Breakfast
- Cafe Tarifa – A taste of Southern Spain in Oxford.
- George Street Social – Bottomless Prosecco brunches are calling your name
- Oxfork – Cause who doesn’t love a pun?!
- The Nosebag – Local suppliers, seasonal menu, and hand-thrown crockery
Lunch/Dinner
- Arbequina – Spanish tapas heaven
- Benugo – Rooftop dining!
- Gees – Sit in an iconic glasshouse for your Mediterranean dinner
- Victoria Arms – Great pub to punt too
Cocktails
- Duke of Cambridge – Daily happy hour
- Freud – Cocktails in church, Yes Please!
- Raoul’s Bar – Intimate bar with the largest selections of liquor in the country
- The Varsity Club – 4-level venue plus a rooftop lounge with skyline views.
Treats
- Barefoot – Mouthwatering cakes
- George and Danver – Homemade Ice cream, brownies, muffins, and more.
- IScream – Flavour, Freshness, and Fabulousness.
- My Cookie dough – Buy your own cookie dough DIY kit.
Things to see and do
These two iconic landmarks in Oxford are definitely worth a visit ad sit right next to each other and are situated right in the heart of the city centre. Both the Bridge of Sighs and Radcliffe Camera were in the Harry Potter films so you may see lots of fans and tours around this area but both are great for a photo opportunity. The Bodleian Libraries backs onto the Radcliffe Camera, which is definitely worth a visit due to the beautiful architecture inside. They do offer tours, so check them out to find one that takes your interests.
You can’t come to Oxford and not walk the grounds of the many spectacular College buildings that surround the city, 38 in fact! Many allow visitors the opportunity to walk around inside and on the grounds, which is definitely a must if you want to feel you have stepped through the doors of Hogwarts. You will need to pay to go into some of them or you can just walk the grounds outside for free if you aren’t up to paying but if you do want to visit at least one, then I would definitely suggest you head to Christ Church. The likes of six Olympic gold medalists, writer Lewis Carroll and Albert Einstein have all studied here. If you want to visit more then check out Merton, Oriel, Magdalen, and All Souls.
A trip to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without a bit of punting. There are a few different companies that offer punting along the river but the best is definitely Magdalen Bridge Boathouse. Whether you want to be chauffeured around which is £32 per 30 mins at weekends or feel like giving punting a go yourself, which is £24 per hour. If punting isn’t your cup of tea you can instead hire a rowing boat or a fancy Pedalo. Either way, definitely go and see Oxford from the water.
There are many museums to visit in Oxford whether you want to learn about Art and Archaeology, science or natural history, the city has it all. To top it off, most of them are free as well so great if you are on a budget. Head to Ashmolean to see anything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. Want to embrace the weird and wonderful? With half a million exhibits, you won’t be bored visiting the Pitts Rivers Museum, with voodoo dolls, shrunken heads, and everything in between to discover. Oxford’s version of Londons Natural History Museum is the Museum of Natural History. It’s free to go in and has anything from a caterpillar to a T-Rex to learn more about.
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