Best places to stay:
It doesn’t get much more central than this charming B&B, hidden away behind a mint-green frontage on historic Ship Street, a stone’s throw from all the city’s main sights.
The house dates back to the 16th century, and the winding passageways, stone floors and jumble of rooms all add to the historic feel.
There are few add-ons – there’s no breakfast (but countless cafes and restaurants within walking distance) or communal area – but this means super-affordable rooms in one of the best locations in the city.
All the main sights – the colleges, covered market and shops and restaurants – are within a few minutes’ walk. If you want to be right at the heart of historic Oxford, this is the place to choose.
Tucked away on a skinny side street, right in the centre of town, Tower House is flanked by residential buildings, with the imposing walls of Jesus College directly opposite.
Inevitably there is traffic noise and plenty of hubbub, with a café and a couple of boutiques a few doors along, but it’s not one of the city’s main arteries, and it does quieten at night.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
Oxford’s extraordinarily beautiful colleges have housed everyone from prime ministers to presidents, and pair centuries of British history with spectacular architecture.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
A world-class collection of art and architecture in the heart of Oxford that ranges across 3,000 years of history, with Egyptian rooms to rival those of the British Museum.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
An extraordinary array of 7 million exhibits from the natural world, including the world-famous ‘skeleton parade’, housed in one of the country’s finest Victorian Gothic buildings.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.8 miles]
Glide along the Cherwell in a traditional punt, and take in the spectacular architecture of Oxford’s iconic colleges from the tranquillity of the river.
Best for ages: 6+ | £16 | 1+ hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
An extraordinary collection of scientific instruments and artefacts, dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with highlights including Einstein’s blackboard and a Roman disc sundial.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
First opened as a food market in 1774, the Covered Market is now home to fifty different stallholders, selling everything from vintage clothes, jewellery and flowers to specialist foodie treats.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
Dating back to the 14th century, the Bodleian buildings – including the Divinity School, Oxford’s oldest teaching room – are some of Oxford’s most beautiful. Visits by pre-bookable tours only.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
One of the city’s iconic Insta shots, this raised bridge, linking two sections of Hertford College is notable for its similarity to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (UK)
One of Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities, graced by heartstopping architecture and home to the world’s second-oldest university.
