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Oxford Area Guide

Oxford is a famous and historic city in the south of England, perhaps best known for the fact it is home to the University of Oxford, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious learning institutions in the world. Students from every corner of the globe flock to Oxford University, cementing the city’s place on the world map.

There's culture and history all around in Oxford.

Oxford fact file

  • Oxford was originally settled during the Saxon period.
  • It's an important trading location on two rivers, the Cherwell and Thames.
  • The University of Oxford began here in the 12th century, which dominated the town for a long period until the Industrial Revolution.
  • The university gave the city most of its spectacular buildings, including Christ Church Cathedral, the Radcliffe Camera and Tom Tower.
  • The city of Oxford is surrounded on all sides by the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire, with a green belt around much of the city preventing urban sprawl and protecting the nearby villages from development.
  • Harry Potter actress, Miriam Margoyles OBE, is among famous residents of the area.

Why move to Oxford?

The city plays host to a plethora of theatres where plays can be taken in, as well as a fantastic selection of shops. Oxford also plays host to several well-stocked libraries, and even a few nature walks or city strolls among the ‘dreaming spires’ or along the river; it may be the Thames, but it’s known as the Isis in these parts. As well as being famous for its university, the city is also well known for its industries including manufacturing, education and publishing. Some of the most influential books in the world were published in Oxford.

Architecture and property

In a city that boasts such a rich history, you'll be unsurprised to learn that there are lots of different types of properties on the market. From grand, regency style houses to smaller apartments and flats, there's plenty of choices. Oxford is a surprisingly liveable city, but for those looking for a mix of city and village life, Jericho offers a happy medium with an excellent food scene, while Headington is great for families. Both are just a stone’s throw from central Oxford.

Shopping and amenities

There is excellent shopping in the city centre along Cornmarket Street, the High Street and Queen Street. Bicester Village designer outlet shopping centre is about 25 minutes’ drive away. In the city centre there are a number of excellent museums including The Ashmoleum, Pitt Rivers, Modern Art Oxford and the Natural History Museum.

Going out

There are national names like Giggling Squid, Bill’s and Franco Manca, as well as independent local names like The Nose Bag, The Rickety Press, Barefoot Jericho and GLUT burger bar. For cocktails, make your way to Raoul’s on Walton Street or The Alchemist, opposite the Oxford University Press.

Green space

As well as green spaces in the Cotswolds to the west and the Chilterns to the south, there is excellent walking in the city centre along the Cherwell and Thames rivers and flood meadows, within the University Parks, Aston’s Eyot and Port Meadow in Jericho – a 300-acre reserve with a seven-mile walk that passes excellent pubs like The Perch.

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Explore Oxford at a glance!

Restaurants in Oxford are extremely diverse, as you would imagine from such a cultural and internationally influenced city.

From larger chains to smaller, independent retailers, there's something for everyone on Oxford's High Street.

With such rich hisrtoy, there are many old pubs and spots to wet your whistle in Oxford.

  • Freud
    Cocktail Bar

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As well as its famous university, there are several academically outstanding schools in the city.

  • Magdalen College School
    Secondary School
  • St Edward’s
    Co-ed Senior School
  • Oxford Train station
    0.3 miles from centre
  • Oxford Tube bus
    Into London
  • London Luton Airport
    39.9 miles from centre
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Visit us 257, Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire,
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What does our local Hamptons community think

I am writing to tell you about an excellent job done by Heather Roberts, Tatiana Rebbeck and the team at Hampton sales in Oxford. We have just sold a grade 2 listed cottage in brill, Oxfordshire At a price of £507,500. We initially contacted a local agent in nearby Thame And their recommendation was to market it at around £400,000, because it was in only fair condition it was unmodernised. We then contacted Hamptons Oxford through whom We have been letting the property for many years and Heather Roberts suggested offering it At offers Above £500,000. The online photos and wording about the property Done by Hamptons was excellent, and We felt showed the property to its best. There were a lot viewings but none made offers because they said the condition was not good enough. However, a property developer who is proposing to do up and extend the property did make an offer and we have sold to him. We are extremely pleased, because Hamptons have got us probably £100,000 more than we might otherwise have received! Many thanks indeed.

Peter Wheeler January 2024

Nita at Hamptons is probably the smartest real estate agent I have ever met ! She invested time , energy & researched into how best to list my property in Abingdon and I was very happy with the results . Im fact. All the staff at Hamptons are just awesome - highly professional , knowledgeable and are 100% focussed on a smooth transaction for both parties . Would highly recommend to anyone looking to buy / sell or rent .

David Wainwright May 2023

Great service from Max Barnes (property maintenance team).

david nichols May 2023

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