The City of Oxford
A fascinating blend of Ancient and Modern.
Established as a town in the 9th century, the 'city of dreaming spires' is famously home ot the oldest English-speaking university in the world. Impressive historic buildings and monuments, dating from the 11th century, bring Oxford's remarkable heritage to life. University architecture - such as its colleges, libraries and musems - spans eight centuries. Modern-day Oxford is a virant and cosmopolitan city with a busy cultural and social scene. Visitors and locals alike have access to a wide variety of plays and shows, concerts, films and exhibitons. There are also planty of open spaces such as parks and gardens, and riverside walks to enjoy. There is a wealth of restaurants and bars to meet all tastes, and an electic mix of chain sotres and specialist shops. Oxford is a thriving centre not just for tourism but also for businesses such as publishing, car manufacturing and hi-tech industry. The population of Oxford was 152.450 in 2019 mid-year estimate, plus 32,930 students enrolled for full-time studies in two universities (University of Oxford and Brookes University).
Arrival in England and Getting to Oxford
Oxford is situated 57 miles (c 91 Km) north-west of London and is served by a regular fast train service and frequent coach services. Oxford is 45 miles (c 72 km) from London Heathrow Airport and 80 miles (c 129 km) from London Gatwick Airport and is best reached from either airport by the airport bus service. It is unwise to take a taxi from London or either of the airports to Oxford without first having ascertained the cost. In the UK they drive on the left, so take care when crossing roads.
Access to the city centre by car is very restricted. Parking in Oxford is extremely difficult as all the central area is a controlled zone; there are no 24-hour car parks, and car park charges are high (currently £15-£20 per day).
From London (Heathrow) Airport. https://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/
Tel: (01865) 785400 (+44 1865 from overseas)
By Public Transport from the Airports
There is a direct bus service, called the ‘Airline’, between Heathrow and Oxford, which is operated by the Oxford Bus Company. The buses pick up from Bay 14A at the Central Bus Station at Heathrow (Terminals 1-3) at approximately half-hourly intervals and Terminal 5 from Bay 11. (Check the website for times). There is a free train transfer ‘Heathrow Connect’ between Heathrow Central and Terminal 4. The journey time from the Central Bus Station to Oxford is approximately 80 minutes depending on traffic. A single ticket costs more than £20, and a period return more than £25. Passengers pay the driver in cash, preferably Sterling, but Dollars ad Euros are accepted (please note that change may not be given). Ask for the ‘Gloucester Green’ stop – this is the final destination at Oxford.
From London (Gatwick) Airport. https://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/
Tel: (01865) 785400 (+44 1865 from overseas)
The Oxford Bus Company’s Airline’ service also operates between Gatwick and Oxford. The buses depart at approximately hourly intervals (check the website for times) from the South Terminal (lower forecourt stand 18) and from the North Terminal (bay 4). The journey time from Gatwick to Oxford is approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours depending on traffic. A single ticket costs more than £25, and a period return more than £35. Ask for the ‘Gloucester Green’ stop – this is the final destination at Oxford.
By Public Transport from London
Two companies operate services from London to Oxford. Both companies provide a departure at least every fifteen minutes from London during the day and at least every thirty minutes during the evenings. The prices for either company are more than £13.00 single, and more than £17.00 period return. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes depending on traffic congestion. Please note both bus companies restrict passengers to 2 pieces of luggage. The services are Non-smokig.
Oxford Tube – tel: (01865) 772250 (+44 1865 from overseas). Oxford Tube is a coach service for travel between Oxford and London. The service runs up to every 12 minutes and operates 24 hours a day. Coaches depart from Oxford City Centre, St Clements, Headington, Thornhill Park & Ride and Lewknor and stop at central points in London at Hillingdon, Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Victoria, with easy connections to Underground stations. Each coach offers free 4G Wi-Fi, USB Power Sockets, reclining seats and extra legroom.
Oxford Bus Company and its Express Service – https://www.experienceoxfordshire.org– Tel: (01865) 785400 (+44 1865 from overseas). The Oxford Bus Company and Oxford Tube provide a direct intercity coach service between London and Oxford. Oxford Bus Company is a daily, 24-hour service. It departs from Victoria Coach Station (Gate 10) then picks up at Buckingham Palace Road (Stop 11), Marble Ach (Stop 14B), Gloucester Place (near Marylebone Road; Stop Q) and Hillingdon (Hillingdon Health Centre).