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Oxford City

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford

About Oxford City

With an estimated population of 160,000 people, Oxford City is the county town and only city of Oxfordshire. But the City of Dreaming Spires is best known as home to the world-famous University of Oxford – the oldest university in the English-speaking world, which for over 800 years has been home to royalty and scholars alike.

Oxford had been an established town in the 9th century before it became home to the fledgling university in the late 12th century. However, by the middle of the 14th century, the university had risen to dominate the town entirely. And the town’s history became effectively no more than a side story to that of the university.

Nowadays, the city is pretty cosmopolitan, with a healthy mix of ancient and modern. Whether you’re going out for a drink or a meal, taking in a show, or shopping till you drop – the city has it all. There’s indeed an excellent choice of museums, libraries, galleries and places of interest to take in on a visit to the city. Be sure to check out our invaluable guide to visiting Oxford City.

Oxford is also home to a growing community of life science and technology businesses that draw on the university’s intellectual capabilities. A few are located in and around the city – tucked away in residential areas. But other operate from the Science and Business Parks on the city’s outskirts.


Oxford City Guides


Local news & stories

Oxford Pride Parade Day 2022 / Things to do in and around Oxford this weekend
/ Things To Do

Brilliant things to do in and around Oxford this weekend

Need some inspiration for what to do with yourself this early May bank holiday weekend? Fill your diary with these seven or so brilliant things to do in and around Oxford – you know, things that are really worth making time for.
Firefighters will join Oxford Pride celebrations, marking the 20th anniversary of the event on Saturday, 03 June
/ Community

Firefighters to join 20th anniversary of Oxford Pride celebrations

Firefighters from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service will join Oxford Pride celebrations, marking the 20th anniversary of the event on Saturday, 03 June.
Shrek The Musical at New Theatre, Oxford
/ Arts & Entertainment

Shrek The Musical announces its full cast lineup

Shrek The Musical has announced its full cast lineup, with rising star Cherece Richards (Once on This Island, Regent’s Park Theatre) making her debut in a principal role as the dragon.
Oxford North appoints Contemporary Art Society Consultancy to deliver its public arts programme. Image: View across new central park
/ Real Estate

Oxford North appoints Contemporary Art Society Consultancy to deliver its public arts programme

CAS Consultancy will manage a high-profile public art programme built into Oxford North’s delivery and work with development partners Thomas White Oxford, Cadillac Fairview, Stanhope and The Hill Group, and leading cultural organisations within Oxford.
The children’s splash park at Hinksey Park
/ Community

Hinksey Splash Park to remain closed this summer due to safety concerns

The children’s splash park at Hinksey Park will not open this summer, as the condition of the play surface and fountains are unsafe for children to use.
Oxford is named the UK’s highest-performing city in PwC’s annual Good Growth for Cities Index.
/ Economy

Oxford named the UK’s highest-performing city in PwC’s annual Good Growth for Cities Index

Economic measures, such as income, employment rates and life expectancy, helped the city maintain first place, while other South East cities also ranked highly.
Oxford welcomes new Lord Mayor, Councillor Lubna Arshad
/ Government

Oxford welcomes new Lord Mayor, Councillor Lubna Arshad

Councillor Lubna Arshad is the first woman of colour, the first Muslim woman of intersectional background, and the youngest Lord Mayor representing the city.
TOKYO STORIES at Phoenix Picturehouse
/ Arts & Entertainment

Exhibition on Screen announces world premiere of Tokyo Stories at Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford

Based on the smash-hit exhibition Tokyo: Art and Photography at the Ashmolean, Tokyo Stories spans four centuries – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film and street art.
Gusto Italian launches exclusive menu for 2023 graduates in Oxford
/ Food & Drink

Gusto Italian launches exclusive menu for 2023 graduates in Oxford

Gusto Italian has launched an exclusive graduation menu to help all students celebrate their graduations this summer. The extensive set menu includes some of Gusto’s most popular menu items and a free glass of prosecco for all 2023 graduates.
Planning application submitted for 31 affordable low-carbon homes in Bertie Place. Image: Artist’s impression of Bertie Place
/ Housing

Planning application submitted for 31 affordable low-carbon homes in Bertie Place

OX Place, Oxford City Council’s housing company, aims to build 22 council and nine shared ownership homes on the former landfill site in South Oxford which has been earmarked for housing development since 2013.