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

Things to do in and around Oxford this weekend: Swing Into Christmas with Down for the Count Orchestra
/ Things To Do

Brilliant things to do in and around Oxford this weekend

Need some inspiration for what to do with yourself in Oxford this weekend? Fill your diary with these brilliant things to do in and around Oxford – things that are really worth making time.
Gusto Italian continues festive tradition of adding £1 charitable donation to guest’s bills.
/ Food & Drink

Gusto Italian continues festive tradition of adding £1 charitable donation to guest’s bills

Gusto Italian on High Street in Oxford will continue its tradition of adding a voluntary £1 to every guest’s bill until 31 January, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Young Lives vs Cancer through the support of the Tim Bacon Foundation (TBF).
Pretty Woman: The Musical - A stage full of love, laughter, and lifelong dreams
/ Arts & Entertainment

Pretty Woman: The Musical – A stage full of love, laughter, and lifelong dreams

As the UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical comes to Oxford’s New Theatre, we delve into the fascinating journey of transforming this classic romantic comedy into a spectacular stage musical and the enduring legacy of the late Garry Marshall’s heartwarming storytelling
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel appoints new Director of Sales
/ Travel & Stay

Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel appoints new Director of Sales

The boutique hotel has appointed Isabela Dumbrava to design and implement new creative strategies for the hotel, overseeing all marketing and help put the venue on the map as a go-to destination in Oxfordshire.
Family-run Il Principe deli and takeaway on Cowley Road Celebrates 20 Years
/ Food & Drink

Family-run Il Principe deli and takeaway on Cowley Road is celebrating 20 years

After serendipitously discovering the empty storefront at 82 Cowley Road, Domenico Iorio and his family are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Il Principe, their independent Italian Delicatessen and Takeaway on Cowley Road, this December.
John Bishop: Back At It Tour
/ Arts & Entertainment

John Bishop announces 2024 tour with confirmed dates for Oxford

John Bishop has announced a 57-date live tour in 2024, entitled Back At It, with confirmed dates for New Theatre Oxford.
The Bodyguard - The Musical at New Theatre Oxford
/ Arts & Entertainment

The Bodyguard The Musical at New Theatre Oxford – a crowd-pleasing screen-to-stage musical

The impressive production of the beloved 90s movie proved to be both a crowd-pleasing screen-to-stage musical and a delightful reminder of the film and its iconic songs.
Laing O’Rourke secures contract to deliver Oxford North’s Red Hall and first laboratory buildings. Image: CGI of Red Hall and Building 1 & 2 laboratory buildings at night
/ Real Estate

Laing O’Rourke secures contract to deliver Oxford North’s Red Hall and first laboratory buildings

Laing O’Rourke has secured the contract to deliver phase 1a of Oxford North’s £700 million new innovation district comprising the Red Hall and the first two laboratory buildings.
RWK Goodman appoints Susan Floyd (pictured) as new Private Client Consultant in Oxford.
/ Business Services

RWK Goodman appoints new Private Client Consultant in Oxford

Susan Floyd joins RWK Goodman as a Consultant in the Private Client team based in the company’s office in Oxford.
Residents will begin moving into their newly completed homes at Bridges Cross.
/ Housing

Residents to begin moving into their newly completed homes at Bridges Cross

Residents, including council tenants, shared owners, and homeowners, will begin moving into their newly completed homes at Bridges Cross – a 36-home OX Place development on Speedwell Street.