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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

New research suggests an Oxford bike hire scheme could cut over 70k car journeys
/ Transport

New research suggests an Oxford bike hire scheme could cut over 70k car journeys

Estimates from the research show there could be as many as 193,000 journeys by bike hire scheme in Oxford if the take up was similar to intiatives in other cities such as London.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at New Theatre Oxford
/ Arts & Entertainment

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie announces further casting for 2023/24 UK Tour

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit musical, has announced further casting for the 2023/24 UK Tour, which stops at New Theatre Oxford from 12 to 30 December.
Kids eat for free at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Oxford
/ Food & Drink

Kids eat for free at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Oxford

With the school holidays underway, parents can treat their children to a free meal out during the summer at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill at the Leonardo Royal Hotel on Godstow Road in Oxford.
Energy Superhub Oxford celebrates its first anniversary of reducing carbon emissions
/ Transport

Energy Superhub Oxford celebrates its first anniversary of reducing carbon emissions

The Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) is celebrating its first anniversary of reducing carbon emissions and encouraging the uptake of EVs in the region, playing an essential role in Oxford’s path to net zero.
Oxford Train Station to close for nine days for track and signal upgrades
/ Transport

Oxford Train Station to close for nine days for track and signal upgrades

Network Rail is expected to start nine days of track work around Oxford Train Station on Saturday, 29 July, which means the station will be closed until Monday, 07 August.
The renovation and redevelopment of Rhodes House in Oxford has been completed
/ Education

Historic renovation and redevelopment of Rhodes House has been completed

The Rhodes Trust, an educational charity which oversees the world-renowned Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford and other global fellowship programmes, has completed the renovation and redevelopment of Rhodes House, following a £38 million project.
Amber Davies (Pictured) to star as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical UK and Ireland Tour.
/ Arts & Entertainment

Pretty Woman: The Musical cast announced as show heads to Oxford in December

Following a hugely successful run in the West End, the producers of the smash hit Pretty Woman: The Musical have announced the casting for the UK and Ireland tour
New exhibition at Weston Library explores the importance of books as gifts
/ Arts & Entertainment

New exhibition at Weston Library explores the importance of books as gifts

Presented by the Bodleian Libraries, the exhibition displays items from the Bodleian’s rich collections, encompassing everything from ancient myth to contemporary stories, illustrating how gift-giving and writing have always been intertwined.
Oxford Uni hosts Romania’s AI Government Adviser Robot for a discussion AI governance
/ Technology

Oxford Uni hosts Romania’s AI Government Adviser Robot for a discussion AI governance

Researchers at Oxford University engaged in a conversation with the team at Humans.ai, the creators of the Romanian AI initiative, to explore the potential of AI in enhancing governance.
Drone image by the building by Donaldon Timber Systems.
/ Housing

Oxfordshire Community Land Trust unveils its first affordable housing development

Oxfordshire Community Land Trust (OCLT) has announced the opening of its first affordable housing development with an open day and celebration for investors, supporters, contractors and tenants.