Local news: Oxford
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Oxford restaurants join new half price dining initiative
Oxford restaurants including Café Coco, Comptoir Libanais and Pierre Victoire have joined First Table, a new initiative offering 50 per cent off food at off-peak times. The global dining platform launches in Oxford to make eating out more affordable and sociable.
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Oxfordshire County Council approves new road safety projects under Vision Zero programme
Four new road safety schemes have been approved by Oxfordshire County Council as part of its Vision Zero programme, aiming to eliminate fatalities by 2050 through speed reductions, junction changes, and improved pedestrian crossings across key routes in the county.
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Westgate Oxford launches mental health initiative in partnership with Mind
Westgate Oxford has launched a new mental health initiative with charity Mind, featuring installations around the shopping centre designed to encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and find support, marking World Mental Health Day and a year-long awareness campaign.
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City Sightseeing Oxford and Black Oxford Untold Stories marks Black History Month
City Sightseeing Oxford celebrates Black History Month with guided tours led by historian Pamela Roberts, exploring the stories of black scholars who shaped Oxford’s history. Tours take place on 10 and 18 October, departing from Broad Street.
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Everything you need to know about the Oxford Half 2025
The Oxford Half Marathon returns on 12 October 2025 with a brand-new route, 13,000 runners, and live entertainment along the course. From road closures to race timings, here’s your complete guide to Oxford’s biggest running event of the year.
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Oxford Bus Company to operate shuttle bus service for Oxford Half Marathon
Oxford Bus Company will operate a special shuttle bus service on Sunday, 12 October, to support runners and volunteers participating in the Oxford Half Marathon. Services will run from Pear Tree, Redbridge and a temporary Unipart Park & Ride to University Parks from 7.00am.
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Big Open Weekend of free family activities returns to four Oxford leisure centres
The Big Open Weekend returns to Oxford on 11 to 12 October, offering free swimming, skating, and family activities across four leisure centres.
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Free Park & Ride travel announced as part of major Oxford bus network improvements
Oxford Bus Company will offer three months of free Park & Ride travel and introduce major service upgrades across the city, including new routes, improved frequencies, and better links to hospitals, following the introduction of Oxford’s temporary congestion charge.
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Ultramarine: Paul Drayton’s debut novel brings medieval music and alchemy to life
Paul Drayton, acclaimed pianist and composer, turns novelist with Ultramarine, a tale of ambition, alchemy and music in medieval England. To be released 28 October 2025, the book follows Oswin, a chorister whose gift leads him into a world of wonder, danger and startling revelations.
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Prime Suspect actor’s widow to run Oxford Half Marathon for Sobell House Hospice
Widow of Prime Suspect actor John Turner is running the Oxford Half Marathon in his memory, raising funds for Sobell House Hospice, which cared for him during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Works by Hester Finch and Deborah K Lerner on show at DEPOT Oxford 2025
Hannah Payne Art showcased paintings by Hester Finch and Deborah K Lerner at DEPOT Oxford 2025. The exhibition highlighted two distinct yet complementary practices exploring form, identity, and the expressive possibilities of paint.
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The Ivy Oxford Brasserie launches sweet twist on its iconic Shepherd’s Pie
This October, The Ivy Oxford Brasserie has unveiled a playful twist on its most iconic dish with the launch of the Shepherd’s Pie Dessert — a sweet reimagining of the restaurant’s beloved classic, complete with chocolate, carrot cake and candied rosemary.