Oxford, known for its academic roots and architecture, presents a collection of venues shaped by its past. The spirit of this historic city is evident in university buildings and older public houses, often thoughtfully repurposed while retaining their original character.
As you explore Oxford, you’ll encounter varied settings. In Carfax, traditional institutions and commercial businesses occupy buildings that have witnessed centuries of city life. Along New College Lane, a quieter, academic atmosphere inspires intimate spaces, often within the colleges themselves. Further afield, Cowley offers venues originating from repurposed workshops or local social hubs, reflecting another side of Oxford’s evolving community.
This directory reflects the city’s dynamic pulse, presenting an overview of spaces from the historic to the modern, ensuring our listings are accurate. We aim to help you connect with Oxford’s diverse character and identify a setting that suits its enduring appeal.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Museum
Ashmolean MuseumYou can find the Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street in Oxford, just behind St Giles. Founded in 1683, it’s Britain’s first public museum and the oldest university museum. Its Neoclassical building, constructed between 1841 and 1845, houses a vast international collection from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art.
View Info →Theatre
New Theatre OxfordNew Theatre Oxford is Oxford’s main commercial theatre, located on Beaumont Street. The area around New Theatre Oxford has plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a central entertainment hub. New Theatre Oxford is known for its varied program, hosting touring West End shows and stand-up comedy.
View Info →Arts Centre
The North Wall Arts CentreThe North Wall Arts Centre is a contemporary arts centre located on South Parade, in Oxford's North Wall area. This venue hosts a diverse range of theatre, exhibitions, and music. Both locals and visitors enjoy evening performances and daytime gallery visits here.
View Info →Cinema
Phoenix PicturehousePhoenix Picturehouse is a cinema on Walton Street in Oxford. This area of the city has a historic feel, making it a good place to spend time. Phoenix Picturehouse is committed to accessible cinema, with its Pay-What-You-Can ticketing.
View Info →Arts Centre
Old Fire StationThe Old Fire Station is an arts centre on George Street in Oxford. This part of Oxford blends historic buildings and modern life. The Old Fire Station uniquely combines arts and social welfare, housing a homelessness charity alongside its artistic programmes.
View Info →Restaurant And Hotel
Al-Shami Lebanese Restaurant And Richmond HotelAl-Shami Lebanese Restaurant And Richmond Hotel combines a restaurant and hotel on Walton Crescent in Oxford. This area is peaceful, just west of the city. Known for grilled lamb kebabs—prepared with house spices since 1988—it’s popular with both locals and visitors for evening dinners, and it's great for family gatherings or dates.
View Info →462 total places
Restaurant
Brasserie BlancBrasserie Blanc Oxford is a French-inspired restaurant on Walton Street in Oxford’s Jericho neighborhood.
View Info →Tea Room
Bodleian Tea RoomThe Bodleian Tea Room is a traditional tea room on Broad Street in Oxford.
View Info →Restaurant
Chicken CottageChicken Cottage is a restaurant on Cowley Road in Oxford.
View Info →The Standard is a pub on St.
View Info →Delicatessen
Kitchen Food CompanyKitchen Food Company is a fine food delicatessen on Banbury Road in Oxford’s Summertown.
View Info →Restaurant
Rio's Piri PiriRio's Piri Piri is a restaurant on London Road in Oxford.
View Info →58 total places
Museum
Ashmolean MuseumYou can find the Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street in Oxford, just behind St Giles.
View Info →Cinema
Phoenix PicturehousePhoenix Picturehouse is a cinema on Walton Street in Oxford.
View Info →Arts Centre
Old Fire StationThe Old Fire Station is an arts centre on George Street in Oxford.
View Info →Restaurant And Hotel
Al-Shami Lebanese Restaurant And Richmond HotelAl-Shami Lebanese Restaurant And Richmond Hotel combines a restaurant and hotel on Walton Crescent in Oxford.
View Info →Café
Ashmolean CafeThe Ashmolean Cafe is a café on Beaumont Street in Oxford.
View Info →Cafe/bar
The CAFE:BAR by Benugo at John LewisThe CAFE:BAR by Benugo at John Lewis is a cafe and bar within the Westgate Centre in Oxford.
View Info →141 total places
Theatre
New Theatre OxfordNew Theatre Oxford is Oxford’s main commercial theatre, located on Beaumont Street.
View Info →Arts Centre
The North Wall Arts CentreThe North Wall Arts Centre is a contemporary arts centre located on South Parade, in Oxford's North Wall area.
View Info →Pub
Big SocietyBig Society is a pub on Cowley Road in Oxford.
View Info →Common Ground is a cafe and community space on Gloucester Green in Oxford.
View Info →Pub
The Magdalen ArmsThe Magdalen Arms is a traditional pub on Iffley Road in Oxford.
View Info →Wine Bar
Lynrace PopinaLynrace Popina is a wine bar on Walton Street in Oxford.
View Info →64 total places
Martial Arts Studio
Oxford JudoOxford Judo, a Martial Arts Studio, is located on Jackdaw Lane within the Iffley Sport Centre.
View Info →Fitness Centre
Anytime FitnessAnytime Fitness is a fitness centre on London Road in Headington, Oxford.
View Info →Community Centre
West Oxford Community CentreWest Oxford Community Centre is a community centre serving the residents of West Oxford.
View Info →Wellness Studio
Naomi SwainNaomi Swain Wellspace is a wellness studio on King Street in Oxford’s Jericho neighborhood, known for its independent shops and relaxed atmosphere.
View Info →Martial Arts Academy
Jiu-Jitsu RepublicJiu-Jitsu Republic Oxford is a martial arts academy on Whitehouse Road in Oxford.
View Info →Fitness Centre
Iyengar Yoga OxfordIyengar Yoga Oxford is a fitness centre offering classes in the Iyengar style of yoga.
View Info →13 total places
Sports And Leisure Facility
Courtside at Bury KnowleCourtside at Bury Knowle is a Sports and Leisure Facility located within the Bury Knowle Park area of Oxford.
View Info →Farmers' Market
East Oxford Farmers' and Community MarketThe East Oxford Farmers' and Community Market is a weekly market on Cowley Road, reflecting East Oxford’s community spirit.
View Info →Farmers' Market
South Oxford Farmers and Community MarketThe South Oxford Farmers and Community Market is a farmers' market operating every Sunday in South Oxford.
View Info →Farmers' Market
Headington MarketHeadington Market, a Farmers' Market on London Road in Headington, is a busy residential district of Oxford.
View Info →Food Retailer
Marks & Spencer FoodMarks & Spencer Food is a food retailer on Banbury Road in Oxford’s Summertown.
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