Leopold Street graffiti wall in Cowley. Image courtesy of Maggie Jones via Flickr Commons.

Oxford Neighbourhoods Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map

If you're moving to Oxford (or within it) and you're feeling adventurous, here are some walking tours to get familiar with the neighbourhoods.

If you’re moving to Oxford (or within it) and you’re feeling a little adventurous, you might be considering doing a little walking tour to get familiar with the different neighbourhoods you could inhabit. I think this is a great idea, so I prepared a guide and map to help you get started. 

Oxford Neighbourhoods Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

Moving to Oxford can feel quite daunting, but I couldn’t think of a better adventure, really. I moved here about a hundred years ago and haven’t regretted it a single day.  

If you’re new to the area, you might be thinking what are the best neighbourhoods in Oxford to study and work. There are quite a few good options, so I recommend you take a look at the link I just mentioned to get better acquainted with the different areas where you could live. 

I created the map here to give you a quick overview of the most popular neighbourhoods in Oxford, so you can see how far they are from the city centre (or your college) and determine whether they could work for you. Please note that the fuchsia walking path is just an idea; I sincerely recommend you go down every road you find interesting, as there’s plenty to discover around Oxford. 

How to Get to Know The Different Neighbourhoods in Oxford

If you truly want to see what it would be like to live in or around Oxford, you should consider doing one or more walking tours (being realistic, you probably won’t be able to visit all of these places on the same day; unless you feel particularly marathon-ey). 

So, grab the map above and pick a few options based on this article. Here’s what I think about these areas:

Walking Around Jericho and Summertown

Jericho is a historic suburb of Oxford and one many students and visiting academics choose to live in because it’s so close to the city centre. If you’re visiting Oxford and you have a decent-enough budget (or youre willing to share a place with others), you should head to Jericho right away. This neighbourhood is hip, and vibrant, and has tons of restaurants, pubs, shops, and even a cinema. Jericho is definitely my number one pick for those that can afford it. 

Summertown, right next to Jericho, is another excellent option. However, prices here are truly sky-high, as most properties are large houses or belong to the university and are therefore not available. Still, this is a beautiful area to explore, so don’t hesitate to go off the path for a bit. 

How to Get There: Simple; just walk up Woodstock Road and come down Banbury Road, of the opposite way around. 

  • Catch a film at the Phoenix Picturehouse: One of the oldest cinemas in the UK, the Phoenix Picturehouse in Jericho offers a cozy, unique movie experience with a mix of indie films and the latest blockbusters.
  • Explore the boutique shops and cafes: Jericho and Summertown are known for their independent shops and stylish cafes. Wander through Little Clarendon Street in Jericho or South Parade in Summertown to discover some local gems.
  • Dine by the canal: Jericho is famous for its picturesque canal, and dining at one of the waterside restaurants like The Anchor or the Victoria Arms gives you a taste of Oxford’s charming atmosphere.

Walking Around Cowley Road and Headington

Cowley Road is an extremely popular option for people moving into Oxford. This area is diverse, filled with gastronomy options, and holds many festivals throughout the year. You will see how lively this place is no matter the time of the year. Cowley Road is a great option for people who want to engage with international communities or study at Oxford Brookes. 

From Cowley Road, you can go to Headington and check out this commercial area, too. Headington is considered more family-friendly, and it’s also a little further away from the city centre. It’s also up a hill, so make sure you climb when you’re ni Cowley Road and then go back down toward the universities.

How to Get There: I prefer to walk up Cowley Road from the Botanic Gardens and then cross South Park to get to Headington. 

  • Sample international cuisine: Cowley Road is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its diverse range of restaurants. Whether you’re craving Middle Eastern, South Asian, or Caribbean flavors, you’ll find it all here.
  • Visit the Headington Shark: A quirky and iconic sight, the Headington Shark is a giant sculpture of a shark embedded in the roof of a house on New High Street. It’s a must-see for its sheer oddity.
  • Catch live music at The Bullingdon: Cowley Road is also a hotspot for live music, and The Bullingdon is a great venue to catch some of the best local and touring acts.

Walking Around Marston

Marston is another popular option for families moving to Oxford. The neighbourhood itself doesn’t have many attractions to see; just a few shops and John Radcliffe Hospital. This quiet area, though, has plenty of accommodation available, so it’s a good idea to go check it out and see whether the relaxed atmosphere can work for you.

How to Get There: I personally only go to Marston by crossing University parks.

  • Walk along the River Cherwell: Marston offers peaceful riverside walks where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the River Cherwell, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
  • Visit The Victoria Arms: This pub is a local favorite, known for its scenic riverside garden. It’s a great spot for a pint or a Sunday roast.
  • Explore the local nature reserves: Marston is home to several small nature reserves, like the Trap Grounds, which offer a quiet retreat for birdwatching and nature walks.

Walking Around New Hinksey and Iffley

Iffley and Littlemore are two pretty areas you can definitely visit when house-hunting. Iffley is within the boundaries of Oxford and very close to the River Thames (Isis). It’s also filled with students and has some architectural interesting houses – not to mention a gazillion pubs to drown your academic sorrows. If you’re around the area, don’t forget to check Iffley Lock. 

New Hinksey, just south of Oxford, is a pretty area with beautiful terraced victorian houses. A lot of people studying and working in Oxford love this neighbourhood as it’s very close to the city and you can walk or bus there without issues (there are bike lanes, buses, taxis, everything). Plus, shops, pubs, parks, and more.

How to Get There: I recommend you walk down Abingdon Road (maybe up to the Basenose College Recreation Ground, to get an idea of the area) and then stroll back to Christ Church Meadow. From there, you can follow the beautiful walk up to Iffley and Littlemore. 

  • Stroll through the Iffley Meadows: In spring, the Iffley Meadows are a sight to behold, with fields of blooming snake’s head fritillaries. It’s a peaceful escape just outside the city center.
  • Visit Iffley Village and Church: The village of Iffley has a charming, historic feel, and the Norman church of St Mary the Virgin is renowned for its beautiful architecture and peaceful setting.
  • Swim at Hinksey Outdoor Pool: If you’re visiting in the summer, the Hinksey Outdoor Pool is a fantastic place to cool off and relax, surrounded by green spaces.

Walking Around New Botley

Botley is a neighbourhood west of Oxford. I’ll be honest: I never lived here and I rarely go, so I can’t tell you whether it’s worth a walk for any other reason than checking potential houses. I know Botley is another popular choice with students, and there are plenty of buses around. So, if you get there and find out you can’t connect the walk to anything worthwhile, at least you can get a ride back. 

How to Get There: You can get to Botley walking down Botley Road. 

  • Explore Botley Park: A great spot for a picnic or a casual walk, Botley Park offers open green spaces with views of the surrounding area.
  • Shop at the local markets: Botley has a variety of local markets where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products.
  • Visit the local pubs: Pubs like The Seacourt Bridge offer a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy traditional British fare and a pint, making it a perfect stop after exploring the area.

Learn More About Oxford

Organised and Specialised Walking Tours

Oxford also offers specialized tours for those with particular interests. For example, food tours combine historical exploration with stops at local eateries, allowing you to sample traditional British fare and local delicacies. There are also ghost tours that explore the darker, more mysterious side of Oxford, taking you to sites associated with legends and spooky tales.

Do you want to feature your tours? Check out our advertising plans or use our contact form to find out more.

These tours were designed by me (an Oxford resident) and include maps and detailed descriptions of the key sites, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. I’ve included some options for routes through the historic university colleges, literary trails, walks along the scenic River Thames, museum tours, and more.

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Discover fun and interesting activities in the city of Oxford and its surrounding areas, including sports, entertainment, historic places museums, and much more.