High Street, Oxford: Historic Heart of Shopping and Culture
Oxford’s High Street blends historic charm with vibrant shopping and academic heritage in the city’s bustling heart.
High Street in Oxford is a vibrant and historic thoroughfare that blends traditional charm with modern retail and academic heritage. Lined with a mix of chic boutiques, well-known shops, university buildings, and cultural landmarks, it offers a unique shopping and sightseeing experience in the heart of this iconic university city.
A brief summary to High St
- Oxford, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Covered Market nearby for unique artisanal goods and local crafts.
- Explore the historic university buildings along High Street for a cultural experience.
- Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes lining the street to soak in the atmosphere.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the Westgate shopping centre for a modern retail experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple city buses serve stops near High Street with frequent service every 10-20 minutes. Tickets cost around £2.00-£3.00. Buses are accessible but may be crowded during peak hours.
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Train
Oxford Railway Station is about 1.5 km from High Street. A taxi or a 20-minute walk connects the station to the street. Train services run regularly from London and surrounding areas, with fares varying by distance.
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Walking
If you are staying in central Oxford, High Street is easily walkable with mostly flat terrain and pedestrian-friendly pavements. Walking times vary from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.
High St location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about High St
A Historic Thoroughfare at Oxford’s Core
High Street is one of Oxford’s most famous streets, steeped in centuries of history and academic tradition. It runs through the city centre, flanked by university colleges, administrative buildings, and historic churches. This street has long served as a social and commercial artery, connecting the scholarly world with local life. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of colleges such as Lincoln College, housed in an old church, and glimpse the university’s exam centre, all nestled among the shops.A Blend of Shopping and Academic Culture
Unlike purely commercial streets, Oxford’s High Street offers a distinctive blend of retail and academia. Alongside well-known shops and boutiques, the street is dotted with university-related institutions, giving it a unique atmosphere. This mix attracts a diverse crowd, from students and academics to tourists and shoppers. The street features a variety of stores ranging from fashion outlets to specialist shops, making it a versatile destination for browsing and buying.Retail Highlights and Local Boutiques
High Street hosts a combination of established retailers and independent shops. Visitors can find everything from fashionable clothing and accessories to stationery and gifts. Nearby, the Covered Market adds another layer of shopping delights with its independent stalls offering artisanal goods, fresh produce, and unique crafts. The street’s retail scene is complemented by cafes and eateries, providing places to rest and soak in the lively urban vibe.Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
The street is more than just a shopping destination; it is a showcase of Oxford’s architectural heritage. Historic buildings, including old churches and university halls, line the street, offering picturesque views and photo opportunities. The presence of academic institutions and cultural sites enriches the visitor experience, making High Street a place where history, education, and commerce intersect.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
High Street buzzes with activity, balancing the energy of a bustling shopping area with the quiet dignity of an academic setting. The street’s character changes with the seasons, from lively student terms to quieter holiday periods. Its central location makes it a hub for exploring Oxford’s other attractions, with easy access to nearby streets, markets, and parks.Connectivity and Surrounding Attractions
High Street serves as a gateway to other key Oxford destinations, including Broad Street, Queen Street, and the Westgate shopping centre. Visitors can easily combine a stroll along High Street with visits to museums, galleries, and historic colleges. This connectivity enhances its appeal as a central point for both shopping and cultural exploration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Brasenose College
0.2 km
Historic Oxford college founded in 1509, renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and prestigious academic tradition.
2.1
0.2 km
Discover Oriel Square, Oxford’s historic academic hub where royal heritage meets timeless scholarly tradition in a serene city setting.
Bridge of Sighs
0.2 km
An iconic covered bridge connecting Hertford College’s quadrangles, blending Gothic charm with Oxford’s academic spirit.
Clarendon Building
0.3 km
An iconic neoclassical landmark in Oxford’s academic heart, blending historic grandeur with university tradition on Broad Street.
Oxford Experience (University Official Souvenirs)
0.3 km
Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and authentic memorabilia at the Oxford Experience, your ultimate shopping destination in this historic city.
Great Jewry Marker
0.4 km
Commemorating Oxford’s medieval Jewish quarter on historic St Aldate’s, a testament to a vibrant community’s enduring legacy.
Oxford Tours UK
0.4 km
Discover Oxford’s rich history and literary heritage through personalized, expert-led walking tours in the city’s vibrant heart.
Visit Oxford Tours
0.4 km
Explore the captivating history and stunning architecture of Oxford with expert-guided tours for an unforgettable experience.
The painted room
0.4 km
Explore The Painted Room in Oxford, a historical museum showcasing exquisite frescoes and captivating artistry that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage.
Oxford Magic Walking tours
0.4 km
Explore Oxford's hidden gems and rich history with expert-led Magic Walking Tours, revealing the city's enchanting past and vibrant present.
Tom Tower
0.4 km
Historic Gothic bell tower by Christopher Wren at Christ Church, home to the iconic Great Tom bell and a symbol of Oxford’s academic heritage.
Magdalen Bridge
0.5 km
Historic stone bridge over the River Cherwell, blending centuries of architecture, culture, and Oxford traditions.
Oxford Ecclesia Walking Tours
0.5 km
Uncover the hidden gems of Oxford with Ecclesia Walking Tours, where history and culture converge in a captivating exploration of this iconic city.
Martyrs' Memorial
0.5 km
A towering Gothic Revival monument in Oxford honoring three Reformation martyrs who stood firm in faith during religious upheaval.
Oxford Preservation Trust
0.6 km
Discover the architectural beauty and cultural richness of Oxford through the dedicated efforts of the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Unmissable attractions to see
University College
0.0 km
Step into centuries of academic tradition and medieval charm at University College, Oxford’s historic scholarly heart.
All Souls College
0.1 km
Discover All Souls College, Oxford’s exclusive graduate sanctuary famed for its Gothic splendor, rigorous fellowships, and rich academic heritage.
The Queen's College
0.1 km
Explore The Queen's College in Oxford, a historic gem showcasing stunning architecture and rich academic traditions in a vibrant university setting.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
0.1 km
Historic heart of Oxford University with soaring Gothic spire, rich academic legacy, and panoramic city views from its iconic tower.
Antiques On High Oxford L.T.D.
0.1 km
Discover Oxford’s premier antiques centre with over 40 dealers offering unique vintage treasures in a historic High Street setting.
Sanders of Oxford
0.1 km
Discover centuries of authentic antique prints and maps in Oxford’s historic 16th-century Salutation House at Sanders of Oxford.
Oriel College
0.1 km
Explore Oriel College, one of Oxford’s oldest royal foundations, where centuries of history and stunning architecture meet vibrant academic life.
Radcliffe Camera
0.1 km
A breathtaking 18th-century circular library crowned by a majestic dome, embodying Oxford’s academic spirit and architectural elegance.
The Oxford Ghost Tour
0.2 km
Step into Oxford’s shadowy past with a chilling nighttime ghost tour through medieval streets and haunted alleys.
City Sightseeing Oxford
0.2 km
Discover Oxford’s iconic landmarks and university heritage at your own pace with this flexible hop-on hop-off bus tour and guided walking experience.
Merton College
0.2 km
Explore Merton College, Oxford’s medieval academic pioneer with historic quads, literary heritage, and tranquil gardens in the heart of the city.
Examination Schools, University of Oxford
0.2 km
A grand Victorian Gothic Revival building at Oxford’s heart, hosting university exams, lectures, and historic events with timeless academic tradition.
St Edmund Hall
0.2 km
Discover Oxford’s oldest academic society, St Edmund Hall, where medieval charm meets centuries of scholarly tradition in the city’s historic heart.
New College Ln
0.2 km
Discover the serene charm and historic legacy of New College Lane, Oxford’s picturesque medieval passage lined by ancient walls and iconic landmarks.
Hertford College
0.2 km
Discover Hertford College’s iconic Bridge of Sighs and vibrant academic community in the heart of historic Oxford.
Essential places to dine
Quod Restaurant & Bar
0.1 km
Elegant European dining with a lively atmosphere and historic Oxford views on the High Street.
Vaults & Garden
0.1 km
Historic vaulted crypt café in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square serving organic, wholesome meals with stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera.
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie
0.2 km
Elegant British brasserie on Oxford’s High Street, blending art deco charm with impeccable service and a comforting, creative menu.
Chiang Mai Kitchen
0.3 km
Authentic Thai cuisine in a historic 17th-century Oxford alleyway, serving fresh, flavorful dishes for over 30 years.
OLD TOM PUB
0.4 km
Historic English pub charm meets authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Oxford's vibrant city centre.
No.1 Ship Street
0.4 km
Elegant modern British brasserie in Oxford’s heart, famed for fresh seafood, grilled meats, and a cozy, intimate dining atmosphere.
ASK Italian - Oxford
0.5 km
Vibrant Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and seasonal specials in Oxford’s lively George Street hub.
Bella Italia - Oxford
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors with warm service and a rustic ambiance in Oxford’s lively George Street.
The Alice
0.6 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of Oxford, nestled within the historic Randolph Hotel opposite the Ashmolean Museum.
Turtle Bay Oxford
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean in the heart of historic Oxford with bold dishes and tropical cocktails.
Thaikhun
0.6 km
Experience authentic Thai street food in a vibrant, colorful setting with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere in Oxford’s city centre.
Red Lion Oxford
0.6 km
Historic Oxford gastropub blending traditional British hospitality with contemporary dining in the city centre.
The White Rabbit
0.6 km
A lively Oxford pub serving exceptional thin-crust pizzas and local ales in a vibrant, quirky setting loved by students and locals alike.
Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant
0.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining atop Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum with panoramic city views and modern British cuisine.
Bbuona
0.6 km
Experience authentic Roman-style pinsa and vibrant Italian flavours in the heart of Oxford at Bbuona Pinsa Bar.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Babylon Trading
0.1 km
Discover eclectic home and gift treasures in a charming Grade 2 listed boutique on Oxford’s historic High Street.
Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
0.2 km
Discover exclusive scholarly gifts and rare books in the historic heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
The Varsity Shop
0.2 km
Oxford’s premier destination for authentic university apparel and accessories, blending tradition and style on historic High Street.
Scriptum
0.3 km
Discover Oxford’s premier luxury stationery shop, blending tradition, artistry, and personalized service in the heart of the city.
Space Store Oxford
0.3 km
Explore authentic space merchandise and immersive VR experiences in Oxford’s historic Covered Market at Space Store Oxford.
Objects of Use
0.3 km
Discover beautifully crafted, sustainable household tools and unique gifts at Objects of Use, Oxford’s modern hardware store with a global soul.
Goodies Oxford
0.3 km
Discover curated clothing and timeless style at Goodies, a vibrant boutique in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.
Bodleian Weston Library Shop
0.3 km
Explore exclusive literary gifts and scholarly treasures at the Bodleian Weston Library Shop in Oxford’s iconic Weston Library.
Soctopus
0.3 km
Discover quirky, personality-filled socks with British charm at Soctopus, nestled in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.
Crystal Spirit Emporium
0.3 km
Discover unique crystals, minerals, and artisanal gifts in Oxford’s historic Covered Market at Crystal Spirit Emporium.
The Crafters Emporium
0.3 km
Discover Oxford’s vibrant handmade crafts hub, supporting local artisans with unique gifts and community spirit in the city’s historic heart.
Anthropologie
0.3 km
A beautifully styled boutique on Oxford’s High Street, offering women’s fashion, accessories, and unique home décor in a relaxed, bohemian-chic atmosphere.
Cool Britannia
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and unique gifts in the heart of Oxford at Cool Britannia, your go-to shop for memorable memorabilia and more.
Oxford Gifts
0.4 km
Explore Oxford Gifts for unique souvenirs, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies that celebrate the charm of Oxford.
Broad Canvas
0.4 km
Oxford’s trusted art and craft supply store since 1981, offering expert advice and quality materials for artists and creatives.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
All Bar One Oxford
0.3 km
Lively and stylish wine bar on Oxford’s High Street, perfect for drinks, sharing plates, and social gatherings in a vibrant city setting.
King's Arms, Oxford
0.3 km
Oxford’s oldest pub since 1607, famed for its literary heritage, academic ties, and ghostly whispers in a historic setting.
The House
0.3 km
A vibrant cocktail bar in Oxford’s Wheatsheaf Yard, blending expertly crafted drinks with a lively garden and stylish atmosphere.
White Horse
0.3 km
A classic Oxford pub on Broad Street offering cozy charm, well-kept ales, and a taste of local history and culture.
The Varsity Club
0.3 km
Experience Oxford’s best rooftop views and vibrant nightlife at The Varsity Club, a stylish multi-floor venue blending cocktails, music, and cityscape charm.
St Aldates
0.4 km
A vibrant Oxford city centre pub serving quality ales, homemade food, and hosting lively events in a welcoming, historic setting.
Hanks Bar
0.5 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Hanks Bar, where classic American style meets energetic dance floors and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Three Goats Heads Pub
0.5 km
A historic Oxford pub offering traditional ales, hearty food, and a relaxed, phone-free atmosphere in a charming Victorian setting.
The Grapes
0.5 km
A classic Oxford pub renowned for award-winning ales, hearty food, and warm, friendly hospitality in a historic city-center setting.
The Royal Blenheim
0.5 km
A historic Oxford pub renowned for exceptional real ales, hearty food, and a welcoming atmosphere blending tradition with modern charm.
Cow & Creek
0.6 km
A vibrant Oxford pub blending funky neon vibes with hearty burgers, local brews, and a lively social scene for day and night enjoyment.
The Cape Of Good Hope
0.7 km
A lively Oxford pub blending traditional charm with modern vibes, great food, craft beers, and a welcoming community spirit.
Slug & Lettuce - Oxford
0.7 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant set within historic Oxford Castle, offering stylish drinks, global cuisine, and lively brunches in a chic, welcoming atmosphere.
OXO BAR
0.7 km
A stylish and lively cocktail bar in Oxford’s heart, known for expertly crafted drinks and a vibrant social atmosphere.
The Alchemist Oxford
0.7 km
Experience Oxford’s theatrical cocktail bar blending innovative drinks and hearty American-inspired dishes in a lively, stylish setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Plush Oxford
0.4 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife hotspot with great music, cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere at Plush Oxford.
Fever Oxford
0.5 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Fever, a multi-room nightclub blending live DJs, dynamic music, and a lively party atmosphere.
ATIK Oxford
0.9 km
Oxford’s largest nightclub with diverse music rooms, vibrant atmosphere, and strong security, offering a late-night hub for students and locals alike.
Oxford Leisure Ltd
0.9 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic music, themed events, and a lively dance floor at Oxford Leisure Ltd.
Kiss Bar
0.9 km
An intimate late-night club in Oxford known for its vibrant atmosphere and close-knit party scene until its recent closure.
The Bridge Nightclub
0.9 km
Oxford’s lively student-focused nightclub with diverse music, multiple dance floors, and a spacious pub garden for late-night socializing.
Mirage Aylesbury
31.1 km
Experience Aylesbury’s vibrant nightlife at Mirage, a lively nightclub offering music, dancing, and late-night fun in the heart of town.
The Venue, Bucks
37.1 km
Experience High Wycombe’s vibrant nightlife at The Venue, Bucks – a lively nightclub with great music, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
37.2 km
A lively multi-room nightclub in High Wycombe offering dynamic music, vibrant crowds, and late-night fun on Paul’s Row.
TWC
37.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and energetic party scene at TWC, Aylesbury’s premier nightclub destination.
Popworld - Reading
38.1 km
A vibrant pop-themed nightclub in Reading’s city centre, where retro beats meet neon-lit fun for unforgettable nights.
Reading Lola Lo
38.1 km
Experience Reading’s premier tiki-themed nightclub with vibrant cocktails, lively music, and a unique Polynesian atmosphere on Friar Street.
Q Club
38.2 km
Experience Reading’s energetic nightlife at Q Club, a lively nightclub and bar offering music, drinks, and late-night fun on Friar Street.
Gun Street Garden
38.4 km
Experience Reading’s vibrant nightlife in an urban jungle-themed club with diverse music, rooftop bar, and VIP lounges.
Diligence
40.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic music scene at Diligence, High Wycombe’s energetic nightclub on London Road.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
