The Web’s Premiere Guide to Historic Hotels and Accommodation in the UK, France, Italy and Western Europe
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~ Special Sections ~
Historic British Cities: Oxford
Bath | Cambridge | Canterbury | Chester | Durham | Edinburgh | Ely | Lincoln | Oxford | Wells | Winchester | York
“That sweet City with her dreaming spires”
- Matthew Arnold
Home to one of the oldest and most celebrated universities in the world, Oxford’s total population of approximately 165,000 includes almost 30,000 students. Indeed, the buildings that form its 38 colleges account for almost all of its most notable architecture.
To walk around Oxford is to follow in the footsteps of many of history’s most influential and famous names. Many British prime ministers and other world leaders were educated here, as indeed were the likes of Adam Smith, Thomas Locke and John Wesley. And the list of iconic authors is too numerous to list here.
Oxford is also an ideal base from which to explore much of the Cotswolds. Indeed, many of the small towns and villages within easy reach of the city are amongst the most beautiful and picturesque anywhere in Britain.
Heritage enthusiasts will also delight in the city’s numerous museums, including the world famous Ashmolean.
Period Places to Stay in Oxford
The Tower House. A section of the medieval city walls of Oxford form part of the dining room of this 17th century guest house. Offering only seven rooms in all (each individually furnished and decorated with antiques), the Tower House is everything sterile corporate accommodation is not. 4-star rated by Visit England, the property is located on Ship Street and overlooks Jesus College.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Expedia
MacDonald Randolph Hotel. Although Nights In The Past prefers to focus on accommodation in buildings that pre-date the Victorian era, we are prepared to make occasional exceptions for landmark hotels such as The Randolph. Many famous names have sojourned here in its near 150-year history, and the furnishings and ambience are in keeping with its 19th century origins. Five-star rated, it boasts over 100 rooms and a spa.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Randolph Hotel
The Old Parsonage. A luxury boutique hotel, the building itself dates back to 1660 and is located alongside St. Giles’ Church. Four-star rated, it boasts 30 bedrooms in all, a restaurant and bar.
While in a comparatively quieter area of the city, the centre of Oxford is only a short walk away.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Lastminute.com
The Old Bank Hotel. There’s a contemporary feel to the interior of this Georgian building, but whether or not such styling appeals there’s no doubting that it is one of the most highly rated hotels in Oxford.
Centrally located on the High Street, it offers over 40 guest rooms, a brasserie and a bar.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons. For those seeking to stay outside (but within easy reach of) Oxford in rural surroundings, Raymond Blanc’s establishment in Great Milton to the east might appeal. A truly lovely old house amid its own gardens, the emphasis – as one would expect - is on luxury accommodation and first-rate cuisine. It offers 32 rooms in all and a helipad. Yes, really. In other words, it isn’t a cheap motel.
Expedia | Mr and Mrs Smith
Weston Manor. Much of the existing building dates from the 16th century, but Weston Manor has a heritage which goes far back as the 11th. Admittedly, this particular hotel is some way outside the centre of the city (around eight miles) in the village of Weston-on-the-Green, but if truly old houses are your preference, then this is one of the most notable in the immediate area. It offers 35 guest bedrooms in all and is three-star rated.
Expedia | LateRooms
MacDonald Randolph Hotel. Although Nights In The Past prefers to focus on accommodation in buildings that pre-
The Old Parsonage. A luxury boutique hotel, the building itself dates back to 1660 and is located alongside St. Giles’ Church. Four-
While in a comparatively quieter area of the city, the centre of Oxford is only a short walk away.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Lastminute.com
The Old Bank Hotel. There’s a contemporary feel to the interior of this Georgian building, but whether or not such styling appeals there’s no doubting that it is one of the most highly rated hotels in Oxford.
Centrally located on the High Street, it offers over 40 guest rooms, a brasserie and a bar.
LateRooms | Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons. For those seeking to stay outside (but within easy reach of) Oxford in rural surroundings, Raymond Blanc’s establishment in Great Milton to the east might appeal. A truly lovely old house amid its own gardens, the emphasis – as one would expect -
Weston Manor. Much of the existing building dates from the 16th century, but Weston Manor has a heritage which goes far back as the 11th. Admittedly, this particular hotel is some way outside the centre of the city (around eight miles) in the village of Weston-
Also see...
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There are other period properties offering accommodation in the county of Oxfordshire.
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It might not yet be the definitive list, but there are some fabulous places to discover in our Beautiful Villages of England section.
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If you prefer a holiday or break under your own steam, there are plenty of Historic Holiday Cottages throughout the country. And we keep the ones we feature to those said to have been built before 1700, too.
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We think that places such as Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, The Old Parsonage, MacDonald Randolph and the others listed above are the best hotels in and around Oxford for those who love period accommodation. That said, despite hours of research we accept that we’ve probably overlooked somewhere exceptional which really should be included in this section. As such, anyone who believes they know of a highly-
Copyright. Nights In The Past 2007 -