Car Hire Oxford

Halfway between the capital London and the UK’s second-largest city Birmingham, Oxford is located just off the M40 motorway, nestled between the Chiltern Hills and the Cotswolds.

Surrounded by fresh, green stretches of land, it’s the perfect place for exploring some of Britain’s finest countryside spots, as well as taking in the city sights.

Oxford has the quaint and charming atmosphere of an intimate town in its historic heart.

There are a variety of large car parks dotted around the centre, if you want to leave your hire car and explore on foot. The Oxpens car park is only a 10-minute walk to the main attractions. Alternatively, try the Redbridge or Pear Tree Park and Ride just outside the city.

If you plan on venturing into the surrounding areas with your hire car from Oxford, a number of routes make it easy to do so. Running down the west side of the city, the A420 joins the M4 to the south, before heading west towards Bristol in under two hours.

In the opposite direction, the A40 will take you north to Cheltenham and the idyllic Cotswolds. Here you’ll be treated to stunning views of sweeping stretches of greenery, providing a typical impression of rustic England.

As throughout the rest of the UK, all drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts, and using a mobile phone while driving is illegal.

Speed limits within the area vary, but are typically 30mph (48km/h) in built-up towns and cities, 60mph (96km/h) on many rural routes, and 70mph (112km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways. Always check signs for the route that you are on however, as these can change depending on location and traffic conditions.

From unique, golden-hued colleges to quaint spots by the riverside, Oxford is a beautiful place to explore.

Its medieval features ooze English charm, attracting visitors from far and wide to its many sights. Here are some of the best things to see and do.

Visit the halls of knowledge

The original home of higher education, Oxford University is arguably the most prestigious and famous in England. Countless notable figures have studied and trained as academics here, from literary genius J.R.R Tolkien to theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.

When walking the halls of Oxford University, you’re following in the very steps of these brilliant minds.

Separated into 38 independent colleges and many striking institutions across the city, you’ll encounter parts of the university at every turn. Many colleges are open to the public and are sometimes free to visit. Opening hours vary, but you can find when to visit at the porter’s lodge at the college of your choice, as well as online.

Explore the college quads and impressive gardens and admire the beauty of the various chapels. For a true taste of Hogwarts, visit the impressive dining hall at Christ Church – used for filming the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films.

There are also tours available to visit the iconic Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera too, which contain centuries of knowledge inside their eye-catching exteriors.

Take a punt on the river

‘Punting’ is a quintessential delight here, and a famous pastime for visitors and locals alike. An Oxford tradition through and through, with an added touch of eccentricity, you’ll see Oxford from a new and tranquil angle when leisurely gliding up or downstream.

Most boating houses lend out their boats between March and October when the weather is warmer and the river calmer, and you can usually take your river trip from as early as 10am until dusk.

Some offer chauffeured experiences if you want the ultimate in relaxation, but you’ll want to give it a go yourself for the proper experience. If you’re a non-swimmer, make sure you request a life jacket to stay safe when out on the water.

Explore a gem of a gallery

Oxford boasts a number of fascinating museums with impressive collections of art and historic items, but one in particular stands out among the rest.

The Pitt Rivers museum is often associated with the university and is Oxford’s museum of anthropology and global archaeology. Gifted to the university in 1884 by Pitt Rivers himself, the museum has a unique and impressive display of artefacts. From musical instruments to jewellery and ancient weaponry, visitors can take a step through time as you’re transported across nearly every era.

Elsewhere, the Ashmolean Museum offers a similarly thrilling journey into the past, with exhibitions of art and archaeology that are simply exhilarating to behold.

With car hire in Oxford, you can travel the city streets to see the Dreaming Spires, and head further afield into the surrounding countryside at your leisure. Book direct now and start planning your trip.