Is Oxford safe? What you should know

Posted Dec 3, 2024

Oxford is often called the "City of Dreaming Spires," and it's a treasure trove of history, culture, and, yes, some very clever people. This is where centuries of scholars have scribbled notes in libraries that look like Hogwarts (hello, Bodleian Library!). But don’t worry, you don’t need a degree from Oxford University to appreciate its charm. Apart from its academic reputation, Oxford is also home to quirky bookshops, beautiful parks, and an afternoon tea culture that’s borderline obsessive!

Now, let’s talk safety. Exploring a city should be stress-free. Whether you’re punting down the River Thames or snapping pics of medieval colleges, a little preparation can go a long way. From understanding local etiquette to navigating cobblestone streets without twisting an ankle, we’ve got you covered!

You’ll find ways to connect with the friendly locals, avoid common faux pas (hint: don’t rush tea time), and stay healthy while munching on scones! For nature lovers, we’ll explore the green havens and riverside trails and then tackle health and emergency tips. Oxford’s beauty might steal your heart, but with these safety tips, it won’t steal your peace of mind! Ready for the adventure?

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Oxford

If you're worried about personal safety, there's no reason to be! Oxford is a very safe city with a relatively low crime rate. Even for solo female travelers, Oxford doesn't have any sort of major harassment or common crime problems. So you can explore with your head held high and worry-free!

Getting from London to the Oxford

If you're already in London and you've heard that Oxford is a must-visit, or want to check out Oxford University, you're in luck! You can just grab the GWR (Great Western Railway) train at Paddington Station and get to Oxford Central Station right in the city centre. The ride takes 50 minutes and you get to see some stunning countryside views!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Oxford

Oxford criminals have thought up some pretty cheeky ways of scamming people who aren't used to ticket machines in car parks. A lot of them have scannable QR codes that lead you to the official website for paying tickets online. Sneaky scammers have decided to put fake stickers over the real ones. Scanning their QR code takes you to a fake website designed to steal your credit card details. So if the stickers look dodgy, or the URLs look sketchy and not like the official websites, stay clear of them!

Is tap water in Oxford safe to drink?

Absolutely! Just like most of the UK, Oxford gets its tap water from underground sources. The water is filtered in natural ways, but the city can add chemicals to purify it if necessary. So, if the tap water tastes a bit off, just remember that it's natural and probably rich in minerals!

Safe accommodation options in Oxford

Looking for where to stay in Oxford? Violent crime rates here are around the national average and anything more than petty crimes are not likely to happen to tourists. But just for extra safety, here's where you can stay:

Jericho is the perfect place to see Oxford life in action! It's trendy, and has lively pubs and friendly vibes! It's also close to the University of Oxford and has very safe walking areas. You can crash at the Randolph Hotel for around £200, its luxurious vibe is the reason for the price.
If you're looking for where to shop in Oxford, check out Summertown! It's got boutique shops, fancy cafes, and luscious parks! The Remont Oxford Hotel is around £100 per night and has breakfast included!
Headington is a quiet suburb that's perfect if you want to get away from the busy city centre. And the Sandfield Guest House at around £100 per night is charming and welcoming!

Pro tip: You can dump your stuff in London if you're just taking a short trip to Oxford! Or at any of our Oxford luggage storage spots. You don't have to carry any extra bags, or your briefcase full of documents around if you remember Bounce! Bounce over to one of our storage locations (with $10,000 protection) and then bounce over to or around Oxford baggage-free! Did we mention Bounce?

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

If you want some cultural callouts for Oxford, we've got you covered:

Pubs are very social spots in the UK. They're not just for meeting up with friends, they're for meeting new people, and even shooting shots for romance sparks! Don't be surprised if people of all genders start flirting with you if you're particularly good-looking!
You can dress in any way you like, so express yourself! But if you're going to visit a church or a fancy restaurant, a bit of dress-up is expected.
The city is very inclusive! So don't be shy about being yourself! The people are very academically oriented, so if you see someone you think might share an interest in your area of expertise, don't be afraid to strike up a convo!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Oxford isn't a big city, so you can get around pretty easily! Here are some tips on how to do it safely:

Buses are the main public transport here. Since the city is safe, the bus stops are too. But try to look for those that are well-lit and have some people around. You can also call a cab or an Uber, just don't get into cars waiting on the streets!
Driving in Oxford can be tricky. It's left-hand lane driving, some streets are narrow, and the city has low-emission zones that don't allow many cars. You can use the Park & Ride system to leave your car in a cheap car park and grab a bus.
Oxford is very walkable and most of the attractions are close to each other. Just watch out for that constant pesky rain that makes cobblestones slippery! Biking is hugely popular and very encouraged because of emissions. You can rent one or grab a cheap second-hand bike to take home as a unique souvenir.

Nature and Oxford: Tips to keep in mind

Oxford isn’t just about books and spires, it’s got beautiful green spaces and opportunities for outdoor fun! Here’s a guide on how to enjoy nature safely and responsibly:

River Thames & River Cherwell are great places to take a dip in the South-East and Nort-West of Oxford. Just be responsible, the currents can get pretty strong and you can put on some water shoes for sharp rocks.
If you're looking for the best hikes in Oxford, Port Meadow is great for picnics, walks, and swimming. South Park has great views of Oxford's dreaming spires, and Shotover Country Park is dog-friendly. Your puppy needs to socialize too!
If you're up for some climbing opportunities, you can grab a quick train to Cotswolds. Just remember to bring your rock climbing gear and sports equipment!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

It's never a bad idea to go the extra mile. Safety ensures that you'll have a great time wherever you go!

The NHS (National Health Service) is ground-breaking and covers emergency healthcare fees. You should still spring for travel insurance in case a service isn't covered.
Feel free to grab street food, it's generally safe and regulated. Just make sure to check for allergens.
999 and 112 are the general emergency numbers, and 111 will get you free healthcare advice.

So, is Oxford safe?

Yes, no need to worry about safety in Oxford! Just make sure to watch out for the QR code scams, slippery cobblestones, and strong river currents! If you're visiting Oxford from London or Birmingham (or anywhere else), remember Bounce and leave anything you don't need before you start exploring the charming town!