LLM EXCLUSIVE MARCH 2025 / A Luxury Guide To Oxford: Where To Stay, What To Do And Where To Eat / Editing By Nick Gibbens / Publisher LLM Reporters

Oxford is easily one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, and is steeped in rich history as well as being home to an array of lavish hotels, high-end restaurants and cultural attractions, making it a captivating choice for a luxury weekend break.

The prestigious Oxford University, which opened its doors all the way back in 1096 and remains the most sought-after educational institution and at the top of the Word University Rankings list, is one of its proudest claims to fame, but the city is known for many other things besides.

Amongst them include its picturesque canals and rivers, where punting is a popular pastime, and its enthusiastic cycling culture, with the city’s flat terrain and bike-friendly infrastructure making it the favoured way to get around for locals and visitors alike.

Once upon a time, the city served as the border between the warring Vikings and Saxons, when it still had walls around it – and during the English Civil War it became King Charles I’s capital for a time.

Located in Oxfordshire, just an hour’s drive from London and at the convergence of the Cherwell and Thames rivers, it enjoys a prime location and is easily accessible from across the UK. Here’s how to spend a luxury escape in the city in 2025 to get the most out of this iconic and quintessentially British destination.

Where to stay

Old Bank Hotel

Combining Georgian grandeur with contemporary chic, the Old Bank Hotel is Oxford’s most sought-after hideaway

The impressive Old Bank Hotel is part of The Oxford Collection, an independently-owned collection of two five-star plus luxury hotels and three high-end restaurants in the centre of the city – all of which we’ve featured in this guide.

This particular hotel enjoys a prime location on Oxford’s famous High Street, and features 43 beautifully appointed rooms, many of which enjoy impressive views down over the city and its world-famous landmarks.

For a real treat, why not book ‘The Room with a View’ – a recently refurbished suite with an outdoor patio and seating area that offers the most impressive vistas of all – taking in the Radcliffe Camera, an iconic Oxford landmark and a working library that is part of the central Bodleian Library complex, and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, which dates back to the 13th century, is the largest parish church in the city and serves as the spiritual home to the University of Oxford.

The Old Parsonage Hotel

The Old Parsonage Hotel is a boutique hotel set in a building dating back to 1660

For more of a boutique five star experience, the Old Parsonage Hotel – which also belongs to The Oxford Collection – offers a similarly central location but a more intimate experience.

Set on the pretty boulevard St. Giles, it counts the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums, The Playhouse and Keble College amongst its most notable neighbours and is just a short stroll from the River Thames – so if you’re keen to enjoy a spot of traditional punting whilst in the city, then you couldn’t be more conveniently based.

Exuding a chic country house feel that expertly combines elements of the old and the new, modern interiors are juxtaposed with 20th century portraits and eclectic touches.

There are 35 rooms in all, each with its own unique identity – but a few things they all have in common are their sumptuous Epoc beds, which guarantee a good night’s sleep, as well as polished Carrara marble bathrooms.

Plush natural fabrics feature throughout, and original Oxford sketches adorn the walls in a nod to the hotel’s home.

Both The Old Bank Hotel and The Old Parsonage Hotel and their restaurants are run with sustainability in mind and in a way that benefits the local community, staff and guests, and the long-term health of the planet – so if you’re looking to make a conscious choice about where to stay then The Oxford Collection’s offerings tick all of the boxes.

Where to eat

Quod

Quod, given its location within the Old Bank Hotel, enjoys the same privileged location and is known across the city and beyond for its expansive menu centred around tasty European classics

Quod, given its location within the Old Bank Hotel, enjoys the same privileged location and is known across the city and beyond for its expansive menu centred around tasty European classics.

With head chef Rohan Kashid at the helm, its menus are a celebration of each season, with its popular weekday set lunch menu offering a welcome opportunity for shoppers and tourists to escape the throng of Oxford’s city centre for a moment of calm and a quick refuel – or, if time allows, a long and leisurely lunch.

From please-all burgers and pizzas to fresh fish dishes and classics like chicken tikka masala and seared duck breast, there’s something for all tastes – and you’ll certainly want to save room for pudding, because few can resist the likes of a stick toffee pudding or the maple-roasted pears.

In the late afternoons, you can sit by the restaurant’s large Georgian windows and watch the world go by over an indulgent afternoon tea – and as the evening begins to set in and the lights are turned down a little lower, you can perch at the bar to enjoy some fresh Maldon rock oysters washed down with a glass of champagne, or sip on a creative cocktail from the extensive menu.

Gees

Arguably Oxford’s most beautiful restaurant, Gees is housed in a stunning Victorian conservatory. Image credit: Quintin Lake

Arguably Oxford’s most beautiful restaurant, Gees is housed in a stunning Victorian conservatory that has a storied past and was both a greengrocer’s and a florist back in the late 19th century before eventually becoming what it is today. The restaurant continues to pay homage to its rich history, and the original features of the Grade II listed building have been well preserved – but classy, modern touches of wood, marble and leather along with a myriad of verdant potted plants make this a fresh and welcoming space.

Gees serves up flavoursome cuisine that draws inspiration from the seas and the soils of Italy and Spain. Its distinctive Mediterranean feel and rustic setting have made it a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, and there’s a buzzy atmosphere every day of the week.

Sundays take on a particularly cosy feel, with Sunday roasts a major draw and ensuring that its tables are always full.

During the week, the eatery’s express lunch menu and all-day menu ensure that the diners keep on coming, and flavours evolve with the seasons.

Parsonage Grill

Located inside the Old Parsonage Hotel, the Parsonage Grill is a modern and relaxed eatery that takes diners on a journey around Britain

Located inside the Old Parsonage Hotel, the Parsonage Grill is a modern and relaxed eatery that takes diners on a journey around Britain, with a menu crafted around the best seasonal produce sourced from all corners.

The focus is on simple cooking to allow the main ingredients to shine, and dishes offer elegant touches on much-loved classics like the rabbit and tarragon pie with chard and carrots, the confit duck leg with boulongère potatoes with cavolo nero and the hake with samphire, parsley potatoes and lobster sauce.

Last summer, the restaurant’s historic walled terrace was given a new lease of life and a modern twist, inspired by the famed jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.

If you’re looking for an al fresco dining spot in the city as we head into spring, then look no further, because this is set to be the most sought-after spot in town.

The six-week refurbishment and £80,000 investment have transformed the space with bold colours, brilliant whites and plenty of plants and large-leaved foliage and will make you feel as if you’ve been instantly whisked away to warmer climes the moment you set foot inside.

As well as serving up delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the week, the Parsonage Grill is also famous for its quintessentially British afternoon teas.

Served daily from 2.30pm to 5pm, they feature the best homemade scones, clotted cream and preserves, delicate finger sandwiches, cakes and puddings, all served up in the main dining room or out on the terrace, and washed down with a glass of champagne.

Things to do

Attractions

The world-famous Bodleian Library is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford

There’s no shortage of things to do in Oxford, and from historic landmarks to cultural attractions, it’s got plenty to keep you entertained.

The Bodleian Library – one of the oldest libraries in Europe – and is set within a stunning historic building that is worth visiting for in itself. Inside, there’s an impressive collection of books to peruse. Take a guided tour to ensure you get the full experience, including seeing all of its medieval rooms.

Harry Potter fans will undoubtedly want to make time for the Christ Church College, as it was one of the filming locations for its films. There’s lots to explore, from the grand hall to the quaint chapel, and its expansive gardens make for particularly beautiful viewing in springtime.

So, too, does the Oxford University Botanical Garden – the oldest botanical garden in the UK. And history buffs will also want to add the Ashmolean Museum – the world’s first university museum, which showcases an incredible collection of art, archaeology and artifacts – and the Oxford Castle and Prison to their itinerary.

Shopping

The city’s main mall, the Westgate Shopping Centre, is home to an array of options, with highlights including Ted Baker and Michael Kors. Image credit: Alena.K/Bigstock.com

If you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping whilst in Oxford, then there are plenty of high-end shops and boutiques that are worthy of a splurge.

The city’s main mall, the Westgate Shopping Centre, is home to an array of options, with highlights including Ted Baker and Michael Kors.

Elsewhere, the Vaults and Garden Shop is a great spot to peruse high-end, contemporary fashion and unique designer pieces as well as art and decor.

For footwear, Emma Hope is a popular boutique specialising in beautifully crafted luxury shoes and accessories.

And just outside of Oxford, the famous Bicester Village – an upscale outlet mall – is well worth the short drive. Here, you’ll find all of the best-known designer fashion brands including Prada, Gucci and many more