Oxfordshire Venues Guide 2023

About Experience

Where else could you hold your meeting in a room that was once home to Oscar Wilde or dine where C S Lewis, William Gladstone and Rowan Atkinson regularly ate, then let your delegates spend the evening networking on the banks of the Thames?

From UNESCO world-heritage palaces and ancient libraries to high tech venues, Oxfordshire has it all. Oxfordshire is home to a diverse range of venues suitable for everything from bio-tech conventions, to luxury incentive breaks, to corporate retreats from nearby London.

Surrounding the historic ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ and world-leading University of Oxford are the beautiful stone villages of the Cotswolds, bucolic English market towns on the banks of the Thames, and Britain’s greatest palace – all within a little over an hour from London by train, bus or car.

Why Oxfordshire?

History and Heritage

There are over 1,500 listed buildings in Oxford, and the University of Oxford is the oldest in the English-speaking world. Among the alumni are 30 British Prime Ministers, at least 30 international leaders and 50 Nobel Prize winners, and countless scientists, authors and other great minds.

Outside Oxford lies Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Woodstock. It is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is currently home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, with 300 years of history to discover and more than 2000 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens to explore.

Inspiration and Peace

The high walls of Oxford’s time-honoured colleges enclose peaceful gardens, and Britain’s oldest Botanical Garden occupies a charming position on the River Cherwell in the heart of Oxford.

The city’s many parks and meadows like Christ Church Meadows, South Parks, University Parks and Port Meadow are some of the best parks you can visit in England. Take a river cruise along the Thames from Oxford to the serene expanse of Port Meadow where Lewis Carroll first told his stories of Alice in Wonderland.

Arts and Culture

Oxford’s museums and libraries are unparalleled. The Ashmolean is the oldest museum in the world, the Bodleian Library holds a multitude of invaluable ancient books and the Pitt Rivers is a treasure trove of curious artefacts.

Oxfordshire offers an unrivalled wealth of cultural events, from world class musicians performing at the Sheldonian Theatre, to grand musical productions at the New Theatre.

Shopping

Located 20 minutes outside Oxford, worldrenowned Bicester Village is home to over 160 boutiques of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands, as well as exceptional savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price, all year round.

Westgate Oxford is Oxford’s newest shopping and leisure experience located in the heart of Oxford and is home to prestigious global brands, inventive and eclectic restaurants and cafes, a five-screen boutique cinema and sophisticated rooftop bars and dining.

Getting to Oxfordshire

Getting to Oxfordshire could not be easier - we are at the heart of England.

Oxfordshire is 45 minutes from London Heathrow Airport and 50 minutes from Birmingham International Airport.

Fast and efficient train and coach services link Oxford with London, Birmingham and the north and south of the country, and the M40 and A34 ensure easy access by road.

International Gateways:

Heathrow International Airport ( 90 minutes by the airline coach service, or 90 minutes by train )

London’s other international airports – Gatwick, Luton and City all provide easy access to Oxford via central London. ( London to Oxford is 90 minutes by coach, Gatwick is 150 minutes )

Birmingham International Airport ( 60 minutes by train )

London Oxford Airport ( private airport ) ( 20 minutes by taxi )

Getting around Oxfordshire

Only 60 miles across, and served by a network of motorways, train lines and bus services.

Transport Services

GWR gwr.com

Business train travel shouldn’t be a chore. In fact, with GWR, you can sit back, relax and enjoy their top facilities and services.

With more seats, more space, and Wi-Fi throughout the train, travel time doesn't have to be wasted time. They also offer conferencing rates for locations covered in their catchment area, which is discounted for businesses.

Chiltern Railways chilternrailways.co.uk

Chiltern Railways offers a convenient link between Oxford and London Marylebone. Their trains are equipped with spacious carriages, power points and free Wi-Fi. Delegates can make a stop at key stations along the line, including Bicester Village and High Wycombe.

Oxford Bus Company oxfordbus.co.uk

Oxford Bus Company operates a comprehensive network of services in Oxfordshire including the city46 to Great Milton and BROOKESbusU5 to Oxford Brookes University.

Park at one of five Park & Ride sites around Oxford and travel into the city centre with ease.They also operate the airline luxury coach services linking Oxford with London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Stagecoach Oxfordshire stagecoachbus.com

Stagecoach West in Oxfordshire operates the Oxford Tube, a reliable and frequent coach service between Oxford and London, 7 days a week with free Wifi and Wireless and USB charging. Connections to Milton Keynes and Bedford are also available on the operator’s X5 service from Oxford.

Once in Oxfordshire, Stagecoach has an extensive network of buses operating across the county including services to Blenheim Palace (S3 and S7) and Bicester Village (S5). Stagecoach services also extend as far as Cheltenham (S2).

Royal Cars royal-cars.com

Recognised as the largest private hire service provider in Oxfordshire, Royal Cars boasts a fleet of over 600 vehicles, with something for every occasion. They are the greenest service in the county and offer all types of work, from local runs and airport transfers to long-distance pickups and drop offs, as well as weddings.

Sector Strengths

Computer Hardware & Software

Animation Technology

Computer Gaming

Artificial Intelligences

Cyber Security Software & Hardware

Industries in Oxfordshire

Today are Developing

Gene-therapy treatments for blindness

Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Photovoltaics

Air Breathing Rocket Engines

Autonomous Vehicle Guidance

Synthetic Retinas

Artificial Intelligence for Robotics

Phase Change Materials

Jet Fuel Catalysts

Charged Particle Imaging

Solvodynamic Printing

Personalized Medicine Diagnostics & Testing

Research & Development

Autonomous Vehicles

Motorsport engineering and R & D

Biosciences, Med Tech & Pharmaceuticals

Cancer / T-Cell receptor technology

Drug discovery & development

Digital Healthcare

Engineering & Electronics

Magnets & Instruments

Lithium Battery Technologies

Nuclear Fusion Energy

Autonomous Vehicles

Solar Cell Technology

Nano Technology Tools

& Medical Imaging

Creative Industries

Film, TV and Broadcasting

Music

Publishing

Visual and Performing Arts

Things to do in Oxfordshire

The University of Oxford

Take inspiration from one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, is made up of 39 colleges – many date back to medieval times and have immaculately lawned quads, grand dining halls and ornate chapels. Experience a college for yourself on a tour with Oxford Official Walking Tours.

Blenheim Palace

Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a magnificent stately home. The perfect destination for a leisurely day to wind down, or to treat your delegates after a conference, Blenheim Palace offers 2,000 acres of open countryside to explore. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in The Orangery or soak up the opulence of the State Rooms.

Bicester Village

Bicester Village is Europe’s ultimate luxury shopping destination, home to more than 160 world-leading brands, from Swarovski to Saint Laurent; all offering exceptional savings. Take some time off to shop in the boutiques or dine in the Village’s cafés and restaurants. With direct train links to London, Bicester Village is a well-placed bolt-on to a visit to Oxfordshire.

Explore the Countryside

Oxfordshire’s rolling hills, winding rivers and quaint market towns are a picture-perfect backdrop to some all-important leisure time. Take a day trip into the Cotswolds from Oxford, see the River Thames from a different perspective aboard a boat tour (or even a punt!), or challenge delegates to test their endurance in a walk along the Ridgeway Trail in the south of Oxfordshire.

University of Oxford Museums

If you’re hosting an event in the heart of Oxford, don’t miss the University of Oxford’s prestigious museums. Choose from the Ashmolean Museum, the world’s oldest public museum and home to a world-famous collection of art and artefacts, the Museum of Natural History, and neighbouring Pitt Rivers Museum, the University of Oxford’s quirky museum of anthropology and world archaeology.

Westgate Oxford

If your event is taking place in Oxford, delegates can enjoy some down-time at Westgate Oxford – Oxford’s premier shopping and dining destination. Delegates can take in a film at Westgate’s five-screen cinema after a spot of shopping. In the evening they could visit Westgate’s rooftop terrace for arresting views of the Oxford skyline while enjoying a drink or meal at one of the many innovative restaurants and boutique bars.

Evening plans

From traditional pubs to buzzing bars, live theatre performances to concerts and everything in between, there are plenty of things for delegates to see and do in Oxfordshire once the sun goes down. Options include immersing themselves in a theatre performance at New Theatre Oxford, mingling with intellectuals in Oxford’s bars and pubs or an evening fixture at Oxford United Football Club. Alternatively, organise tickets to a music concert in a stunning and historic Oxfordshire venue, or attend a public lecture – the University of Oxford hosts a calendar of events throughout the year.

Make the most of your time in Oxfordshire by visiting experienceoxfordshire.org

Walking Tours

The award-winning Oxford Official Walking Tours are a great way to explore Oxford on foot. The tours will take you around the city’s most famous buildings and you will hear about its world-renowned university, fascinating history and famous filming locations.

Each tour is limited to 20 people and is led by an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. experienceoxfordshire.org/venues

Oxford Official Walking Tours provides bespoke private group tours.

Perfect for incentives and social work events

Over 12 different tours, covering a variety of themes

Tours in French, German and Italian available

Join our public tours including:

Oxford University & City Tour – daily Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Tour – every Saturday

Philip Pullman’s Oxford Tour – every other Saturday

Oxford Ghost Tour – every other Saturday

C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Tour – first Saturday of the month

Book now at: oxfordofficialwalkingtours.org or contact the team at officialtours@experienceoxfordshire.org or on 01865 686442

City Sightseeing Oxford

citysightseeingoxford.com

Experience the City of Dreaming Spires like never before as you explore Oxford from the comfort of the top deck.

Hop on and off at 20 stops near Oxford’s most famous landmarks, including Oxford Castle, Christ Church, Magdalen Bridge, and the Sheldonian Theatre.

Onboard audio commentary is available in 14 languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Polish, Russian, Hindi, Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Korean, Japanese, and Cantonese. And now little ones can discover Oxford with the exclusive Mia Cloo's Oxford Quest kids' commentary and activities (EN)!

All tickets include access to the Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour – the perfect way to learn more about this

gwr.com/your-tickets/ways-to-save/group-travel

Whatever your reason for travelling as a group, GWR is here to help. Specialising in groups of 10 or more, GWR Group Travel can help you plan your Great Western journey.

Whether you choose Standard Class or the spacious seating and complimentary at-seat refreshments in First Class; GWR offers free Wi-Fi and at-seat power options on all their high-speed services.

GWR’s range of specialised rates for Group Travel can offer over 26% in savings and will always deliver the best value travel for your group.

Royal Cars

royal-cars.com

From humble beginnings in 1991 to becoming the largest private hire service in Oxfordshire, Royal Cars is proud to have found a place within the community of Oxford.

Being family ran since their inception, delivering a safe and reliable service is at the heart of everything they do. Their journey from a handful of cars to over 600 has seen them collect numerous awards in marketing, sustainability and community engagement, showcasing their core values.

Whether you want to travel economically in one of their ULEV’s or reach the airport in style with a fully comprehensive chauffeur service, Royal Cars has got you covered.

Stagecoach

stagecoachbus.com

Visiting the city? Download the Stagecoach Bus app and get around by bus.

Stagecoach’s mobile app has all you need in one place:

Plan your journey - Set your current location, choose your destination and select what time you want to travel. They'll let you know which buses you can catch and what times they run, as well as an estimated journey time.

Track your bus - Check the live map to find services close by, tap on a service to see where it’s heading and what time it'll get there.

Buy your ticket - Their ticket range is available on your mobile! Have your ticket ready to hand.

The Summit Executive Chauffeurs

thesummitchauffeurs.co.uk

Arrive at your event in style

Whether the journey begins by air, rail or sea, The Summit Executive Chauffeurs are your ideal travel partner ensuring your delegates arrive refreshed and ready for the main event.

Proudly offering principals and guests a bespoke and refined chauffeur service for every occasion.

With Executive and Luxury vehicles including Wi-Fi, charging points, and choice of beverage as standard, event transport has never been so simple.

And with your booking portal, you control the journey from start to end and every step of the way.

Reach for The Summit for your next summit.

Starstream

starstream.co.uk

Starstream Media is the brand of Mark Rayson to bring visuals to the screen with either photography or film. Mark will make sure he can supply the very best service for whatever occasion you may have coming up.

Starstream works on many levels, with families for weddings, parties, christenings, birthdays, funerals and for the corporate area. Mark enjoys working from the ground up with a business to establish what the film will include, be it a montage-based film or tell a story.

Call Mark today on 07970 406913 or 01865 410207 to discuss your requirements.

Oxford United Football Club

eticketing.co.uk/oxfordunited

Oxford United Football Club is the only professional sports team in Oxfordshire. With a rich history dating back to 1893, Oxford United provides an engaging atmosphere and thrilling football action.

The Kassam Stadium, the home of Oxford United, offers a vibrant and exciting experience for football enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Spectators attending an Oxford United home match can purchase official club merchandise to look the part at the game. The club shop, located a few minutes’ walk from the stadium, offers a wide range of merchandise, including replica shirts, scarves, hats, and other great memorabilia for all budgets. Match tickets are available at OUFCTickets.co.uk Alternatively, call the Ticket Office on 01865 337533

Incentives

Enhance Your Event in Oxfordshire with World-Class Incentive Packages

As well as our outstanding conference and meeting venues, Oxfordshire boasts exquisite food, unique attractions, sporting venues and worldclass shopping, to make sure your delegates have an unforgettable experience.

Bicester Village, a globally renowned luxury shopping destination with more than 150 boutiques, can offer delegates the opportunity to enjoy savings of 10% off the Village price (T&Cs apply) in participating boutiques and restaurants with a VIP Pass.

Alternatively, treat delegates to a visit to Westgate Oxford. With prestigious global brands, eclectic restaurants and cafes, and sophisticated rooftop bars and dining, creating a memorable incentive experience at Westgate Oxford is simple.

Other incentive packages available in Oxfordshire include Michelinstarred dining experiences, award-winning walking tours of Oxford, private tastings in artisan distilleries and breweries, and exciting day trip packages to top attractions such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds.

With such a rich selection of attractions nearby – from gorgeous scenery, imposing stately homes and historic towns to explore, to excellent restaurants and sophisticated places to stay – it's easy to create a memorable itinerary around a visit to Oxfordshire.

For more information about enhancing your event in Oxfordshire and recommendations of the best incentive packages to suit your delegates’ interests, please email us on: venues@experienceoxfordshire.org.

Bicester Village

BicesterVillage.com

Enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience in the open air at Bicester Village, nestled amid the Oxfordshire countryside.

Discover more than 150 boutiques of leading fashion and lifestyle brands with remarkable savings, then complement your visit with a stop at one of the Village’s exquisite eateries. And if you can’t make it to the Village, try a Virtual Shopping appointment by phone or WhatsApp and browse the brilliant boutiques from wherever you are. To find out more, visit: BicesterVillage.com/virtualshopping

As a special guest, you’re invited to shop your favourite designers and enjoy 10% off the Village price in participating boutiques and restaurants with a VIP Pass.* Tap the link to download your VIP Pass and present it at the point of purchase.

For the latest opening hours, visit BicesterVillage.com/opening-hours

*Terms and Conditions apply to the VIP Pass. Please see Terms here

Westgate Oxford

westgateoxford.co.uk

For retail, leisure and dining in the heart of Oxford city centre, look no further than the stylish surroundings of Westgate Oxford.

With a huge collection of renowned brands such as John Lewis, Uniqlo and Zara, fantastic restaurants and bars, and an expansive Roof Terrace with breathtaking views across the dreaming spires, Westgate Oxford is the ultimate place to showcase the city of Oxford to your delegates.

Precious Days Out with Horses

HappinessHorsebox.co.uk

The Happiness Horsebox CIC is an innovative mobile venue, enabling people living with disabilities to access beautiful countryside. The focus is on setting up visits to horses – racehorse training yards, studs and heavy horse centres – so that guests can be safe, yet close up for a really special private experience.

The service creates a welcoming rural destination. It has a lifting platform into a warm private space with a loo and simple kitchen as well as a 5m x 2m enclosed awning area outside too. Fully licenced and insured, based on the Ridgeway near the ancient White Horse at Uffington – but can go anywhere!

It's therefore perfect for truly inclusive corporate outdoor training and events. Unique venues off the beaten track can be arranged with mobile catering such as fresh pizza, barbecues or picnic lunches - wherever / whatever suits your needs.

For more information, contact info@HappinessHorsebox.co.uk

How to use this guide

Activate Learning -

City of Oxford College

City of Oxford College is a city centre further education college with a beautiful river frontage and state-of-the-arts facilities/spaces to host events.

With its large range of meeting spaces to suit client needs the campus would be an ideal venue for space for events large or small.

Bicester Hotel and Spa

Bicester Hotel and Spa's expert team will assist and cater for your every need from enquiry to completion.

They offer a wide range of meeting room options from corporate events and entertaining to large conferences for up to 200 or small business meetings for 2. In addition to their meeting rooms they have fantastic outside space so they can offer corporate golf days and amazing team building opportunities in their performance facility.

Independently owned, they can offer full flexibility to ensure you have your day your way. Only 25 minutes from the city centre of Oxford and 5 minutes drive from the M40 makes them the ideal rural retreat for you and your delegates.

Bicester Motion

Bicester Motion is an event and photography location unlike any other, with a plethora of flexible spaces available. Bicester Heritage is the UK's best-preserved WW2 RAF Bomber Station, with over 50 beautiful historic buildings, including an historic motoring business campus known as Bicester Heritage.

A selection of buildings includes The Station Armoury, an ideal reception space for events, the recently completed 4000 ft2 studio and exhibition space in ‘The Command Works’ and an iconic 1936 C-Type Aircraft Hangar which provides a distinctive backdrop with an enormous 45,000 sq ft of indoor space and a dramatic steel roof structure and doors.

Their experienced team ensures the smooth running of any event. The location includes an automotive test track, 200 acre airfield and is within 90 mins from half of the UK’s population.

Why choose Bicester Motion

Large internal space, well equipped for film/tv/ photo shoot hire

Unique wedding location

Venue Facilities

Blenheim Palace

A true masterpiece of 18th Century English Baroque architecture Blenheim Palace is set within a 12,000-acre Blenheim Estate and is famed as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

The breathtakingly beautiful stately home is the only non-royal stately home to hold the title of Palace in the UK.

Blenheim Palace offers award-winning Hospitality for every occasion, from business meetings, corporate conferences, and away days to private dining experiences, promotional events, and celebrations.

With a diverse range of venues and catering options available, their dedicated Events Team will help put together a package perfectly suited to you. From planning to the delivery the team will be with you every step of the way.

Why choose Blenheim Palace

Full support from Blenheim Palace Events Team

Located in the heart of the Dreaming Spires, the Bodleian has 2 main unique spaces for holding events.

The Divinity School is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built rooms in Oxford University. This hall was designed to impress and celebrate the University as a centre of great learning and importance. It continues to impress as one of the most beautiful event spaces in Oxford today.

Over the road in the Weston Library is the bright and airy atrium space of Blackwell Hall. One of Oxford’s largest spaces for dining, Blackwell Hall provides a modern flexible space for a larger event, with plenty of room for drinks receptions and dancing.

Why choose Bodleian Libraries

Blackwell Hall is one of the largest spaces in the city centre that can host award ceremonies and dinner. Venue

Caswell House

Caswell House is a beautiful historic 15th century manor house with stunning medieval barns, offering a stylish and impressive setting for any event.

Caswell House is offered as an exclusive hire property, featuring an ancient orchard, secluded walled gardens, extensive lawns and picturesque moat. Set in 300 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, Caswell House guarantees complete privacy.

The three stunning medieval barns have been restored with care and attention to detail to reflect their original features, character and beauty with flagstone floors, honey-coloured Cotswold stone walls and oak beams.

Facilities

Award Winning Wedding Venue

Cherwell Boathouse

The Cherwell Boathouse is located in a historic Victorian Boathouse with a beautiful riverside setting. Independent and family run, they can offer a range of events and spaces for almost any event. From incorporating punting down the river on punts built on site, to fine dining in the restaurant or large barbecues and buffets overlooking the river. Chef Paul Bell's seasonal menu and the extraordinary wine list are further temptations.

During the summer months the Lower Boathouse and Gazebo offer smaller, more private spaces and all event spaces have sound systems and potential for AV presentations for meetings and conferences.

Beautiful and historic riverside location

Diverse range of spaces and potential events

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South is located just outside Abingdon, the UK’s oldest town, within easy reach of Oxford, Didcot, Milton Park, Harwell Campus, Culham Park, RAF Brize Norton and Bicester Village.

The Oxen Bar & Grill is their signature restaurant with open kitchen, fired pizza ovens, alfresco dining, and urban lounge bar. The hotel offers 2000 sq ft of meeting and event space with natural daylight and modern business technologies.

The vibrant lobby features booth meeting spaces and the hotel boasts a 24hr fitness suite. The hotel’s outstanding location offers easy access to explore the UK, and central London is accessible with regular trains to London in just 42 minutes.

Gees Restaurant & Bar

by The Oxford Collection

Gees Restaurant & Bar is an independently-owned, restaurant, bar, and terrace set within North Oxford’s famous Grade II listed Victorian conservatory, once home to the Gee family’s greengrocers and floristry.

Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike since 1989, Gees serves a distinctly Mediterranean-inspired menu using the best seasonal ingredients, simply prepared and expertly cooked, featuring regional dishes of Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Gees Gallery upholds an authentic and organic feel, with bare stone walls, oak panelling and a flash of rich green marble, featuring its own private bar, entrance and art collection. A brand-new, stunning private room perfect to host an array of functions and celebratory events.

Why choose Gees Restaurant & Bar

Oxford’s most beautiful restaurant set within a famous Victorian Conservatory

Mediterranean taste and feel of summer Friendly and knowledgeable service

Venue Facilities

Hook Norton Brewery

Victorian Hook Norton Brewery provides a unique backdrop for your next meeting, conference or event.

Their rooms are fully equipped with AV equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities. Additional activities such as a guided brewery tour or tutored tasting can be added to your day.

Your dedicated events co-ordinator will be on hand to ensure your day goes without a hitch and deliver a fantastic and memorable experience for you.

Keble College

Situated in the heart of Oxford, Keble College is the perfect setting for all events. The unique redbrick Victorian buildings set them apart from other Oxford Colleges.

They have a total capacity of 248 ensuite bedrooms and a range of meeting rooms all onsite. With 10 breakout rooms, a purpose-built conference theatre for up to 250 delegates, a Victorian Gothic Dining Hall seating 308, as well as the College

Bar for you to unwind in, this stunning College truly is a treat and offers the perfect surroundings.

Being in such a central location means that popular sites such as The Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Cherwell Boathouse are also only a stroll away.

Why choose Keble College

suit

Venue Facilities

Douglas Price

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is one of the country’s most cherished manor house hotels. They received two Michelin stars in 1984, and have held them ever since.

Surrounded by lawns, flower borders and orchards, its setting is postcardperfect. Beyond eye-catching displays are vegetable and herb gardens that provide the kitchen- and their acclaimed ‘The Raymond Blanc Cookery Schoolwith ultra fresh, organic produce. They guarantee the restaurant remains at the cutting edge of culinary excellence.

The private event area is ideal for private dining, weddings and meetings for up to 50 guests; with a large walled garden and additional space in a modern conservatory.

Raymond Blanc’s celebrated Michelin star dining Flexible event space and activities such as courses in cookery, wine tasting and outdoor pursuits

Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford

Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford has over 240 stylish guestrooms and plenty of facilities to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep in this beautiful city.

This 4* hotel is on Godstow Road, just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Oxford city centre and attractions. To make the most of your stay with them, take a look at their Oxford City Guide.

Please note, Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford is a cashless hotel.

Malmaison Oxford

Malmaison Oxford, a former prison, is now a boutique hotel located in the heart of historic Oxford. Boasting 95 bedrooms and suites, these are some of the most stunning and original hotel rooms.

They offer small to large meeting/event spaces for up to 60 pax and you’ll certainly make an impression when holding your event at Malmaison Oxford. This may be a former prison, bur your colleagues won’t feel caged in. The rooftop can also be exclusively hired out for Summer parties!

Whether you’re visiting Oxford for business or pleasure, Malmaison Oxford promises a sentence of luxury and comfort that makes it delightfully hard to escape.

Why choose Malmaison Oxford

Milton Hill House – The Venues Collection

Milton Hill House is a hotel situated in Abingdon, merely 13 miles away from Oxford. The manor house, with its high ceilings and classic décor, offers a memorable experience for your guests.

The bedrooms are designed to cater to the needs of those visiting for meetings or conferences. They come with a work desk and lamp and additional electrical outlets to ensure that guests can get their work done comfortably. A comfortable bed ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.

This is an ideal outdoor venue for a whole host of events. It is spread over 22 acres of flat, landscaped grounds, which include two patio areas and one Italian-inspired garden.

Located just 15 miles from Oxford and 11 miles from Blenheim Palace, Minster Mill provides an idyllic country retreat in a tranquil, creative and uplifting environment. 38 bedrooms (+ 15 bedrooms in the Old Swan their sister hotel) Boasting six individual meeting spaces, they can cater for up to 110 delegates theatre style and 190 as a standing reception. The three AA rosette restaurant itself has handsome vaulted ceilings and original oak beams, a modern, easy-going ambience. Drop in for an amazing Full English, a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner. Whatever the occasion, Minster Mill can help you celebrate in style and have a choice of private dining spaces available.

Why choose Minster Mill

and indulge in some super-soothing spa treatments in the Garden spa.

Enjoy the contemporary 3 rosette food and ambience.

65 beautiful acres of meadow land, Windrush river and walks

Venue Facilities

New Theatre Oxford

The New Theatre was opened in 1934 and boasts a traditional auditorium space, with additional break-out spaces available in recently refurbished bar areas.

Every year, thousands of people flock through the doors of the New Theatre Oxford to see the best names from the world of theatre, music, opera, dance, comedy and more. The venue is not just about star names though, set in the heart of Oxford city centre it is the ideal location for conferences, meetings and private parties with room sizes to suit all.

Venue staff will be on hand throughout the process – from enquiry to the close of your event – to ensure you have everything you need and that all runs smoothly.

Five individuality designed meeting spaces perfect for a range of events

Venue Facilities

Old Bank Hotel

by The Oxford Collection

The independently owned Old Bank Hotel, centrally located on Oxford’s famous High, is a breath-taking statement in design. The 5-star hotel has 43 luxury bedrooms, many with unrivalled views of the city’s most famous landmarks. ‘The Room With The View’ is a spectacular rooftop bedroom and terrace which overlooks the High and Oxford’s dreaming spires from a one-of-a-kind vantage point.

The Old Bank offers a unique selection of stylish, modern and luxurious private meeting rooms, each adorned with contemporary art making it a sophisticated venue to host events.

The Gallery and Boardroom offer full conference facilities and the beautifully appointed Red Room, perfect for private dining, continues the contemporary styling of Quod.

Why choose The Old Bank

Breath-taking statement in design with a variety of function rooms to choose from Slick service, considered detail & genuine hospitality

Old Parsonage Hotel

by The Oxford Collection

Oxford’s 17th-century Old Parsonage Hotel combines original charm and character with all the luxury, amenities and technology available to an independently owned 5-star hotel. The centrally located Old Parsonage is a luxury homefrom-home with impeccable hospitality, best known by locals and visitors alike for its eclectic country house charm, chic modern interiors, and striking 20th-century portraits.

Be it a business event or social gathering, their private dining room, the ‘Pike Room’, provides the perfect intimate, sumptuous & unique setting.

With its original stone fireplace, leaded light windows and walls adorned with a carefully curated selection of oil paintings, the Pike Room retains the same Bloomsbury club ambience of Parsonage Grill.

Why choose The Old Parsonage

Authentic character & tastefully curated Home-from-home hospitality with an eclectic country house charm

Other spaces are available with more flexible seating arrangements

Oxford Brookes Venues

Oxford Brookes Venues offers a range of contemporary and flexible venue spaces, from a stunning dining experience to modern meeting rooms and lecture theatres able to seat from 20 to 475. All rooms come equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities and the option of support by their in-house technical team.

A variety of social spaces and free wifi throughout provides the perfect environment for informal breakout sessions and networking opportunities for your delegates.

Understanding that food is an important element to the success of your event, their chefs are proud to use local, seasonal produce to create menus for all occasions and dietary needs.

Choose from traditional dining, informal working lunches or, for more flexibility, visit any of the campus six cafes and restaurants.

Why choose Oxford Brookes Venues

A dedicated Venue Coordinator for the duration of the booking

Parsonage Grill

by The Oxford Collection

Founded in 1989 by Jeremy Mogford, Parsonage Grill is a Cotswold-esque bolthole located within the 5-star 17th century Old Parsonage Hotel in central Oxford on Banbury Road.

Famous for its intimate, bohemian, clubby atmosphere, the Parsonage Grill and its private dining space, the ‘Pike Room’, displays a carefully curated collection of eclectic oil paintings, original stone fireplaces, leaded light windows and a Bloomsbury club ambience throughout, accompanied by a charming walled terrace.

The dedicated team of chefs take pride in creating classic British dishes with a modern, light touch, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon teas.

Why choose The Parsonage Grill

Quod Restaurant & Bar

by The Oxford Collection

On Oxford’s bustling High Street, peering out onto St Mary’s Church and the iconic Radcliffe Camera, Quod Restaurant & Bar with its unrivalled location, striking onyx bar and original artwork forms the lively hub of the Old Bank Hotel. Regulars and visitors alike flock to Quod for its broad menu of European classics. Head chef Rohan Kashid and his team produce daily blackboard specials, a weekday set lunch menu and afternoon teas.

The 'Red Room' is a stylish private dining space that maintains Quod's contemporary style with stone floors, natural daylight, air conditioning, and stunning artwork.

Outside, the Italian garden terrace provides a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere in the hidden heart of the city.

Unrivalled location

Dependable & familiar service

Vibrant & bustling atmosphere

Why choose Quod Restaurant & Bar Variable

Rhodes House

Rhodes House is a grade II* listed gem in the centre of Oxford, with all the elegance and style of the 1920s Arts and Crafts movement, combined with the most modern conferencing and meeting facilities in the city.

A recently completed project has updated and restored the traditional rooms in Rhodes House, and created a new conferencing venue, with state of the art audio visual capabilities and connectivity to share your event with the world.

New and sensitively restored accommodation allows guests to stay at Rhodes House year-round in 37 ensuite guest rooms, while awardwinning gardens have been redesigned, creating a haven in the centre of the city.

The most modern conferencing facilities in Oxford, combined with arts and crafts elegance

Conferencing and events spaces and accommodation available year round

A highly experienced team with full catering, AV and event planning capability to deliver quality events

Sandy’s Group

The Sandy’s Group is a collection of Bars in Oxford. The Oxford Wine Café, The Oxford Wine Cellar and Sandy’s Piano Bar are a blend of wine bars and live music venues in the city.

The Oxford Wine Bars have a strong 200+ wine list along with a full food menu including meat and cheese boards with toasts and pizzas.

Sandy’s is a late night piano bar open until 2:30am which serves top end cocktails and great beers.

Schwarzman Centre

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is currently under construction, completion due in 2025, providing a new home for research and teaching in the humanities at Oxford University, and an exciting range of outstanding venues for all of Oxford.

Fully open to the public, this exciting new venue will house versatile, state-of-the-art performance and conference facilities, including a 500-seat concert hall, 250-seat theatre and 100-seat “black box” space.

These venues will be brought to life by academic-led events, talks and exhibitions; as well as Oxford University's Cultural Programme, which is already delivering an ambitious series of live and online events to connect audiences, artists and academics.

Why choose Schwarzman Centre

Highest quality venues, developed in consultation with a leading acoustician and other experts

Rooted in Oxford’s study of the humanities with a mission to bring them to a wide audience

Built to high Passivhaus standards of environmental sustainability

The Bear Hotel

The Bear offers a choice of four meeting rooms with the largest accommodating up to 30 delegates. One of the key features of The Bear Hotel’s meeting rooms is the natural daylight available throughout, with stunning views across the surrounding market square, so even work-time can feel relaxed. They’re conveniently located only 20 minutes from Oxford and less than an hour from Heathrow.

Their dedicated team will offer impeccable support during your event, working with you to ensure its success. Plus, when you choose The Bear Hotel, you'll also have the choice of 54 characterful bedrooms with spacious working areas and free Wi-Fi access, complimentary onsite car parking and the opportunity to enjoy their award-winning dining.

The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels

Located within the city’s cultural epicentre, The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels takes inspiration from the University of Oxford’s history, paying homage to its storied innovators and alumni. Just steps from iconic colleges, this historic landmark is a welcome retreat for locals and travellers alike.

From handcrafted odes to college shields hanging above the front desk to custom guest room wallpaper inspired by the city’s native flowers and birds. Centrally located, the hotel is steps away from Oxford’s finest cultural and historic sites, providing a perfect spot to explore the city. Named after Lewis Carroll’s famous protagonist, The Alice serves up a locally sourced, seasonal menu of British dishes with a contemporary twist.

Why choose The Randolph Hotel

The Relais Henley

With 3 meeting spaces each individually styled the property offers both day delegate and 24 hour rates as well as offering exclusive use for those companies looking for privacy.

With the technology you would expect, the team delivers bespoke meeting experiences to ensure the client wants to come back for more.

The Store

The Store will delight guests with a labyrinth of beautiful spaces which will awaken a sense of exploration and wonder. Its 101 bedrooms are inspired by the rich heritage of the building; velvet headboards, king size beds, generous bathrooms and unique artworks, provide style and comfort. Rooms on the upper floors, and those with terraces, feature incredible views of the “dreaming spires”. Untraditionally British, expect the unexpected at Treadwell restaurant with local, sustainable produce and the multicultural influences of Oxford. The vast statement bar is located on the ground floor, the other is the rooftop terrace with iconic views of Oxford.

Cocooned in walnut, the Spa offers stunning facilities alongside Oskia treatments.

Why choose The Store

Rooftop bar with stunning views of Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’ with seasonal live cooking

Treadwell Restaurant: providing local, sustainably sourced produce and the multicultural influences of Oxford

Brand new, luxury lifestyle hotel with 101 beautifully appointed bedrooms

The Story Museum

The Story Museum is a most unusual museum in the heart of Oxford celebrating the power of stories and offers a range of interesting, creative spaces available for hire. Be it a party, workshop, or conference, they can provide you with the right space. Highlights include the Woodshed, a 100-seat theatre space, the Magic Common Room, a learning studio inspired by Hogwarts, and the Link Room; a bright and spacious room with courtyard views. They are licensed for alcohol and live entertainment and have an on-site café providing fresh and local refreshments.

Whatever your event and requirements, they are determined to find a solution and make it work.

Why choose The Story Museum

Unique and quirky venue with the option of visiting Galleries or booking bespoke story-telling sessions.

Venue Facilities

Suite / Room

Woodshed - Theatre fitted with retractable bleacher seating, can be set up with tables and chairs.

Magic Common Room - Inspired by Hogwarts with permission from Bloomsbury Books.

Link Room - Bright, spacious, oblong shaped room.

Triangle - Triangular-shaped room, perfect for small meetings.

Whispering Woods - Mysterious indoor forest, can be transformed with atmospheric lighting.

Alice’s Room - Themed around Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, perfect for small meetings.

An elegant destination for both leisure and business travellers, the voco Oxford Spires has an array of modern amenities to complete its riverside location, making it ideal for meetings, conferences, weddings, or special gatherings.

No matter the occasion, enjoy beautiful grounds, garden views, spa and leisure club, and flexible event spaces.

The hotel is a superb venue for business meetings and conferences.

Why choose the voco Oxford Spires

A wide variety of meeting rooms

voco Oxford Thames

No matter what brings you to the hotel’s door, whether it’s a work trip or weekend away, voco Oxford Thames is here to play host and make sure you have everything you need. It’s time to eat, sleep and everything in between.

Enjoy the Riverside views straight from the hotel’s door into the heart of Oxford City Centre. Enjoy the crisp Oxfordshire air. Explore the 30-acre grounds and gardens, visit the hotel’s very own honey bees and dine in the award-winning Napier’s Restaurant.

No matter how you wish to fill your day, the welcome will be the same. Take a stroll. Play or relax. Just enjoy.

Why choose the voco Oxford Thames

Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon, a unique French Renaissancestyle château, was built in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to house his art treasures and entertain fashionable society.

Waddesdon Manor offers a unique selection of event and meeting spaces. Whether it be an intimate dinner, a business forum or a lavish wedding, Waddesdon is an idyllic setting for bespoke events.

If you’re planning a wedding, you and your guests can enjoy the taste of Waddesdon’s privileged lifestyle from the 19th century: superlative food, excellent wines and friendly, professional service with absolute exclusivity guaranteed.

Why choose Waddesdon Manor

Historic landscaped gardens with spectacular views over the Chilterns

Filming location for Bridgerton, The Crown, Amazon Prime’s Cinderella and Rebecca

The Dairy – The Terrace - A wide terrace with two pavilions extending out over the lake.

The Dairy – West Hall - An impressive room with vaulted ceiling and two huge open fireplaces.

The Dairy – Dieppe Room - The quaint space full of art and history is ideal for intimate dining as well as meetings.

The Manor – White Drawing Room - A gorgeous backdrop for slightly larger gatherings.

Windmill Hill - Reading Room - The new building at Windmill Hill is located at the heart of the Waddesdon Estate.

Conference Oxford

conference-oxford.com

Why not hold your next event at the world-renowned University of Oxford and its colleges.

Let Conference Oxford be your first point of contact when looking for a venue for a residential or day conference, a meeting, a celebratory dinner, an award ceremony, a party or a wedding, the list is endless!

Conference Oxford represents 70 unique venues, housing over 7000+ bedrooms and 500+ meeting, conference and event rooms and spaces. Their venues offer a broad array of facilities, including modern purpose-built lecture theatres, historic college dining halls, glorious garden quads, libraries and museums.

Conference Oxford offers a free service to help you find your perfect venue including:

A venue search amongst their University and college venues

Central enquiry point for 70 University of Oxford venues and colleges

Support and advice should you need to use more than one venue for your event

Whatever your requirements, the Conference Oxford team will provide you with the information, advice and support necessary to ensure a memorable, successful event that will create a lasting impression. 1

Distance from Oxford City Centre - Conference

Oxford represents 70 venues located in and around the city centre of Oxford

Closest Motorway - 8.5 miles, M40 Junction 8

Nearest Train Station - All of the venues are between a 2 – 20 minute walk from the main Oxford Train Station

Why choose Conference Oxford

within the most renowned university in the world

Central enquiry point for over 1,000 buildings within 70 venues

Offering free, experienced and friendly advice and support

Oxford Fine Dining

oxfordfinedining.co.uk

Oxford Fine Dining are extremely proud of the trusted reputation they have gained over the past decade. They are very privileged to have been given the opportunity to cater at some of Oxford’s most esteemed and prestigious venues and have an extensive and impressive portfolio of weddings, corporate events, university gatherings and private dining experiences throughout Oxfordshire.

Oxford Fine Dining are the approved caterers to a number of Oxford and Oxford University venues including:

Bodleian Libraries

Ashmolean Museum

The Natural History Museum

Kirtlington Park

Newington House

Oxford Fine Dining take great pride in every meal served. Everything is freshly made in their own kitchen and ingredients are carefully chosen with a dedication to local suppliers, with sustainability at the forefront of their business practices. A friendly team with a wealth of experience and knowledge in event management. Tailor made events to make the perfect catering experience exceeding your expectations.

Approved caterers to a number of Oxford and Oxford University venues

Accredited Sustainable Caterers

Creative seasonal and Conscious Collection menus

The Experience Oxfordshire Venues Service

We understand that organising an event is a challenge. Experience Oxfordshire Venues partners with some of the very best venues in Oxfordshire, and our team can offer you help and advice to make your event run smoothly.

Our free service includes:

Find the most appropriate conference, meeting or wedding venue; Find and book group accommodation; Suggest great places for private dining in Oxfordshire;

Enter your venue requirements in our short enquiry form

Receive a list of top venue recommendations that fit your brief Introductions to qualified venues Book your Oxfordshire venue

Enter your venue requirements in our short enquiry form to receive a list of top venue recommendations that fit your brief:

experienceoxfordshire.org/venues/make-an-enquiry/