Oxford

Oxfordshire is a county with something to suit everyone; the world-famous bustling University city of Oxford sits proudly surrounded by fabulous countryside which is interspersed with classic pretty English villages and thriving small towns such as Banbury and Chipping Norton. Centrally located and well connected, much of Oxfordshire is within commuter distance of London. Combined with the county’s reputation for excellent schooling and culture, this makes Oxfordshire one of the most desirable places to live in the country.

Between the new Strutt & Parker Oxford office and the office in Banbury, the Christie's International Real Estate exclusive Affiliate covers the majority of the county. In addition, the firm's offices in Newbury and Pangbourne cover the southern edge and its Moreton-in-Marsh office the north-western fringe. The houses sold and let by these offices vary from imposing Georgian farmhouses and barn conversions to delightful country cottages, with a handful of modern family homes thrown in. Oxfordshire is blessed with more than its fair share of charming period and listed homes and Strutt & Parker's offices have an abundance of both, split between village/town locations and more rural areas, surrounded by generous grounds.

Key towns and villages in Oxfordshire 

The busy market town of Abingdon is located just five miles from Oxford in the Vale of White Horse. It claims to be Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited town with a rich history dating back more than six thousand years. The town houses a number of attractive and interesting structures including the former county hall, now home to the museum, and the remains of the Benedictine Abbey. Abingdon is a convenient leisure and retail centre with quality facilities and a useful selection of chain stores. The White Hart pub remains a firm favorite with foodies—it has held two rosettes for culinary excellence and uses lots of local produce—as well as those seeking a traditional pub with a charming atmosphere and real ale.

Adderbury is a beautiful village, divided in half by the Sor Brook, in a most picturesque location on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is home to grand architecture, a beautiful church, a handful of popular pubs, and a great community spirit. On the edge of the village are the Adderbury Lakes, a well enjoyed nature reserve.

In the Cherwell Valley and on the River Cherwell is the market town of Banbury. It is a pretty and thriving town, serving many villages in its rural surroundings with a great choice of charming shops and restaurants including many independent establishments. Residents enjoy visiting nearby Broughton Castle and the Oxford Canal, which passes through the town. The famous local delicacy, Banbury cakes, are not to be missed.

Bicester is one of the fastest growing towns in Oxfordshire, with a history dating back more than a thousand years. It is well connected by train and road and offers extensive amenities. Its pedestrianised centre has many independent and chain stores, as well as a good selection of cafés and eateries. Outside the town is a designer outlet, which attracts a huge number of visitors. Its weekly market is complemented by regular farmers’ markets and the odd French market.

Chipping Norton is a popular market town in the Cotswolds, boasting beautiful architecture and famous residents. It has a diverse choice of quality shops, pubs, and theatre, and serves as a leisure and retail centre for the surrounding area. There is evidence of prehistoric habitation in the area in the form of the Rollright Stones—a stone circle located a couple of miles from the town.

Oxford, famous for its university, the oldest in the English speaking world, sits in the centre of the county. Its architecture is interesting and varied, with a range of eras and styles represented. Many of its buildings have breathtaking views over a cityscape so striking that it has been known as the city of dreaming spires. Oxford is rich in culture, known for its punting, history and, more recently, for being home to some of the iconic buildings featured in the Harry Potter films. The city has extensive shopping opportunities with a vast number of chain stores on its main shopping streets. Venture on to the side roads to discover interesting independent stores and the great covered market. The Oxford Blackwell’s store boasts the largest single room devoted to books in Europe, at 10,000 square feet—fitting in a city built on education, intellect, and research.

The charming and prosperous small town of Thame takes its name from the river which flows just to the north of the town. There are a number of markets held locally, including a livestock market, and locals are proud of the interesting mix of shops that line the High Street alongside a selection of restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Raymond Blanc lives and runs his two Michelin starred restaurant, the Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, in the nearby village of Great Milton and is an ambassador of the Thame Food Festival, a celebration of local gastronomy held annually.

Schools in Oxfordshire

In keeping with Oxford’s academic reputation, the area is known for having some of the best schools in the country, particularly in Oxford itself.

For a comprehensive list of schools, we recommend the Good Schools Guide.

Transport links

Oxfordshire is well connected by road. The M40 passes through the county and decent A-roads head in all directions through and out of the county, meaning that most of the area is very accessible. London is within easy reach and commuting distance by train —about an hour or less from most of Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire has one airport, London Oxford, which runs domestic flights. Heathrow airport is about an hour by car from Oxford.

Leisure

Oxfordshire provides a fantastic mix of opportunities for leisure pursuits—fantastic culture in Oxford, pretty villages with traditional pubs dotted throughout the county, and glorious open countryside with far-reaching views.

Amongst the huge choice of things to do in Oxford are a very good selection of museums and University buildings open to the general public. The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is the oldest museum in Britain—many locals visit regularly to enjoy its enormous collection, too extensive to explore in one visit. Just eight miles from Oxford, in Woodstock, is Blenheim Palace—a stunning building and gardens incorporating a number of attractions.

Of the several National Trust properties in the county, the most unique is probably White Horse Hill, a hillside chalk figure in a great setting for a family walk. The interesting landscape of Oxfordshire lends itself well to all types of outdoor activities—the wide, open plains mean that most walks or rides will be accompanied by amazing views over the surrounding countryside. Oxfordshire is also home to over 30 golf clubs.

Why we love Oxfordshire

Oxford offers a unique blend of old and new with the history of the city centre and its wonderful architecture mixing with the fresh vibrancy of a new crop of under graduate students every year. It is also in a fabulous geographical position close to the centre of the country with London, Birmingham, the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills all within easy reach.

How Many People Live in Oxford?

Population: 654,800

What Languages Are Spoken in Oxford?

Language: English

What is the Currency in Oxford?

Currency: GBP (Pound sterling)

Explore our luxury properties for sale in Oxford, England

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