Nightlife in Oxford
Oxford's nights out cluster in a few places close to the centre, and the pace is gentler than in a larger city. Here is where people go and what to know before the journey home.
Park End Street and the west side
Park End Street runs between the railway station and the centre and is one of the main streets for a late evening. Larger bars and venues are a short walk from the station, which is handy if one of you is arriving or leaving by train. It is at its busiest at weekends.
Park End Street runs between the railway station and the centre and is one of the main streets for a late evening.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
George Street and Gloucester Green
George Street, close to Gloucester Green, has a long stretch of bars and venues. If you want something quieter than the main strip, look to the side streets and to the pubs that sit away from the busiest corners.
Every photograph here is reviewed by a person before it goes live, and members who have verified their identity carry the Verified tick. Browse who is online now, or join free to message them.
Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Oxford itself.
Cowley Road and Jericho
Cowley Road offers a mixed, local evening, with bars and pubs along its length. Jericho is smaller and gentler, with a neighbourhood feel. Both suit people who would rather talk than dance.
Cowley Road offers a mixed, local evening, with bars and pubs along its length.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
How late it runs
Opening times vary from one place to the next, so do not assume anywhere stays open late. Look up the last bus or train before you go out, especially on a Sunday or during university holidays, when services can be thinner than you expect.
Opening times vary from one place to the next, so do not assume anywhere stays open late.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Getting home safely
Use a licensed taxi booked through a firm or an app, and check the driver's badge and the number plate before you get in. Because vehicle access in the centre is restricted, a driver may ask you to meet them a short walk away. Send a friend your plans and your return time. Everything here is meant for adults aged 18 and over.
Use a licensed taxi booked through a firm or an app, and check the driver's badge and the number plate before you get in.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Before you go out
Decide in advance where you will start and where you expect to finish, and tell whoever you are meeting which end of the centre is easiest for you. Oxford's streets are narrow and easy to mix up in the dark, so a map on your phone, with the battery charged, is worth having. If you are travelling in by train, check the last service to your own town before you commit to a late start, and keep a card as well as cash for the fare home.
Decide in advance where you will start and where you expect to finish, and tell whoever you are meeting which end of the centre is easiest for you.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Oxford areas worth knowing
- Park End StreetLarger bars near the railway station
- George StreetA long run of bars close to Gloucester Green
- Cowley RoadA mixed, local stretch of bars and pubs
- JerichoA smaller, quieter neighbourhood
Frequently asked questions
The busy central streets are usually well lit and well used. As anywhere, stay on the main routes, keep your phone charged and avoid walking alone through quiet back streets.
Yes, but queues form at busy times. Booking a licensed taxi in advance is easier than waiting on the street.
Join TheDirectory, free
Every photograph reviewed by a person, identity verification for anyone who wants the Verified tick.
Join free
