A Guide to Meeting Other Travellers in Oxford

Oxford is a great city for meeting people from all walks of life and is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. With a unique history, culture and plenty of things to do, it’s no wonder that Oxford draws in visitors from near and far. Whether you’re looking to connect with like-minded adventurers or just learn a bit more about the city you’re visiting, there’s something for everyone in Oxford.

From taking part in a walking tour to attending a language course, here are some of the best places for meeting other travellers in Oxford.

1. Oxford Pubs & Beer Gardens

Visiting a local pub is an iconic British pastime and a great way to meet other travellers. The pubs of Oxford are full of character and show the best of British ale offerings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a pint or an outdoor beer garden where you can relax in the sun and make conversation with new people, Pubs are a great option for travellers looking to meet new people.

For a traditional pub experience, The Bear Inn offers classic British pub grub as well as local real ales and ciders. It has been around since 1242 and is one of the oldest pubs in the UK. For a more modern pub experience, head over to The Turf Tavern. Established in the 14th century, this pub is a local favourite and is known for its great selection of ales and artisan food.

For those looking for a beer garden, The Library is the perfect spot with its vibrant atmosphere, summery vibe and craft beer selection. The Perch is another popular spot with plenty of outdoor seating and stunning views over Oxford’s gardens.

2. Oxford Walking Tours

Taking part in an Oxford walking tour is a great way to get to know the city whilst also connecting with other travellers. Through taking a tour, you can explore the city’s top landmarks, get insider tips from a local guide and perhaps make some new friends.

Oxford Tour Company is one of the most established tours companies offering guided tours of the city and university buildings. Their 1.5 hour Historic Oxford tour takes you through some of the city’s most beautiful areas like Magdalen Bridge and the Bodleian Library.

If you’re looking for something more offbeat, Secret Cities Walking Tours offer an insight into historical routes as well as an introduction to quirky details such as secret tunnels, ghost stories, hidden gardens and much more. They offer both private and small group tours of up to 6 people, giving more personalized options for travelers.

3. Social Gatherings

If you’re seeking an opportunity to talk with like-minded people and make some real connections in Oxford, social gatherings are a great option. The city has various different types of events that cater to a range of interests from architectural tours to comedy and theatre nights.

The Oxford Meetup group offers various social events throughout the week such as live music nights, pub crawls and a walking group if you want to stay active whilst getting to know people in the city. Sofar Sounds is another great platform for discovering events in the city – their secret gigs all over the world bring music lovers together over a variety of intimate shows from up-and-coming artists.
MouseTrap Theatre Company is an award-winning small theatre that puts on classic shows such as Macbeth as well as innovative new work from local playwrights. Every show ends with an opportunity to meet the cast and discuss their work afterwards – perfect for meeting some of the city’s more creative faces!

4. Language Courses

Language courses are an interactive way to learn more about a culture and have fun whilst doing it! It can also be a great icebreaker when it comes to meeting other travellers. Oxford is home to many language schools with plenty of courses to choose from such as Spanish, German, French, Italian and Chinese classes.

The Language Centre at Oxford Spanish Academy offers language classes for English and Spanish learners of all abilities from basic level beginners up to advanced language fluency courses tailored specifically to the needs of each student. They also provide cultural activities such as visiting local sites and going on trips where you can get to know your classmates better.

The Webster Oxford International Study Centre is also a great option if you’re looking for an immersion experience with accredited language classes in French, Spanish and German. They offer both one-to-one classes and group classes, as well as cultural exchange sessions where you can practice what you’ve learnt with native speakers.

5. Co-Working Spaces

If you’re visiting Oxford on business or need to do some work during your travels, co-working spaces offer the perfect blend of collaboration and networking opportunities. Oxford Hub co-working space is one of the most popular spots for digital nomads and entrepreneurs thanks to its range of hot desks, breakout spaces, meeting rooms and even yoga classes – ideal for those who want to take full advantage of the resources available at co-working spaces while also taking time to relax away from their laptop!

The Jam Factory also provides hot-desking amenities on top of interesting events such as cooking workshops, film screenings and communal dinners – great for connecting with locals or other like-minded entrepreneurs over some delicious home-cooked food!

My Opinion

All five of these places make for great opportunities when it comes to connecting with other people in Oxford. From pubs full of character to interactive language courses or social gatherings, there are plenty of options for making your trip one to remember! Personally I would choose from pubs or social gatherings depending on how I’m feeling – sometimes nothing beats a pint with new friends in a traditional British pub whilst other times I want something more meaningful or creative where I can show off my newfound linguistic skills or network with entrepreneurs alike!