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Car hire in Oxford

Hiring a car in Oxford

Oxford is a historic city in the south of England, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country.

By hiring a car, not only can you explore the delights of Oxford, but the stunning towns and villages in the surrounding area.

The main roads surrounding Oxford are the A34, which begins just above the city and goes 55 miles south to Winchester, and the A40, which heads west 210 miles to Fishguard on the coast of Wales.

What you need to know

Oxford has a large number of hire car providers right in the city centre, so search on our website to make sure you find the most competitive price for your needs.

You can choose almost any car, so whether you're looking for something small and practical or a top of the range vehicle, you'll be sure to find something to suit your needs.

You can also be reassured by the 24/7 support, as well as the free cancellation option, so we can help with anything at all if your needs change.

Where to pick up your car

If you're in the city centre, you'll find that most of the suppliers are nearby and can be reached with ease. Address details will be given before the booking is made, but you won't need to be concerned about locating them as all are very central.

If you're arriving by train, then you'll find that many of hire car providers are close by, or just a short walk. Alternatively, you can easily get a taxi to take you to wherever you've arranged to pick up your vehicle.

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Car Hire Reviews Oxford

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Where to go

Oxford is most well-known for its prestigious university, but the city has so much more to offer. There are a surprising number of large open spaces for you to enjoy, whether you fancy a walk, some sports, or to just relax with a picnic and a book.

Near the river, and not too far from the train station, is Oxford Castle, while Port Meadow in the north of the city is fantastic for a day out.

Having a hire car gives you the freedom to explore everything that this historical destination has to offer and really make your trip extraordinary.

Nearby Oxford

Oxford is surrounded by stunning towns and villages, so you have the chance to explore and see everything that the English countryside has to offer.

About an hour west of Oxford sits Cheltenham on the outskirts of the Cotswolds. This is an area of outstanding beauty, having been designed in the 18th century as a health resort for wealthy visitors. Now, it's well-known for its horse racing, and boasts the best jumping racecourses in the world.

Just over an hour north of Oxford is Birmingham, a destination that is worlds away from the leafy suburbs in the south. Birmingham is often considered England's second city, after London, due to the amount of industry that is based there. This is a brilliant place if you're looking to hit the shops, as you can find almost anything from high street brands in the iconic Bullring shopping centre to independent boutiques.

Longer drives

If you're looking to enjoy a longer drive across England and explore further afield, then why not drive north to Chester? The journey takes a little under three hours, but it's well worth the trip.

Chester, although a city, has the feel of a village. It still has so much of its original building work, which really adds to the charm of the area. There's also a great choice of tea rooms, cafes, galleries and independent shops that you can visit.

Alternatively, if you head about three hours south-west you can reach Torquay in Devon, which is a beautiful seaside resort town. This area is popular for its beaches and stunning cliffs, although it can get particularly busy during the hot summer months.

Top attractions to visit in Oxford

By hiring a car you have the option to see absolutely anything in Oxford that takes your fancy, so you know that you won't miss out on anything.

Eating and drinking

There's no standard cuisine to be found in Oxford - you can choose almost anything at all that you might fancy. There's a huge choice of restaurants, from chains to independent eateries.

You also won't be short of bars, and can choose from quiet pubs overlooking the river to much more lively bars and clubs.

If you want to do your own cooking, or just want some fresh produce to take home, then you should check out one of the many Farmer's Markets. Most of these run just once a week or once a month so you'll need to check where and when they're on, but you can pick up anything from local meat and freshly grown vegetables to breads, cheeses and chutneys.

Things to do

Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a lively break, you'll be able to find it in Oxford.

If you're looking for a cultural experience, then there's many museums and galleries you could visit, including the Museum of Oxford, Oxford University Press Museum and Christ Church Picture Gallery.

For shopping, the city centre is the perfect place. You can visit the usual high-street stores, or explore further and seek out those smaller independent shops selling unique and handmade goods.

Alternatively, if you're lucky with the weather, then head to one of the many parks that are dotted around the city to kick back and relax in the sun.


As it's such a beautiful destination, a walk along the River Thames is truly delightful - especially if it's a sunny day. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.

You also won't want to miss out on seeing Oxford Castle, even though all that remains now is ruins. Originally built in 1071, the Castle housed a prison, which was still in use until 1996.

In addition, as Oxford is such a historical city, by heading out and exploring you're sure to find some hidden treasures that really show off the beauty of the area.


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