Oxfordshire is known for its rolling countryside, historic architecture and academic facilities. This, alongside fully equipped modern facilities, provides the ideal backdrop to any conference or event.
Oxford has so many famous attractions that visiting delegates will be spoilt for choice. Alongside the 38 colleges and countless gardens, halls, chapels and museums, which are ideal settings for business events, you can find contemporary meeting spaces and venues for memorable team-building activities.
The town is known for its architecture, and the dramatic structures of the university buildings have given it the nickname the ‘city of dreaming spires’. Among the exceptional examples of historic Oxford is the Bodleian Library, which includes a series of stunning reading rooms, and the breathtaking Gothic structure of the Divinity School.
For delegates more interested in fresh air, several walking tours exist, including an Inspector Morse excursion that follows in the footsteps of the lugubrious detective. Those intrigued by the city’s literary history may want to take the JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis tour, or engage in the magical world of Harry Potter.
There is also the opportunity to take a punt down the River Cherwell, a boat trip on the River Isis or a leisurely stroll in the University Botanical Garden. Venture further into Oxfordshire and you can visit the Waterperry Garden or one of several arboretums, as well as the spectacular Blenheim Palace or Cotswold Wildlife Park.
More modern attractions and hospitality opportunities for visiting delegates include an ice-rink in the town centre and a number of small markets and shopping centres. The Cowley Road is an experience in itself, and is where the two principal music venues are located: the Regal and O2 Academy.
There are also big-name shows at the New Theatre, plays at the Oxford Playhouse, smaller productions at the intimate Burton Taylor Studio and international music and dance at the Pegasus Theatre. The summer months bring outdoor productions in college gardens and venues ranging from the Saïd Business School’s amphitheatre to a former prison yard.
For wining and dining delegates there are a number of cosy pubs serving English fare or tearooms for a traditional afternoon tea. Finally, local restaurants do not disappoint, with a huge variety of venues including Quod Brasserie, Old Parsonage Hotel or Chequers at Burcot.
WELL CONNECTED
How to get there – and where to stay
The city offers an array of modern hotels, including Bath Place, Malmaison Oxford, Royal Oxford Hotel, Mercure Eastgate Town House and the Macdonald Randolph. There are also a number of historic townhouse properties, inns and country houses further from the city centre. Many boast peaceful grounds and golf or spa facilities, perfect for winding down away from the meeting room.
Oxford railway station provides fast trains to a large number of destinations, including London Paddington, Edinburgh and Manchester. There is also a regular coach line to London alongside the local bus service. Historically, Oxford was an important port, but now the river and canal are mainly used recreationally.
A number of main roads connect the Oxford ring road to the rest of the UK, and the M40 motorway provides a direct route to both London and Birmingham for business travellers.
MEET IN STYLE
Oxford Castle Unlocked
Oxford Castle offers the Key meeting room, part of the Castle Yard complex, which can accommodate a maximum of 100 delegates for a reception. Alternatively, you can hire the entire castle. The 900-year-old crypt is available for up to 50 delegates, or the 800-year-old Prison D-wing can be hired for 100 guests. oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk
Culham Conference Centre
Located 10 miles from Oxford city centre, Culham Conference Centre is a purpose-built facility that has six main meeting spaces. Rooms can cater for up to 60 delegates and all include full AV equipment. The John Adams Lecture Theatre seats up to 234 delegates and features integrated technology, including a large projection screen and roaming and lapel microphones. The venue also caters for themed events with an on-site kitchen and a range of menu choices. culhamconferencecentre.co.uk
Four Pillars Oxford Thames
The hotel has just invested £2 million in an impressive multi-functional conservatory for events and dining, along with new and upgraded bedrooms. This is alongside the current choice of nine private events rooms. The new conservatory can accommodate up to 90 people, or be combined with the Little Barn, River Room restaurant, Oxford Suite and Eights Bar for events for up to 350 delegates. Ten of the bedrooms have uninterrupted views across the hotel’s 30-acre grounds to the River Thames; the others boast views of Heyford Meadows or the hotel’s walled garden. four-pillars.co.uk/thames
The Kassam Stadium
The De Vere Kassam Stadium has 38 meeting and event rooms for up to 900 delegates, all of which provide complete AV equipment and free wifi . For larger events the exhibition spaces are fl exible and there is the possibility of banqueting for up to 500. The adjoining Kassam Leisure Park has a nine-screen cinema, bowling alley, health club and bingo hall. thekassamstadium.com
