Is Oxford Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Oxford is widely considered to be a safe destination for solo female travelers. The city’s crime rate is relatively low in comparison to other UK cities. Moreover, the local people are friendly, and there are good public transport links and well-lit areas during the night. It's advisable to maintain the usual precautions as in any other city, such as being cautious at night and staying within populated areas. Overall, it offers a secure travel experience.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 9 experiences from local women

Oxford is currently ranked #14 safest place in United Kingdom for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Oxford?

Safety at night:Safe

Oxford is generally a safe city to travel in even at night. Like any city, it has its less safe areas, but the city center, university area, and most parts are considerably secure. Streetlights are well maintained and public spaces are usually populated until late hours. However, it's always prudent to stay vigilant and avoid less crowded or dimly lit areas when alone. And as always, practice basic safety precautions like sharing your location with someone you trust.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Oxford have high standards of safety. Buses and trains are regularly patrolled and have CCTV. However, during late hours, be a bit more cautious and try to travel in well-populated carriages. Despite this, Oxford's public transportation is generally reliable and safe for solo female travelers.

Street harassment:Low

Oxford is generally a safe city with relatively low incidences of street harassment. However, like any urban area there are occasional reports. This is more likely during late hours and in less crowded areas. During the day, especially in the city center, you can expect to feel secure and comfortable. As always, staying alert and aware of your surroundings can help ensure personal safety.

Petty crimes:Low

Oxford, as a city that harbours a lot of students, boasts a relatively safe environment. Petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching can happen, but they are not common. As always, especially in busier or tourist areas, it's recommended to keep an eye on your belongings.

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Daria

United Kingdom

Solo travel

Oxford is super cinematic, cosy and atmospheric. I feel myself as if I’m a character from a movie here. I love the center where the main colleges are situated, Ashmolean museum and a famous Bodlean library. All - must visit as for me. Ashmolean museum is free to visit. Just across the street there is a super beautiful restaurant “The Alice” - worth to visit for a cup of tea or a lunch. The best coffee - Colombia coffee roaster (Covered market in the centre and Dummertown - quite far), Society, 101 coffee, Jerico roasters. The best and one of the most iconic pub - King’s arms (very stylish). New Dancing Dragon Bar & Restaurant - is quite far from the centre but as for me the best Chinese restaurant, very very good one (better to book a table). On Turl street - super cool hot chocolate. / if you don’t have a lot of time it’s worth to visit Christ church college and the meadow, Worster college and it’s park, Exeter and it’s back yard with a gorgeous view on the Bodlean. By the way Tolkien who wrote Lord of the ring studied there. For the Harry Potter fans : Christ Church, Bodleian Library and New College. There’s a super nice river and it’s possible to rent a boat near the botanical garden (30pounds per 1 hour and after cheaper) but 1 hour is enough. It’s better to find a student with a student card who can show you the colleges and invite you to have a lunch/dinner at the college hall. It’s a nice experience and all the colleges are open and visits are free if you follow the student. Enjoy!

Posted: June 22, 2023

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Is Oxford safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Oxford is as safe as any other city in the UK. However you should always excercise caution when it comes to certain areas. Avoid blackbird leys/ some areas of cowley and Barton especially at night as a woman.

Posted: January 12, 2025

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oxford is a lovely city, where the most common crime is bike theft... in which case, if you have a good bike lock / are travelling on foot, you'll be fine! pedestrians run the city, there is a strong police presence in the evenings & nights, and those who are living on the streets or are stumbling around drunk are usually entirely harmless.

Posted: January 5, 2025

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