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

3.2 /5

Based on 1 experience

4.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Oxford is exceptionally clean and safe to drink. It is highly regulated and meets all the necessary standards for water quality. Many residents and visitors drink tap water without any adverse health effects. It's not only economical and convenient but also environmentally friendly compared to bottled water.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

3.2 /5

based on 1 experience

Rating summary

Things to do

3.2/5

Safety

3.2/5

Food

2.2/5

Budget-friendly

1.4/5
Daria

Daria

United Kingdom

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

A city of the arts, the theatres have a constant stream of incredible talent and stories. Check out the North Wall arts centre for the best stuff and a matinee at the Old Firestation after lunch at Damascus Rose Kitchen. For free entertainment find a spot to sit outside the Sheldonian in the sun - there’s often a jazz busker outside or radiating choral music from inside to listen to as you people watch or read a charity shop book find (Oxfam started in Oxford and their bookshops are well stocked!)

Posted: October 28, 2023
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Meet locals in Oxford

Kate

Kate

Speaking

About Me

Hi I’m a British 23 year old traveller currently in Australia. I love learning new skills, in the past year I’ve taught myself Spanish, become a trained barista, solo travelled Mexico and started weightlifting. I’m looking to learn how to sail, free dive, improve my languages, or any any other skill that I find interesting. I’m looking to meet likeminded people who are open to new experiences and like exploring :)))

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Ana

Ana

About Me

I grew up in Italy and now live in the UK. I am occasionally in Constanta. I love the sea, taking long walks on the beach, discovering new cafes, visiting new places, reading.

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Stay with locals in Oxford

Anne

Anne

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Anne and I'm interested in animals, books, boozing, cinema, events & social, food & cuisine, history, languages, nature, live music, photography, sightseeing, solo travel and technology

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇲 Gambia, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇲 San Marino, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇿 Tanzania, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Daria

Daria

Speaking

You can stay for:

1 day

About me

Hi! I am a Ukrainian artist studying at Oxford. I am traveling a lot and I live in different cities so I will be happy to host someone who needs it in Oxford or whenever I move after the MFA. I can show you the best coffee places around, restaurants, parks and cultural institutions worth to visit.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇺 Mauritius, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Safety in United Kingdom