Oxford is one of the UK’s most scenic towns – cobbled streets, beautiful green spaces and those famous dreaming spires. 

So where better to head for a weekend getaway? 

Luckily for you, we’ve curated the best and most beautiful boutique hotels, perfect for exploring Oxford and the scenic countryside just outside the city. 

The Old Bank describes itself as a “breathtaking statement in design” – and it’s not wrong. 

Located on Oxford’s High Street, the Old Bank has 43 luxury bedrooms, many with beautiful views of the town. If you want to get a quintessential Oxford experience, it’s a good choice – sandwiched between the university’s All Souls, Christ Church and University colleges and opposite the Bodleian Library, you’ll be right at the heart of the action. Its restaurant, Onyx, is notable in its own right – it’s one of Oxford’s largest eateries.

The Old Bank Hotel, average £300/night.

If you’re looking for an eccentric and unique getaway to escape busy city life, you can’t get any better than Artist Residence.

Located in the scenic countryside of the Cotswolds, the hotel is as beautiful as it is unique. Set in a 16th-century thatched roof cottage are five luxury rooms, all kitted out with stunning furniture and eye-catching artwork. 

The countryside location doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do, though. The farmhouse is only three miles from the Witney and District Museum and four from Devil’s Quoits, a Neolithic stone circle – so you can discover some history while you soak up the luxury, too. 

There’s even a pub quiz in the hotel’s restaurant. No chance of getting bored.

Artist Residence, from £195/night. 

Soho Farmhouse has been getting lots of buzz lately – and for good reason. 

Located in the Oxford countryside, Soho Farmhouse is a real one of a kind. If you’re not driving, never fear – it might look remote, but local station Charlbury is just 15 minutes away in a taxi and is serviced by trains from London, Oxford and Hereford. 

And it’s not a usual hotel experience, either. Electric milkfloats ferry guests around the huge estate – good job, considering it’s set in 100 acres of land. 

There’s also hot tubs, a cinema, a Cowshed spa, a cookery school, a gym, two pools, a lake, tennis courts and the opportunity to go horse riding. Your only problem will be fitting it all in.

Soho Farmhouse, from £250 for members and £330 for non members.

The quintessential country inn, the Feathered Nest is in yet another beautiful location – something the Cotswolds obviously supplies by the bucket full. 

A traditional restaurant and bar will keep you full during your trip. But have no fear, there are also plenty of amazing walking routes nearby to make sure that you don’t get too comfortable. 

The Feathered Nest Inn, from £140/night. 

In the city centre, you get all the benefits of Oxford’s charms – the university, museums, meadows and boutique shopping. 

Don’t let its history fool you, though – the Museum Hotel is one of the first hotels in the UK to offer a fully automated check in service. Staff are on site throughout if you run into any problems, but if you like your holiday with a side serving of independence, this is the place for you.

Museum Hotel, from £133/night.

Located next to the university, the Old Parsonage (set, as you might expect, in a 17th century parsonage), is just a seven minute walk from the Ashmolean and an 11 minute walk from the Sheldonian Theatre.

The Old Parsonage, from £185/night. 

Images: Gtty