A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Oxford for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Oxford. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Oxford: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Both Oxford and Isle of Skye have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Isle of Skye is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Oxford is known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Isle of Skye different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oxford and Isle of Skye. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Oxford is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Oxford? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Oxford is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Oxford are good family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Oxford both great destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Oxford a more walkable city?

Oxford is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Oxford Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oxford or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Oxford. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Oxford. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-3 days is enough time in Oxford.

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Isle of Skye. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oxford that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isle of Skye than Oxford if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Isle of Skye.

One day in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Oxford is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Oxford, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Oxford Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Oxford, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Isle of Skye or Oxford?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Oxford in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Oxford fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Oxford during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Oxford. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Oxford in the Autumn?

Both Oxford and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is cooler than Oxford. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Oxford averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Oxford. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Oxford. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Oxford in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Oxford. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. In January, Isle of Skye is generally a little warmer than Oxford. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Oxford fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Oxford during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Oxford. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Oxford in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Oxford. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Oxford in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Oxford fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Oxford. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 147 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Oxford. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Oxford and Isle of Skye