A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Dover for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Oxford or Dover?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Dover, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Oxford as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oxford travel costs.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. Dover is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Dover travel costs.

Oxford and Dover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Dover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oxford than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oxford is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is more popular for its hiking. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Also, Oxford is famous for Radcliffe Square. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

Radcliffe Square

How is Oxford different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Dover?

Oxford is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Is the Food Better in Oxford or Dover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Oxford and Dover offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Oxford or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Oxford offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Oxford or Dover Better for Hiking?

Dover is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Dover?

Oxford is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Oxford to go shopping. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Dover More Beautiful?

Oxford and Dover both are comparable with their terrific scenery and beauty.

Oxford is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The history and architecture make this a beautiful destination.

The famous beauty of Dover is one of the main draws. The stunning White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight that is not to be missed.

Is Oxford or Dover Better for Families?

Oxford and Dover are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dover. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Oxford or Dover Better for Couples?

Oxford and Dover are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Oxford or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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 Oxford or Dover Better for Students?

Oxford is a world-class destination for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Oxford is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Oxford or Dover a more walkable city?

Oxford is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Dover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dover or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Oxford or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dover due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

Families should spend more time in Oxford than Dover. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oxford, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oxford than Dover 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 Oxford.

One day in Oxford or Dover?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. 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.

A weekend in Oxford or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dover is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Dover?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Dover?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Dover. This town 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Dover, 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Dover Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Dover?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Dover, 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 Oxford or Dover?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oxford or Dover in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Dover. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Dover fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Dover. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dover. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Dover in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Dover during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dover. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Dover in the Winter?

Both Dover and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is cooler than Dover. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dover averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Dover. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in January than Dover. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Dover in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Dover. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Dover fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Dover during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dover. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dover and Oxford