A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Loch Lomond National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park, 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 historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a relaxing, scenic, and serene national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Oxford and Loch Lomond National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oxford than Loch Lomond National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oxford is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Loch Lomond National Park is more popular for its hiking. Oxford is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Also, Oxford is famous for Radcliffe Square. Loch Lomond National Park is well known for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

Radcliffe Square
Radcliffe Square

How is Oxford different from Loch Lomond National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is a great college town for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is a college town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Oxford is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Is Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is a great college town for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Oxford has something for everybody. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Hiking?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Loch Lomond National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is a college town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Oxford has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Families?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Loch Lomond National Park is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

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 Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Couples?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford and Loch Lomond National Park are both high quality 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 Loch Lomond National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.


Is Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

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 Loch Lomond National Park Better for Students?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

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

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

Is Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is a college town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Oxford offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.


Is Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park a more walkable city?

Oxford
Loch Lomond National Park

Oxford is a great college town for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Loch Lomond National Park. 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 Loch Lomond National Park 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.


  • How many days in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4

One day in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Loch Lomond National Park. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Loch Lomond National Park. 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 Loch Lomond National Park?

Oxford is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the serene destination of Loch Lomond National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Loch Lomond National Park or Oxford?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, while the average daily cost in Loch Lomond National Park is £61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Oxford and Loch Lomond National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Loch Lomond National Park

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Oxford


Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Oxford Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Loch Lomond National Park £20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

Also for Oxford, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Loch Lomond National Park?

Prices for flights to both Loch Lomond National Park and Oxford change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Oxford £41
    Loch Lomond National Park £15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Loch Lomond National Park £16

Tours and Activities in Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
  • 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
  • Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
  • Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
  • CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oxford and Loch Lomond National Park, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. And not only is Loch Lomond National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Loch Lomond National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Loch Lomond National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford than you might in Loch Lomond National Park.

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