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

Should you visit Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Oxford. Newcastle upon Tyne is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge.

How is Oxford different from Newcastle upon Tyne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Newcastle upon Tyne. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Is the Food Better in Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Is Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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

Is Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Families?

Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Couples?

Oxford is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great college town to visit as a student. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne. In our opinion, Newcastle upon Tyne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Oxford. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-3 days is enough time in Newcastle upon Tyne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Many people visit Oxford for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. This college town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

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 Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Summer?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year.

Oxford is a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 69 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Newcastle upon Tyne. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newcastle upon Tyne. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is around the same temperature as Newcastle upon Tyne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Newcastle upon Tyne. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Newcastle upon Tyne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Newcastle upon Tyne. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Newcastle upon Tyne. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Newcastle upon Tyne fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Newcastle upon Tyne. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 134 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Newcastle upon Tyne. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle upon Tyne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newcastle upon Tyne and Oxford