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

Should you visit Oxford or Nottingham?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Nottingham, 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 beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford and Nottingham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Nottingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Oxford is known for its museums, nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square.

How is Oxford different from Nottingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nottingham 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 Nottingham?

Oxford is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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

Both Oxford and Nottingham offer good 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 Nottingham. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Oxford or Nottingham Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Oxford or Nottingham Better for Music?

Nottingham is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Oxford is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Nottingham active and fun. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Oxford is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Nottingham?

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham Better for Families?

Oxford and Nottingham are both good 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 Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Is Oxford or Nottingham Better for Couples?

Oxford is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Oxford or Nottingham Better for Students?

Oxford is very popular for students. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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 Nottingham a more walkable city?

Oxford and Nottingham are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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.

Nottingham is a very walkable college town. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Nottingham or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Nottingham?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oxford or Nottingham to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oxford than Nottingham because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nottingham.

Families should spend more time in Oxford than Nottingham. 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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nottingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Nottingham?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

Nottingham 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 Nottingham?

Oxford, a popular college town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. 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 Nottingham?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the dynamic destination of Nottingham. This city 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Nottingham?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Nottingham, 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 Nottingham?

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 Nottingham in the Summer?

Both Nottingham and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Nottingham in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Nottingham fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the summer, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nottingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Nottingham. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Nottingham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Nottingham. Many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Oxford is around the same temperature as Nottingham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Nottingham averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Nottingham receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives more rain than Nottingham. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Nottingham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Nottingham. Many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Nottingham. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Nottingham fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Nottingham. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nottingham receives 61 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nottingham. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Nottingham in the Spring?

Both Nottingham and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Nottingham in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Nottingham fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nottingham during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Nottingham receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nottingham. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nottingham receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nottingham and Oxford