A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Orkney Islands for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oxford or Orkney Islands?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Orkney Islands, 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.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Oxford and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Orkney Islands?

Both Orkney Islands and Oxford have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Oxford is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Oxford is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Oxford different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Oxford for the nightlife scene. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Oxford or Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Orkney Islands?

Oxford is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

Oxford and Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Oxford or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

Oxford and Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Oxford or Orkney Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Orkney Islands is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands Better for Students?

Oxford is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Orkney Islands.

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

You'll find some public transit in Orkney Islands, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Oxford or Orkney Islands a more walkable city?

Oxford is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Orkney Islands?

Both Oxford and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Oxford. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 3-7 days is enough time in Orkney Islands.

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Oxford or Orkney Islands?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands?

Oxford is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. It offers something for everyone. 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 Orkney Islands. 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.

A week in Oxford or Orkney Islands?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Oxford or Orkney Islands?

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 Orkney Islands in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 129 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands this time of year.

Oxford is a little warmer than Orkney Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 73 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Orkney Islands. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

Both Orkney Islands and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is cooler than Orkney Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 29 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

Both Orkney Islands and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 135 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Orkney Islands. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and Oxford