A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Oxford vs. Outer Hebrides for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oxford or Outer Hebrides?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Outer Hebrides, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a stunning, spectacular, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Oxford and Outer Hebrides: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Outer Hebrides?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oxford. Although Oxford and Outer Hebrides are both popular with visitors, Oxford has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oxford is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Oxford is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. It is also home to Radcliffe Square. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

Radcliffe Square

How is Oxford different from Outer Hebrides?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Oxford or Outer Hebrides Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Outer Hebrides Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Outer Hebrides?

Oxford is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Outer Hebrides Better for Families?

Oxford and Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Oxford or Outer Hebrides Better for Couples?

Oxford and Outer Hebrides are both great 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 Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Oxford or Outer Hebrides Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil 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 Outer Hebrides Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Oxford is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Oxford or Outer Hebrides a more walkable city?

Oxford is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Outer Hebrides or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Outer Hebrides?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oxford or Outer Hebrides to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Oxford 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 4-10 days is enough time in Outer Hebrides.

Couples should spend more time in Oxford than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Oxford or Outer Hebrides?

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 food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides?

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.

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Outer Hebrides?

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 Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Outer Hebrides?

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 when visiting the tranquil destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides, 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Oxford or Outer Hebrides?

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 Outer Hebrides in the Summer?

Both Outer Hebrides and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is a little warmer than Outer Hebrides in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 117 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Outer Hebrides in the Autumn?

Both Outer Hebrides and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Oxford is a little warmer than Outer Hebrides. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Outer Hebrides averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 83 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Outer Hebrides. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Outer Hebrides in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Outer Hebrides. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine.

The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. Oxford can be very cold during winter. In January, Oxford is generally cooler than Outer Hebrides. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Outer Hebrides in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Outer Hebrides. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year.

Oxford is a little warmer than Outer Hebrides in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Outer Hebrides. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 149 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Outer Hebrides. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Outer Hebrides and Oxford