About Oxford
The scholarly city of Oxford is less than two hours from exciting London, making it the perfect location for hosting a weekend event or just heading there for the day.
Easily accessible by car or train, some of the most stunning architecture in the UK will greet you, not just in the university and college grounds but throughout the main entertainment area, too.
The vibrant and cosmopolitan city is a great place to enjoy everything from fine dining to funky cafes. You can also enjoy traditional activities such as punting along in a little boat down the river.
You will feel the creative energy just wandering the streets of Oxford, knowing that some of the most well-known stories were written in the surrounding areas. Oxford University was the home of J.R.R. Tolkien when he wrote Lord of the Rings, and Lewis Carroll created the classic Alice in Wonderland while being inspired in Oxford.
Private Party Options in Oxford
Hosting a private party in Oxford is as easy as enjoying the party itself. With so many vendors and services available in the city and the surrounding area of Oxfordshire, you will be able to find exactly what you need to host the perfect private party.
- Catering
With so many choices available in Oxford, you will find catering that will suit every style of private party imaginable. Perhaps your private party is themed and you would like to pair it with a specific cuisine? Then hire a Mexican food truck. Or perhaps you are hosting a sit-down three-course dinner? Then there are many caterers in Oxford that can assist with menu planning as well as waiting tables included in the catering packages. The options are endless!
- Music
Whether you envision a DJ spinning all the hits at your private party or like the thought of live music, then Oxford is the place to be for music hire. Most live music vendors will offer auditions before you commit to booking with them. If you only require background music, you will find jukebox rentals within Oxford and the Oxfordshire area.
- Decorations
The right props can really make a private party stand out and be memorable. Gone are the days of the traditional ribbons on chairs and flower arrangements; a new generation of decoration such as balloon garlands, flower walls, photo booths and dessert buffets has come! You will find decorations to match your theme and colour scheme and add some flair and entertainment for your guests.
- Event Planner
If you find yourself stuck on where to start planning your private party, then consider hiring a local event planner. By using someone located in Oxford, you will be sure to get the right people for your private party as they know the best in the business. Everything will be taken care of—from delivery of decorations to cleaning up after. Some event planners can even be hired for the duration of the event if you need.
Private Party Companies in Oxford
Check out some of the best companies in Oxford that can help you out with your upcoming private party.
- RJCC Events
Regulars to the Oxford party and event scene, RJCC Events will get your guests in the party mood with a variety of DJs, live music options, lighting, sound systems and mobile dance floors!
- Oxford Grazing Co
Oxford Grazing Co are the people to see about catering for your upcoming private party. They produce various sizes of grazing plates and tables and cover a variety of dietary needs.
- So Lets Party
Serving the Oxfordshire area is the event styling company So Lets Party. Specialising in venue decoration and working with clients in their desired theme, they offer custom-made bespoke items to ensure your next private party is unique.
Pros and Cons of a Private Party in Oxford
Whether you are from Oxford or from out of town, there will always be pros and cons about hosting a private party in Oxford.
Advantages
- Lots of vendors to choose from
Hosting a party in a bigger location like Oxford allows you to have multiple choices of vendors for all aspects of your party.
- Accessible shops
Oxford has everything you could possibly need for your private party as well as anything you need personally while you are in town.
- Well-connected
Oxford is well-connected by road, rail and air. So whether you have chosen Oxford for a private party or you will have guests coming from out of town, you will find it easy to get to this city.
- Interesting venues
Steeped in history, most venue options in Oxford feature gorgeous architecture and bring something unique to your party.
- Beautiful surroundings
Oxford is a beautiful place to visit so you will enjoy your time here before and after your party.
Disadvantages
- Tame nightlife
Kicking on after your private party may be a letdown because, compared with other UK cities such as Manchester, Bristol or Newcastle, the student town doesn’t offer much in the way of thriving nightlife.
- Expensive
Oxford is becoming more popular with tourists, so it is becoming more expensive. Besides, cost can be an issue with any type of vendor hire as there are many competitors serving a larger area.
- Frustrating driving
With small streets everywhere, parking is limited so it can become frustrating for you and your guests.
Famous Private Party Locations in Oxford
When in Oxford, you can’t go past seeing all the sites. And with a lot of them recognisable from movies and TV shows, make sure you walk around and see how many you can spot, such as:
- Oxford University
Featured and mentioned in so many movies and TV shows, the stunning architecture of Oxford University is a must-see. It has served as the filming location for some scenes of the Harry Potter franchise!
- New College
New College, Bodleian Library and Christ Church College were all locations filmed in the Harry Potter series as part of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Christ Church's Dining Hall was used as the infamous Great Hall in the film.
- The Trout Inn
Frequently shown in the TV series Inspector Morse and Lewis is The Trout Inn. As it is a real pub (located on 195 Godstow Road), it is a great place to check out before or after your private party.