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The College Chapel and Gatehouse

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Double Suite

3/14

Inside the Chapel

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Double Bedroom

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Fellows' Garden

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Twin Room Sitting Room

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The Dining Hall

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Single Room (Shared Bathroom)

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The Grounds in Winter

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Palmer's Tower

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The Entrance to the Dining Hall

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Front Quad

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View from mound

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The J. R. R. Tolkein Bust within the College

Availability Overview Reviews Facilities & information Arrival information & directions

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Overview

Exeter College is situated in the middle of Oxford. Shops, cafes, restaurants, libraries and museums are all just a short walking distance from the college, as well as many other attractions, making it an ideal place to stay.

All the rooms offered are occupied by students during term time, and although the college does not offer 5-star accommodation, they can guarantee that it will be clean, well kept and comfortable. Tea and coffee making facilities are complimentary, as well as towels and bed linen. Both standard and ensuite bedrooms are available on-site, and all the rooms are situated on traditional staircases overlooking either the idyllic quad, fellow's garden or one of the many historic streets of Oxford.

History

Exeter College was founded in 1314 by Walter de Stapeldon. It was originally known as Stapeldon Hall and consisted of only a Rector, a Chaplain and twelve or fourteen fellows. The college then started offering rooms to students in the late fifteenth century. Of this medieval college, all that remains is the building known as Palmer's Tower, due east of the Chapel, which takes its name from a fifteenth-century rector.

Exeter College became one of the leading colleges in the next century after a generous donation from Sir William Petre, a former undergraduate of the college. Numbers expanded, and the present hall was built in 1618, together with a matching Chapel on the opposite side of the quad. The rest of the front quad was completed in stages between 1672 and 1710. Due to the generosity of old members, the college has expanded further in the twentieth century.

Famous undergraduates that have studied and lived at Exeter College include J. R. R. Tolkien, Lord Fisher, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and Philip Pullman. William Morris was also a Victorian undergraduate, whose work can be found within the college.

Food & beverage

A full English breakfast, plus continental options are included in the price of the room and is served in the 17th century Dining Hall. Breakfast is typically served between 8.00am and 9.00am Monday-Saturday and 9.00am-10.00am Sunday.

Grounds & Gardens

The fellows' garden provides a haven of quiet in which to relax and breathe in the sense of history which pervades the College. Guests are welcome to take a stroll around the gardens and witness the view of Radcliffe Square from the top of the stairs at the rear end of the garden.

Other facilities

Guests are welcome to visit the Chapel and the Dining Hall during their stay.

Washing machines and Driers are available for guests to use. Please ask for further details at the Porter's Lodge located at the main entrance of the College

If guests need to store their luggage they are able to ask the Porter on duty if there is any space to do so. Please note there may not always be room for luggage storage.

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Reviews

4.2

Based on 122 reviews

Room
3.9

Value
4.1

Food
4.3

Service
4.4

Experience
4.3

★★★★★

★★★★

★★★

★★

★

I had a smashing time. The people were so friendly. The college room was fairly basic but quiet and perfectly comfortable. There was a bonus of having a small fridge in the room so I could keep milk and snacks. The weather was good but a little cold but I still managed enjoy some time sitting in the garden and read my book. Being in the centre of the town everything you may want to see is just outside the gate.
RachelE

Though the college has a lot of character and tradition, (founded 1314) all the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The breakfast was excellent. The rooms were perfect for my needs: great for working, and even collaborating with colleagues. I had to climb a staircase, but certainly benefited from both the exercise and the view! I would certainly recommend a stay here!
ThomasR

It was a really lovely experience to stay at Exeter College. The quad was beautiful. Breakfast was excellent and I enjoyed hearing the choir practice in the chapel one evening. It was very peaceful at night but the workmen started early in the morning. The room was simple but comfortable. All the staff I came into contact with were friendly and helpful.
Anon

The room type was described as 20th century within the precinct of the old college. In fact it was one of the oldest rooms and the facilities were not as expected. It is a beautiful college and very convenient for all central facilties.
Anon

Couldn’t better the location. History setting, the proper Oxford experience. Student rooms as one would expect are basic but very clean, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge. Everything we wanted.
CarolineG

We enjoyed our stay. The rooms were a little dated and the shower just about manageable as we were both slim.
Anon

Wonderful staff & great food, large room with a tea kettle and other amenities
AnatoliK

Very enjoyable. Terrific central location, and nice room just off front quad.
JamesL

A great stay in the college. Enjoyed breakfast in the hall. Thank you
WendyL

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Facilities & information

Summary

17th-century buildings

18th-century buildings

19th-century buildings

Breakfast included

Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

No parking

No smoking

Historic property

Facilities

Free broadband access (wifi)

Shared gardens

Garden furniture

Children's highchairs

No luggage storage

24 hour security

Linen included

Towels included

Washing machine

Central heating

Bring your own travel cot

Food

Continental breakfast (included)

Cooked breakfast (included)

Picnic area

Recreations

Recommended walks

Pub (walking distance)

Museums (walking distance)

Historic Houses

Gardens

Golf course (a short drive)

Tennis courts (a short drive)

Recommended restaurants (walking distance)

Theatre (walking distance)

Arrival information & directions

Address: Exeter College, Turl Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OxfordOX1 3DP, United Kingdom

On arrival please report to the Porters' Lodge located at the main entrance of the College. Here you will be given your keys and directed to your rooms. The Porter's Lodge is manned 24 hours a day, and the Porters on duty are always happy to help you with any queries you may have.

Unfortunately, the College does not offer any parking facilities.

The College is a 20-minute walk from the train station and a 10-minute walk from Gloucester Green coach station. Taxis are available from both the train station and Gloucester Green.

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Legal information:

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Exeter College, Oxford