Exeter College, Oxford
Exeter College is situated on a quiet street in the middle of Oxford among shops, restaurants, museums and pubs.
Room information
Click any of the Room types below for more details.
General information
Summary
- 17th century buildings
- 18th century buildings
- 19th century buildings
- Breakfast included
- No car parking
- No smoking
- Minimum age 12
- Historic Property
Facilities
- Free broadband access
- Shared gardens
- Garden furniture
- Linen included
- Towels included
- Washing machine
- Central heating
Food and Drinks
- Continental breakfast (included)
- English breakfast (included)
- Picnic area
Nearby recreations
- Recommended walks
- Pub (walking distance)
- Museums (walking distance)
- Historic houses
- Gardens
- Tennis courts (a short drive)
- Recommended restaurants (walking distance)
- Theatre (walking distance)
Exeter College, one of the three 'Turl Street Colleges', 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, we 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 to the present day
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 and Drinks
A continental breakfast is included in the price of the room, and is taken in the 17th century Dining Hall. The breakfast includes tea or coffee, a variety of sweet cakes and pastries, fruit and a selection of cereals. Breakfast is served between 8am and 9am everyday.
Grounds and 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. Original William Morris artwork can be found in the 'Morris Room' within the College. Guests are welcome to view the 'Morris Room' on arrangement with the college.
Token operated washing machines are available for guests to use. Tokens can be purchased from the Porter's Lodge at £1.20 per wash and £1.20 per dry.
Pay phone facilities are situated in the Porter's Lodge.
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.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Exeter College, Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DP, United Kingdom
Check in: From 12pm (midday) Check out: by 10am
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. Taxi's are available from both the train station and Gloucester Green.
More photos of Exeter College, Oxford
Customer feedback
We guarantee that all our feedback is genuine and can only be submitted by people who have booked through our websites.
Mrs Tine Maria Winther, September 2012: Staying at Exeter College was a fantastic experience for both I (mom, 53) and son (18). Beautifull buildings and gardens. Great atmosphere. Very helpful staff. I have only good to say about the place! We were very happy that we chose to stay at Exeter in stead of - say - in a hotel. After two nights we went to Devon, and returning to Oxford we chose to stay at Exeter again.
The rooms were perfect (staitcase 6 and later 7), not luxury, mind you, but authentic. For a scandinav it was a bit tempting to surgest another way of furnishing the rooms ;). But at the same time it was great that they were as they were. Very convinient for us, too, with the two bedroom appartments (we got one each stay).
Bathrooms were nice, lots of hot water in the shower. Both rooms had amazing views. The first towards the inner side of the college and the second facing the street. Breakfast in the old Harry Potter-like diningroom was an experience and the food was good: Full english breakfast. We chose Exeter over other colleges for four reasons: 1. You get to stay in the old buildings (some of the other colleges put you up in newer buildings). 2. Exeter is not too big -- compact in a very nice way. 3. The college is situated in the center of Oxford. 4. Tolkien and Pullman studied and stayed here. When we go to Oxford again some time we wil definately stay at Exeter College. 5/5
Dr Leonard Dragone, August 2012: It was a lovely holiday 4/5
Mr John Limeburner, August 2012: Satisfactory experience. Would consider returning at another opportunity. 4/5
Ms Susan L Patch, August 2012: Rooms were clean, pleasant, and conveniently located to Christ Church, Broad Street, and the White Horse pub. Thank you! 4/5
Mr Daniel Marinho, August 2012: Very good place. 5/5
Mr Keith Sanderson, July 2012: Our expectations were met! Wonderful to be located right in the centre of Oxford's academia. Enjoyed every minute of our stay.
Best wishes.
Keith and Ruth Sanderson 5/5
Ms Mary Ryan, April 2012: This was a very enjoyable stay . 4/5
Ms Anne Brown-Robins, April 2012: Character, Atmosphere and History. Turned what promised to be an enjoyable weekend in Oxford into a memorable experience. 5/5
Mr Gordon Whitton, March 2012: Banged my head on the low ceiling. Otherwise a great location. 5/5
Miss Alexandra Inch, January 2012: Wonderful experience. Stunning architecture.
The more than 24h booking is irritating as had to change my travelling arrangements to be able to stay in the college.
Breakfast, limited choice. No porridge!
Overall, wonderful. Will come back. 4/5