As universities across the UK welcome new and returning students this September, Oxford and Cambridge prepare for a different seasonal rhythm, with terms not commencing until mid-October. This timing creates a unique opportunity for visitors to stay in the historic colleges of these iconic cities at affordable rates until the end of the month.
Coinciding with this period are the Open-Door events, offering free access to many of the cities’ most significant colleges and landmarks. According to travel expert Lily Smith from UniversityRooms.com, both cities—often referred to as “Oxbridge”—come together to provide access to their renowned buildings during this time.
In Cambridge, notable sites will be open from 6 to 15 September as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative. Meanwhile, Oxford’s Open Doors events are scheduled for 14 and 15 September. The Oxford Preservation Trust has organised this event since 2008, attracting around 25,000 visitors last year to explore 125 venues, including historic colleges like Magdalen, Christ Church, and St John’s, as well as the Oxford Oratory and the Oxford Union.
Beyond university life, visitors can discover lesser-known treasures such as Rawley Road fire station, an old railway swing bridge, and the remarkable “Painted Room.” This hidden gem features Elizabethan wall paintings—often considered the ancestors of modern wallpaper—found in a room that once belonged to an inn where Shakespeare is believed to have stayed, now situated above a betting shop.
In Cambridge, Heritage Open Days will host over a week of special events, allowing visitors to explore historic university libraries, including the Wren Library at Trinity College and the Parker Library at Corpus Christi. Other attractions include tours of the Centre for Computing History, where guests can interact with 1980s computers, and a visit to the Cledara Abbey Stadium, home of the Cambridge United football team. For those intrigued by the supernatural, Abbey House—a reputedly haunted 16th-century building originally built on an 11th-century priory site—also opens its doors.
In addition to exploring these historic sites, visitors can book accommodation within the ancient university buildings, providing a unique way to experience the charm of Oxford and Cambridge. For instance, Magdalen College, where the renowned author C. S. Lewis once taught, offers rooms from just £55 a night. The college, dating back to the 15th century, invites guests to enjoy breakfast in the same hall where Lewis dined, alongside access to its picturesque gardens and tearoom.
Similarly, in Cambridge, Christ’s College—one of the city’s oldest and most attractive institutions—has rooms available from as little as £50 a night. Visitors can stroll through tranquil gardens just steps away from the bustling shopping centre.
Given the popularity of the Open-Door events, securing university accommodation is advisable. UniversityRooms.com provides an innovative service that allows guests to book single or double rooms with ensuite facilities, either on a bed and breakfast or self-catering basis. It’s worth noting that some colleges impose age restrictions, so potential visitors should verify the policies on their respective pages.
For more information on booking a stay in Cambridge, visit UniversityRooms.com, and for Oxford, see UniversityRooms.com.