Beat the traffic! Five beautiful Oxfordshire villages located within 45mins of Oxford’s schools during rush hour
Oxfordshire is home to some of the top well-regarded private schools in the UK which have an international reputation for quality education and an unrivalled academic environment.
The opportunity to study in Oxford is often what attracts families to relocate to the region in the first place.
Schools including Dragon School, Oxford High, d’Overbroeck’s, St Edward’s and Summer Fields are all within walking distance of each other in the north of the city. But finding the perfect home – and location – positioned within a 30-minute drive of these schools can be challenging.
Born and raised in Summertown and now living in Wolvercote, Oxford Property Consulting’s Anna Halloran discusses her five favourite commutable spots to the city’s knowledge and development hub.
Expert insight
Enquiries from parents looking to relocate to Oxford primarily for its quality education are more common than you might think.
And in 90% of cases, clients will point towards north Oxford as their area of choice – which is understandable given this is where most of the county’s private schools are based.
Whether you’re looking for urban luxury within the ring road or a quieter lifestyle on Oxford’s outskirts in the countryside, there are plenty of options.
In addition to quality education, another element Oxford is renowned for, though, is traffic. In our opinion, it is critical prospective buyers take into account the additional time journeys will take at peak hours where a seemingly short 20-minute drive can take at least twice as long.
Demand for properties located within half-an-hour’s drive of Oxford’s top private schools during rush hour is increasing. Below, we list our five favourite commutable locations and reasons why.
Islip – Rush hour travel time into north Oxford, 25 minutes
As the crow flies, picturesque Islip is only six miles from Oxford city centre.
But you would not guess that on first glance of its tranquillity and surroundings. Islip is one of our favourite rural spots with easy access into north Oxford and its schools, even during rush hour.
One of the great advantages of living in Islip is it has its own train station which serves central London on average 23 times a day with a typical journey time of 1hr 17mins. There is also a primary school, two pubs – the Cygnet at Swan Inn and Red Lion – and a sports field.
Average house price in Islip in the last year: £980,000
Beckley - Rush hour travel time into north Oxford, 30 minutes
Four miles south-east of Islip is Beckley, home to approximately 600 residents.
Although Beckley does not have its own train station, there is improved access to the M40 south via Wheatley and the Oxford ring road via Headington, which can be reached in less than 10 minutes.
A short stroll from the village church down High Street and you’ll find The Abingdon Arms – a community managed pub which is always a popular stop-off among locals and visitors. Highly recommended!
There is also a primary school, village hall and countless walks with gorgeous views from the hilltops looking across north Oxfordshire.
Average house price in Beckley in the last year: £943,000
Kirtlington - Rush hour travel time into north Oxford, 35 minutes
When you encounter light honey-coloured stone cottages, you know you’ll be in Kirtlington.
An eight-mile drive north of Summertown, Kirtlington has a population of 1,000 and a great blend of spacious properties in scenic surroundings. At the heart of the village are its two triangular greens which make a picture-perfect scene in all seasons.
There is also a primary school, a pub, a golf club and even a polo ground which holds weekly matches in the summer! Kirtlington is a popular spot amongst walkers too because of its range of beautiful footpaths which would complete the perfect Sunday for any family.
Average house price in Kirtlington in the last year: £943,000
Garsington - Rush hour travel time into north Oxford, 35 minutes
Journeying south and six miles south-east of Oxford city centre is Garsington – home to 1,300 residents.
Garsington is positioned on the Midvale Ridge and at 120m above sea level it offers unrivalled views of south Oxfordshire and the city, particularly from the grounds of St Mary’s Church.
The village has an active cricket club and a football club with two senior and two youth sides. There is also a local amateur drama society, Garsington and Holton Players, which performs productions locally including at Garsington Manor.
Garsington also has a primary school and a pub come restaurant – The Manor Bar and Restaurant.
Average house price in Garsington in the last year: £535,000
Boars Hill - Rush hour travel time into north Oxford, 35 minutes
Boars Hill is one of our favourite locations on the outskirts Oxford’s ring road and is home to some of the region’s most luxurious properties.
The village is four miles from Oxford city centre and two miles south west of the Hinksey Hill Roundabout which connects the area to the A34. With exceptional views stretching back to the city’s dreaming spires, Boars Hill is one of the most desirable locations to live in Oxfordshire.
It should be noted public transport is limited to buses and access to London is not quite as easy as our previous four locations. The nearest primary school is in nearby Wootton and there is one pub in Boars Hill – The Fox Inn.
Average house price in Boars Hill in the last year: £877,000