Central Backpackers Hostel Oxford, Oxford ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

13 Park End Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 1HH

Central Backpackers is a small, friendly hostel located in the heart of Oxford, just a five-minute walk from the iconic Oxford Castle and the bustling city center. It features a heated, covered roof terrace, which has been a popular gathering spot for guests for 18 years. The hostel offers a central location with easy access to historical and cultural sites, including the renowned university buildings where some of history's greatest minds studied. Guests benefit from a supportive environment that fosters community through social events and activities.

Location

Central Backpackers is conveniently situated just a five-minute walk from both the train and bus stations. The hostel's central location makes it easy for guests to explore Oxford's many attractions, including the historic Bodleian Library and the lively Covered Market. Public transport options are readily accessible, making it an ideal base for further exploration of the surrounding region.

Rooms

Central Backpackers offers a variety of dormitory styles, including mixed, female-only, and private options. Each dorm bed is equipped with individual shelves, lights, electrical sockets, and USB ports for convenience. Lockers are provided for secure storage of personal belongings, ensuring both safety and comfort during your stay. The private 6-bed dorm offers exclusive space, while shared accommodations promote a vibrant social atmosphere.

Eat & Drink

The on-site cafe serves hot drinks, pastries, and sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-free choices. Guests can start their day with a basic breakfast that includes cereal, fruit, juice, and pastries. Free tea and coffee are available in the kitchen, while the dining room encourages communal meals. A quick stop at Yellow Submarine cafe next door offers a discount on drinks, further enhancing the dining experience.

Leisure & Business

The hostel features a cozy lounge area equipped with a TV and DVD player, creating a perfect space for relaxation. A well-equipped kitchen allows guests to prepare their meals, fostering connections over shared culinary experiences. The heated rooftop terrace serves as an event venue for quizzes, games, and social gatherings. Additionally, laundry services ensure that travelers can maintain their wardrobe with ease.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Dormitory Room Mixed

Max:

1 person

8 m²

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Dormitory Room Mixed

Max:

1 person

16 m²

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Dormitory Room Mixed

Max:

1 person

30 m²

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Oxford2000 ft

Airports

Gloucestershire (GLO) 45.1 mi

London Heathrow (LHR) 48.2 mi

Bus

Bus stop400 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Fully Equipped Kitchen!

“The kitchen had everything I needed for cooking, from pots to a microwave, which made my stay so much more enjoyable.” view full review

Spacious Female Dorm!

“The female dorm was incredibly spacious, giving me plenty of room to relax and store my belongings comfortably.” view full review

Impeccably Clean!

“The bathroom facilities were consistently clean and well-maintained, making my experience much more pleasant.” view full review

Helpful Amenities!

“They provided free brewed coffee each morning, which was a delightful benefit that started my day off perfectly.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Baggage storage
Locker room
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry

Dining

Dinner

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games

Spa & Leisure

Entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture

Self-catering

Shared kitchen

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

13 Park End Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 1HH

Map view

13 Park End Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 1HH

City landmarks

Museums

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

4100 ft

Museums

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

2100 ft

Museums

Pitt Rivers Museum

4800 ft

Market

The Covered Market Oxford

2500 ft

Church

Christ Church

3600 ft

Tower

Carfax Tower

2100 ft

University

Bridge of Sighs

3200 ft

High St

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

3300 ft

Museums

History of Science Museum

3200 ft

Bodleian Library Broad Street

Bodleian Library

3300 ft

Museums

Museum of Oxford

2400 ft

Botanical Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden

4700 ft

Broad Street

Sheldonian Theatre

3300 ft

Oxford OX1 4AU

Magdalen College Deer Park

4800 ft

Libraries

Radcliffe Camera

3400 ft

University

Balliol College

2300 ft

University

Trinity College

2500 ft

Church

Exeter College

2500 ft

Museums

The Story Museum

2300 ft

Holywell Street

New College

3600 ft

13 Magdalen Street

Martyrs' Memorial

2300 ft

University

University of Oxford

2800 ft

University

Brasenose College

3200 ft

Town Hall St. Aldates

Oxford Town Hall

2300 ft

University

Merton College

3800 ft

University

The Queen's College

3900 ft

University

St Peter-in-the-East

3900 ft

Nearby

Castle

Oxford Castle

1600 ft

University

St Peter's College

1700 ft

Gallery

Modern Art Oxford

1800 ft

Restaurants

Platform 5 Oxford

400 ft

Park End Street

Dosa Park

600 ft

25 Park End Street

The White Rabbit

1700 ft

21 Friars Entry

Old Fire

1100 ft

40 George Street

The Swan & Castle

1600 ft

Castle Street

Taste Tibet

1400 ft

109 Magdalen Road

Sasquatch Lodge

1400 ft

Gloucester Green

Kebab Kid

1400 ft

146 Cowley Road

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

74%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Social atmosphere

Clean rooms

Crowded common areas

Noise from bars

7.4/10

Very good

Rooms

7.7

Location

9.3

Service

8.3

Dining

6.6

Charlotte

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.2/10

We had a really great stay overall, particularly enjoying the private dorm we booked, which was clean, cozy, and quiet. The location was convenient, just a short walk from the city center and next to the train station. However, the breakfast was just okay for the price paid, and the early check-out time required some adjustment.

Rooms

10.0

The private dorm was clean, cozy, and provided a good amount of privacy and comfort for our group.

Service

8.0

Check-out was a bit earlier than I’m used to, but I appreciated the option for a late check-out for a small fee, which helped us enjoy breakfast without rushing.

Location

9.0

The location worked well for us, being conveniently near the train station and just a pleasant 10-15 minute walk to the city center.

Dining

6.0

The breakfast was decent and offered good value for the price, but it wasn't especially remarkable—just enough to start the day.

Facilities

8.0

The common areas, including the kitchen and TV room, were clean and well-equipped, making it a comfortable stay overall.

Oscar

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.4/10

My stay at the hostel was an enjoyable experience overall. The price was great for what I got, especially considering the clean environment and the wonderful chance to socialize with fellow guests. However, the kitchen and common areas could get quite crowded, and noise from nearby bars might be an issue for light sleepers.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were clean, and the bedding was comfortable, though they were a bit small. The bunk beds suited shorter travelers best, but overall, it felt cozy.

Service

9.0

The staff were helpful and always ready to assist with a smile. They made my stay feel welcome from the moment I arrived.

Location

10.0

The location was excellent, just a short walk from the bus station and close to many attractions, making it easy to explore.

Dining

7.0

I appreciated the free breakfast starting early in the morning, which was quite handy. However, I didn't try any other dining options.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were generally well-equipped with a communal kitchen and a cozy common area, but they could get a bit cramped during busy hours.

Social atmosphere

Crowded common areas

Johnny

United States of America, November 2024

5.8/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Cameron

United Kingdom, November 2024

7.0/10

The hostel has a really good vibe, with friendly groups gathering in the patio/bar area. While the beds were comfortable, the showers could have been better, and the noise from the nightclub across the street was quite disruptive, even at night. The location is super convenient, just a short walk from both the train and bus stations. Overall, for the price, it was a decent choice, though not without its flaws.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms were decent but a bit funky, and the noise from the street made it less than ideal for light sleepers.

Service

6.0

Service was hit or miss; some staff were friendly, while others, like the receptionist during check-in, could have been more welcoming.

Location

9.0

The location is fantastic—within a five-minute walk to both the train and bus stations, and only ten minutes from the heart of Oxford.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was basic and self-catering facilities were available, but don't expect anything too fancy.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities included clean power showers and access to Sky TV, although some lockers were too small to fit standard backpacks.

Daniel

United Kingdom, November 2024

6.4/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Dorothy

United States of America, November 2024

9.6/10

I had a fantastic stay at this hostel, located right in the heart of Oxford, making it super convenient to explore the city. The atmosphere was lively and fun, thanks to the amazing staff and the cool rooftop hangout space. I did feel a bit rushed during my short stay, but overall, it was an unforgettable experience as I connected with travelers from around the world.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious enough that we never felt crowded, and they were clean.

Service

10.0

The staff were incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to ensure we had a great time.

Location

10.0

Being so close to the railway station made it really convenient for getting around the city.

Dining

Facilities

9.0

The rooftop area with a bar and games was definitely a highlight, creating a fun vibe.

Christopher

United States of America, November 2024

7.6/10

I had a pleasant stay at this hostel. It’s small but has a warm atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The location is perfect—so many dining and nightlife options nearby. However, the showers were a real letdown, and I had some trouble charging my devices due to limited outlets. Nonetheless, the vibe was fun with games and a great terrace.

Rooms

7.0

I stayed in an 8 mixed dorm that was clean, but the lockers were a bit small for my backpack.

Service

9.0

The staff were welcoming, which added to the positive experience.

Location

9.0

The location is outstanding with plenty of eateries and clubs nearby, just a short walk to shopping.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was basic but adequate, served until 10 am.

Facilities

6.0

The kitchen was handy, but the showers needed improvement.

Mason

United Kingdom, October 2024

6.8/10

This hostel has a lot of potential with its friendly service and vibrant atmosphere. The location is excellent, making it easy to get around the city, but it can get quite noisy due to nearby nightlife. Although the cleanliness and overall value for money are commendable, improvements such as better bathroom availability and room amenities would enhance the experience.

Rooms

6.0

The dorms were reasonably clean, but I wished there were mirrors and more individual lighting options. The bathrooms could also use more privacy and availability.

Service

7.0

The service was friendly and helpful, but some staff members could benefit from additional training to improve guest experience.

Location

8.0

Ideally situated between the train station and the city center, it was easy to explore. However, be prepared for noise from nearby bars and clubs.

Dining

6.0

Breakfast options were limited with just toast and cereal, but there was free coffee and tea available throughout the day.

Facilities

7.0

The hostel had good facilities like a communal kitchen and rooftop terrace, though the ratio of toilets to guests is somewhat lacking.

Thomas

United States of America, August 2024

7.2/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Jack

United States of America, August 2024

8.6/10

I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel! The location is fantastic—situated perfectly between the train station and the city with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby. The hostel had a friendly vibe, and I loved the vibrant decor and the rooftop terrace. However, I did feel the communal facilities could use some improvement regarding the number of showers and toilets available, and a mirror in the room would have added a nice touch.

Rooms

8.0

The room I stayed in was vibrant and well-decorated, but I wish there was a mirror inside. Overall, it was spacious enough and I felt comfortable.

Service

9.0

The service was very friendly and welcoming, making it a pleasant atmosphere to be in.

Location

10.0

The location is unbeatable! It’s conveniently situated between the train station and the city, making it easy to get around.

Dining

Facilities

7.0

The hostel is equipped with a great lounge area, board games, and the roof terrace is lovely. The free coffee and tea are a nice touch too, though I felt more showers would improve the experience.