1,664 reviews
From
$30013 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH, United Kingdom
1,664 reviews
1/36
Adults only
Free wifi
Sun deck
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Garden
Welcome to Central Backpackers, your vibrant haven in the heart of Oxford! Nestled just 0.4mi from the bustling city center at 13 Park End Street, this adults-only retreat is the perfect launchpad for your explorations. Whether you're here to soak up the historic atmosphere or dive into the local culture, you’ll find that adventure is just around the corner. Plus, with a starting price of just £XX per night, your wallet will be smiling too!
At Central Backpackers, you’ll enjoy a delightful array of amenities that cater to the modern traveler. Free WiFi keeps you connected to the world (or your travel buddies back home), while our sun deck and terrace invite you to kick back and soak up the sunshine. Enjoy leisurely strolls in our serene garden or unwind in our non-smoking rooms—the perfect spot to recharge after a day of strolling the picturesque streets of Oxford. And for those driving in, we also offer parking at an additional charge for your convenience.
With over 1664 reviews, our lively atmosphere and dedicated staff have made us a beloved choice for visitors seeking both fun and tranquility. From meeting fellow wanderers to planning your next excursion, Central Backpackers has everything you need for an unforgettable stay in this historic city. Get ready for a fantastic adventure right here in Oxford!
At Central Backpackers, we believe that the experience goes beyond just a comfortable bed; it’s about creating unforgettable memories! Whether you choose to settle into one of our friendly dormitory accommodations or opt for a cozy single room, you're sure to find a welcoming atmosphere where laughter and adventure fill the air. Our dormitory rooms, available in both female-only and mixed settings, offer a perfect environment for meeting fellow travelers from around the globe, sharing stories, and planning your next escapade in the city.
When you're not out exploring the extraordinary sights of Oxford, unwind in the communal areas where the spirit of camaraderie thrives! Our sun deck and terrace are ideal for soaking up those golden rays while swapping travel tales with newfound friends. Engage in some lighthearted games or simply relax in our beautiful garden, where the stress of daily life seems a world away. It's all about enjoying the moment and letting the good times roll!
As you bask in the joys of exploration and connection, don’t forget about our helpful staff! They're passionate about helping you make the most of your time in Oxford and can provide insider tips on everything from must-visit attractions to the best local eateries. With secure payment options including Mastercard, Visa, and American Express, you can focus on the fun while we take care of the details. So pack your bags, gather your wanderlust, and set off on a journey that promises to be as exciting as it is soul-enriching at Central Backpackers!
Closest airports
Luton Airport
39.3miLondon Heathrow Airport
39.8miBirmingham Airport
52.6miSouthampton / Weather Centre
55.6miLondon City Airport
59.2miAdults only
Free wifi
Sun deck
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Garden
Show 8 photos
Dormitory, 8 Bed
1 Bunk Bed
170 sqft
Shower
More details
Show 2 photos
Dormitory, Single, Female Only
1 Bunk Bed
325 sqft
Shower
More details
Dormitory, 4 Bed
1 Bunk Bed
85 sqft
Shower
More details
Dormitory, 6 Bed
1 Bunk Bed
130 sqft
Shower
More details
Villa
More details
Bungalow
More details
8.1
1,664 reviewsCategories of assessments
Cleanliness
Comfort
Location
Facilities
Staff
Value for money
WiFi quality
Featured reviews:
Sophie
9.1
March 2025
This hostel has been one of the most homely ones I have ever stayed at! There was something about the atmosphere in this place that added to the cosy common areas in which someone would always be hanging out. Central Backpackers offered free tea and coffee, the kitchen was fully equipped for proper cooking, bathrooms and bedrooms clean and tidy. Also the free luggage storage was both convenient and helpful. The staff was friendly and welcoming at all times and tiny things like free sanitory articles or ear plugs as well as the cleaning of bathrooms after every shower showed great care taking of guests. I only wish I could have stayed longer!
My mattress was a little worn out and my room turned to the big street which made an awful lot of noice (but free ear plugs!). Also, the lockers in the room were fairly small.
Vanessa
8.2
January 2025
The staff I met at this hostel are wonderful--super friendly, efficient, helpful and really work hard to make sure everyone is taken care of right away and has a nice stay. I used to run a hostel and I was really impressed with the staff and their work ethic. The hostel facilities are good and the location is excellent but even though the hostel is lacking in certain comforts the staff more than make up for any minor negatives. I highly recommend this hostel for a fun and comfortable stay close to everything you need.
The beds are standard bunk metal so not upgraded to more private modern hostel beds but they are quiet and pretty comfortable with good outlets and lights and the nice bedding and two pillows make up for the old style metal. There are plenty of showers but few sinks for numerous rooms but it's an older building so I imagine it's tough to fit more and you can see where they have. The shower pressure is pretty low but nice to have individual bathrooms rather than stall showers.
Anonymous
9.1
June 2025
The staff were very kind! I especially appreciate how one staff member helped me when my lock got stuck. I liked the amazing epic wrap around comfy couch in the TV room and all the free spices and cooking oil and popcorn in the kitchen as well. Also, I liked the tea and coffee making place. Excellent location! I felt at home there. I liked how the reception was one this outside deck thing, so the building itself is fantastic.
I felt like due to the design of the hostel, there were limited sinks available at the same time if you wanted to brush your teeth, but that isn't a good reason to not come here as this hostel is awesome!!
Lorretta
8.2
June 2025
I like how secure it feels when you get a little key thing to get around especially during the night, it’s a nice little place and located well, I’m a local person in Oxford and it’s ideal for tourists and students definitely you have a few places to go for food drink and social activities nothing to far from here, I’d stay again the staff seem friendly and kind of leave you to enjoy your stay and are there if you need anything, oh and those showers are to die for I could stand in there for ages, thanks guys
I’m not overly keen on the steep stairs but I braved them okay, I would say it isn’t mobility friendly with steps up and down to things but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like my stay it’s a nice little place if you have more energy to run in and out
Keiko
9.1
June 2025
All staff were nice and helpful. Everywhere is kept clean. Amenities are thoughtfully provided. The female dom where I stayed was spacious. The bed mattress was comfortable. The bed was steady and neither shaky nor squeaky when I climbed up and down. The room door never shut loudly, which was very great, for hostels in many places were unbearable because of the big slams of closing doors sent out from all the floor can annoy you all night long. But this didn't occur here.
The only thing is that the button to push and flush the toilet must be pushed longer, but a couple of guests seemed not knowing that. It will be good to put a notice on the wall to note that guests should look around if everything is as clean as one enters the toilet after use. The sound outside was not a problem for me. I shut the windows and used ear plugs which were provided, and soon I was fast asleep.
Konieczna
10
June 2025
I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Central Backpackers in Oxford! From the moment I arrived, the staff were incredibly kind, welcoming, and always eager to help — truly some of the nicest people I’ve met while traveling. The hostel itself is full of great facilities. There's a fully equipped kitchen for cooking your own meals, a comfortable sitting room for relaxing, and even a playroom that adds a really fun and cozy atmosphere. The dorms were spotless, and the beds were seriously impressive — super comfortable mattresses and pillows, and each bed had its own reading light and power sockets, which made everything so convenient. The location is unbeatable — just a short walk from the train station and also very close to Oxford's city centre, with easy access to all the main attractions, shops, and restaurants. I would definitely recommend Central Backpackers to anyone visiting Oxford. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, it's the perfect place to stay — clean, comfortable, friendly, and right in the heart of everything!
I liked everything
Sandy
9.1
May 2025
I had a wonderful stay at Central! As a middle aged, lone woman traveller, visiting the city for the opening of an art exhibition - it provided me the perfect location and fit! I stayed in a female dorm of 10 beds, most of which were occupied, but there wasn’t too much disturbance. I was very impressed by the amount of toilets and shower facilities which meant I never had to wait! Luggage/locker storage is available for a tiny deposit and was a godsend! The lounge and kitchen areas are amazing! Absolutely everything you could need or want! I particularly enjoyed a couple of cups of fresh (free) coffee in the morning.
These are VERY minor points… The rooms are hot! I suggested to the manager as I left that they offered usb fans to hire or installed fans into the rooms! The manager seemed very receptive to this! The reception area is also very hot - due to it being a conservatory type space. I was melting as I checked in.
Sophie
9.1
April 2025
Phenomenally clean, absolutely spotless! Super friendly, authentically chirpy, chatty staff, (Alex is an exceptional human!) who could not do enough for guests. Complimentary towels, coffee, tea and milk were very much appreciated, with a well stocked kitchen, lots of fridges and a freezer too!
Not much… The kitchen doesn’t open until 7am which was slightly annoying, no bathroom in dorm so a little light in terms of toilets and showers per floor, but there are enough to go around, you just might have to cross your legs once in a while. It is expensive for a hostel, but I do suppose you get what you pay for…
Tseuk
8.2
March 2025
Staffs are friendly, in town centre (good location), great facilities (kitchen, common area) and bathrooms are clean. Most importantly, perfect bed spacings (I get to sit up in my bed!), and there is a power socket by my bed to charge my phone when using it (yes, I definitely had that experience when I had to go charge my phone in the other side of the room). Towels are provided and changed daily. Everything is basically perfect.
Minor issue is that the reception and kitchen is closed by 11pm (or 10:30pm, around that time..please clarify me for others' reference). It may be a little inconvenient as I showered late and wasn't able to borrow a hairdryer from the reception. It also seems that the heater and some electricity will also be switched off by 11pm since I noticed that the Hand dryer doesn't work at that time. Also, either I didn't know how to adjust the warm water in the shower or the heater also gets switched off at 11pm. But these are just minor issues to me as I just needed to manage my time a little better unless I finished my day quite late.
Elaine
10
February 2025
I stay in hostels a lot. A LOT. Oftentimes, you've paid £30+ for a bed in a dorm room, and that price makes absolutely no sense. The room isn't great, the bed might be comfy but it equally might not; you have to pay extra for everything. This place was great! Fantastic location, lovely room, incredibly comfy beds, staff were super friendly (except the Kiwi (I think?) girl, she let the side down sadly. Nice enough but didn't really seem to want to be there. Aside from her, everything 10/10! Super cute kitchen, tv room, clean bathrooms - and enough of them! - and towel hire no extra cost! I even got a tour of the place when I checked in, which was a lovely touch. I'll definitely be staying here any time I'm in Oxford.
Probably the only issue is weirdly the room has like that new car smell. You knew the smell I mean. It was very clean and comfortable, room quality absolutely not in question one bit! But that it smelled like new car smell wasn't great, that smell makes me feel sick. So maybe some air freshener or incense or something??
Attractions
Balliol College
0.4miOxford Covered Market
0.4miTrinity College
0.5miSheldonian Theatre
0.5miRadcliffe Camera
0.5miBodleian Library
0.5miBridge of Sighs
0.6miAll Souls College
0.6miMagdalen College
0.8miBlenheim Palace
7.4miCogges
9.2miBurford
16.3miHighclere Castle
29.8miBroadway Tower
30.7miDorney Court
30.9miAttractions
Balliol College
0.4miOxford Covered Market
0.4miTrinity College
0.5miSheldonian Theatre
0.5miRadcliffe Camera
0.5miBodleian Library
0.5miBridge of Sighs
0.6miAll Souls College
0.6miMagdalen College
0.8miBlenheim Palace
7.4miCogges
9.2miBurford
16.3miHighclere Castle
29.8miBroadway Tower
30.7miDorney Court
30.9miAirports
Luton Airport
39.3miLondon Heathrow Airport
39.8miBirmingham Airport
52.6miSouthampton / Weather Centre
55.6miLondon City Airport
59.2miAdults only
Free wifi
Sun deck
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Garden
Accessibility
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Activities
Bar crawls
Movie nights
Themed dinners
Bathroom
Hairdryer
Shared bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Bedroom
Linens
Business Facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Laundry
Common Areas
Shared lounge/TV area
Entertainment & Family Services
Board games/Puzzles
Evening entertainment
Front Desk Services
Baggage storage
Express check-in/out
Invoice provided
Lockers
General
Adults only
Carpeted
Heating
Non-smoking rooms
Smoke-free property
Internet
Free wifi
Kitchen
Shared kitchen
Outdoors
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Terrace
Parking
Parking
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available
Contactless check-in/out
Room Amenities
Socket near the bed
Safety & security
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Security alarm
Smoke alarms
Safety features
First aid kits available
Pets are not allowed.
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Come and go whenever you want
Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs GBP 41.10 per day.
Child policies
Children not allowed.
Crib and extra bed policies
No capacity for extra beds or cribs.
Cash
Mastercard,
Visa,
American Express
This property does not accept cash.
Main Street, Letcombe Regis The Greyhound Inn, Wantage, OX12 9JL, United Kingdom
14.6mi from current hotel
Excellent
350 reviews
From
16 Reading Road, Wallingford, OX10 9DS, United Kingdom
12.4mi from current hotel
Excellent
145 reviews
From
The Springs Resort & Golf Club Wallingford Road, North Stoke, Wallingford, OX10 6BE, United Kingdom
14mi from current hotel
Very Good
646 reviews
From
Watery Lane, Sparsholt, Wantage, OX12 9PL, United Kingdom
15.2mi from current hotel
Very Good
244 reviews
From
37 St Mary's Street, Wallingford, OX10 0EU, United Kingdom
12.3mi from current hotel
Very Good
217 reviews
From
High Street, Oxford, OX10 0BS, United Kingdom
12.1mi from current hotel
Very Good
738 reviews
From
32 St Mary's Street, Wallingford, OX10 0ET, United Kingdom
12.3mi from current hotel
Very Good
118 reviews
From
Milton Hill , Steventon , Abingdon, OX13 6AF, United Kingdom
10.1mi from current hotel
Good
2,430 reviews
From
Harwell, Abingdon, OX11 0LZ, United Kingdom
11.2mi from current hotel
Good
1,002 reviews
From
Featured hotels
Featured hotels
Cities nearby
Popular cities