8.1

1,664 reviews

Central Backpackers

Central Backpackers

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

Choose dates to view prices

Adults only

Free wifi

Sun deck

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Garden

Central Backpackers

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

39.3mi

London Heathrow Airport

39.8mi

Birmingham Airport

52.6mi

Southampton / Weather Centre

55.6mi

London City Airport

59.2mi

Most popular amenities

Adults only

Free wifi

Sun deck

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Garden

Rooms

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Central Backpackers

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Dormitory, 8 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

170 sqft

Shower

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Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room in Central Backpackers

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Dormitory, Single, Female Only

1 Bunk Bed

325 sqft

Shower

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Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Central Backpackers

Dormitory, 4 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

85 sqft

Shower

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Dormitory, 6 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

130 sqft

Shower

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Villa

More details

Bungalow

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Guest reviews

8.1

1,664 reviews

Categories 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.

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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.

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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!!

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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??

Points of Interest Around Central Backpackers

Attractions

Balliol College

0.4mi

Oxford Covered Market

0.4mi

Trinity College

0.5mi

Sheldonian Theatre

0.5mi

Radcliffe Camera

0.5mi

Bodleian Library

0.5mi

Bridge of Sighs

0.6mi

All Souls College

0.6mi

Magdalen College

0.8mi

Blenheim Palace

7.4mi

Cogges

9.2mi

Burford

16.3mi

Highclere Castle

29.8mi

Broadway Tower

30.7mi

Dorney Court

30.9mi

Amenities of Central Backpackers

Adults only

Free wifi

Sun deck

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Garden

Stay rules - Central Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property