Headington

What is Headington Like? 

Headington is an eastern suburb of Oxford, located at the top of Headington Hill. Overlooking the city of Oxford, this large residential area has its own commercial hub and is within walking distance of Oxford’s city centre. The town is centred on London Road, which connects Oxford with London.

Headington boasts a large and growing population and is known as one of Oxford’s more bohemian locations. The main employment sectors here are education, research, and medicine.

Considered a safe area, Headington is popular with expanding families looking to move out of London for more affordable and spacious properties. It is also a favored area for students, being home to the Oxford Brookes University campus. This gives the town a young and vibrant feel, evident in the large selection of pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Oxford’s main hospitals, including John Radcliffe, Nuffield, and Churchill, are all located in Headington.

Find Out More About Living in Headington

Pubs, Restaurants and Eateries  

Headington boasts a diverse selection of restaurants and eateries, offering cuisines such as Indian, classic pub food, fish and chips, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, and Japanese.

Among the favorites are Beirut Oxford, a highly regarded Lebanese restaurant, Acropolis Greek Taverna, known for its authentic Greek dishes, and ADRIA Restaurant Pizzeria, a cozy Italian spot with great pizza, coffee, and desserts.

For a traditional pub experience, The Royal Standard offers a welcoming atmosphere and a global menu, while The White Hart is a popular choice for drinks, featuring a warm ambiance and classic British dishes. The Black Boy, a historic pub, serves a wide selection of beers and ales along with delicious pub food. For something different, The Rusty Bicycle offers craft beers, cocktails, and vegan and vegetarian fare.

Other attractions in the area include the Headington Farmers’ Market, The Theatre at Headington, Rock Solid Climbing Wall, and Headington Quarry.

Leisure and Sport in Headington  

Headington offers excellent sports clubs and leisure facilities. Barton Leisure Centre features a large gym, group exercise classes, and a spacious swimming pool. Anytime Fitness is open 24/7, providing all the equipment needed to reach fitness goals. Barton Community Pavilion offers tennis courts, 3G and grass pitches, and a hall and bar for various functions.

Oxford Badminton Club caters to all abilities, while Viking Sports Club in Old Headington has pool and billiards tables, dart boards, and associated teams. Other clubs include Headington Bowls Club, Headington Road Runners, Oxford Fencing Club, Oxford Golf Club, and Oxford Hockey Club.

Residents can enjoy tranquil green spaces such as South Hill Park, Headington Hill Park, and Bury Knowle Park. Shotover Country Park is a beautiful outdoor space with woodland, hidden valleys, and diverse habitats, perfect for walking, running, and cycling. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the wider Oxfordshire countryside.

History of Headington

Headington has a rich heritage, believed to outstretch that of neighboring Oxford. Excavations suggest an Iron Age settlement from the 7th century BC, with Anglo-Saxon burial remains and Roman kilns indicating a long-standing history.

During the Norman Period, Headington was overtaken in size by Oxford but remained an important strategic point. Headington Quarry grew around the stone pits, bringing prosperity and encouraging laborers to settle. The early 20th century saw towns surrounding Oxford catering to the city’s overspill, with new housing developments around Old Headington and modern luxuries in New Headington.