Now it’s not only students who can enjoy the atmosphere of historic buildings such as Oxford’s New College this December.
There’s something about visiting an historic city in December that seems to capture Christmas magic. Now we can all stay in an Oxford or Cambridge college to soak up centuries-old traditions.
OXFORD, UK, 2025-Nov-5 — /Travel PR News/ —Think Christmas and atmospheric, candlelit buildings spring to mind. That’s partly because of the wonderful sound and spectacle of Carols from King’s. It’s must-see Christmas Eve viewing and not to be missed if you are staying in Cambridge.
However, a more chilling reason an age-old university town may leap to mind is that Christmas has become synonymous with cosy ghost stories. Thanks to M.R. James, the famous former Provost of King’s College, Cambridge, some of the spookiest tales have been set in an atmospheric college. Meanwhile, Oxford’s colleges have been used in some of the glittering Christmas scenes in the Harry Potter movies.
Now it’s possible to soak up the old-fashioned and occasionally eerie atmosphere with a stay at an Oxford or Cambridge college this December, says a leading travel booking expert.
Antonio Gargiulo, from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: ‘There is something about majestic buildings, cobbled lanes and seasonal markets that really captures the magic of Christmas.
‘At the turn of the last century, M.R. James would light a single candle at Christmas and tell his haunting ghost stories to groups of undergraduates and dons. Mark Gatiss has recently filmed several adaptations for Christmas viewing. From his versions to Robert Powell’s classic BBC readings, James’ haunting tales are now as much a part of Christmas as stockings and mince pies.
‘Meanwhile, the dining hall at Christ Church College, Oxford, is the inspirational film setting for the Hogwarts Christmas feast in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Duke Humfrey’s Library, part of the Bodleian, was where they filmed Harry sneaking into the restricted books section under his Cloak of Invisibility during the Christmas holidays.
‘If you have been hooked by the atmosphere of these seasonal adventures, it’s now possible to stay at several Cambridge and Oxford colleges this December. The good news is you don’t have to be a student to stay in them and many are considerably cheaper than staying in a hotel in these historic cities.
‘The beautiful city of Oxford is a truly memorable Christmas location. Despite its name, New College dates back to 1379 and its cloisters and quad are full of character. In fact, they will be familiar to Harry Potter fans as they feature in the movie “The Goblet of Fire”. Inexpensive ensuite rooms in New Buildings (well, they were new in the 19th century!) are available from just £90 a night in December.
‘Pembroke College dates back to 1624. It provides a tranquil setting surrounded by magnificent architecture and gardens and is a short walk from the Ashmolean Museum and Bodleian Library. The college offers both ensuite or shared toilet/shower rooms, grouped together off traditional staircases. Premium ensuite rooms are available from £116.40 a night this December.
‘For lovers of Victorian Gothic, Oxford’s Mansfield College is perfect. Designed by architect Basil Champneys, the main building was built between 1887 and 1889. The accommodation is on the main college site and ensuite rooms are available from £94.50 a night this December, with breakfast included.
‘Over in Cambridge, Corpus Christi college dates back to the 14th century. It is situated in the heart of the city and combines age-old buildings with modern facilities, making it the ideal alternative to a hotel or bed & breakfast. The accommodation is either single standard or basic ensuite bedrooms. The College promises stunning architecture steeped in history, atmosphere and very friendly service. Rooms are available this December from just £70 a night.
‘Downing College was built in the early 1800s. It has a unique setting amid 20 acres of lawns and trees, yet the centre of Cambridge is only a few minutes’ walk away. It has dates available in December and January with superior double ensuites from £150 a night.
‘Built around a Regency manor house, the heart of Fitzwilliam College is also suitably atmospheric. However, in contrast, most of its buildings and accommodation are of modern design. Contemporary ensuite rooms are available from just £89.40 a night in December for those who love their creature comforts.
‘It doesn’t take an educated guess to realise that university accommodation is likely to get booked up for the Christmas period. Using the innovative service UniversityRooms.com, visitors can choose from singles and doubles with ensuite facilities, on a B&B or self-catering basis. For more information and to book your stay in Oxford see https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/oxford/home/ and for Cambridge see: https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/cambridge/home/’
