Name: Review: Magdalen College, Oxford - DavidR
Item: Magdalen College, Oxford
Rating: 4.6
Author: DavidR

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Magdalen College

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Daubeny Flat E Bedroom

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Hall

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Aerial view of Magdalen

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The New Building

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Magdalen from the Waynflete Building

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The Waynflete Building from Magdalen Bridge

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Daubeny Flat E Bedroom

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The New Building

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Daubeny Flat E Living Room

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Daubeny Flat E Living Room

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Daubeny Flat E Bathroom

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Daubeny Flat E Kitchen

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Daubeny Flat E Entrance

Availability Overview Reviews Facilities & information Arrival information & directions

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Overview

The river Cherwell runs through Magdalen's grounds which include over 100 acres of parkland - a beautiful and tranquil area in the heart of the city. Along with the magnificent cloisters, deer park and quads with formal lawns and borders. They claim to be the most beautiful college in Oxford which are not without foundation.

The College offers rooms on its main site but also rooms in their Waynflete Building across Magdalen Bridge, with stunning views of the College. In this building, modest rates do not include breakfast. Whichever Magdalen accommodation you choose to book, you can be sure of a warm welcome at the Porters' Lodge, from one of the property's student staff or the porters themselves. One of them will show you to your room and answer any queries you may have. You will also have free access to the College main grounds.

Important notice: There are no passenger lifts in the accommodation buildings, and there is no parking at the College but there is chargeable public parking nearby.

Check in: 14:00 (2:00pm) - 23:00 (11:00pm) (no arrivals allowed outside this window)

Check out: 10:00 (10:00am) - 10:00 (10:00am)

History

Magdalen College was founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Chancellor, on the site of the Hospital of St. John, just outside Oxford’s East Gate.

Several additions were made after Waynflete’s death in 1486: in 1492, the foundation stone was laid for a grand new bell tower, 144 feet high. The High Street range and the gargoyles in the Cloister followed. In the early 1730s, Edward Holdsworth designed a grand new quadrangle but only the north range, the New Building was never completed.

Grounds & Gardens

Magdalen is set in over 100 acres of grounds and parkland with the River Cherwell flowing through. The Deer Park (with a herd of around 65) has been established for over 300 years. In addition to the formal lawns and borders, there are water walks and meadows for all to enjoy. The Fellows' Garden, noted for its Spring flowers, is open throughout the year.

Other facilities

WiFi is available throughout the College. Visitors are welcome to connect to The Cloud, details can be found in residential buildings and the porters have a note on trouble-shooting.

Launderettes are available and a pre-paid card may be obtained from the Porters' Lodge. There are ironing facilities in the launderettes.

Bathrooms are communal unless stated as en-suite.

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Reviews

4.1

Based on 878 reviews

Room
3.7

Value
4.1

Food
4.1

Service
4.4

Experience
4.2

★★★★★

535

★★★★

211

★★★

★★

★

Superb location (obviously). Very pleasant, quiet room. Good that room cleaning service was provided. Good that there was a fridge in the room. No iron in room (listing seemed to indicate there would be one). Heated towel rail didn't seem to work. Pleasant, if limited, breakfast and good that a vegetarian option was available. Ability to walk round the quad etc and visit the chapel was a real treat. Overall an excellent, enjoyable stay and good value.
DavidR

My room was comfortable, clean and large. It was obviously student accommodation which I was expecting so it wasn’t hotel standard. It was excellent value for the city centre. It was lovely to be able to walk around the college. I really appreciated the welcome from the porter.
KatharindL

Beautiful situation. I was unhappy the majority of the grounds were closed on day two as I think they were part of the advertised facilities. The tiny WC being on the floor above was inconvenient but I understand matters will improve in the future. Staff very helpful.
Anon

Spacious room, with en suite, was comfortable for the short stay. A great base for access to the city centre or stay to work in the college. Lovely walks around the deer meadow. Porters were extremely helpful on arrival. Highly recommended.
Anon

Thanks a lot for the lovely stay. As expected, a quite simple room. Decent enough, but quite warm and a very small shower cabin. Otherwise enjoyed it a lot.
Heleenv

No frills but a great experience to stay overnight and have breakfast in such an historic and grand hall.
DianeR

The ghost was obedient and didn't disturb my sleep. All in all a very good experience.
TaruE

A splendid experience I hope to repeat in the future. Thank you for your hospitality!
Anon

Excellent facility is a great location at a great price.
Anon

Facilities & information

Summary

15th-century buildings

16th-century buildings

17th-century buildings

18th-century buildings

19th-century buildings

20th-century buildings

21st-century buildings

Breakfast (at additional cost)

Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

No parking

No smoking

Room Only (no kitchen facilities)

Historic property

Facilities

Free broadband access (wifi)

Shared gardens

Tennis court

Woodland walks

Luggage storage

24 hour security

Linen included

Towels included

Clothes dryer

Washing machine

Central heating

Bicycle storage

Food

Tea room

Bar

Fridge

Recreations

Recommended walks

Pub (walking distance)

Pub (a short drive)

Museums (walking distance)

Historic Houses

Gardens

Recommended restaurants (walking distance)

Recommended restaurants (a short drive)

Theatre (walking distance)

Arrival information & directions

Address: Magdalen College, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OxfordOX1 4AU, United Kingdom

The Lodge is staffed 24 hours a day.

Directions:

Coaches stop in the High Street, opposite Queen's Lane, four minutes' walk from the property's Porters' Lodge, which is close to the foot of the Great Tower very near Magdalen Bridge. The Coach Station (Gloucester Green) is about fifteen minutes' walk from the College but London and Airport coaches stop at High Street/Queen's Lane on their way to the central coach station.

The Rail Station is twenty minutes' walk away from Magdalen. Buses run from the rail station and stop at Queen's Lane in the High Street. Oxford Parkway Station is served from London Marylebone and is a 10 minute or so taxi ride from the College.

Those travelling by car are advised to use Thornhill Park and Ride on the A40 east of Oxford. Park & Ride Buses into the centre stop opposite Queen’s Lane in the High Street.

Legal information:

Magdalen College, Oxford - This property is managed by a company/professional trader