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1/16

Cloister Gardens looking towards King Building

2/16

Edward King Suite

3/16

Dining Hall

4/16

View of College from Marston St

5/16

Standard Single Room

6/16

The Bishops Rooms with View of Church

7/16

External Garden Walls

8/16

rose garden

9/16

Single Ensuite

10/16

Cloisters (inside)

11/16

Ensuite shower room

12/16

Standard Single (lower-ground floor)

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Edward King suite, sitting room

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Church Ceiling

15/16

Church & Cloisters

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Standard Twin Room

Availability Overview Reviews Facilities & information Arrival information & directions

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Guests:

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Overview

St Stephen's House is an Anglican Theological College, situated close to Magdalen Bridge on a quiet street running between the Cowley and Iffley Roads. Formerly a monastery, with buildings dating back to the 1860s, the college is a charming example of Victorian Gothic architecture.

Centrally located in East Oxford, the college is a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Located on a quiet side street, a short walk from major locations such as the O2 Academy, and the Bullingdon, as well as tourist sites such as the Botanic Garden, and Christchurch Meadows. The College is unable to offer parking, however, two public car parks are located a short distance from campus.

As a working college, this location lets its available student bedrooms for bed and breakfast stays, which, whilst not equipped to hotel standard, all bedrooms are clean and comfortable, with refreshment trays, bedding, towels, and complimentary toiletries. Due to the age of the buildings, there are no lifts available, and the entrance is by steep concrete steps.

The College provides a self-service check-in system, that provides guests flexibility and convenience on arrival. Guests are provided with contact information for staff should they need assistance during their stay; at present, there is no Porter's Lodge at this college.

Check in: 14:00 (2:00pm) - 20:00 (8:00pm) (arrivals may be allowed outside this window if your travel plans can't be adjusted however this is subject to availability)

Check out: 00:00 (12:00am) - 10:00 (10:00am)

History

St Stephen's House is situated in the former monastery of The Cowley Fathers, founded by Fr Meaux Benson in the 1860s. The Grade II 19th-century building is linked by cloisters to a very fine, Grade 1 listed church designed by Bodley.

St Stephen’s College was founded in 1876 by Canon Edward King and a group of associates, as a theological college intended for graduates of Oxford and Cambridge intending to undertake mission work abroad or ministerial work at home. The college moved to its current location, opposite the Sir Roger Bannister Running Track, in the 1980s having outgrown its earlier buildings.

The House motto is ‘Video caelos apertos’ (‘I see the heavens opened’), St Stephen’s words from Acts 7:56.

Food & beverage

Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in all guest rooms. Bookings include a cooked breakfast with continental options available in the bright Victorian Dining Hall, served daily 8am-9am (9:30-10:30 Saturday during term Only).

Due to the religious nature of this college and its students, on Fridays during term, a vegetarian breakfast is offered, typically in the form of freshly cooked pastries.

The College is a short walk from a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs and supermarkets.

Grounds & Gardens

Set in private gated grounds.With a peaceful cloister garden.

Other facilities

Please note that to allow students and other guests to sleep undisturbed, the college kindly asks that between the hours of 11pm and 7:30am on Weekdays, that noise is kept to a minimum. Due to the nature of the college, please be aware that Church bells may be rang briefly from 7:30 am.

Smoking is not permitted in the buildings and pets are not allowed. The college is also unable to accept bookings from Stag & Hen parties.

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Reviews

4.1

Based on 312 reviews

Room
4.0

Value
4.2

Food
3.9

Service
4.2

Experience
4.2

★★★★★

187

★★★★

★★★

★★

★

Fantastic (solo) 3-night stay at St Stephen’s. As soon as I entered my room, it felt like a safe space – I knew I’d enjoy my stay. Simple room with wash basin & deep window view across courtyards. Shower/toilet v close. Great dining hall breakfast. Friendly staff. A really quiet stay (apart from large group of Americans one day, intrusively loud at breakfast & the evening). I spent the best time in the Cloister garden sitting under Medlars reading. No one else there. Perfect. Would def return.
SusanT

It was the first time we booked a staying at a college and we rate this fist experience excellent! The booking and check in procedures were easy and very much detailed. The room was spacious, clean and silent, towels fluffy. St Stephens is an historical building bringing back memories from school time. The location was great as we could park the car nearby and still walk to the town center (we love to walk but, in case, buses were very frequent). Very good value for money, recommended!
DanielaV

The room was the largest we had in England and having the king bed was a treat. There was lots of space for luggage and hanging clothes and jackets. It was quiet, clean and comfortable. The location is great close to many restaurants, stores and bars with many transport options for central oxford.
TaraR

I was made very welcome and it was an excellent place to stay at. It also benefitted from being close to regular bus services and local shops and places to eat.
RaymondB

A calm retreat in the heart of a busy area. Very impressed, would highly recommend. Particularly convenient for bus services.
Anon

The staff were very friendly and helpful, the breakfast was good, and it was a quiet theological setting. Thank you.
Anon

A very comfortable , very safe location from which to explore the city and surrounding area.
ChristopherG

Very special place. It was like being on a religious retreat without the religion. I loved it
SharonD

Very great stay at St Stephen's house. Simple, quiet and great for a work stay.
AdelphineB

Facilities & information

Summary

19th-century buildings

Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

No parking

No smoking

No pets allowed

Historic property

Facilities

No luggage storage

Linen included

Towels included

Hair dryers

Central heating

Recreations

Recommended walks

Pub (walking distance)

Museums (walking distance)

Tennis courts (walking distance)

Recommended restaurants (walking distance)

Theatre (walking distance)

Arrival information & directions

Address: St Stephen's House, 16 Marston St, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OxfordOX4 1JX, United Kingdom

One to two working days before your stay is due to begin, St Stephen's House will send you a separate email with your access codes for the building, as well as other information you may find helpful during your stay.

Please have this to hand on your arrival, you will be responsible for accessing the college yourself.

If you need to cancel or amend your booking, you must use the link at the bottom of this email. Please do not contact the college to amend bookings.

It is kindly asked that you do not arrive before check-in (2pm), as your bedroom will not be ready.

Legal information:

St Stephen's House, Oxford - This property is managed by a company/professional trader

St Stephen's House, Oxford