Steeped in history, inspiring solutions for a better future
We look forward to welcoming Skoll World Forum delegates to Oxford, U.K.—located 90 kilometers (56 miles) northwest of London. The city is a hub for social entrepreneurs and home to the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School, where many Forum activities take place.
All attendees should be current on vaccinations per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. COVID-19 tests are available at the Help Desk in the lobby of Saïd Business School (SBS) and masks and hand sanitizer are available at all venues. Alternative session viewing options include overflow session rooms at SBS and online streaming of plenaries and select sessions.
If you begin feeling ill, please do not attend in-person events. For more information or to inform us of an illness, please contact registration@skoll.org.
Browse the official Forum program to help with planning. To fully participate, we suggest arriving by Tuesday, April 9 and departing on Saturday, April 13. The Forum will kick off with an optional welcome reception at 5pm BST on Tuesday with sessions and activities running through Friday evening, including a Closing Celebration.
We strongly recommend booking refundable lodging and transport in case of COVID-19 related changes to the program or travel regulations to and from the UK. Be sure to book your stay early, as lodging in Oxford fills up quickly during the Forum.
Our team has compiled these lodging resources for finding hotels, B&Bs, dorm rooms, and apartment rentals. Please note that most Forum activities take place in downtown Oxford at New Theatre and Saïd Business School. Many people choose to stay as close to the center of town as possible.
Weather in the region can be unpredictable, so please come prepared to experience more than one weather pattern. The temperature is likely to be 10°-16° Celsius (50°- 60° Fahrenheit) during the day and 5° Celsius (40° Fahrenheit) in the evening. You may want to pack a raincoat and an umbrella, as well as a warm jacket.
At the Forum, people typically dress from smart casual to professional, and everything in between. Be sure to dress for comfort, as you’ll be walking distance to various activities and moving around throughout each day. If you need mobility assistance, please contact our registration team at registration@skoll.org so we can ensure a seamless experience.
Arrival By Air
The nearest international airport to Oxford is London Heathrow (LHR) and is approximately a 90 minute ride. Gatwick Airport (LGW) is approximately a 2–2.5 hour ride. From both airports, you can catch a bus, taxi, or train to Oxford.
By Bus
The Oxford Bus Company travels directly from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Oxford and takes about 90 minutes. The round-trip bus fare is approximately £30 and can be purchased on-site. Buses leave from LHR every 30 minutes.
By Taxi
The fare for a taxi from Heathrow Airport (LHR) is approximately £160. Cars booked in advance or Uber fares are approximately £70-£120 and take about 60 minutes.
By Train
From London, the train is the most efficient mode of transportation. A typical one-way ticket is approximately £30 and takes about 60 minutes. The Oxford train terminal is directly across from Saïd Business School, where most Forum events take place. Note: there is no train option from Heathrow Airport (LHR) direct to Oxford, however the Heathrow Express Train goes direct to Paddington (15 minutes) and from there you can board a train to Oxford.
By Hired Car
Known as the city of dreaming spires, Oxford has a rich history of architecture and academia. Ancient and beautiful buildings abound in the city.
Strongly identifiable as a university town, the University of Oxford serves 30,000 students via 39 colleges to comprise one of the oldest universities in the world.
