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 innovation and home to the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School, where many Forum activities take place.
To fully participate, we suggest arriving by Tuesday, April 1 and departing on Saturday, April 5. The Forum will kick off with an optional welcome reception at 4:30pm BST and Serendipity Dinners on Tuesday evening. Sessions start on Wednesday morning ahead of the Opening Plenary. Please find a daily program overview in these Frequently Asked Questions to help with your planning.
Our team has compiled these lodging resources for finding hotels, B&Bs, dorm rooms, and apartment rentals. Be sure to book your stay early, as lodging in Oxford fills up quickly during the Forum.
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.
While weather in the region can be unpredictable, spring is a great time to be in the U.K., with blooming flowers and warming temperatures. Temperatures during these months range from about 5 (40° Fahrenheit) to 15° (60° Fahrenheit), We recommend packing a raincoat and an umbrella, as well as a warm jacket.
At the Forum, people typically dress from smart casual to professional. Some delegates choose to wear traditional clothing to express their national identity and cultural heritage. Be sure to dress for comfort, as you’ll be walking significant distances to various activities throughout each day. If you need mobility assistance, please contact our registration team at registration@skoll.org so we can ensure a seamless and comfortable 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.
