Family friendly hotel in Oxford where children stay free.

Come and enjoy a stay where kids can be kids and grown-ups can be grown-ups.

Set in the Oxfordshire countryside, Oxford Belfry offers plenty of space for family time and relaxation. Borrow a game from the lending library, enjoy dedicated family swim times or challenge the kids to a game of tennis.

Nearby, step into magical worlds at The Story Museum, brave a tour of Oxford Castle and Prison or meet the residents of the UK’s only crocodile zoo. 

Back at the hotel, children’s menus, activity packs and free meals for under-fours make dining easy.

And because family getaways shouldn't cost the earth, kids aged 16 and under stay completely FREE when they share your room. Need more space to spread out? Get up to 50% off when you book a second room.

16 & under Stay Free
4 & under Eat Free
Children Menu
Children Swim Times
Interconnecting Rooms
Cot Beds Available
Grounds to Explore
Local Attractions
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Family fun at Oxford Belfry

Dinosaurs, castles, steam trains and magical stories are all within easy reach of Oxford Belfry - plus there’s plenty of free fun if you don’t want every day out to come with a big price tag. 

We've compiled a fun-filled itinerary of our top recommendations so you can make the most out of your stay with us - read on below!

Inspiration for your itinerary

Coming from London or the Aylesbury direction? Stop off at Waddesdon Manor, around 25 minutes from the hotel. Explore the grounds, meet the colourful winged residents of the aviary and let the kids loose in the brand-new Wild Wood Adventure Playground, which opened in August 2026.

Or if you want to come via Oxford itself, don’t miss the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Entry is free and you can see dinosaur skeletons, fossils and thousands of weird and wonderful specimens from the natural world.

Spend a day exploring Oxford itself, around 25 - 30 minutes away. Start by stepping inside another world at the magical Story Museum, hunt out some famous Harry Potter filming locations, wander through the historic streets and colleges or add in a trip to The Living Rainforest. You may even be able to sneak in some shopping between sightseeing.

For something grander but equally historic, Blenheim Palace is around 30 minutes away. Explore the palace and its enormous grounds, and don’t miss the giant adventure playground and interactive water features.

Train fan in the family? Head to Didcot Railway Centre. Explore steam locomotives, old railway buildings and signaling equipment and, on running days, hop aboard a heritage train for a ride. All aboard!

Got a budding scientist? Science Oxford Centre is only around 15 minutes away and is packed with hands-on experiments and interactive science activities. Check opening dates before you go - regular Family Days run on Saturdays, with extra events during the school holidays. 

Older kids might prefer Oxford Castle & Prison. Head underground into the crypt, explore former prison cells and discover more than 1,000 years of slightly gruesome history.

For a peaceful afternoon stroll, Waterperry Gardens is only around 10 minutes away. Explore the gardens, follow one of the seasonal trails and burn off some energy in the play area.

Borrow a game from the lending library, head outside for a family tennis tournament or simply explore the eight acres of grounds. 

And don’t forget your swimming stuff - there are dedicated family swim times every day. 

No need to pack up and head straight back home. Squeeze in one last activity on the way.

Heading towards London or the M40? Stop at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, only a short drive from the hotel. Follow part of the Ridgeway through chalk grassland and beech woodland, look out for red kites overhead and enjoy one last dose of countryside before the journey home. Best of all, it’s free. 

Or, if you’re heading towards Aylesbury or the east, make one last stop at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital. Meet some of the wildlife hospital’s permanent residents, get up close to a hedgehog and see red kites in the flight aviaries. You can even peek through viewing windows into parts of the hospital to see some of the animals being cared for.

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Extra information for your stay 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 4 years and younger eat free. View full breakdown below. 

Breakfast

  • 4 years and younger - FREE with a paying adult  
  • 5 - 16 years - £7.50 per child 

Lunch & Dinner 

  • 4 years and younger can enjoy two courses for FREE when dining with an adult in our restaurant or bar 
  • Children eating off our restaurant and bar menu's will be charged the full listed price

Yes, if the kids are coming along, you can enjoy some quality time together in one of our generously-sized family rooms. We can set you up with a cot for very young guests, a Z bed for slightly older ones. 

Yes, we have several interconnecting rooms ideal for families. Just put in a request when you make your booking and we'll do our best to arrange one for you. Or, call our booking office on 0330 107 1599 if you would like to guarantee interconnecting rooms. 

Kids under 16 years are not permitted in the gyms or poolside facilities (jacuzzi, sauna and steam room). Your child may swim during the allocated children's swim times, but must be accompanied by an adult.  
 
Children's swim times: 
Monday - Sunday: 8.30am - 10.30am & 3.30pm - 5.30pm 

Our treatments are suitable for people over the age of 16. We do not provide treatments for children under 16.