Jericho is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Oxford – and it’s no surprise. Lined with rows of Victorian terraces and classic English red-bricked townhouses, this area has its own village green (where you can usually see horses and ponies), a canal, and a high street filled with trendy cafés, boutiques, and perfect Sunday Roast pubs. Plus, it’s within walking distance to most colleges. Here’s everything you should know about Jericho in Oxford, including what to see, where to shop, and where to rent.
Jericho in Oxford is one of the best destinations if you’re looking for a relaxing and inspiring walk, a summer wander, or a bit of shopping and cuisine. Here are some of my Jericho unmissable places and why I love them so much. I will also cover the best shopping spots and include some information about living in Jericho (such as flat-sharing or renting a house in this area). We got some ground to cover, so let’s get started, shall we?
Why I Love Oxford's Jericho
Let’s start with the basics. Jericho is a historic suburb of Oxford. It is lively, ful of things to see and do, and has easy access to the Oxford Canal. This great neighbourhood also has several pubs, niche shops, supermarkets, a cinema, markets, and plenty of green spaces to rest your thoughts.
The History of Jericho
Jericho was originally a place for travellers to rest when they reached Oxford after its gates had closed. That’s where the name might have come from, as it refers to a “remote place“.
In time, Jericho grew – mostly because of its proximity to the Oxford Canal, which was introduced in 1790. Reports from about a hundred years later show that Jericho was a working-class neighbourhood prone to flooding. Unfortunately, the combination of poor drainage, low lands, and open sewers became a breeding ground for diseases like typhoid and dysentery. In fact, during the 1832 cholera epidemic, Jericho residents accounted for 22% cases.
Best Pubs, Places, and Shops in Jericho
There is so much to see and do in Jericho. Shops, pubs, restaurants… I love coming here on a weekend and exploring the canal, usually ending with a slice of cake from the Barefoot Cafe. Now, I had to make a selection of the best Jericho places, because there are so many things to do and see in this Oxford neighbourhood! So, here are some of my favourites.
The Jericho Cafe
The Jericho Café is a friendly, informal café that serves tasty and homemade food all day long. They are somewhat of an institution in Jericho and Oxford because they have been in business for over 32 years! They truly have something for everyone – whether that’s a full breakfast, a quiet drink, or a quick lunch with friends. And, of course, delicious homemade cakes and lattes. All their food is made with fresh and quality ingredients that are locally sourced in Oxford.
One thing to keep in mind: The Jericho Café doesn’t take bookings. They have a first come first served service style, but they luckily have a new terrace for al fresco dining and lots of tables downstairs.
The Phoenix Picturehouse Cinema
Phoenix Picturehouse is a historic, century-old cinema boasting two screens and a friendly upstairs bar. It shows blockbuster and independent films. The North Oxford Kinema in Walton Street was opened in 1913. After a change of ownership in 1977, it was renamed the Phoenix. In August 2017 the Phoenix Picturehouse cinema closed for a major two-month refurbishment. Both of its cinema screens we re-done, reopening its doors in October 2017.
Today, the cinema is one of Jericho’s most popular attractions, enticing people from all around Oxford with its showings.
Barefoot Jericho
Barefoot is a small artisan Bakery based in Jericho – and it offers some of the best cakes in the city. Believe me. They started making cakes from their kitchen at home and selling them on a market stall in Oxford. Since then, the business has grown from strength to strength, and now owns a micro-bakery producing handmade bread, pizza, savouries & viennoiserie.
Barefoot doesn’t use any additives or flavourings and focuses on classic recipes and simple natural flavours – also incorporating seasonal fruits & vegetables, flowers, botanicals and herbs.
FREUD Café
FREUD is a café, bar and bistro located in a former 19th-century church, and one of our Oxford Jericho’s favourite places. It was founded in 1998 by a former art student of the Courtauld called David Freud. Today, you can enjoy a cocktail while looking at the pre-Rapahelite stained glass windows.
How to Get to Jericho
You can easily walk to Jericho from Oxford city centre. In fact, I seriously recommend you use the Oxford Canal to do so! Alternatively, walk up Cornmarket Street / Woodstock Road until you reach Little Clarendon Street and then turn left.