The Oxford Farming Conference
Delegate Information 2024
This page will provide you with key information to help you plan your visit to Oxford, and experience at OFC24. We will continue adding to it as questions arise from delegates.
In December, you will receive an invitation to download the OFC24 app. This will be a key tool for providing you with information just before, and during the conference so we would recommend adding it to your phone or tablet device, ahead of the conference, once it is available.
Additional Sessions To Book
Alongside the OFC curated content, OFC Partners have organised inspirational content during breakfast, lunch and tea time sessions...including some delicious catering. Space is limited for each one. Booking will be available for anyone who has purchased a full conference ticket from October 2023, via your booking page. If you have already purchased your ticket, you can log into your book and amend it, to add on these sections.
Travel
Travelling to Oxford: By Train
Oxford railway station is approximately a 20-minute walk away or 10 minutes by taxi. If there is a rail strike, please see the notes below.
Whilst OFC does not organise travel for delegates, we wanted to provide you with as much information as possible, to help with your own planning. If the rail strike goes ahead, there are a number of options available, which will offer you good access to the event. These can be found below.
Travelling to Oxford: By Car
There is no car parking at the venue so we recommend using the park and ride system.
Oxford Parkway (closest to Oxford)
This site is located at Oxford Parkway Station to the north of the city and can be accessed from the A40 (from Witney and Cheltenham), A4260 (from Kidlington), A34 (from Banbury, Bicester and Northampton) and the M40. Open 24 hours a day, with parking for up to 72 hours. Postcode: OX2 8HA
Pear Tree
Located to the north of the city, this site can be accessed from the A40 (from Witney and Cheltenham), A4260 (from Kidlington), A34 (from Banbury, Bicester and Northampton) and the M40. Open 24 hours a day, with parking for up to 72 hours. Postcode: OX2 8JZ
Redbridge
Located off the A34 from Abingdon, Didcot and Newbury. This site is located to the south of the city. Open 24 hours a day, with parking for up to 72 hours. Postcode: OX1 4XG
To view the other park and ride options, timetables and full details, click here
There are also a range of car parks within the city centre, that offer 24 hour access and long-stay but they can be quite expensive. To view a full list, click here.
Travelling to Oxford: Car Share
The OFC24 app will have a section for "Car Share" information, where delegates can list their name, location and travel route, should they wish to offer a car share. The app will be live in December 2023, potentially earlier.
Travelling to Oxford: By Bus
The nearest bus stop and airport bus stops are on the High Street just outside the Examination Schools (Queen’s Lane stop). Information about buses in the city can be found here.
The main bus station is just 15 minutes’ walk away, so if you miss the Queen’s Lane stop, you can go to Gloucester Green Bus Station, George St, Oxford OX1 2BU
Travelling to Oxford: By Air
Birmingham, and London airports all offer good bus connections to Oxford. View the bus timetable above to find the relevant journey for you.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Oxford
OFC works with a range of venues in and around Oxford, to provide you with a discount. Please contact the provider directly, if you wish to book a room.
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Oxford City Centre – 15-minute walk approx. A limited number of rooms are available at a discounted rate (£155 single occupancy, £175 double occupancy, inclusive of breakfast and VAT). Click on the link to go to their Dedicated Booking Page for this event.
Premier Inn, Oxford City Centre (Westgate) - 15-minute walk approx. No OFC discount available but a good rate is often available. Website.
Malmaison Oxford - 15-minute walk approx. . A limited number of rooms are available at a discounted rate of £170 single occupancy, inclusive of breakfast and vat. Please contact mzoller@malmaison.com to make your booking
Oxford Spires - 30-minutes walk from the venue, this hotel is offering a limited number of rooms at £150.00 Bed and Breakfast Rate Single for Sole Occupancy per room per night. This offer expires on 28th September 2023. Parking on-site is chargeable at £20 per night. Phone 01865 324324 to book, quoting group code ABC. Website
Keble College – The college has no availability on the night of the 4th January 2024 so we are unable to provide an offer for this venue.
Christ Church College - 15 minutes walk approx. OFC has secured 20 single en-suite rooms in Blue Boar for the nights of 3rd and 4th January, held at a rate of £129 per room per night. To take advantage of the rate booking via their website and enter the code "FARMERS2024".
George Street Hotel - a short 10-minute walk from the conference. The hotel has made a selection of rooms available ranging from £150 to £250 per night. Please click on their dedicated Oxford Farming Conference Link to make a reservation. The hotel is available on 01865 957800.
Bocardo Hotel - a 10-minute walk from the conference. The hotel has a selection of rooms available ranging from £125 to £140 per night. Please click on the dedicated Oxford Faming Conference Link to make a reservation. We do not have any on site breakfast or amenities, however we mention to all in house guests that opposite the hotel is the Oxford Brunch Bar which offer breakfast/brunch all day, however between 7am-9am all guests will receive a discount. The hotel is available on 01865 591234.
Old Parsonage Hotel - nestled in the heart of Oxford (1-3 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6NN), the 17th-century Old Parsonage combines original charm and character with all the luxury, amenities and technology available to an independently owned 5-star hotel. Best known for its eclectic country house charm, chic modern interiors and striking portraits, the Old Parsonage Hotel is a luxury home-from-home with impeccable hospitality. Guests receive exclusive access to the library, walled garden, in-room spa treatments and personalised amenities. Book now online adding the promo code OFC2024 to receive 10% off their best available rate. You can also contact the hotel sales team directly on 01865 521111 with the same code and if the rate is still available, the team will complete the booking.
Old Bank Hotel - the independently owned Old Bank Hotel is centrally located on Oxford’s famous High Street (92-94 High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ). A breathtaking statement in design, the 5-star hotel has 43 luxury bedrooms, many with unrivalled views of the city’s most famous landmarks. Key features of the hotel include a sophisticated art collection, an exclusive resident's library, in-room spa treatments, personalised amenities, free car parking, electric car charging, and full private dining and conference facilities in the Gallery, Boardroom, and Red Room. Book now online adding the promo code OFC2024 to receive 10% off their best available rate and receive complimentary daily breakfast. You can also contact the hotel sales team directly on 01865 521111 with the same code and if the rate is still available, the team will complete the booking.
Venue Addresses
Venue Location
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - The fringes on Wednesay 3rd January, and the main conference on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th January 2024 takes place at The Examination Schools, 75 – 81 The High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BG
Wednesday - The Chair's Welcome Event, and Book Club on Wednesday 3rd January 2024, takes place at The Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
Thursday Evening - The Oxford Union Debate on Thursday 4th January 2024 takes place at The Oxford Union, Frewin Court, Oxford, OX1 3JB. Stewards will be available to help direct you to the venue.
Full addresses for all venues, including What3Word codes can be found on the OFC24 app
Dress Code
Smart Casual is encouraged throughout the conference so please wear what you feel most comfortable in. Many delegates may feel more comfortable in business attire for the main conference sessions and formal dinner, which is also welcomed.
Please note: HRH The Princess Royal often attends the conference. If you are invited to meet Her Royal Highness, you should wear smart business attire.