How to stay in an Oxford or Cambridge college this September – and visit historic attractions for free

A travel expert says that Oxford and Cambridge Universities’ short terms, combined with Open Doors events, mean that visitors can stay cheaply at colleges this September while enjoying free entry to many historic attractions.

While many universities are welcoming ‘freshers’ and returning students this September, Oxford and Cambridge terms don’t start until mid-October. That means inexpensive accommodation is still available in historic colleges in both cities until at least the end of next month.

Better still, September coincides with both Oxford and Cambridge’s memorable Open Door events, when many of the cities’ most important colleges and other famous buildings are open to the public for free.

Lily Smith, a travel expert from the specialist accommodation finder UniversityRooms.com, says: ‘Oxford and Cambridge, colloquially known as “Oxbridge”, may be fierce rivals when it comes to events such as the Boat Race, but they are united in offering free access to many of their most celebrated buildings during September.

‘In Cambridge, many famous landmarks are open from 6-15 September in association with Heritage Open Days, while Oxford’s Open Doors events take place on 14-15 September.

‘Oxford Preservation Trust has run Oxford Open Doors since 2008. Last year, 25,000 people visited 125 venues. From historic colleges such as Magdalen, Christ Church and St John’s to the Oxford Oratory and the Oxford Union, many famous and important university buildings open their doors, offering guided tours and the chance to explore.

‘Away from university life, more unusual places open during the weekend include Rewley Road fire station, an old railway swing bridge and the amazing “Painted Room”. Elizabethan wall paintings (our ancestors’ wallpaper) still shine brightly in a hidden room that once belonged to an inn where Shakespeare stayed. It is now above a betting shop!

‘Cambridge, meanwhile, is working with Heritage Open Days for over a week of special events. People can visit historic university libraries such as the Wren Library in Trinity College and the Parker Library in Corpus Christi. They can also roam around campuses including Westminster College and visit some amazing buildings beyond the world of the university. There are tours of the Centre for Computing History (where people can get to grips with 1980s’ PCs) and Cambridge United football team’s ground at Cledara Abbey Stadium. There are even tours of Abbey House, a reputedly haunted 16^th-century building constructed on the site of an 11^th-century priory that is now home to Buddhists.

‘Of course, computer boffins, football fans and history buffs alike can also stay in many ancient university buildings to enjoy a backstage pass to Oxford and Cambridge’s colleges. It will save money and, best of all, they are open to non-students.

‘For example, Magdalen is one of a number of historic Oxford colleges where it’s possible to book rooms throughout September. C. S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, once taught here. The beautiful buildings at Magdalen College (which visitors should be aware is pronounced Maudlin!) date back as far as the 15th century. Visitors can have breakfast in the hall where Lewis ate and enjoy the college’s gardens and tearoom from just £55 a night.

‘Likewise, in Cambridge, the 15^th-century Christ’s College is one of its oldest and most attractive buildings. Visitors just have to cross the road from the busy shopping centre to pass through the 500-year-old Great Gate into quiet and tranquil gardens. Amazingly, rooms can still be booked in September for as little as £50 a night.

‘It doesn’t take an educated guess to realise that university accommodation is likely to get very booked up for the Open Doors events. Using the innovative service UniversityRooms.com, visitors can choose from singles and doubles with ensuite facilities, on a B&B or self-catering basis. One thing to consider is that some colleges have a no-under-18s rule, so double-check the campus’ page for details.