Inside the 17th-century Oxford coaching inn that’s close to the ‘real’ Hogwarts

Mercure Eastgate Hotel puts you centre stage for exploring the university city of Oxford.

Read on to find out more about the food and what there is to do nearby.

Where is Mercure Eastgate Hotel?

This 17th-century coaching inn is in the centre of Oxford and a 20-minute walk from the train station.

It has views of the High Street, Magdalen College and the historic Examination Schools, plus easy access to punting, river walks, city tours and world-famous museums.

What is Mercure Eastgate Hotel like?

Think, literally, Dreaming Spires – many of the rooms have giant images of Oxford above the beds, and from your pillow you can admire views of the storied spires.

What is there to do at Mercure Eastgate Hotel?

The city’s museums, in particular, merit multiple visits to reveal something anew each time.

Or, a short stroll away is Christ Church College, which inspired parts of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

If you have time after exploring Oxford, the Cotswolds and are great day trips.

What is there to eat and drink at Mercure Eastgate Hotel?

The Eastgate Brasserie offers fabulous twists on English and European cuisine, superb cocktails and ales, and a seriously sumptuous buffet breakfast.

Feast too on the views from the windows – sipping on pre-dinner cocktails, we watched as students in gowns poured out of the Examination Schools, smiles and frowns writ large.