Oxford’s hidden‑gems guide
Oxford has launched a new digital guide to steer visitors to lesser‑known sites and experiences beyond the usual tourist loop—aimed at spreading footfall to underrated neighborhoods and attractions. (oxfordmail.co.uk)
The Discover App has gone live in Oxford in partnership with Oxford City Council and Discover, offering curated listings across the city centre and into Jericho, Osney and East Oxford. (oxfordmail.co.uk) The rollout was part-funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Visitor Economy Renaissance Programme. (oxfordmail.co.uk) Oxfordshire County Council contributed funding from the Contain Outbreak Management Fund and Councillor Ben Higgins was quoted as highlighting the scheme’s role in supporting the local visitor economy. (oxfordmail.co.uk) The Visitor Economy Renaissance Programme is a £1.64 million initiative commissioned to aid the sector’s recovery and ran between 2022 and 2024 as delivery activity under Enterprise Oxfordshire. (oxfordmail.co.uk) As part of that programme the Visitor Economy Grant scheme awarded a total of £840,884 to 52 businesses, with the wider grant process receiving 118 applications and offering awards in the range of £5,000 to £24,999. (oxfordmail.co.uk) The app is being positioned to improve digital wayfinding for pedestrians, raise awareness of under‑explored areas and redistribute visitor footfall across smaller neighbourhoods. (oxfordmail.co.uk) Discover’s own platform description notes it connects users to local shops, restaurants and events, a model already used in other UK local authority partnerships. (discoverapp.co.uk) Enterprise Oxfordshire says the Discover project aligns with the Oxfordshire Visitor Economy Vision & Destination Management Plan 2023–2028, which informed priorities for spreading visitors across the county. (oxfordmail.co.uk)
