Chemists in Oxford
Find local pharmacies and chemists across the city
Pharmacies & Chemists in Oxford
Oxford, the historic university city with over 170,000 residents (rising significantly with students), is served by approximately 45 community pharmacies across the city centre, Cowley, Headington, Botley, and surrounding villages. Home to the world's oldest English-speaking university and renowned hospitals including the John Radcliffe, Oxford pharmacies provide comprehensive NHS services including prescription dispensing, NHS Pharmacy First for minor ailments, flu vaccinations, sexual health services, and travel health consultations. Many Oxford pharmacies offer extended opening hours to serve the city's large student population (over 24,000 university students alone), academic staff, hospital workers, and international visitors to this globally significant city known for its dreaming spires.
Local Healthcare Services
Oxford's healthcare is managed by Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board. The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Horton General) is one of England's largest teaching hospital trusts, serving as a regional and national referral centre. Community pharmacies in Oxford work closely with these hospitals, particularly for outpatient prescription collection. Oxford's diverse population includes students from 100+ countries, academic and research staff, hospital workers, tourists, and longstanding residents - creating diverse pharmacy needs. NHS Pharmacy First covers seven conditions, allowing treatment without GP appointments. Many Oxford pharmacies offer specialist services including travel health, sexual health (important for the student population), and medication reviews.
Emergency & Out-of-Hours Services
For urgent healthcare outside GP hours, Oxford residents call NHS 111 (free, 24/7). The main emergency department is at the John Radcliffe Hospital (Headington, east Oxford - major trauma centre for Oxfordshire and Thames Valley). The Churchill Hospital specialises in cancer and renal services. For prescription emergencies, pharmacies in Oxford city centre (High Street, Cornmarket, Cowley Road), Westgate Shopping Centre, and Headington (near John Radcliffe) offer extended hours. Boots on Cornmarket Street is one of the central options. Supermarket pharmacies at Tesco Cowley and other locations provide later opening. On Sundays, multiple pharmacies operate with reduced hours - use the "Open Now" filter or call NHS 111. Oxford's student population means Cowley Road pharmacies often have younger-oriented extended services.
Getting to Pharmacies in Oxford
Oxford has excellent public transport via the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach Oxford, with frequent services connecting the city centre, Cowley, Headington, and suburban areas. Oxford Train Station (services to London Paddington, Birmingham, Worcester) has pharmacies in the city centre within walking distance. The city's famous park-and-ride system at five sites around the city provides easy access to city centre pharmacies without driving into the congested centre. Oxford is one of England's most cycle-friendly cities - most pharmacies are on or near dedicated cycle routes, and many cyclists use pharmacies en route. For mobility-impaired patients, most city centre pharmacies are on flat ground and accessible. Many Oxford pharmacies offer free prescription delivery for eligible patients. Students often use delivery services from national online pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Oxford pharmacies are closest to the university?
Several pharmacies serve the university area. Boots on Cornmarket Street and Boots on the High Street (near the Radcliffe Camera) are centrally located. Pharmacies on Cowley Road, Headington, and near the various college sites serve students throughout the city. The John Radcliffe Hospital area in Headington has pharmacies serving medical students and hospital staff. For students in self-catering accommodation, local pharmacies offer prescription registration and minor ailment services.
Can I get emergency contraception in Oxford?
Yes, emergency contraception (morning-after pill) is available from Oxford pharmacies without a prescription. Given the large student population, pharmacies across the city stock emergency contraception. Many pharmacies in the Cowley Road area, city centre, and near student accommodation have staff trained in sexual health consultations. Some provide it free through NHS schemes. Most pharmacies offer private consultation rooms for confidential discussions.
Do Oxford pharmacies serve international patients?
Yes, many Oxford pharmacies are experienced with international patients given the university's global student body and international tourist visitors. Staff often speak multiple languages. EU citizens should bring their EHIC/GHIC card for NHS services. International students should register with an Oxford GP and nominate a pharmacy for prescriptions. Over-the-counter medicines are available to all visitors. International visitors on private healthcare should check their insurance coverage.
Are there pharmacies near the John Radcliffe Hospital?
Yes, multiple pharmacies are located in Headington near John Radcliffe Hospital, serving outpatients, hospital staff, and visitors. These are particularly busy during clinic hours. The hospital itself has an outpatient pharmacy for certain prescriptions, but community pharmacies nearby offer more convenient hours and over-the-counter services. Pharmacies on Old High Street and London Road, Headington, are most convenient.
Are Oxford pharmacies open during university term breaks?
Yes, Oxford pharmacies maintain their usual opening hours regardless of university term dates. However, some pharmacies near student accommodation may be slightly quieter during vacation periods. City centre pharmacies and those near John Radcliffe Hospital maintain full service year-round. For students remaining in Oxford during vacations, pharmacy services continue normally.
Can Oxford pharmacies help with travel vaccinations?
Yes, many Oxford pharmacies offer travel health services given the highly mobile academic and professional population. Services include hepatitis A/B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, and travel health certificates. With Oxford academics and students frequently travelling internationally for research and conferences, pharmacy travel clinics are well-used. Book ahead as appointments fill quickly before popular travel periods.
Allied Pharmacy - Cholsey
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Allied Pharmacy - Henley Avenue
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Barton Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
- ✓ Sat: Closed
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Boots Pharmacy Oxford
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
- ✓ Sat: 8am-8pm
- ✓ Sun: 11am-5pm
Boots Pharmacy Oxford
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sun: 10am-4pm
Boots Pharmacy Oxford
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Chalgrove Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Well Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Headington Pharmacy: Travel Clinic & Ear Wax Removal
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: Closed
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Jericho Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-6pm
- ✓ Sat: Closed
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Kennington Pharmacy
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,2-6pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Wheatley Pharmacy (Travel Clinic, Weight Loss Clinic & Ear Wax Removal Clinic)
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-12pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
MediPill Pharmacy Botley, Travel Clinic & Ear Wax Removal
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-2pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
MediPill Pharmacy Summertown Travel Clinic & Ear Wax Removal
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-12pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
oxford e-pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: Closed
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Roundway Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Superdrug Pharmacy Oxford
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
The Leys Pharmacy
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm
- ✓ Sat: Closed
- ✓ Sun: Closed
The Leys Pharmacy Wood Farm
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Woodlands Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Allied Pharmacy - Cowley
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-12pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Boots Pharmacy Oxford
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sun: 10am-4pm
Boots Pharmacy Oxford
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm
- ✓ Sat: 8am-9pm
- ✓ Sun: 10:30am-4:30pm
Cowley Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-8pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sun: 10am-6pm
Manor Pharmacy
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-1pm,1:30-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-12pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Marston Pharmacy
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:30am-6:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-5pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Wellbeing Pharmacy
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-1:30pm,2-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: Closed
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Lloyds Pharmacy
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- ✓ Mon-Fri: 8:45am-6:15pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Rowlands Pharmacy Henley Ave
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed
Ahmeys Pharmacy
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🕒 Opening Hours
- ✓ Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm
- ✓ Sat: 9am-1pm
- ✓ Sun: Closed