Some days, the end of your yoga practice feels like the closing note of a favourite song, but what is next on the playlist? The beauty of being in East Oxford is that the moment you roll up your mat, a whole world of wellness, delicious food, cosy corners, and quiet green escapes is waiting right outside the studio door. Whether you’re looking for a soothing tea, a slow wander through nature, or a restorative massage, this neighbourhood has you covered.

Before Anything Else, Refreshments

Before we even dive into where to go, let’s talk about that first post-class sip or bite. After moving on your mat, your senses may be awake. As a retreat cook, I see the smile on faces when they find something delicious after meditation. The flavours might seem richer and the aromas more enticing. Around Magdalen Road, you’re spoilt for choice, so here are our favourites:

Missing Bean Roastery: Our friends and neighbours, and our top pick for post-class coffee. They roast on site, so the air is always filled with that unmistakable, toasty aroma. Perfect for sinking into a chair with a flat white and letting your breath catch up with your body.

Green Routes: The matcha here is next-level. Smooth, earthy, and energising. Plus, their vegan snacks are hearty enough to refuel you after a strong vinyasa class.

Spring Tea: A little further to walk, on Cowley Road, you’ll find what we think is the best bubble tea spot in Oxford. Playful and refreshing, a great pick if you want something uplifting.

The Magdalen Arms: Sit in the garden with your drink of choice, watch the world of East Oxford whiz past, and let your post-class glow blend with the late-afternoon sun.

Hamblin: If it’s baked goods you’re craving, their sourdough and pastries are worth the queue. The smell alone feels like a hug.

We’re spoilt for choice here, and if these aren’t your jam, you’ll still find somewhere nearby that hits the spot. For meals, we love Oli’s Thai, Taste Tibet, The Oxford Blue, The Magdalen Arms, and The Chester Arms.

For the nature lovers

Yoga and nature are natural partners, both invite you to slow down, listen in, and connect. After class, taking a gentle stroll can help your practice settle in the body and mind. Collect your choice of treats from the above hot spots and wander to some local nature.

Aston’s Eyot, a peaceful riverside green space, is ideal for mindful breathing and gentle post‑practice integration. The light through the trees here is something special.
River Thames Path. A longer walk where your footsteps can match the current of the meandering river. Maybe even drop the ducks any leftover pastry crumbs.
Or take a walk over to Oxford City Farm on Fridays and Saturdays to say hello to the Goats, chickens, and community gardeners. It’s grounded in the simplest, sweetest way.

If you are heading a little further afield:

The Botanical Gardens on the High Street offer almost 5,000 plant species for you to oo and aa over. If it’s raining (we are in the UK, after all), there are the glasshouses to explore, letting the humidity and greenery wrap around you.
Harcourt Arboretum is a little drive away but offers ancient trees, roaming peacocks and a landscape made for slow afternoons and peaceful reflections.

For those who like to shop

Somehow, here in East Oxford, we have a host of monthly pop-up markets or vintage trinket spots. Um, second-hand linen trousers, yes please.

ONANON Clothing: Our top pick, a monthly pop-up of gently worn clothing and a handful of homewares. Curated so beautifully it feels like stepping into a boutique, but with the joy of knowing you’re giving garments a second life.
The first Saturday of each month, pop along to the Magdalen Arms Flee Market. A jumble of unexpected treasures to explore. Anything from your Le Creuset to a vintage brooch. It’s a wonderland.
And finally, a little more foodie. East Oxford’s Saturday Market (if it’s the weekend).

If it is not market time, you still have great options: Lofgrens for a Scandinavian-style treat, Noor Halal for the best chickpeas to make hummus, and Wild Honey for a top-up on larder items.

For those who want some pampering

We went all in here and took some time to speak to our local wellness sister. Elina Cristina Wellness Studio on Cowley Road offers a range of treatments depending on what you are looking for. This is where I go personally for my eyebrows and lashes, and I am really looking forward to facials here. We spoke to Cristina about her wellness studio, and her words put it best!

“I had this vision and pull to create some sort of balance between professionalism, tranquillity, effective treatments and a collaborative space; so I opened my doors in Oxford in 2022, and oh my goodness, it's been non-stop. From brow waxes to anti-wrinkle injections to cosmetic tattooing, everything I provide is to help clients feel seen, valued and cared for. I'm now so excited to be studying Advanced Aesthetics and Skin Sciences and can't wait to bring my new treatments to Oxford, in my style. I'm all about the experience: it's not just a lash lift - it's a time to allow my clients to rest, breathe, relax and get a little head massage. I hand on heart love my business, my clients and my space. I also wanted to build a collaboration with other highly skilled therapists like Massage Therapy, Osteopathy and Reiki and my studio now just feels so well balanced. I hope to make many more connections and can be reached at info@elisacristina.com and www.elisacristina.com”

If you are looking for a massage, we still love Thy Spa. They have been open in Oxford for many years now, a few renovations and expansions along the way. Still my favourite place to go when my body needs a gentle (or not so gentle) unwinding from the week. The Thai massage with oil is my go-to treatment.

Why These Choices Matter. Rest, in all its forms.

Rest is something we all deserve, and it doesn’t just mean more sleep or lying down (though sometimes that is what we need). Rest comes in many different forms, depending on what you need; it’s never a one-size-fits-all situation.

How do you want to rest today?

Physical Rest: Rest for the body, your muscles, your bones, the body that helps you move around the world. Maybe it’s that massage, maybe it was the restorative yoga class, or maybe it’s napping under a shady tree.

Sensory Rest: Taking time in nature, away from the busy modern world and out in green spaces. Somewhere for the senses, the smell of bread, the sound of leaves, the sunlight dancing across water. Somewhere to listen deeply to the rhythms of nature.

Mental Rest: Low-demand, calming, low-stimulation moments. Maybe it’s the coffee cup and your journal, maybe it's browsing the markets, or simply finding stillness in a bookshop (oh hello Caper Books).

Emotional Rest: Deep breath, this is a big one for me. Making the space to process feelings. This might be over a cuppa with a trusted friend or, for the internal processors (me), the space alone, even if it’s in a busy space. A place without judgment.

Social Rest: Sometimes it is the company that replenishes rather than drains. You know those moments where your face hurts from smiling and your cup is totally full after hanging with your bestie. It could be time for the pub and to rest together in community. Or maybe it’s that gift of solitude without guilt.

The magic of rest is that it’s personal. One day, it might be sitting on a park bench with no agenda. Another day, it could be wandering through a gallery, hands wrapped around a takeaway coffee. A toolkit of your favourite rest practices might help you notice what you need and allow yourself to honour it.

A perfect wellness day in Oxford

If you are lucky to have one of those whole days available with nothing booked in at all, here is a flow I love:

Nature Walk: Let the morning air clear your mind on the way to the studio
Yoga at Every Body Studio: Settle into your practice
Post-Class Drink or Treat: Pick your favourite spot and really taste that first sip or bite
Market Stroll: Wander with curiosity, letting your senses guide you
Pampering Session: See Cristina or book a massage to release the last pockets of tension
Dinner with Friends: Close the day with good food and warm conversation

Your yoga class opens the door; these Oxford gems help you walk deeper into restoration, connection, and joy.

Written by Every Body Studio teacher Katie McNeil | @katiemcneilyoga | katiemcneilyoga@gmail.com

Wellness spots in Oxford to check out after your class at Every Body Studio