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The 25 best things to do in Oxford right now

From leafy quads and world-class museums to a thriving arts and music scene, these are the best things to do in Oxford

The world-class  museums . The scenic waterways and parks. The hallowed halls and libraries and corridors where Nobel Prize-winners, prime ministers and literary giants spent their formative years. Oxford is chock-full of brilliant things to see and do, and best of all, many of them are free to visit. Sure, several of the most famous attractions – from punting and choir services to galleries filled with ancient treasures – have something to do with the city’s storied university. But alongside all the Oxbridge buzz, you’ll find a rich industrial past, meandering rivers crying out to be explored by kayak or paddleboard, and a strong arts and music scene that brings a little edge to this most conservative of cities. Read on for the best.

RECOMMENDED: 🏛️ The best   museums in Oxford 🍴 The best restaurants in Oxford 🏨 The   best hotels in Oxford

This guide was recently updated by Ralph Jones , a writer based in Oxford.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

What to do in Oxford

1.  see the collections at the ashmolean museum.

• Art and design

What is it?   Britain’s oldest public museum, home to a collection that spans continents and cultures.

Why go?   A redevelopment turned this magnificent, neo-classical but once-stuffy museum into a modern, light-filled space packed with treasures. Choose a theme and delve into the history of Chinese porcelain, medieval musical instruments or European art. You’ll find works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Pissarro and Turner here, along with Samurai armour, a Stradvari violin, Japanese netsuke and everything in between.

Don’t miss:   The Ashmolean’s rooftop bar and restaurant offer a slick menu, great service and a bird’s eye view of the city.

2.  Go behind-the-scenes on a University of Oxford tour

What is it?   A behind-the-scenes tour of the university’s colleges, quads and libraries, often led by those who know it best – its students and alumni. Why go?   Didn’t make the cut for the UK’s most prestigious university? Don’t worry, you can still see its hallowed halls, hushed quads and candle-lit chapels on this walking tour that explores its history, ceremonies and weird traditions as well as offering a personal account of what it’s like to study here.

3.  Find peace at Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

What is it?   The UK’s oldest botanic garden and its 130 acres of woodland, which between them, house species from across the globe. Why go?   Established 400 years ago to grow plants for medicinal research, Oxford’s botanic gardens and giant glasshouses contain more than 6,000 types of plant including specimens used to treat cancer and heart complaints as well as carnivorous plants and tropical wonders.

Don’t miss:   The Harcourt Arboretum, a ten-minute drive away, to see spring magnolias, rhododendrons and bluebells in full glory, or the autumnal glow of acers and redwoods.

4.  Marvel at baroque country pile Blenheim Palace

What is it? A massive country house with landscaped formal gardens and extensive parkland. It was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is now home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough as well as regular festivals and events. Why go? Escape the city and get a glimpse of how the other half lives in this baroque pile in the Oxfordshire countryside. Although strictly speaking, it’s not a palace, its size and splendour are such that it could easily be. Tour the ostentatious State Rooms, see where Churchill was born, walk the parklands, lose yourself in the yew maze, and check out Ai Weiwei’s monumental Gilded Cage.

Don’t miss: Take the ‘Upstairs Tour’ for an exclusive peek at the private apartments of the Marlborough family and see where Charlie Chaplin, Bill Clinton and Sylvester Stallone once stayed.

5.  Expand your brain at Pitt Rivers Museum

What is it? Oxford’s world-famous museum of archaeology and ethnography where you can discover everything from reindeer knickers and mummified cats to blowpipes and Japanese libation sticks. Why go? It takes a minute for your eyes to adjust to the half light of the enormous tiered galleries of the Pitt Rivers Museum but once they do, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. A vast and otherworldly collection of treasures from around the world packed into glass cases and dominated by a giant totem pole, it’s an armchair traveller’s delight and the place to find out about tribal rituals, ancient ceremonies and cultural beliefs across the globe.

Don’t miss : There’s so much to see here it’s hard to take it all in, but the body art and ornament section explores the history of beautification from head shaping and tooth sharpening to piercing and tattooing.

6.  Check out a Divine Schism show

What is it? Divine Sc hism  is an independent music promoter that puts on gigs at a range of music venues across Oxford.

Why go? Want to get a taste of the Oxford music scene that nurtured bands like Radiohead and Foals? This is where to head. You'll find local bands playing with up-and-coming acts from across the globe in small venues with a great atmosphere. There's something for a range of music fans, with everything from indie pop to folk to punk on the menu. You'll often find multiple shows a week to choose from. 

7.  Cruise down the river

What is it? A river trip past Oxford’s boathouses and meadows into bucolic English countryside. The same scenery, as it happens, that inspired ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Why go? Like its academic rival Cambridge, Oxford is encircled by pastoral scenery. You could strap on your walking boots, or you could kick back and relax on board a boat that plies the same river Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell once floated down while befriending white rabbits, red queens and sleepy dormice.

8.  Picnic on Port Meadow

What is it? Said to be Oxford’s oldest monument, this huge meadow is edged by the Thames and a popular outdoor haunt.

Why Go? Need some big sky views? Head for Port Meadow, an ancient grassland grazed by ponies and cattle and loved by walkers, picnickers, birders and photographers. Pick up a picnic in Jericho along the way, bring a blanket and sit back and relax.

Don’t Miss: It’s all good and well getting some fresh air here but you’ll need to freshen up with a drink in The Perch, an ancient thatched inn by the river with a gorgeous garden.

9.  Eat a life-changing Sunday roast at the Chester Arms

What is it? A Sunday lunch at the Chester Arms , off the Iffley Road in the east of Oxford.

Why go?  Less of a Sunday roast and more of a religious experience, the lunches here attract round-the-block queues full of salivating diners. This is because they are the finest roasts in the city – generous, overflowing plates full of juicy food – served in a gem of a friendly pub that you’re unlikely to stumble across during an amble through the city. 

10.  Get spell-bound on a Harry Potter locations tour

What is it?  A small-group tour of the spellbinding Oxford locations used in the shooting of the Harry Potter films.  Why go?  Know right where the sorting hat would put you? Run into the wall at King’s Cross station? Need to know more? Tour Oxford’s streets and colleges to see the inspiration behind Hogwarts' great hall and Knockturn Alley and visit the real life Divinity School which was used as a backdrop for the Hogwarts infirmary and classroom scenes. Geek out with a Potter-mania quiz along the way and learn how life in Hogwarts compares to university life today.

More great things to do in Oxford

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Things to do in Oxford: 24 Must-See Oxford Attractions

Insider Oxford is supported by readers like you. If you buy something through the links on the website, I may earn a small commission. Cheers! Learn More

The city of dreaming spires, Oxford is a beautiful city packed with places to see. Looking for the best things to do in Oxford? Here’s where to start.

We might be biased, but Oxford is one of our favourite places in the UK – not least because we spent three years at university there. 

Personal bias aside, there are few places in the UK or Europe that can rival the city’s beautiful architecture and important history.

Whether you are visiting Oxford for the first or fiftieth time, there’s always something new to discover – some secret spot to find.

Check out the best things to do in Oxford – well-known spots and hidden treasures. Ready to explore? Let’s go.

PS – Only in Oxford for a short time? Read my guide to 24 Hours in Oxford.

What Are The Best Things to do in Oxford? Our Top Five Picks

The bodleian library.

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest and biggest libraries in Britain.

The library (which is actually a series of interconnected libraries dotted throughout Oxford that are collectively referred to as the Bodleian Libraries) has an impressive history – some of its buildings have been libraries since the Middle Ages.

All very well and good, but it’s the library’s architecture that is really going to blow you away. From the gorgeous domed Radcliffe Camera to the fortress-like Old Bodleian Library, the “Bod” boasts some of the most striking buildings in Oxford.

If you only have time to visit two, make them the Radcliffe Camera and the Old Library.

The Bod’s interiors are no less impressive – it’s a working library so large sections of the library are off-limits unless you book onto a tour , which we highly recommend.

Even if you don’t – pay to enter The Divinity School, not only is it one of the Bodleian’s most ornately-decorated rooms, it also pops up in the Harry Potter films.

🦉 Check out these guided tour of Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford or read my guide to self-guided tour of Harry Potter locations .

The Radcliffe Camera

The building that launched a million camera clicks. The Radcliffe Camera is an iconic piece of Oxford architecture and sits at the heart of the city of dreaming spires. Ask anyone for the top places to go in Oxford and it will be there, right at the top of the list.

The Rad Cam, as its fondly nicknamed, was built in the 18th century – so it’s actually pretty modern by Oxford standards. Today, it functions as one of the main reading rooms of the Bodleian Library as well as the home of several of the library’s collections.

As with other parts of the Bodleian, it’s a functional library and off-limits unless you book onto a tour.

Want to see the very best of Oxford’s landmarks? Book onto a walking tour like this one to ensure you don’t miss a spot.

The Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean is Oxford’s flagship museum and one of the top Oxford sights. Widely recognised as the first modern museum in the world, the Ashmolean has been the university’s historical and archaeological collections since 1683.

Though it’s no longer in its original building (it’s grown way too big for them), The Ashmolean remains a fascinating walk through the history of different cultures from around the world.

The eclectic collection spans a broad range of artefacts and exhibits. Want to see larger-than-life casts of Greek and Roman sculptures? They’ve got you covered. How about ceramics and textiles from the Middle East? Same.

The Ashmolean underwent a huge renovation in 2009. The tart-up did it a world of good – collections are thoughtfully and interestingly presented.

Allot at least a few hours to explore. Plus, when you’re finished, spend some time in their rooftop cafe – one of the best cafes in Oxford .

Read More: The Best Museums in Oxford

Punting on the Cherwell

Going punting, with a picnic in tow and perhaps a cheeky concoction of Pimms and Lemonade, is one of the best things to do in Oxford (during the summer months).

Two rivers run through Oxford – the Isis (Thames) and the Cherwell. You can go punting on both—punting is that slightly weird form of boating where you propel the boat with a metal pole—on both.

We recommend the Cherwell for several reasons. First of all, it’s way prettier than the Isis —and obviously, that’s a very important thing.

➥ Book this student-guided punting tour on the Cherwell .

Secondly, if you punt away from the city centre, you slowly leave the crowds behind until it’s just you, your crew and the (sometimes scary) swans that will happily steal your lunch.

Start at Magdalen Bridge, punt upriver to the Victoria Arms in Marston to disembark for a leisurely lunch before floating downstream to where you began. Perfection.

➥ If punting sounds too scary, hop on a sightseeing boat tour like this one to explore Oxford from the water. 

The Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s quirkier and most interesting museums.

Centred around the collection of Augustus Henry Lane-Fox Pitt Rivers, the museum opened in 1887 to showcase its anthropological treasures from around the world.

The Pitt Rivers features over half a million artifacts, which together tell the story of the history of man.

Don’t judge a book by its cover – this really is one of the top things to do in Oxford. Walking around the well-presented exhibits, which are ordered by type and by date, is a peek into faraway cultures.

Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of £5.

Oxford Sightseeing Spots – Must-Visit Oxford University Colleges

Christ church college.

If you only have time to visit one of the University of Oxford’s 38 colleges while you are in town, add Christ Church to your Oxford to do list.

Christ Church’s important history and beautiful architecture make a visit hands down one of the best places to visit in Oxford.

The college was founded almost 500 years ago, by Cardinal Wolsey – until he fell from favour and the college was pinched by King Henry VIII (he of divorced, beheaded, died fame… ).

Over the years, this connection with the Royal family continued. Christ Church was even the seat of King Charles I’s royal parliament during the brief four year period when Oxford was England’s capital during the Civil War.

Fast forward to the present day and you’ll find one of Oxford’s most magnificent colleges and definitely the only one to have its own cathedral.

Start with the vast Tom Quad, flanked by the Christopher Wren-designed Tom Tower then make your way to the dining room – one of Oxford’s unforgettable Harry Potter filming locations.

➥ Take this tour of Oxford University with Christ Church option .

Magdalen College

There aren’t many Oxford colleges that can say they have their own deer park within their grounds… but then Magdalen isn’t like many other Oxford colleges.

First up, Magdalen (pronounced maudlin ) is one of the richest colleges within the university (perhaps that explains the deer park).

Secondly, it’s just so very beautiful that you shouldn’t miss it on your list of places to visit in Oxford.

Like many Oxford colleges, you have to pay to enter. Once you do, take a peek at the cloisters, chapel and hall and, of course, take a turn around the deer park. It would be rude not to.

Keble College

Find yourself getting a bit desensitised to all that handsome sandstone? It’s OK, we’ve all been there.

Enter the Victorian Gothic masterpiece that is Keble College.

We are flabbergasted that Keble doesn’t make it onto many lists of Oxford tourist attractions – there are several reasons why you should add it to your Oxford sightseeing itinerary.

Keble’s crazy architecture – largely redbrick with contrasting white, black and golden patterns – was always meant to make a statement. Think it’s safe to say the architect William Butterfield definitely succeeded in that mission.

What’s more, Keble has a chapel striking enough to stop you in your tracks. Once inside, don’t miss the world-famous Light of the World painting by Holman Hunt – it’s secreted in a small room to the side of the chapel.

As if that’s not enough, the college’s hall is the longest in Oxford – not to mention its most impressive – it makes Christ Church’s look teeny by comparison!

Cool Things to See in Oxford

Sheldonian theatre.

Situated next to the Old Bodleian Library, you’re bound to notice the Sheldonian Theatre – it’s the Neoclassical style D-shaped building that projects out onto Broad Street. Wondering what it is?

The Sheldonian is the official ceremonial hall of Oxford University. As the place where you matriculate (are formally enrolled at the university) and graduate, it holds a special place in students’ hearts.

The Sheldonian was the first significant architectural project of Christopher Wren (who then went on to design some of the most important landmarks in London after the Great Fire – including St Paul’s Cathedral).

If you have time, book a Sheldonian tour , which explores the University’s history and gives you a chance to see the theatre’s interior – dominated by the ceiling fresco “Truth descending on the arts and sciences to expel ignorance from the university”.

University Church of St Mary’s

St Mary’s Church forms one side of Radcliffe Square – clustered by All Soul’s College, Brasenose College, the Old Bodleian and the Radcliffe Camera – it’s one of the top places to see in Oxford.

While the church itself is worth a visit, we’ll let you in on a little secret – the tower should be on your itinerary of things to see in Oxford. For a small fee, you can climb to the top of St Mary’s Tower for the best views of the city.

Now, we won’t lie… climbing to the top of medieval churches strikes fear into our hearts, favourite thing to do and this one is no exception. The steep winding stairs that take you to the top of the tower are vaguely terrifying, particularly on the way down.

That said, the views are absolutely spectacular – you can walk around all four sides for four completely different but equally mesmerising panoramas.

Worth the terror and the sore legs? Totally.

The Bridge of Sighs

Another of Oxford’s sights, the Bridge of Sighs may look vaguely familiar. That’s because it supposedly looks a bit like the famous bridge of the same name in Venice.

The bridge connects two parts of Hertford College – but really much of its appeal is its quirky appearance.

PS, the entrance to the Turf Tavern – one of Oxford’s oldest and prettiest pubs – is tucked down the alley to the left of the bridge if you’re walking away from the Bodleian Library.

➥ Take this tour of that makes a stop at the Bridge of Sighs .

Oxford Castle & Prison

Had enough of historical sites yet? Tough luck if the answer’s yes.

The Oxford Castle & Prison is a medieval Norman castle that’s been transformed into a historical site, hotel and entertainment complex in one.

It’s not as bizarre as it sounds – the hotel (Malmaison) has pimped up the former cells into comfortable rooms, while the bars and eateries are worth a pit stop.

More interested in the actual castle than its contemporary fripperies? You can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the building – which includes a 900-year-old crypt.

Ignoring the fact that the tours are led by costumed characters (shudder) and it’s actually an interesting way to learn about a side of Oxford that has nothing to do with the university.

➥ Book a guided tour of Oxford Castle and Prison .

Cool Things to do in Oxford – Exploring Cultural Oxford

The oxford university museum of natural history.

Housed in the same building as the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Oxford Museum of Natural History is one of the more surprising things to do in Oxford.

The building is impressive enough – its light-filled interior is one of my favourites. Add to that a large collection of zoological and geological specimens and you’ve got an Oxford sightseeing must.

You can’t help but notice the huge dinosaur skeletons that dominate the museum’s collection. Fossils and replicas give you an up-close-and-personal look at the different species on display.

Other highlights include the Oxford Dodo – one of the few of its kind in the world and said to be the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s character in Alice in Wonderland.

Modern Art Oxford

We’ll level with you – we personally think the exhibitions in Modern Art Oxford can be a bit hit and miss. But that’s standard for small galleries who show innovative exhibitions.

Don’t let it put you off. This small gallery is one of the more unusual things to do in Oxford but is well worth a visit.

Where else can you see exhibitions that aren’t afraid to challenge you or question the status quo – and for free too? When it’s good, it’s really good.

Hunt Out Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

Harry Potter geeks (us included) will want to check out the famous filming locations dotted across Oxford.

Even if you’re a little more lukewarm about Harry Potter (we’re not sure – can we even be friends?), visiting the filming locations is still an interesting way of seeing different parts of Oxford you might have found otherwise.

The atmospheric New College Cloisters are the perfect example – most people have no reason to hunt them out.

However, when we did (they double up as the spot where Mad Eye Moody turns Draco into a ferret), we found one of Oxford’s hidden treasures and a new favourite spot.

🦉 Check out these highly recommended tours of Harry Potter locations .

Discover Literary Oxford

Given its strong literary heritage, it’s perhaps no surprise that Oxford has more than its fair share of literary spots. Book-lovers can lose themselves in a world of finding the real life inspirations and locations from their favourite books.

Take Alice in Wonderland for example – Lewis Carroll (real name Charles Dodgson) was a scholar at Christ Church. Influences as diverse as the Dodo in the Oxford Museum of Natural History and the door into Christ Church’s cathedral garden find their way into the famous books.

Not forgetting the fantastical Narnia series, written by the well-known Fellow of Magdalen College, C.S Lewis.

Although there are traces of Narnia throughout Oxford, the best-known is the wooden door in the alley that runs down the side of St Mary’s Church.

Look closely and you’ll see that the door is flanked by two fauns, and has a lion on its centrepiece. It’s said to be the wardrobe door the book’s characters step through to reach Narnia…

📚 Take a this private C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien walking tour of Oxford .

Unusual things to do in Oxford

Visit the story museum.

When it comes to quirky Oxford things to do, The Story Museum is an often overlooked spot. This family-friendly spot celebrates the art of stories and story-telling, and the positive effects this has on people’s lives.

Head through the Whispering Wood and the Enchanted Library as stories from the city are told in an immersive and engaging way.

You can also hop onto the magical Story Craft, which allows you to fly through thousands of years of Oxford history – delving deeper into ancient myths and famous literature.

Take a Spooky Ghost Tour

Ready to get spooked? Maybe it’s just us, but we think that one of the best ways to explore a city is to take a creepy ghost tour at night – this one is led by author of Haunted Oxford , Rob Walters.

You’ll begin your journey on the corner of Turl Street – a spot that was once the city ditch and witness to terrible murders and persecution. But that’s only the beginning of your ghost-chasing evening.

From there, your guide will lead you through the creepiest parts of the city, passing sites such as the University and Bridge of Sighs as you go.

👻 Book the official “Haunted Oxford” ghost tour .

Best Things to do in Oxford – Food & Drink

Afternoon tea at the grand cafe.

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British pastime – one that Oxford happens to do very well. The Grand Cafe is the place for afternoon tea in Oxford.

It stands on the site of England’s oldest coffee house – times and tastes may have changed but The Grand will always dish up fluffy, hot scones, huge slabs of cake and the requisite teas and coffees.

A cream tea, with two (very large) scones, accompanied by lashings of jam and clotted cream (which should be applied to the scone in that order) and a hot beverage of your choice is £10.95. 

An afternoon tea, which features the above, with an additional selection of finger sandwiches and petit fours is just under £20. Go hungry.

Read More: Unmissable Afternoon Teas in Oxford

Explore Oxford’s Cool Cocktail Bars

It would be a huge mistake to visit the city and not spend some time in Oxford’s brilliant cocktail bars .

In particular, Jericho , in the north of the city is a good place to find a cocktail bar or two.

Raoul’s has a reputation for serving up the best. Nearby, The Duke of Cambridge is a brilliant choice (they also just so happen to have a brilliant happy hour).

Freud’s boasts the most impressive setting – it’s located in an old Neoclassical-style church, but cocktails are a bit lacklustre compared to its nearby competitors.

When it comes to cocktails with a view, it should come as no surprise that Oxford has a few contenders – The Varsity Club looks straight out over central Oxford, while The Alchemist offers a different view from atop the Westgate Centre.

Still not enough? Strike out along Cowley Road for more options.

Read more: The Best Cocktail Bars in Oxford

The Eagle & Child

Any Tolkien or C.S Lewis fans in the house? You’ll want to add The Eagle & Child to your things to see and do in the Oxford itinerary.

What may look like a relatively standard pub at first glance has an intriguing history.

It’s best known as the former meeting place of “The Inklings”, a group of writers that included –  you guessed it – Tolkien and Lewis.

The group met here on a weekly basis to discuss and critique each other’s work – maybe if you sit in the same spot, a little of their literary genius will rub off on you…

Oxford Historic Pub Crawl

Whether tucked away on hidden alleys or sat in plain view – Oxford has more than its fair share of historic pubs . We’re yet to find another British city with so many gorgeous old boozers and a mini pub crawl between them is a fun thing to do in Oxford (for adults).

Start with one of the oldest – The Bear Inn. Hidden in the maze of streets between Christchurch and the High Street, there’s been a pub in this spot since 1242 – though its current incarnation dates from the 17th century.

Move on to our favourite, The Turf Tavern, thought to have opened in the 15th century. It’s a bit hard to find, but when you do, you will find a quaint old building that’s straight out of the history books and some of Oxford’s best pints.

From there, it’s a short hop to The Lamb & Flag. Perched across the road from The Eagle & Child, the Inklings also used The Lamb & Flag as one of their meeting spots.

It’s also rumoured that Thomas Hardy wrote much of Jude the Obscure sitting in the pub. Cheers to that.

Read More: Historic Pubs and Cool Drinking Dens in Oxford

The Covered Market

The 18th-century Covered Market sits in the heart of Oxford. Over 40 traders have stalls and shops within the market – pop in for a browse and you’re never sure what you’ll come out with.

The best way to explore is to just have a wander around, but there are a couple of places you shouldn’t miss while you’re there.

Coffee lovers should make a beeline for Colombia Coffee Roasters, an independent coffee shop who sources their beans from their own family farm in Colombia.

Hop into Ben’s Cookies next door for one (or three) of their indulgently gooey and delicious cookies or iScream for a tasty gelato.

Read More: The Best Cafes in Oxford

Best Places to Visit in Oxford – Parks and Green Spaces

Christ church meadow.

Those wondering what to see in Oxford will be delighted to find out that the city has a surprising number of green spaces – including Christ Church Meadow.

Sandwiched between the River Isis (the stretch of the river Thames that runs through Oxford), the river Cherwell and Christ Church College, the Meadow is one of the best places to visit in Oxford on a warm summer’s day.

Rowers heave boats onto the river from the boat houses that line the Isis – plump yourself down on the grass and watch as they skull their way along the river, or have a picnic under the shade of a tree – just watch out for the cows.

Port Meadow (and a Few Gorgeous Pubs)

Much beloved by locals but largely overlooked by tourists, Port Meadow is an extensive meadow in the north of Oxford, above the Jericho area of town.

The meadow is part of an ancient patch of grazing land that dates back over 4,000 years. You’ll still find cows and horses roaming free on the meadow today.

While it’s nice enough for a stroll or a picnic on the banks of the Thames, it doesn’t hurt that the meadow leads to two of Oxford’s prettiest pubs – The Perch and The Trout.

The Perch – a 17th-century country inn – is closer and a lovely spot for a quiet drink or two.

It’s a bit of a walk to The Trout but the walk takes you through bucolic scenes that have remained largely unchanged for millennia.

What’s more, the pub serves great food AND has peacocks roaming freely in its gardens.

Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

Oxford’s Botanic Gardens is the oldest botanic garden in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. They’re the peaceful escape in the heart of the city – bursting with over 6,000 plant species that are organised into a series of collections.

It’s educational, but the real joy is simply appreciating the dramatic plantings, which somehow look good at any time of the year.

The glasshouses are our favourite part of the garden – a stroll through them transports you to different parts of the world, where tropical palms grow taller than houses, or where desert cacti burst into rare blooms.

Any fans of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy should also keep an eye out for a bench overlooking the Isis, which is said to be the place where the main characters Lyra and Will return year after year in their respective worlds.

Fans have etched tribute messages into the bench – you will know it when you see it.  

There we are – the top things to do in Oxford. Are you ready to explore?

Things to do in Oxford: Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Oxford makes the perfect day trip from London – but we always advise to spend more time there if you can. We suggest three days to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
• Don’t bother with the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. The city centre is surprisingly small and very walkable. So many of the best things to do in Oxford are clustered in a small area that taking the bus just isn’t worth it.
• There are millions of tours of Oxford and not all of them are created equal. We’ve used GetYourGuide for tours in the past as they are very reliable. The tours offered by the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian and The Ashmolean are all very interesting.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. We mean it. Those cobbles will destroy your feet if you venture out in heels.
• We’ve only covered central Oxford as this is what most visitors focus on – but there’s a lot more to discover down the Cowley and Iffley Roads if you have a little more time.

Oxford Attractions: Map

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The best things to do in Oxford: exploring the university and beyond

Jan 3, 2022 • 13 min read

Oxford has lots of quirky little pubs to while away a day in © Guerilla / Getty Images

It’s hard to think of Oxford without conjuring up images of academics in billowing black gowns breezing through honey-colored cloisters, and crowds of starry-eyed students crammed into cavernous lecture theatres.

It may be true that Oxford’s prestigious university is the city’s defining feature, but stray a little beyond the educational institution’s hallowed grounds and you’ll stumble upon intriguing museums, labyrinthine bookstores, and excellent historic pubs to while away an afternoon like the writers of yesteryear did. There's a lot more to this golden-hued city than austere and solemn academia. Here are the top things to do in Oxford, a centuries-old city full of modern inspiration.

Wander historic university colleges

Oxford University can be traced back to the 11th century. Within 200 years, it had taken shape as a loose association of independent colleges, still housed (for the most part) in their original historic buildings scattered around the city. Pick a couple of colleges to visit depending on your interests and get inspired by the intellectual heritage of this institution.

Merton College is where JRR Tolkien wrote much of The Lord of the Rings in its magnificent medieval library. Trinity College boasts a beautifully restored Baroque chapel, and Lincoln College alumni include Dr Seuss (Theodore Geisel) as a Rhodes scholar. However, the more popular colleges with visitors are Magdalen College , where C S Lewis was a fellow, for its 15th-century tower and cloisters; All Souls College , founded in 1438, for its eye-catching Gothic towers; and Christ Church college, which doubles as Hogwarts during multiple scenes in the cinema adaption of the Harry Potter books.

Photograph classic Oxford landmarks

No doubt Oxford’s most photographed landmark is Radcliffe Camera , a dome-topped sandy-gold edifice built between 1737 and 1749 in grand Palladian style, then known as Radcliffe Library. It was demoted to a “camera” (room) in 1860 when it became the reading room of the neighboring Bodleian Library. The only way for non-members to see the interior is on the extended 1½-hour tour of the Bodleian.

Close to Radcliffe Camera, you’ll also see people milling about to snap a picture of the iconic Bridge of Sighs (a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane). Completed in 1914, it's sometimes erroneously described as a copy of the famous namesake bridge in Venice, but it looks more like Venice’s Rialto Bridge.

Tour the Bodleian Library

At least five kings, dozens of prime ministers and Nobel laureates, and luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien have studied in Oxford's Bodleian Library , a magnificent survivor from the Middle Ages. Wander into its central 17th-century quadrangle, and you can admire the buildings for free. The neighboring Weston Library displays a revolving selection of “Bodleian Treasures” – ranging from manuscripts by the likes of Mary Shelley to the original Magna Carta – that are also free to visit.

However, if you’re a proper library fan you’ll probably want to get on one of the guided tours of the Bodleian. Starting in the ornate medieval Divinity School, the university's earliest teaching room, tours visit Convocation House which hosted the English Parliament three times, plus the Chancellor’s Court, in which Oscar Wilde and Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley went on trial (for debt and promoting atheism, respectively).

Indulge your love of bookshops

After that book-lovers pilgrimage to the Bodleian Library, you can continue your literary love affair at the many bookshops of Oxford. Next door to Weston Library is a Blackwell’s with its basement lined with 3.5km (2.1 mi) of shelves. Popular children's murder mystery writer Robin Stevens worked as a bookseller here.

Along Broad Street you’ll find a branch of Waterstones and up in Summertown, Daunt Books has a footprint in Oxford. For secondhand books there is the Oxfam bookshop in St John, while Jericho, the museums center of Oxford, is famous for the Last Bookshop . Here discounted stock on everything from poetry to psychology to politics, largely from academic publishers, can be found. And finally, theologians and philosophers should head to St Philip’s Books on St Aldates, which specialises in rare, secondhand and antique books on the Christianity, medieval studies, spirituality and philosophy.

Treasures and afternoon tea at the Ashmolean Museum

Britain’s oldest public museum, Oxford’s wonderful Ashmolean Museum , is surpassed only by the British Museum in London for size and volume of world treasures. You could easily spend a day exploring this magnificent neoclassical building and its collection. Family-friendly pamphlets draw kids into select exhibits. To the museum’s credit, the curators are engaging with how displays are presented in the age of postcolonial understandings of museum collections. For example, a recent exhibition focused on the links between the British custom of drinking tea and the exploitation of enslaved people producing sugar in the West Indies.

The rooftop restaurant is also a great shout. It’s run by the Benugo chain and a proper English afternoon tea is a speciality here, including a vegan menu. Floor to ceiling glass windows open out onto a large terrace with deckchairs on the fake-grass “lawn” in the summer months – head up to enjoy views of the picturesque spires of Oxford.

Enter the Victorian era in the Pitt Rivers Museum

If exploring an enormous room full of eccentric unexpected artefacts sounds like your idea of the perfect afternoon, welcome to the amulets-to-zithers extravaganza that is the Pitt Rivers Museum .

Tucked behind Oxford’s natural history museum, and dimly lit to protect its myriad treasures, it’s centred on an anthropological collection amassed by a Victorian general, and revels in exploring how differing cultures have tackled topics like “Smoking and Stimulants” and “Treatment of Dead Enemies”. Wandering its three balconied floors, you may come across anything from Mesopotamian temple receipts to Japanese Noh-theatre masks or a warrior’s helmet made from the skin of a porcupine fish.

Hear Christ Church Cathedral Choir at Evensong

Christ Church Cathedral doubles as Christ Church college’s chapel and the city’s cathedral. It was the site of an Anglo-Saxon shrine of St Frideswide, Oxford’s patron saint, since the 8th century. Later the 12th-century priory church became part of Cardinal Wolsey’s new Cardinal College in 1525. And Henry VIII made the church a cathedral when he renamed it Christ Church in 1546.

Christ Church Cathedral is also famous for its incredible choirs – four in total and each with its own distinctive identity. Described as "one of the finest choirs on Earth", the Cathedral Choir can be heard on some award-winning recordings with international orchestras and soloists, as well as the TV themes for The Vicar of Dibley and Mr Bean (you’re going to look those up now aren’t you?).

As a working Anglican cathedral, there’s no charge to visit for private prayer or to attend a service. ​​Evensong, a 470 year-old meditative service of sublime music and readings, is celebrated at 6pm most days.

Overnight at Oxford Castle and Prison

As a visitor site, Oxford Castle and Prison provide an interesting overview of the city’s extraordinary history, especially on a guided tour. Little now remains of Oxford Castle, which was built for William the Conqueror in 1071, and largely destroyed after the English Civil War. But entertaining theatrical tours led by costumed guides lead through the parts that survive.

St George's Tower, where the tours begin, is Oxford’s oldest building, erected to keep the Vikings out around 1009, as one of four towers on the city walls. Tours continue to the 11th-century crypt of St George's Chapel and the 18th-century Debtors' Tower, where you’ll learn about the grisly lives, daring escapes and cruel punishments of various Victorian inmates.

Today you can also opt to bed down in the former prison for a night, at Malmaison Oxford Castle . Centring on a turreted tower of Oxford’s castle, this is infact a sophisticated contemporary hotel with plush interiors, sultry lighting and polished service. Accessed via classic prison catwalks, each of its 95 slick rooms occupies three former cells (generous, we know) and contains a proper bed (no hard prison cot for you).

Oxford’s Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Founded in 1621, Oxford's small, peaceful botanic garden is the oldest of its kind in England celebrating its 400-year birthday in 2021. With over 5000 plant species, it remains a department of the university and is run more for research than pleasing the public. However, it’s a lovely spot beside the River Cherwell to escape the city streets, especially in peak tourism season. There is an admission fee (except for university staff and students) and pre-booking is strongly encouraged. 

Greenhouses and open beds hold displays like “Plants That Changed The World” which includes potatoes, pineapples and cannabis. And at its southern end you’ll find the bench that Lyra and her extra-universal lover Will vow to visit once a year in Exeter College-alumni, Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials.

Punting under Magdalen Bridge

Directly across the road from the Botanic Gardens, also on the Cherwell, you’ll spot Magdalen Bridge where you can go punting from the boathouse . An iconic Oxford experience, punting is all about lounging back in a flat-bottomed boat and sipping Pimms (a classic English summer beverage) as you watch the city’s glorious architecture drift by. 

To achieve that blissful state, you must first master punting’s greatest skill – persuading someone else to do all the hard work. The actual act of punting, propelling a boat along a river by repeatedly poking a long pole into the muddy bottom, is far more difficult than it appears. If you just want to relax, consider renting a professional to take you on a tour. Most punts hold five people, four of them sprawled on cushions and the punter standing at the back. 

The Alice in Wonderland Shop

Oxford has many links to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland stories, but this tiny 500-year-old shop on St Aldate’s is one of the most tangible that remains. It was operating as a grocery and sweets shop when the real Alice, Alice Liddle (the inspiration for the storybook character) used to shop here 150 years ago. 

The fabled shop was transmuted into the “Old Sheep Shop” in the 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass. On leaving the shop at the end of the chapter, Alice says: "Well, this is the very queerest shop I ever saw!". Today it’s a treasure trove of gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia from jigsaws to jewelry that commemorates this beloved character. Even the biggest Wonderland fan will not be disappointed.

Perhaps because opinions of the author have undergone a dramatic revision in recent years, Oxford is big on celebrating its connections with Alice, the character. In July, the city commemorates the anniversary of the Liddle family and Charles Lutwidge Dodgson’s Thames rowing trip where the story that became Alice in Wonderland began with Alice’s Day. Another Alice sight still standing is the “Treacle Well” (referenced during the Mad Hatter’s tea party) near the 12th-century Church of St Margaret of Antioch , half a mile west of the Thames in Binsey. 

Leave a memento to give thanks for Lord of the Rings 

At the gated Wolvercote Cemetery, 2.5 miles north of Oxford city centre, is the final resting place of John Ronald Reuel (JRR) Tolkien (1892–1973) and his wife, Edith Mary Tolkien, who passed two years before him. Their gravestone bears the names Beren (for him) and Lúthien (for her), referencing the love between a mortal man and an elf maiden who gave up her immortality to be with him. 

When you enter the main gates a series of small signs points visitors to the grave which is usually covered in offerings of flowers, plants and sometimes jewellery. We assume these offerings are a way to say thank you from fans of the writer’s contribution to the world. There’s also a campaign running to transform his home into a center for creativity.

Drink a pint on the bank of the River Thames

Oxford is also renowned for its excellent pubs, several with delightful river views that perfectly complement a lovely afternoon pint. The Perch is thatched roof village pub with a sprawling beer garden that’s tucked down a magical footpath just off the Thames.

The Trout sits next to a cascading mill stream on the river – a favourite spot of Lewis Carroll and C.S Lewis during their years at Oxford University. And with boats moored on the towpath outside and rowers passing up and down stream, Isis River Farmhouse , has excellent river views from its beer garden as well as live music. Closer to Oxford city centre, Head of the River offers a good selection of beers and great views.

Dissect the History of Science

Housed in the lovely 17th-century building that held the original Ashmolean Museum, this wee museum is not just for science fans. Learn more about the development of scientific inquiry and the instruments that facilitated that quest. It is stuffed with astrolabes, orreries and early electrical apparati. 

Displays include cameras that belonged to Lawrence of Arabia and a radio receiver invented by Guglielmo Marconi in 1896. Plus a blackboard that was covered with equations by Einstein in 1931, when he was invited to give lectures on relativity. Einstein's scientific legacy of innovation continues with a recent addition to these displays – a glass sculpture of a nanoparticle of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The museum is understandably proud of the key role Oxford-based scientists played in the development of this life-saving drug – thankfully the sculpture is one million times the size of an actual nanoparticle so you can see it in all its glory.

Enrich your imagination at the Story Museum

A thousand years of Oxford’s storytelling history, from ancient myths and legends to classics of children’s literature, are celebrated at this child-friendly museum . Move through the sprawling complex, exploring Britain's storytelling heritage. 

Rooms honour the likes of Lewis Carroll, Phillip Pullman and Wallace and Gromit, and the Whispering Wood is a man-made forest where every tree has a secret to reveal. The museum also hosts an ever-changing program of storytelling sessions and live shows. Check the website for details.

Admire Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History

It’s worth visiting this charming museum just to admire its light-filled, glass-roofed Victorian Gothic home. The cast-iron columns, flower-carved capitals and a soaring glass roof make a superb showcase for some extraordinary exhibits. Specimens from all over the world include a 150-year-old Japanese spider crab.

However, it’s the dinosaurs that really wow the kids. As well as a towering T-rex skeleton – ‘Stan’, the second most complete ever found – you’ll see pieces of Megalosaurus, which was the first dinosaur ever mentioned in a written text in 1677. Another visitor favourite is the (stuffed) dodo that was immortalised by Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland. The unfortunate bird was stunningly revealed in 2018 to have been shot in the head, rather than having died peacefully in captivity, as previously believed.

Visit the birthplace of Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace

It’s a 10-minute drive from Oxford city but totally worth the journey. One of Britain's greatest stately homes, and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is a monumental baroque fantasy, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor, and built between 1705 and 1722. Queen Anne gave the land, and funds, to John Churchill Duke of Marlborough, as thanks for defeating the French at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. Sir Winston Churchill was born here in 1874, and Blenheim (blen-num) remains home to the 12th duke.

Beyond its majestic oak doors, the palace is stuffed with statues, tapestries, sumptuous furniture, priceless china and giant oil paintings in elaborate gilt frames. The palace features in a number of films from Harry Potter to James Bond, and if you’ve watched the latest Cinderella film starring Camila Cabello, James Corben and Pierce Brosnan, you might recognise those floor to ceiling shelves in the Long Library. For a full experience, make sure you allow enough time to enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea in the Orangery and then head for a postprandial walk of the lavish gardens and parklands. They’re not to be missed.

You might also like: Bards and Roman baths: best places in England Best things to do with kids in England Literary Oxford - a book lover's guide to the city of dreaming spires

This article was first published Oct 11, 2021 and updated Jan 3, 2022.

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Oxford

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Oxford is one of the oldest and most celebrated university towns in Europe, and for centuries has rivaled Cambridge for academic pre-eminence in England. Its untrammeled spirit of exploration, numerous delightful gardens, courtyards, and university parks - together with the hectic bustle of its pedestrian zone and excellent cultural facilities - all help create a very special atmosphere.

Oxford has plenty of tourist attractions, including Carfax Tower , offering superb views over the city, and the historic Covered Market with its excellent shopping. For a truly unique vacation experience, some university colleges now offer accommodation options, including bed and breakfast.

Harry Potter fans may be interested to learn that various Oxford landmarks appeared in the movies, including Christ Church College, where the dining room was closely copied for the Hogwarts Great Hall. And for something a little quirkier, check out the (in)famous Headington Shark , a shark sculpture stuck headfirst in the roof of a humble terraced house.

To learn more about these and other great places to visit in this lovely part of England, be sure to read through our list of the top attractions and things to do in Oxford.

See also: Where to Stay in Oxford

1. Explore Historic Oxford City Center

2. visit the university church of st. mary the virgin, 3. christ church cathedral, 4. christ church college, 5. magdalen college, 6. radcliffe square & the bodleian library, 7. sheldonian theatre, 8. visit england's oldest museum: the ashmolean museum, 9. history of science museum, 10. martyrs' memorial, 11. shopping in cornmarket street, 12. oxford castle & prison, 13. oxford university museum of natural history, 14. take a trip to blenheim palace, 15. enjoy a drive to abingdon-on-thames, where to stay in oxford for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in oxford.

Although the center of Oxford is not large, plenty of time should be allowed for a visit since there are so many things to do here. The city's four principal streets meet at the intersection known as Carfax , a good starting point for your exploration. Here, you'll find the 14th-century Carfax Tower , a relic of St. Martin's Church (now destroyed), which has great views over the city.

Also worth visiting are the Town Hall, St. Aldate's Church (1318), and Pembroke College, founded in 1624 but with origins dating back to 1446. The nearby Modern Art Oxford , a visual art gallery focusing on exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, regularly offers talks, music, and movies.

Oxford's splendid High Street is lined with numerous magnificent buildings, including many of the colleges the city is so famous for. In fact, it's so pretty, it was famously described by American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne as "the finest street in England."

Address: High Street, Oxford

While sightseeing in the city center, be sure to include the University Church – the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin (or simply St. Mary's) – on your Oxford itinerary. A highlight of your visit should be climbing its finely decorated tower. Built around 1280, this vantage point offers excellent views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Also of interest is the choir. Rebuilt in 1462, it faces the nave and Lady Chapel, dating from 1490, and the stalls, dating from 1466. Another notable feature is the porch you will have walked through when entering the church. Look carefully, and you'll still see marks made by bullets from the guns of Oliver Cromwell's troops during the English Civil War.

Official site: www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

Although the present building dates from the 12th century, Christ Church acquired cathedral status in 1546. The most striking feature in the interior is the double arcading of the nave, creating an impression of much greater height.

In the 14th century, the church was extended to the north, and the choir was created in 1500 with fan vaulting overhanging keystones. In the south transept is the Thomas Becket window (1320) and five glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris in 1871.

Also of note are the St. Frideswide window (1858) and three 14th-century tombs of Lady Montacute, Prior Sutton, and John de Nowers, as well as the remains of the Frideswide's shrine (1289). The grave of philosopher George Berkeley (1681-1735), who gave his name to the town of Berkeley in California, is also located at the cathedral.

Location: St. Aldates, Oxford

Official site: www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral

Christ Church, one of the largest of Oxford's colleges, was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey and re-founded after his fall by Henry VIII. Tom Tower , added by Christopher Wren in 1682, contains a huge seven-ton bell known as Great Tom, which peals 101 times every evening at 9:05pm (once for each member of the original college).

The main quadrangle, with its charming fountain, is known as Tom Quad and is the largest courtyard in Oxford. The lower tower, with its fine staircase and fan vaulting, leads up to the hall , an elegant dining room with a magnificent wooden ceiling completed in 1529. Portraits of Henry VIII and distinguished members of the college – including William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania – adorn the walls.

Beyond the Deanery, where Charles I lived from 1642 to 1646, is Kill-Canon , a passage so chilly that it was feared canons would catch their death of cold. Kill-Canon leads to Peckwater Quad, with its library containing drawings and mementos of Cardinal Wolsey.

Art lovers will also want to visit Christ Church Picture Gallery . This fine gallery is home to an important collection of 300 Old Masters and 2,000 drawings.

Location: St. Aldate's, Oxford

Official site: www.chch.ox.ac.uk

Magdalen College was founded in 1458 on a site outside the town walls. Its lovely Magdalen Tower was built in 1482, while the Muniment Tower is the entrance to the chapel where evensong is sung by the college's renowned choir.

There are state apartments with early-16th-century tapestries in the Founder's Tower, and underneath, a passage leads into the cloisters with grotesque figures known as "hieroglyphs." Magdalen College also offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation when rooms are available.

Beyond the college stretches a deer park called the Grove and a bridge leading over the River Cherwell into the Water Walks. Opposite the entrance to the college is the University of Oxford Botanic Garden , founded in 1621 and one of the oldest in England.

Plants from all over the world can be found here, including the Magdalen Rose Garden . This attractive garden was a gift from the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation of New York to commemorate the development of penicillin, in which Oxford played a considerable part. Also worth a visit is the satellite Harcourt Arboretum .

Address: Rose Lane, Oxford

Official site: www.magd.ox.ac.uk

Located in the city center, Radcliffe Square is home to many of the city's most important college buildings. Here, you'll find the Old Schools Quadrangle (1613) and the Radcliffe Camera (1737), a rotunda that originally housed the Radcliffe Library.

The 16-sided room on the ground floor is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library , the university library and the country's first public library, founded in 1598. A copy of every book published in Britain is deposited here, including some two million volumes and 40,000 manuscripts. From the library, you can also explore the magnificent Divinity School .

Address: Broad Street, Oxford

Official site: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Constructed in 1664, the Sheldonian Theatre was Sir Christopher Wren's second major building. Of special interest here is the historic venue's spectacular ceiling fresco. Restored in 2008, the fresco – which depicts "Truth" removing "Ignorance" from the University – consists of 32 panels originally painted in the 1600s. Guided tours (as well as self-guided tours) are available.

In addition to being used for concerts and lectures – as well as the occasional theatrical performance – it's still used for the university's annual Commemoration.

Official site: www.sheldonian.ox.ac.uk

The Ashmolean Museum – formerly known as the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology – was founded in 1683. Not only is it the oldest museum in the country, it's also the most important of the four university museums. The Neoclassical building houses a magnificent collection of art and antiquities, including classical sculpture, Far Eastern art, Greek and Roman pottery, and a valuable collection of jewelry.

Other Oxford museums that should be added to travel itineraries include the Pitt Rivers Museum, with its fascinating anthropological and archaeological collection, and the Museum of Oxford , a local history museum that deals with both the city and the university's rich pasts.

For something a little different, visit the fun Story Museum . This attraction is especially popular for its literary-themed events, including the popular Alice Days celebrating the first ever telling of Oxford-educated Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland .

Address: Beaumont Street, Oxford

Official site: www.ashmolean.org

The History of Science Museum – housed in the Old Ashmolean Building, the world's first purpose-built museum building – is a fascinating facility that specializes in the study of the history of science and the development of western culture and collecting.

The museum includes the blackboard that Albert Einstein used during his Oxford lectures of 1931, and a fascinating display showing the development of clocks.

Other nearby attractions include the Holywell Music Room (1748), reputedly the oldest concert hall in the world, and Kettell Hall (1620), with its beautiful chapel and fine woodcarvings.

Official site: www.hsm.ox.ac.uk

A cross in St. Giles Street marks the spot where the reformers Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer were burned at the stake between 1555-56, an event commemorated by the Martyrs' Memorial (1841). The nearby Rhodes House , headquarters of the Rhodes Trust founded in honor of South African statesman Cecil Rhodes, is also worth checking out.

Also close by is the Oxford University Museum of Natural History . Built in 1855, it contains a number of interesting collections, including geological, mineralogical, and zoological sections, as well as work by Darwin, Burchell, and Hope.

There's also a pleasant walk along the Cherwell past Parson's Pleasure to a path called Mesopotamia, which leads to Magdalen Bridge.

Location: St. Giles, Oxford

Pedestrian-friendly Cornmarket Street, commonly known as the "Corn," is Oxford's busiest shopping street. Along with its many big-brand shops and department stores, it's also home to the historic Golden Cross arcade, popular for its craft and jewelry shops, and the Covered Market . Dating from 1774, the market houses an eclectic mix of food retailers.

Also of interest is the former Crew Inn . Here, Shakespeare is said to have stayed on his journey between Stratford and London. It's also where you'll find St. Michael's Church , notable for its early Norman tower.

Address: Cornmarket Street, Oxford

Oxford Castle has been a place of incarceration since 1071, continuing until the closure of Her Majesty's Prison Oxford in 1996. Today, visitors can learn about the real people and events from the site's turbulent past through fascinating displays and re-enactments.

Other highlights include the chance to climb the Saxon St. George's Tower , Oxford's oldest building, and enjoy its stunning 360-degree views. Afterwards, descend deep underground into the 900-year-old crypt.

Other areas to explore include the confines of the 18th-century Debtors' Tower and the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle. Guided tours and numerous fun themed events are available.

Address: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford

Official site: www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

One of the top free things to do in Oxford, a visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) is certainly time well spent. Opened in the mid 1800s to showcase the university's growing natural history collection, it's located on Parks Road adjacent to another must-visit attraction: the Pitt Rivers Museum .

In addition to its displays and exhibits focusing on the university's rich science and learning traditions, you'll see samples collected by university alumni that date back hundreds of years. Also on display are samples from the university's mineralogy, medicine, zoology, and anatomy collections.

Two cafés are located on-site, and a special treat if you're traveling in summer is to enjoy your snacks and beverages outdoors on the museum's lovely lawn. Be sure to keep an eye out for the migrating swallows that have been stopping over on the museum roof since nesting boxes were installed in the 1940s.

Address: Parks Road, Oxford

Official site: www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk

Located in Woodstock, just eight miles northwest of Oxford, is Blenheim Palace. Seat of the dukes of Marlborough and the Spencer-Churchill family, it is also famous as the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

This magnificent 200-roomed palace was built between 1701 and 1724 for John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, with the financial support of Queen Anne. It's recorded that the Queen wished to express her thanks to the Duke for his victory in 1704 over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, an event commemorated on the ceiling of the Great Hall.

In addition to visiting the splendid main building with its Neoclassical columned entrance hall and quadrantal annexes with crowned corner-towers and colonnades, be sure to explore the adjoining wings. Here, you'll find a number of large courtyards, as well as the vast main courtyard.

Another highlight is the chance to explore the magnificent gardens, with their French Rococo borders, and the Capability-Brown-designed parklands. Other outdoor attractions include Italian gardens and herb gardens, a butterfly house, and a maze.

Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Official site: www.blenheimpalace.com

An easy drive just six miles south of Oxford, Abingdon is a charming town on the banks of the River Thames. A large number of interesting houses and churches are found here, including the old two-story county hall, built in 1678 and now home to the Abingdon County Hall Museum .

Also of note is the beautiful St. Helen's Church, with its graceful spire, double aisles, and elaborately painted paneling (1390), as well as Christ's Hospital, founded in 1553.

Parts of the once influential Benedictine abbey (AD 675) can still be explored, including later features such as the Checker Hall (13th century), the Long Gallery (about 1500), and the abbey doorway (1450).

Abingdon has several leisure and recreation facilities, including the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Tilley Park, and the Southern Town Park. Each year in October, the town center is closed for the Ock Street Michaelmas Fair , the longest street fair in Europe.

Address: Market Place, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Official site: www.abingdon.gov.uk/partners/abingdon-county-hall-museum

We recommend these popular hotels in Oxford with easy access to the famous colleges and other top attractions:

• Old Bank Hotel : This luxury boutique hotel is set in a Georgian building in a great central location and features understated elegance and marble bathrooms.
• Vanbrugh House Hotel : A popular mid-range hotel, Vanbrugh House features individually decorated rooms, private gardens, plus complimentary breakfast and snacks.
• Remont Oxford Hotel : Affordable rates, a short bus ride to town, colorful room accents, and a hearty free English breakfast are just a few of the reasons why this hotel is highly rated.
• Premier Inn Oxford Hotel This budget hotel is an easy drive to Oxford city center and features modern decor and family rooms.

• (1) Somerville
• (3) Regents Park
• (4) St John's
• (5) Trinity
• (6) Mansfield
• (7) Balliol
• (8) Waldham
• (9) Manchester
• (10) St Cross
• (11) St Catherine's
• (12) Ruskin
• (13) Worcester
• (14) Nuffield
• (15) St Peter's
• (17) Lincoln
• (18) Brasenose
• (19) Exeter
• (20) Hertford
• (21) New College
• (22) All Souls
• (23) Queen's
• (24) University
• (25) Magdalen
• (26) Wayneflete
• (27) Pembroke
• (28) Corpus Christi
• (29) Merton
• (30) St Hilda's
• (31) Frewin Hall
• (32) Union Soc Rooms
• (33) Sheldonian Theater
• (34) Clarendon Building
• (35) Bodleian Library
• (36) Radcliffe Camera
• (37) Carfax Tower
• (38) Peckwater Quad
• University Museum
• Rhodes House
• Ashmolean Museum
• St Michael's Church
• Christ Church
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Botanic Gardens

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Why we love Oxford

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires. And Oxford is crammed with them. A seat of scholars for 800 years, it houses Britain’s oldest university, botanical gardens, and pubs. It has more quadrangles, Gothic spires and listed buildings than you can shake a gown at. Add cobbled lanes, canals and the odd punt along its rivers and it becomes a real heart-breaker. 

Although bursting with museums, libraries and galleries, there’s more to this gem than its beauty and towering intellect. Harry Potter fans can spot film locations, shoppers will love its nearby bargains, foodies will drool over its lip-smacking choice. And if that isn’t enough, it sits on the doorstep to the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and the baroque country pile of Blenheim Palace.

Bodleian Libraries/Stu Heppell

Every book ever written at Bodleian Library 

Take a guided tour of the country’s second largest library , which holds a copy of every single book ever published in England since 1662.

Vintage chic

An Aladdin’s cave of treasures, Unicorn is a centre of Oxford’s quirky vintage scene. It’s rammed to the rafters with vintage clothes, accessories and shoes from 1950s tea dresses to sequinned waistcoats.

VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Blenheim Palace

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. One of the most popular attractions in the Cotswolds, you can take an upstairs or downstairs tour and wander around its famous maze.

Gloucester Green Market

In the heart of Oxford, this eclectic open-air market takes place every day from Wednesday to Saturday – combining locally-made produce with street food from all over the world. Look out for clothes, crafts, second-hand curios, and cuisine from authentic Indian curries, Ethiopian stews, traditional British pies and much more.

Photos by John Cairns

Oxford River Cruises

No trip to Oxford is complete without a cruise on the River Thames , which passes through the city on its journey to London and beyond. Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset cocktail voyages, and gourmet sailings galore – featuring afternoon tea, decadent lunches and picnic hampers. With its electric-powered boats, Oxford River Cruises is a sustainable choice too.

Things to do in Oxford

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University of Oxford

Soak up the atmosphere as you walk around the Dreaming Spires of historic Oxford University, one of the world’s top universities.

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Oxford Castle

Walk through 1000 years of history in Oxford Castle and Prison, climbing the Tower, one of Oxford’s oldest buildings and descending into the crypt deep below.

Photo: Philip J.A Benton

Pitt Rivers Museum

One of Britain’s best museums is the quirky Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford with artefacts from all over the world.

Experience Oxfordshire

Bicester Village

Want designer clothes at a discount? Head to Oxfordshire’s Bicester Village, one of Britain’s favourite shopping destinations for luxury bargains.

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Ashmolean Museum

Dating back to 1683, the Ashmolean is packed to the rafters with art, natural history and photography.

Oxford Alumni Harry Potter Tour

Discover the Oxford landmarks that starred in the Philosopher’s Stone and Goblet of Fire films.

Inspector Morse Tour of Oxford

Explore key Oxford filming locations from the TV series of Morse, Endeavour and Lewis.

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Bodleian Library

Take a fascinating guided tour of the Divinity School, Old Quadrangle and Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Radcliffe Camera

This library has inspired novelists, artists and film-makers alike, and features around 600,000 books.

Go Ape Wendover

Swing and leap your way through thrilling high-ropes bridges, treetop walkways and soar down zip lines.

Oxford Kayak Tours

Dip your paddle into the River Cherwell, to discover pristine countryside and wildlife-rich waters.

Junkyard Golf Club

Come for the golf, stay for the party - a riotous mash-up of crazy golf, drinks and music.

Junkyard Golf Oxford

Oxford Ghost Tours

From headless bishops to haunted pubs, these tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity.

The Ultimate Picture Palace

Welcome to one of the UK’s oldest cinemas, which specialises in arthouse and independent films.

Ultimate Picture Palace/Ian Wallman

Modern Art Oxford

Immerse yourself in stellar contemporary art from all over the world at this vibrant gallery.

Oxford Atelier/Modern Art Oxford

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Tour

Learn the secrets of heritage grain spirits on these behind-the-scenes tours.

Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery

Discover a world of fine English wines, small-batch ales and exceptional hospitality.

Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery

Take your pick from authentic Indian curries, Ethiopian stews, traditional British pies and much more…

Harry Potter Tour - Experience Oxfordshire

So spectacular are these landmarks and locations, that even non-Potter fans will be spellbound.

The Jolly Farmers

Real ales, cosy interiors and a resident bassett hound – what more could you wish for?

Oxford Pride

For over 20 years, this loud-and-proud festival has celebrated the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Oxford Music Festival

Classical concerts, virtuoso recitals and dance shows – with cash prizes for the stand-out performers.

Oxford Literary Festival

Catch lively debates, workshops and seminars involving hundreds of different speakers from around the globe.

C S Lewis Nature Reserve

The ponds are busy with dragonflies, while the towering treetops bristle with birds and squirrels.

Ross Mackenzie/CS Lewis Nature Reserve

Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset voyages, and gourmet sailings on the River Thames.

Car Chase Heroes

Always wanted to get behind the wheel of a Porsche 911? Well, now’s your chance…

Alamy Stock Photo

Enjoy Happy Hour cocktails from 11pm, and a banging playlist of pop and dance music.

Westgate Oxford

Browse some of Britain’s best-loved fashion, beauty and food brands, such as John Lewis and Primark.

Discover antiques emporiums, craft shops, art galleries and fashion stores – plus delis and cafés galore.

Blackwell’s

Looking for your next favourite author? The staff are all book lovers, so ask for their recommendations.

Oxford Walking Tours

Take your pick from a vast range of themed experiences, with both private and small-group options.

Chiltern Hills Cycling

Whether you love smooth road cycling or gnarly downhill trails, set your sights on the Chiltern Hills.

Featured things to do

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One of the city’s most beautiful spots

Located just opposite Magdalen College, you can dart in here and escape the bustle of the High Street and hide among the newly sprouting trees and blooms.

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Take a punt

Hop onto a relaxing punt down the River Cherwell. Discover the inspiration behind Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland, and enjoy a picnic aboard this hand-crafted beauty.

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Head into history

For those who dare - check out tours of the castle and 900-year crypt. Learn about the ghost of Matilda, Henry I’s daughter, or a headless King Charles I.

An evening at a museum

The Ashmolean dusts off the old image of artefacts and adds a new twist, and find out just how a camel sculpture escaped the Nazis.

Places to stay in Oxford

City centre.

Be among the oldest university in the English speaking world, checkout the architecture, the bookshops and cool bars, and The Malmaison - a former Victorian prison that you can stay in.

An affluent part of Oxford with red-brick Victorian houses and tree-lined streets. It’s peaceful nature, and you’re budget will go further here. Explore the canal network here.

Is diverse, full of life and has lots of diverse restaurants and bars, and is the home of Oxford’s street art. It’s close to Magdalen College and the Oxford Botanic Gardens are here too. It also has a summertime carnival. 

For literary types and lovers of small pastel painted houses and independent cafes, this is your place. Situated in the north, you’ll find some cracking restaurants and cocktail bars. Both the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History are here.

Explore nearby

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

VisitBritain

Cotswolds, England

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty as this town is about as regal as it gets.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Getting to Oxford

Oxford is located in South East England, in the county of Oxfordshire. Heathrow is the closest international airport to Oxford and is 45 miles (72 kilometres) away, a journey which takes just over an hour by car. The train from Heathrow to Oxford takes up to two and a half hours via central London. Oxford is approximately 60 miles (97 kilometres) from London. The average train time from Central London to Oxford is 1 one hour.

Travelling by coach from London to Oxford takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. From London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, you can hop on The Airline coach service , which runs 24 hours a day. National Express services from Stansted Airport also serve Oxford, taking just under two hours.

Getting around

Oxford is easily accessible from every corner of Britain, with London to Oxford train services taking around 60 minutes from London Paddington. Experience Oxfordshire has a range of maps and guides to help you plan your visit to Oxford. Enjoy a Bus Tour of Oxford .

Hire punts , pedalos and rowing boats to explore Oxford’s River Cherwell.

Oxford’s main attractions are best explored by foot, a walk from the train station to the city centre is just 15 minutes. Head into nature outside the city with a host of walking routes on offer.

The Oxford Bus Company provides frequent and affordable travel across the city, as well as Stagecoach which also operates routes to the stately home at Blenheim Palace. Five Park and Ride locations exist to keep the city centre car free.

If ever a city was made for cycling, it would be here. Oxford is home to several dockless bike hire operators, where you can access cycles via a free downloadable app by scanning a QR code.  Bainton Bikes  also provides cycle hire and self-guided tours. You can access  a cycle route planner  too.

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The best things to do in Oxford

Beautiful, bookish Oxford , with its handsome, honey-coloured streets, grand university buildings and world-class museums is the place to follow in the footsteps of political giants, explore hushed quads, and down a pint in a pub where literary classics were first discussed. Yet along with its 44 colleges, Oxford is a working city where town and gown have been quiet rivals for years and car production is just as important as cutting-edge scientific discovery. Wander its ancient lanes, paddle its backwaters, and discover what every local knows – that Oxford is far more complex and compelling than its international reputation suggests. These are the best things to do in Oxford right now.

1. Explore an Oxford College

For many visitors, the university  is Oxford and with its colleges scattered all over town, you can’t miss them. The grandest of them all are  Christ Church , whose dining hall was the inspiration for Hogwarts’, and  Magdalen (pronounced Maudlin), whose grounds are big enough to support its own deer herd. Smaller colleges such as  Balliol with its beautiful gardens or  Merton with its chained library are just as impressive though. Along with the quads, the dining halls and the grounds, the chapels should not be missed, and if you’re visiting late afternoon, attending a candle-lit Evensong is a joy.

2. Tour the city landmarks

Climb the tower of  University Church and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Oxford’s finest landmarks. First up is the Radcliffe Camera, an imposing circular building part of the  Bodleian Library . The ‘Bod’ is also home to the gorgeous medieval Divinity School, while next door is the  Sheldonian Theatre , a ceremonial hall where 27 British Prime Ministers, 50 Nobel Prize winners and 120 Olympic medal winners have graduated over the years. Handsome Hertford Bridge can be seen from the Bod’s main courtyard, while  Blackwell’s , Oxford’s most famous bookstore , is just around the corner – a browse is one of the best things to do in Oxford in itself.

3. Delve into Oxford’s best museums

For a small city, Oxford punches well above its weight when it comes to culture. The city’s big hitter is the  Ashmolean Museum a warren of rooms packed with ancient treasures including Egyptian mummies, Japanese netsuke and Stradivari's 'Messiah', the most famous violin in the world. By contrast, the Victorian glass cases at the  Pitt Rivers Museum are stuffed with the trappings of everyday life from Roman shoes and Siberian knickers to ceremonial headdresses and magic charms. It’s a great place for children , but if you’re visiting with family, don’t miss the  Story Museum where treasured tales come vividly to life.

4. Discover the city from the water

With the Thames (known locally as the Isis), the Cherwell and the Oxford Canal winding their way through the city, you’re never far from the water in central Oxford. The traditional day out is to hire a punt at  Magdalen Bridge or the Cherwell Boathouse and wobble your way along the city’s backwaters for a glimpse of college lawns and open meadows. If you fancy swilling Champagne as you drift along, you could hire a punt chauffeur, but that really would be missing half the fun. Alternatively, you can  kayak around the city or take a chauffeured  river cruise . 

5. Check out Cowley Road

Need a late-night pint of milk, a Turkish barber or a Tibetan momo? Cowley Road is the place to go. Oxford’s liveliest and most colourful neighbourhood, Cowley Road offers food from around the globe, live music, boho vibes and one of the country’s most loved community cinemas. Catch a gig at  the Bullingdon or the  O2 , a movie at the  Ultimate Picture Palace , some new duds at  Reign Vintage or wander down adjacent Magdalen Road for freshly roasted coffee at the  Missing Bean , momos at  Taste Tibet and a  contemporary art gallery set in the owner’s front room.

6. Get off the beaten track

With placenames like Logic Lane, Deadman’s Walk and Dame’s Delight, Oxford rewards the curious walker with hidden treasures tucked away among the well-known landmarks. Go slightly further afield, however, and you’ll discover an entirely different side to Oxford. Wander Port Meadow for expansive skies and grazing cows or take the 1.5-mile walk from Folly Bridge to Iffley and you’ll pass old-school boozers, college boat houses and horse-filled meadows along the way. At Iffley Lock, cross over the river to discover a village of thatched cottages and a 12th-century beauty, St Mary’s Church.

7. See some great art

A small-scale gallery pulling in big-name artists,  Modern Art Oxford is the city’s contemporary art hub featuring a changing roster of shows from art world legends such as Marina Abramović, Anish Kapoor and Tracey Emin. It also has a lovely café in the foyer where there’s usually an additional exhibition by local artists. Not far from here, is the city’s other big arts venue,  The Old Fire Station , where you’ll find a theatre, exhibition space and café with edgy arts, community events and an ever-changing list of gigs and events to attend.

8. Take a tour

If you’re short on time and want the low down on the city, it’s well worth taking a  guided tour . And luckily, in Oxford, there’s a tour for almost all interests. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, a high-brow literature buff, want the inside scoop on the university colleges or feel the need to track down Inspector Morse’s favourite watering holes, there’s someone to show you how and where and explain it all along the way. Access hidden rooms at the Bodleian, learn about Oxford’s ghosts, bike the city landmarks or find Oxford’s best foodie haunts, it’s up to you.

9. Savour some heritage-grain spirits

Set in a city park overlooking the dreaming spires,  The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) produces its whiskey, gin, vodka and liqueur from heritage wheat and rye varieties rediscovered in the thatch of medieval roofs. It’s an example of the extraordinary lengths the distillers go here to create their unique flavours while building a regenerative farming system along the way. Tour the distillery to find out all about the processes involved, see their beautiful bespoke stills Nemo and Nautilus, find out why sustainability is at the heart of all they do, and of course, sample some of their finest spirits.

10. Sample Oxford’s nightlife

With over 40,000 students in Oxford, you’ll find something going on every night of the week. You can choose from medieval pubs such as  The Bear Inn (established 1242), student stalwarts like the  Turf Tavern or something more contemporary such as the rooftop  Varsity Bar . For live music, the  Jericho Tavern will forever be known as the pub that launched the careers of Radiohead and Supergrass, but  the place to go right now is well off the beaten track on an industrial estate in Botley where  Tap Social combines brewery, community space and social enterprise and serves ‘criminally good’ beer.

27 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Oxford, England

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When it comes to cities in England, few capture the imagination quite like Oxford.

Centuries-old libraries, historic pubs, and painfully beautiful architecture combine to create the perfect postcard of a city… and an urgent desire to look up mature student applications. 

But there’s a lot more to do in Oxford than just cosplay student and throw shade at Cambridge. 

From stalking magical film locations to hopping museums until your legs cry for mercy, this post will capture the wide variety of unique and fun things to do in Oxford, England. I hope you’re ready to go full nerd on this one.

Save this list of Things to Do in Oxford for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Take a unique Oxford walking tour

When I say that Oxford is a HAVEN for nerdy walking tours, I really do mean it. Over the years, not only has this gorgeous city cultivated some of the most famous minds in English history, it has also been used as a filming location for countless productions.

… Which of course means there are plenty of cool ways to bring the city to life through a tour, whether you’re interested in Harry Potter, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien or… pubs.

Here are some interesting and unique walking tours you can book for your Oxford trip:

• Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour
• C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Walking Tour
• Book of Dust Series Walking Tour
• “Uncomfortable” Oxford Walking Tour (That Highlights Colonialism, Inequality, Race, Gender, and Other Important Themes)
• Oxford Historical Pub Tour

2. Go punting

Punting along the River Cherwell may well be one of the most quintessential of Oxford activities, best of all when you can hire a student to do all the hard work for you, like in this special guided punting tour.

What is punting exactly? Long story short, it’s a whimsical mode of transport that involves a flat-bottomed boat that navigates shallow waters, steered only by a long pole and nice, strong arms.

You can of course attempt this feat on your own, but there’s no shame in outsourcing the arm-work so you can sit back and enjoy the views.

3. Enjoy an afternoon tea river cruise

If punting doesn’t sound like your ideal way to explore Oxford’s waterways, let me introduce you to a much more delicious alternative: a 1.5h afternoon tea river cruise that shows you the most picturesque corners of Oxford while stuffing you with scones!

Or if you’re looking to splurge, you can book this three course river cruise for dinner instead.

4. Prance down Oxford’s prettiest pastel street

Holywell Street is easily the prettiest street in Oxford, at least if you love seeing houses painted in soft pastel shades!

This street is located right near New College and around the corner from the Bodleian Library, so it’s easy to pop down during a day trip to Oxford.

There are some gorgeous old sandstone buildings as well as the pastel houses, and it just makes a great spot for some Instagram snaps in between visiting other Oxford attractions.

Fun fact : J. R. R. Tolkien lived at 99 Holywell Street between 1950 and 1953!

5. Visit the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera

Any list of cool things to see in Oxford has to include the Bodleian Library as it’s one of the most famous (and beautiful) libraries in the world.

A number of buildings make up the Bodleian Library, including another well-known icon: the round neo-classical Radcliffe Camera building which serves as a swanky reading room.

But the most exciting function of the library has little to do with reading, but rather film production. Interior parts of the Bodleian Library have been used many a time over the years for various famous productions, including ones that likely shaped your childhood.

For instance, the Divinity School was once used as the Hogwarts hospital wing in Harry Potter, while Duke Humfrey’s library played the dutiful role of (you guessed it) Hogwarts Library. Fans of the books and/or TV series A Discovery of Witches will also be interested to visit the Bodleian!

So, if you want to go full nerd, one of the best things to do at Oxford is pay the Bodleian Library (and all its buildings) a visit.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  It is free to visit Blackwell Hall and any exhibitions at the Bodleian Library. To enter the Divinity School you need to pay £2.50 per person and it’s best to book your time slot online beforehand. You can only visit the interior of The Bodleian Old Library and Radcliffe Camera on a  guided library tour , which takes half an hour and costs £9 per person.

6. Admire the views from St Mary the Virgin Church

Love dreamy photo opps? Well, another one of the best things to do in Oxford is get up high to see the beautiful ‘dreaming spires’ and the best place to do this is at St Mary the Virgin Church.

This church is located right in the heart of where Oxford grew up as a university city and its tall spire is also one of the most beautiful in England, with epic views that will instantly make you giddy.

PS: If you grew up loving the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis then you will also want to go down the side alley called St Mary’s Passage to see the wooden door bearing a lion and flanked by fauns which is thought to have inspired him when writing about the wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe .

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  It’s free to enter the church but you will need to pay £5 if you want to climb the tower.

7. Walk underneath the Bridge of Sighs

Better known as the famous Oxford ‘Bridge of Sighs’, Hertford Bridge is a gorgeous stone construction that connects two sections of Hertford College.

There are a number of stories behind why it’s called the “Bridge of Sighs,” although the most obvious is that it does resemble the more famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice. It’s also theorised that students often walk across the bridge sighing after receiving their exam results!

No matter the name, it’s a popular sight in Oxford for photos, especially because it has appeared in many movies like “X-Men: First Class.” So, be sure to stop by for a look at this iconic Oxford must-see!

8. Frolic through the Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

When you need a break from all the high-minded university attractions in Oxford, head to the gorgeous Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum!

Located opposite Magdalen College and sitting next to the River Cherwell, this is the oldest botanic garden in the UK, first founded in 1621. Today it is a lovely place to relax and see rare plants from all over the world, including inside some stunning glasshouses.

And, like so many parts of Oxford, there are some literary locations to find amongst the different sections of the garden, including a Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland as well as Lyra and Will’s bench from the His Dark Materials book/TV series.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  The Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum are open every day from 10am until 5pm (last entry at 4pm) and tickets cost 6.30 GBP for adults. Children under 16 can visit for free if accompanied by an adult.

9. Relive your childhood at the Story Museum

Whether you’re visiting with kids in tow or are just a child at heart, visiting the Story Museum is another one of the top fun things to do in Oxford.

The Story Museum is a unique interactive experience that focuses on all kinds of stories, from comic books and novels to TV and film.

There are some really whimsical exhibitions here where stories come alive in a whispering wood, and anyone who’s a fan of Narnia or Alice in Wonderland will be able to reminisce on these beloved classics.

This is an excellent Oxford attraction to visit with kids, but even adults will find it fascinating, particularly if you’re into folklore or mythology. Past temporary exhibits have included props and costumes from the BBC production of His Dark Materials.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  The Story Museum is open every day from 9.30am until 5.30pm (until 4.30pm on Thursday and Friday). Tickets cost 12 GBP for the main galleries but check  the website  for prices for special exhibits or events.

10. Visit the Oxford University Natural History Museum

Of course, there are many excellent educational activities in Oxford, it’s a university city after all, but one of the most interesting of these is the university’s Natural History Museum.

This fascinating museum is filled with animal (including dinosaur) skeletons and other cool specimens on display in glass cases, plus the entire building is also a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture.

In the beautiful main exhibition hall, there’s a glass roof supported by cast iron pillars and arcades running around the two floors above. You can also see statues of famous scientists, including Aristotle and Darwin.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is open every day from 10am until 5pm (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day). It’s free to visit!

11. Marvel at the Pitt Rivers Museum

Next door to the Natural History Museum is the Pitt Rivers Museum, another breathtaking Oxford attraction, and well worth a visit if you’re in the area.

The Pitt Rivers Museum focuses on archaeology and anthropology, with more than 500,000 items from all around the world showing human history through the ages. Everything is on display in one big room filled with glass display cases of all sorts of fascinating objects.

The most famous item on display here is the Haida house post, an 11.36 metre-high totem pole from Graham Island, BC, Canada. Don’t miss it!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  The Pitt Rivers Museum is free to visit. It’s open on Mondays from midday until 5pm and Tuesday to Sunday (plus Bank Holiday Mondays) from 10am until 5pm.

12. Have a pint at the Turf Tavern

There are a number of excellent pubs in Oxford for when you need a break from sightseeing, but if it’s an iconic drinking hole you’re after, look no further than the Turf Tavern.

Located near the Bodleian Library and Bridge of Sighs, the Turf Tavern has been around since the 13th century and has always been popular with Oxford students, including some very notable names.

Famous frequenters of this pub include Richard Burton, Tony Blair, C. S. Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Stephen Hawking and Bill Clinton, while the former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke supposedly set a Guinness World Record here in 1954. His supreme feat? Drinking a yard glass of ale in 11 seconds! Maybe you could beat his record?

13. Pretend you’re at Hogwarts at Christ Church College

One of the top things to do in Oxford for Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland fans is to visit Christ Church College.

Christ Church is one of the largest of Oxford’s colleges, the only college with its own cathedral and one of the most popular for visitors to explore. Why? Well, not only does it boast droolworthy interiors, it also happens to have been a Hogwarts filming location for the first two Harry Potter films, with a dining hall said to have inspired the Great Hall itself.

If that’s not enough, Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll attended Christ Church College as well and there are a number of sections which are said to have inspired his writing, particularly the stunning gardens.

Other must-see sights here include the largest quadrangle in Oxford and the famous bell tower called Tom Tower which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren – the same icon who designed St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  You absolutely need to  book  your timed ticket in advance online to enter Christ Church College. There may also be certain parts off-limits to visitors (as it’s a working college and cathedral) so make sure you check carefully before making your booking.

14. Explore the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is the oldest public museum in the United Kingdom as well as the second oldest university museum in the world, and a really interesting destination to visit.

It was created when Elias Ashmole donated his cabinet of curiosities to the university in 1677. This original collection consisted of antique coins, books, engravings, geological specimens, and zoological specimens, which have been added to over the years with more art and archaeology.

A visit here is a must while you’re in Oxford and want to see a little bit of everything, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to modern art. There’s also a lovely rooftop restaurant where you can have some refreshments while enjoying the views over Oxford.

15. See a show at the Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre is another architectural marvel that was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, although this time he created something that looked like a Roman theatre rather than the more Gothic styles seen throughout Oxford.

All of Oxford University’s graduation and degree ceremonies are held here, but it’s also used for music concerts and lectures when there aren’t official university events on.

While it would be particularly cool to see a performance here, you can also visit for a guided tour if you just want to see the interior and learn more about the building.

Make sure you pay attention to the stunning ceiling fresco by Robert Streater, which is meant to illustrate “truth descending on the arts and sciences to expel ignorance from the university”.

16. Explore New College

Another one of the beautiful university colleges worth exploring at Oxford is New College, which has also had its share of screentime in film and television.

Despite its name, New College is actually one of the oldest university colleges in Oxford, founded by William of Wykeham in 1379. At the time of construction, it was the largest of all the other colleges and even today it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful colleges in the city.

Since it was built to encompass part of the old city walls it does look a bit like a castle, and the gardens surrounding it are particularly gorgeous.

As for geekier street cred, shots of New College stood in for the fictional Jordan College in the BBC series His Dark Materials and parts of the college were also used to depict Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  It costs 8 GBP for adult tickets to visit New College. Check the  website  for their opening hours as times vary throughout the year.

17. Go back in time at Oxford Castle and Prison

Make sure you check out Oxford Castle if you’re looking for things to do in Oxford that aren’t related to the university!

This partly ruined Norman castle was constructed by William the Conqueror on top of an older wooden castle and later served as the city’s prison. Today it’s a Grade I listed monument, a museum and a hotel, so you can even stay ‘in the castle’ while you’re visiting Oxford.

If you’re not staying at the Malmaison Oxford it is very fun to visit the castle museum and explore sights like the underground crypt. Costumed actors add to the experience and it’s a great way to learn more about the history of Oxford aside from the university attractions.

18. Browse Blackwell’s Bookshop

Any bookworm heading to Oxford will want to visit the famous (and huge) Blackwell’s Bookshop, which also holds a Guinness World Record for the biggest bookselling room in the world!

Blackwell’s was originally founded here in Oxford in 1879 and is now a well-known British academic book chain, but the original shop is the most fascinating. The Guinness Record holding room is the Norrington Room, which was extended into the basement to make more space as the bookshop became more popular.

Today this room contains five whole kilometres of shelving, with more than 150,000 books to browse through! You could easily spend the whole day here, but don’t forget the other things there are to see in Oxford too!

19. Admire pretty Magdalen College

Admittedly, all the colleges at Oxford are beautiful but another particularly pretty one to visit is Magdalen College, which is pronounced like ‘Mawdlin’, as in “mawdlin this pronunciation through a silly example”.

This college is one of the wealthiest in Oxford, with a famous bell tower and choir that sings from the top of the tower at 6am every May Morning (May Day), which would be incredible to hear if you timed your trip for it. Otherwise, for the other 364 days of the year, you can attend daily Evensong services in the chapel.

The grounds of Magdalen College are also stunning, with a lovely walk known as Addison’s Walk which goes all around a flood meadow, as well as an entire deer park with fallow deer grazing.

20. Experience the Covered Market

For one of the more magical things to do in Oxford (which is saying a lot), I can highly recommend a visit the Oxford’s Covered Market.

Known as one of the oldest continually operating markets in the country, it makes a great spot for grabbing some grub or perhaps indulging in some retail therapy.

Once upon a time, is function was primarily as a produce market, but these days you’ll find lots of lovely boutique stalls alongside the traditional flower, meat, fish and vegetable grocers. Plus plenty of delicious places to grab a bite.

There are many excellent food stalls from around the world here, as well as ones selling British cuisine like the special Oxford sausage. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach if you want to really enjoy all the cakes, smoothies, chocolate, pizza and other dishes available.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

21. Nerd out at the History of Science Museum

The History of Science Museum is the oldest surviving purpose-built museum in the world and is filled with fascinating objects used in the sciences from antiquity until modern times.

Housed inside the original Ashmolean Museum building, here you’ll find hundreds of objects from all the different branches of science on display; from mathematics and astronomy to navigation, chemistry, medicine and surveying.

Even if you’re not particularly sciencey, this is a fascinating spot to lurk and admire all the old clocks, prints, sundials, instruments, books and other items, including a blackboard that Einstein wrote on when he was giving a lecture at the university!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  The History of Science Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from midday until 5pm and is free to visit, but donations are always welcome.

22. Wander through Jericho

One of the best free things to do in Oxford is to wander through the neighbourhood known as Jericho, which is located north of the city centre.

Jericho used to be an industrial area of Oxford, and was once home to the city’s Red Light District, but is now a really hip and happening area filled with pubs, bars, restaurants and shops. Many of the buildings are really colourful and if you wander along the canal you’ll see plenty of cool barges moored or sailing along.

This is one of the best parts of Oxford for nightlife and entertainment, make sure you also check out the arthouse cinema known as the Phoenix Picturehouse for something a little different.

23. See the unique wall decorations at Bear Inn

If you’re looking for more quirky stuff to do in Oxford, head to the Bear Inn for a drink or meal and to marvel at one of the weirdest wall decorations you’ll ever see in a pub!

In the 1950s, the landlord of the Bear Inn started an unusual tradition of swapping a snipped necktie from patrons in exchange for a beer, and today there are more than 4,500 of these neckties lining the walls of the pub.

You can’t get a beer in exchange for a tie anymore, unfortunately, but it’s a very neat spot to have a drink and see where each tie around the wall came from, as they all have labels to tell you about their origin.

24. Find Tolkien’s grave at Wolvercote Cemetery

Many fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit make the pilgrimage to Oxford, as this is where author J. R. R. Tolkien lived and worked for many years, as well as where he is now buried.

The grave of both Tolkien and his wife Edith is located in Wolvercote Cemetery, which is located a bit further north of Jericho. Their gravestone is also marked with the names Beren and Lúthien, who were two characters from Tolkien’s work with an epic love story, and he always referred to Edith as his Lúthien.

Aside from seeing this romantic memorial, Wolvercote Cemetery is really beautiful and quite unusual in that it accepts the burial of people from many different faiths.

25. Join a tasting tour at Oxford Artisan Distillery

I’ve mentioned some great bars in Oxford if you want a pint of beer, but if you prefer drinking spirits then you should visit the Oxford Artisan Distillery.

This is the first distillery in the city and they distill a variety of different drinks, including gin, whiskey, vodka and liqueurs. You can just visit the shop to purchase whatever takes your fancy or join one of their guided tours to see behind the scenes how they distill drinks from local grains.

26. Do a dreamy day tour of the Cotswolds

One of my favourite places to visit in England is a dreamy area known as the Cotswolds, famed for its storybook villages made of buttery limestone and postcard-perfect photo opps along every winding turn.

And while a day trip from London to see the Cotswolds is a bit too ambitious for my liking, Oxford makes a much closer base, giving you more time to ooh and ahh your way around all the most beautiful Cotswold towns and villages that the area has to offer.

The best way to explore the Cotswolds is definitely by car, because some of the most charming villages aren’t well served by public transport. Don’t worry though – there are plenty of day tours from Oxford that you can book which make this easy, even if you’re not planning on renting a car.

Click here to check prices and availability.

27. Venture out to Blenheim Palace

While not in Oxford proper, one of the most beautiful stately homes in England can be found a short bus ride away, so I had to include it!

Blenheim Palace is the only country house in England to bear the title of Palace, without belonging to a royal or a bishop and it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it’s most famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, it’s simply stunning to visit here and wander through the opulent rooms pretending you’re a princess.

There’s also a magnificent English landscape garden surrounding the palace, complete with butterfly house and at Christmas, a pretty epic market and light show are held here as well!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING:  Check the  website  ahead of your visit for opening information, as the palace is occasionally closed for private events and opening times vary throughout the year. Tickets aren’t cheap, at 35.50 GBP for adults but they are valid for a year so you can visit more than once.

Did I Miss Any of Your Favourite Fun Things to Do in Oxford?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more Oxford activities to the list!

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EVERYTHING OXFORD & OXFORDSHIRE

Discover oxfordshire and the city of oxford, welcome to oxford city visitor information.

You’ve found the essential Oxford City guide with information on where to stay in Oxford and around Oxfordshire , what to see if you’re visiting or living in Oxford and surrounding areas , ideas for the best places to eat and drink , great shopping trips , local weather and details of Oxfordshire’s thriving businesses and community essentials .

Oxford City Guide

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years. Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. Still with its ancient University, but home also to a growing hi-tech community. Many businesses are located in and around the town, whether on one of the Science and Business Parks or within one of a number of residential areas.

With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty for both the tourist and resident to do. Whether its visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums , going out for a drink or a meal , taking in a show or shopping till you drop , Oxford along with the entire county of Oxfordshire has it all and oxfordcity.co.uk is your online Oxford City guide.

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EXCLUSIVE LUXURY SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

Your very own exclusive hideaway.

Greyfriars Hideaway is an exclusive luxury 5 Star Gold destination in England complemented by concierge services. Two historic luxury self catering properties are set within a truly unparalleled private and secure location cosseted in the vibrant centre of Oxford just metres from Westgate Oxford and Oxford Castle and a short walk to many of Oxford's other famous landmarks. An exceptional location for business or pleasure. These two luxurious self catering properties can either be booked independently or taken together as a whole for complete exclusivity.

Surround yourself in history and heritage

One Day in Oxford Itinerary — How to Spend a Perfect Day in Oxford, United Kingdom

Just 75 miles to London’s west sits Oxford, home to the world-renowned Oxford University and known as “The City of Dreaming Spires.” Many people may be unfamiliar with what the city has to offer, but Oxford’s historic heritage, beautiful architecture, and abounding opportunities for learning are sure to appeal to anyone! Oxford is the perfect escape from the bustling London lifestyle, so why not book a quaint B&B, find a good book, and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the West’s most historically rich city centers?

What’s the Best Time to Visit Oxford?

Like much of England, it’s best to visit Oxford in summer. The winter months are fantastic for people looking to avoid the crowds that tourist seasons bring, but temperatures stay around 4-10 degrees Celsius (for American visitors, that’s 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit), and are prone to dip. Snowfall varies, but rain is year-round in Oxford. In fact, Oxford has never gone a full month without at least a drizzle! That said, October is traditionally the wettest month.

May, June, and July are the best months to visit Oxford for those looking for sunshine and warmth. The summer months usually sport temperatures ranging from 15 and 22 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and days in June offer around five more hours of sunshine than days in December. July and August are peak visiting times for tourists, but the earlier months of April and May host over six festivals, including the Chocolate Festival and the English Music Festival . Between late spring and early summer, any visitor to Oxford is sure to find what they want.

A Few Facts About Oxford

Oxford is a small city with roots deep in English history. Formal education began in Oxford sometime around the 11 th century, making Oxford University the oldest English-speaking university in the world and the second oldest university overall. Oxford’s reputation for great scholars and thinkers is worldwide. Albert Einstein, Adam Smith, J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, and John Locke all spent time studying at Oxford, just to name a few. Of the city’s estimated 155,000 residents, 25,000 attend one of Oxford’s thirty-nine colleges.

Oxford is wonderfully easy to navigate, and Carfax Tower is a great place to get your bearings. Visitors can climb to the top and take in a bird’s-eye view of Oxford’s city center. The River Thames and the River Cherwell both run through Oxford, providing great waterside walks and green areas for picnics and lazy afternoons. The city center is a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, museums, and libraries, all scattered among Oxford University’s college buildings.

Due to the colleges being built at separate times in Oxford’s history, the buildings all display different styles of Western architecture. Wary visitors should glance up every once in a while—the gargoyles hide secrets! If they look closely, tourists might even catch a gargoyle picking its nose…

One Day in Oxford Itinerary

If you have just one day in Oxford, this guide is a great resource to guarantee you see the best of what this great city has to offer!

Tour the Colleges

No trip to Oxford would be complete without taking a look at some of its historic college buildings. But, with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! Here are a few of the must-visits when it comes to Oxford’s college scene.

Christ Church College

There’s no denying that Christ Church College is exceptionally beautiful. Something about this college captures people’s imaginations and sends them to worlds of magic, mystery, and intrigue. In fact, Christ Church was the inspiration for Hogwarts’s Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies! A glance into the college’s dining hall will explain why.

The college’s beautiful spires and grounds also influenced a man named Charles Dodgson—more commonly known by his pseudonym, Lewis Carroll—to write the story of a girl named Alice, who follows a white rabbit into a world filled to the brim with adventure. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland teems with allusions to Christ Church, and Alice was actually named after the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church, Alice Liddell! The college costs fifteen pounds to enter, but the cost is well worth it.

Exeter College

Unlike Christ Church, Exeter College is free to enter! You can find it on Turl Street, less than a five-minute walk from Carfax Tower.

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , was a student at Exeter, and it isn’t hard to see how the college influenced his worlds of magic and lore. Dating from 1314, Exeter is Oxford’s fourth oldest established college and was originally meant to educate clergy. Now, the college’s chapel and Fellow’s Garden are beautiful pieces of Oxford’s landscape and are a must-see for tourists!

New College

“New” is a relative term; New College was actually founded in 1379! Like Christ Church, New College requires an entrance fee, but the five-pound donation pays for itself quickly. The cloisters, chapel, and gardens found in New College are incredible sites for visitors to see, and New College is truly a wonderful place for anyone visiting Oxford to experience.

Harry Potter fans might even recognize some more parts of Hogwarts! All Oxford University tours are self-guided, but the brochures provided are informative and allow visitors to go at their own pace.

Head to Oxford’s Covered Market for Lunch

Walking around Oxford’s colleges is sure to work up an appetite. A stroll to Oxford’s Covered Market is a great chance to appease your hunger and see another one of Oxford’s top attractions! The market was established in the late 1700s and continues its tradition of providing Oxonians and visitors with the freshest, most delicious food in the city. Bakeries, cafes, delicatessens, produce stalls, and a variety of other restaurants and vendors fill the market every day. It’s open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and is particularly busy on Saturdays. It’s conveniently located on Market Street, just between Carfax Tower and Exeter College.

Visit The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Consistent with the city’s historical dedication to knowledge and learning, Oxford is home to the world’s oldest university museum : The Ashmolean. Inside, visitors can see a broad range of art and cultural artifacts.

The museum has everything from Egyptian mummies to art made completely from gunpowder! Located on Beaumont Street, the museum’s entrance is only a five-minute walk from the markets, making it a great place to saunter to after lunch!

Sit down for a drink

Even though Oxford’s academic tradition emits an air of importance, every college town has its collection of bars and pubs. After an entire day of walking around and taking in the history and beauty of Oxford, there’s nothing more relaxing than finding a nice pub to enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine along with some traditional English fare. The city center is riddled with great eating establishments, but The Bear Inn (Oxford’s oldest pub), The Eagle and the Child , The Jam Factory , and The Old Bookbinder are all great options.

Where to Stay in Oxford, England

The Old Bank

91-94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

Situated in the heart of Oxford’s historic city center, The Old Bank offers beautiful amenities and views of the city. Right across the street from All Souls College, The Old Bank boasts incredible reviews and is one of the best places to stay in Oxford.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Bear and Ragged Staff

28 Appleton Road, Oxford, OX2 9QH

The Bear and Ragged Staff is an inn located five miles outside the city proper. It offers visitors great food, king-sized beds, a cozy atmosphere, and the building itself dates back hundreds of years. This inn is another fantastic option for anyone visiting Oxford.

Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge

11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, OX2 6UJ

Within walking distance from the city center, Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge offers a great stay for your money. The staff is very helpful, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and the breakfast is quite filling. Everything for a nice stay is readily available.

Central Backpackers

13 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH

No university city is complete without a good hostel, and Central Backpackers fulfills that role nicely. The hostel is located conveniently close to the main railway station and the city centre, plus it has a nice rooftop terrace. Great for those visiting Oxford on a budget.

Day Trips from Oxford

Blenheim palace.

Located thirty minutes from the city, Blenheim Palace is a spectacular world heritage site that all travelers to Oxford should check off their list. It was Winston Churchill’s ancestral home , and the estate’s extensive wings, gardens, and halls are straight from the likes of Downton Abbey . Tours of the estate, tickets to historical exhibits, and events are available for purchase to interested visitors. Truly, words can’t describe the atmosphere of the palace. It’s something you’ll need to see for yourself!

As mentioned, Oxford is not far from the capital city, so if you have the time, why not go and spend one day in London ? This city and its sights really don’t need too big of an introduction – Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower Bridge… so many incredible architectural feats, so many places with incredible amounts of history. Not to mention the incredible museums. If you haven’t been to London, a day trip from Oxford is your golden opportunity.

Cotswolds is an incredibly picturesque area full of quaint little villages you can visit and simply let all the stress ooze out of you. Thatched roofs and incredible scenery will make you stand in awe of the nature around here. It’s like a fairy tale. Head to Great Tew or Bourton on the Water to see the English countryside at its very best, and sit down in a pub to get that genuine feel of the places. Or just go for romantic walks with your significant other – you can’t go wrong with that, either.

Stonehenge & Bath

Stonehenge is probably well known to all tourists who come to the city and a great day trip from Oxford. Less than an hour and a half by car, this magnificent structure is fairly easy to reach. See for yourself the famous stone circles that have withstood the test of time and within which a centuries-old secret still lies hidden.

After that, head to the famous town of Bath whose Roman heritage and magnificent architecture will provide plenty of great photo opportunities. Both locations are listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Extra Tips for Visiting Oxford

University Closings

During the school year—and even sometimes in summer—it’s not uncommon for Oxford colleges to “close” to visitors. Before planning your trip, be sure to check if your top colleges have any upcoming events or exams that might prevent you from entering!

While it’s fairly easy to walk around the Oxford city center, there are multiple bus services that also help make traveling in Oxford easy! Oxfordshire Stagecoach is responsible for must local services, and a Dayrider pass allows unlimited travel for one day. Oxford Bus Company handles most inter-city travel in the Oxford region. 

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Oxford Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Andy Earle is a researcher who studies parent-teen communication and adolescent risk behaviors. He is the co-founder of talkingtoteens.com, ghostwriter at WriteItGreat.com , and host of the Talking to Teens podcast , a free weekly talk show for parents of teenagers.

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Top things to do on a city break in Oxford

Plan a short break or day out in Oxford

Affectionately named the City of Dreaming Spires, the medieval metropolis of Oxford revolves around its prestigious university, established all the way back in the 12th century. Though while it’s certainly popular for its scholarly history, there’s so much more to Oxford than meets the eye. Whether it’s visiting the UK’s first public museum, punting on the River Cherwell or learning about Alice Liddell – the real Alice in Wonderland – there are heaps of things to do and see on a city break in Oxford.

Walking tours in Oxford

Oxford University

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, made up of 45 historic colleges, many known for their striking architecture and notable alumni. But you don’t have to be a student to wander the colleges – you can follow in the footsteps of many a famous figure and great mind on a themed tour . See the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in Christ Church College or learn about the student lives of some of the greatest authors in the world. Or how about uncovering the filming locations from the famous TV detective show, Inspector Morse?

More staycation ideas

If you want to delve deeper into Oxford’s academic history, book onto an Oxford Official University & City Tour . You’ll visit the iconic Bodleian Library, see the Radcliffe Camera (another university library and iconic Oxford landmark), and explore more of the university’s colleges, including Magdalen and Trinity. Keep an eye out for gargoyles on the buildings – some of their facial expressions are rather amusing. Or listen in on the paranormal stories that haunt the city on an after-dark ghost tour . Learn about the spooky sites and eerie nooks and crannies of Oxford, and be introduced to the city’s most famous ghosts.  

Outdoor activities in Oxford

Oxford Punting

Wandering the streets of Oxford may be one of the best ways to see the city, but it’s equally as fun from the water. Steering your punt along the River Cherwell, you’ll glide past the famous botanic gardens, through Christ Church College Meadows and, if you’re in it for the long haul, out into Oxford’s surrounding countryside. With Oxford Punting  you can hire punts, rowing boats and pedalos for an hour or for the entire day, or spoil yourself by opting for a chauffeured punt who’ll do all the hard work for you. For an extra touch of luxury, you can even pre-order picnic platters to enjoy on your trip. 

Once back on solid ground, pay a visit to Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum , the very first botanic garden in the UK (founded in 1621). Experience a range of climates in the seven glasshouses – from tropical jungle to oozing swamp – wander the Walled Garden with its medicinal plant beds, and discover the literary wood, home to the oldest plant in the collection, a 17th-century English yew. Or head to Port Meadow  for an amble around 440 acres of grazing land for local cattle and horses. Walk up the west side of the meadow to reach a selection of pubs, or pack a picnic to enjoy beside the River Thames.

Places to eat in Oxford

Cherwell Boathouse

One of the most exciting things about cities is their incredible selection of restaurants, and Oxford is no different. If you like your meals with a view, book a riverfront table at Cherwell Boathouse , a family-owned restaurant housed in an authentic Victorian boathouse. Seasonal menus are prepared by head chef, Paul Bell, and tend to include a myriad of exquisite flavours and ingredients, from the likes of crab cannelloni and beer-brined poussin to a 10-layered vegetable lasagne. Wrap all that up with views of people calmly floating past on their punts, and you’ve got yourself a meal out worth shouting about. *chefs kiss*

In the centre of Oxford, you’ll find Gee’s , a uniquely rustic Mediterranean dining experience set inside a Victorian glasshouse. Formerly a greengrocer and florist, the restaurant’s airy conservatory is now filled with olive trees and plants – rather fitting as their menu is inspired by dishes from Spain and Italy. Or satisfy your sweet tooth at one of G&D’s ice cream cafés . Founded by an Oxford student back in 1992, G&Ds products are made by hand on Little Clarendon Street (the flagship café) and delivered by bike to its other Oxford shops. Dig into flavours like Daim Bar Crunch, Chocolate Orange and the intriguingly named Purity & Danger.

Places to stay in Oxford

Malmaison Oxford

Escape the 9-to-5 with a stay at a former lock-up. Malmaison Oxford , just five minutes from the city’s best bars, restaurants and museums, is so unique it would be a crime not to book a room. Each of the 95 hotel rooms and suites was once your average prison cell, now reformed into luxurious and stylish places to lay your head – complete with lavish little extras. Expect superfast WiFi, uber-comfy beds, roll-top baths and powerful rainforest showers – and when you’re in the mood for food or a late-night cocktail, just swing by the hotel’s Chez Mal Brasserie for a bite to eat. You can even dine outside in the old prisoner’s exercise yard.

Get stuck into traditional Oxonian life with a stay in an Oxford University College , as many students have done for centuries. The reasonably priced rooms (available during academic breaks) come with an excellent breakfast in the college’s grand dining hall and the chance to explore corridors and passageways otherwise closed to visitors. Alternatively, you could splash out on a weekend retreat at The Randolph Hotel . This boutique accommodation is inspired by Oxford’s rich history, with many of the rooms decorated with playful nods to ‘ Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland ’ alongside the University’s architecture and icons.

Shopping in Oxford

Bicester Village

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than finding discounted deals on big-name brands, and Bicester Village  is the place to make those fashion dreams come true. This open-air shopping outlet on the outskirts of Oxford houses some of the world’s most exciting designers, from Alexander McQueen and UGG to Balenciaga and Versace – all at reduced prices. Once you’re all shopped out, you can reward your efforts with a bite to eat at one of the village’s restaurants or food stalls, with choices like Maitre Choux’s decadent handmade eclairs and Café Wolseley’s scrummy chicken schnitzel.

Bookworms can find all their literary needs at the very first Blackwell’s Bookshop , whose doors have been open since 1879. From academia to autobiographies, Blackwell’s stocks thousands of books – and with a 19th-century bookcase still standing strong, is like browsing a mini-museum. Speaking of books, Oxford is also home to Alice’s Shop , which sells a wonderful array of Alice in Wonderland-themed trinkets. And don’t forget to refuel with a coffee at The Handle Bar  – a cosy café with Instagram-worthy interiors (there’s a bike hanging from the ceiling) and a number of delicious nibbles.

Places to visit in Oxford

The Story Museum

Rediscover some of your favourite childhood books as you explore the endless magical depths of human imagination at The Story Museum . Adults and children alike can explore interactive exhibitions, gallery spaces and events that celebrate stories in all forms. Enter The Whispering Wood – a mysterious indoor forest where every tree has a tale to tell; peruse The Enchanted Library, where you can wander between the shelves to find yourself inside a story; or pay a visit to Small Worlds, a patchwork land of picture books and nursery rhymes for the very young and young at heart.

Unearth seven million fascinating objects and specimens at the Oxford Museum of Natural History . See the fossils of the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur, the Megalosaurus bucklandii, and the famous Oxford Dodo – the only surviving soft tissue remains of the bird anywhere in the world. Or head inside the oldest public museum in the UK, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology , to admire a ground-breaking collection of art and antiquities, from Italian Renaissance oil paintings to Egyptian mummies and the lantern Guy Fawkes is said to have been carrying when he was arrested at the Houses of Parliament.

Attractions in Oxford

Oxford Castle & Prison

Step back through 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle & Prison . Start at the top of St. George’s Tower for panoramic views over the medieval city before descending into the atmospheric crypt of St George’s Chapel. Here you can stand in the birthplace of King Arthur. Afterwards, have a peek around the confines of the 18th-century prison D-Wing, where you can wander the cells and learn about the prison’s most famous inmates, from Empress Matilda and Mary Blandy to the ‘Black Panther’, a vicious convict held at the castle in the 1970s.

Other historic places to visit in and around the city include Blenheim Palace , the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a short drive from the centre of Oxford, this Baroque palace is full of sheer splendour, with staterooms adorned with portraits and tapestries, and acres of landscaped parkland and award-winning formal gardens. For the kiddies, there’s even a giant hedge maze, butterfly house and adventure playground. And just south of the city you’ll find Didcot Railway Centre , where you can travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore a living museum crammed with trains that date from the Victorian era to the 1960s.

Bars and pubs in Oxford

The Bear Inn

Round off a long day of exploring Oxford with a trip to The Bear Inn , which has been serving locals since 1242. Order a pint of ale and kick back in the large heated garden – perfect for warm, sunny days – or grab a table indoors. The interiors of this old-school boozer are particularly distinctive, thanks to its collection of over 4,500 snippets of ties displayed in glass cases on the walls and ceiling. The tradition started in 1952 by landlord Alan Course, when he offered punters a free half-pint of beer in exchange for clipping the ends of their ties with scissors.

Another famous haunt is the Eagle and Child Pub, notable for being a meeting place for authors (then Oxford University students) CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. The pub is currently closed for refurbishment and isn’t planning to open until 2022 but do stop by to see the plaque commemorating the writers’ get-togethers. Or step further into the world of alcohol-making at the Oxford Artisan Distillery . Take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how their spirits are made, from seed to still and into the bottle. The tour also includes a tasting of their award-winning vodka, three craft gins and a short of pure rye spirit.

Nightlife in Oxford

Junkyard Golf Club

With a city full of students, it’s no surprise there are plenty of things to do after dark in Oxford. Surround yourself in flashing lights, neon paint and loud music at Junkyard Golf Club  – a trendy indoor crazy golf joint that’s taken the UK by storm. Grab a group of mates and take on one, two or three courses filled with twisted clowns, towers of car tyres and tropical jungles. If that doesn’t feel nightlife enough for you, you can accompany your round with a selection of over-the-top cocktails decked out in tuck-shop sweets and old-school umbrellas. A Ribena Turner, anyone?

If you’d rather leave the entertainment up to someone else, book to see a show at an Oxford theatre. The New Theatre Oxford  hosts some of the biggest productions on the circuit, as well as stand-up comedy and live music. Or grace the domed hall of The Sheldonian Theatre , an architectural jewel at the heart of the medieval university for over 350 years. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and inspired by Roman architecture, The Sheldonian not only holds the university’s public ceremonies but puts on a range of concerts, talks and lectures.

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Visiting Oxford, its University, Pubs, and Museums

Are you planning a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford ? Perhaps you’re ready to start University. Or you like Harry Potter , Inspector Morse , and ghost stories . Or you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area. On this site, you can explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible city. 

Oxford in the Summer: Top Activities for 2024

Hire a punt and enjoy a relaxing trip down the river. It’s a quintessential Oxford experience.

Wander through the UK’s oldest botanic garden, enjoying the diverse plant collections and serene atmosphere.

Enjoy the vast, open space of Port Meadow, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic by the Thames.

Discover art and archaeology from ancient times to the present day in this world-class museum.

Rent a bike and explore the city and its surroundings. There are several scenic routes, including along the Thames Path.

Spend a sunny afternoon relaxing in University Parks, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens, walking paths, and sports facilities.

Must-See Oxford Attractions

Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996.

The Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon.

Old library (Duke Humfrey’s)

Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, founded the Duke Humfrey’s Library in 1447 after donating 281 books to the library.

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Top Free Oxford Attractions

Curated by Yisela A.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Modern Art Oxford

Alice’s Shop

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Free self-guided walking tours.

If you prefer to explore at your own pace and delve into the charm of Oxford independently, consider embarking on a free self-guided walking tour . I’ve created a few options based on places I enjoy visiting!

Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace

If you’re visiting Oxford just for the day, you might want to explore the city and its colleges and museums at your own pace. Here’s how.

Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Archaeology

The Ashmolean is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological museums. Plan your visit, what to see, best treasures, and when to go.

Oxford Free Self-Guided Museums Waking Tour (+ Map)

Oxford Neighbourhoods Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map

If you’re moving to Oxford (or within it) and you’re feeling adventurous, here are some walking tours to get familiar with the neighbourhoods.

Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Explore at Your Own Pace

This Oxford City Centre walking tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights. An ideal self-guided tour if you’re in Oxford for just a few hours.

Other Tours and Experiences

If you enjoy a pre-planned wander, though, you will probably prefer some of these experiences offered by various reliable companies in Oxford. For instance:

Harry Potter in Oxford

If you love the Harry Potter books or movies, you’re probably well aware a lot of the latter were actually filmed in Oxford. And there’s little doubt Hogwarts takes enormous inspiration from the University, too. So, if you’re visiting and you like the series, you should definitely check these out:

All of Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations and How To Visit Them

A lot of Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Oxford. Explore the exact locations, what they were used for, and how to visit them.

Oxford Harry Potter Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

A free self-guided walking tour allows you to discover the enchantment of Oxford at your own pace. Includes colleges, shops, and more.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ The Great Hall

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s The Great Hall in Christ Church, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Hospital Wing

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Hospital Wing or Infirmary, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Staircase

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Staircase in Christ Church, Oxford. Tickets, opening times, and all the must-see details.

Oxford Ghost Stories

From haunted colleges to mysterious apparitions in public spaces, Oxford’s ghost stories reflect both the city’s historic significance and its darker, more mysterious side.

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Many Spirits of Merton College

Oxford Ghost Stories: Radcliffe Camera and Pacts with the Devil

Oxford Ghost Stories: Oxford Castle’s 1,000 Years of Haunting

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Grey Lady of University College

Oxford Ghost Stories: King Charles I Haunts Christ Church

Latest stories & articles about oxford.

We LOVE Oxford and everything it has to offer. People come to the city for different reasons, though, so we’ve created a few guides that can give you ideas to plan your visit. For example, you can explore Oxford Harry Potter filming locations or places that are ideal for a date. Or you can do a deep dive into the University and its traditions – some of which will probably surprise you (turtle racing? Yep. That’s a thing!). Take a look at some of our articles below.

How to Rent in Oxford: A Guide to Houses, Apartments, and Rooms

Learn everything you need to know to rent a flat, house, or room in Oxford, including average prices, neighbourhoods, and much more.

All About the Oxford St Scholastica Day Riot

The St. Scholastica’s Day Riot was a violent and deadly conflict that erupted in Oxford in 1355 between students and the townspeople.

Philip Pullman’s Oxford: How the City Inspired His Dark Materials and Other Work

Discover Oxford’s formative role in Pullman and how the city inspired the fictional setting of Jordan College in His Dark Materials.

Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: The Courtyard and the Giant Oak Tree

Remember the scene where Mad-Eye Moody turns Malfoy into a cute white ferret? This famous tree can be found in Oxford’s New College.

Learning About Oxford United Football Club

Oxford United Football Club is a professional football club based in Oxford, England. Learn more about its history and games.

Christopher Wren’s Oxford: All Buildings, Legacy & Influences

Christopher Wren, the renowned 17th-century architect, made significant contributions to Oxford’s architectural landscape. Here are all!

The University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the leading academic institutions in the world – and the home of many unique traditions. If you want to learn more about the University, its different colleges, fun facts, ceremonies, terms, and much more – follow the links below!

Oxford Quadrangles: What Are They and Why Are So Popular in Colleges?

Most Oxford University Colleges are built around one or more quadrangles. But what are they, exactly? And how did they become so popular?

What is the Oxford University Tortoise Race and Fair?

The Tortoise Race is the chance for Oxford University Colleges pets to prove their mettle against rival schools. Facts, history, how to see one.

What is it Like to Study at Oxford University (and Live in Oxford)?

Living and studying in Oxford is quite the experience. The city has a vibrant social life and endless activities and things to explore. Take a look!

J. R. R. Tolkien at Oxford – Hobbits, the Inklings, and the University

Tolkien, creator of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, taught English Language at Merton College in Oxford.

How Do You Get Into Oxford University? Is It Hard? What Grades Do You Need?

A detailed guide to help you get into Oxford. The grades you need, how hard it really is, and everything you need to apply to the University.

Oxford University Formal and Informal Halls. What and When Do They Take Place

Traditional collegiate colleges like Oxford and Cambridge hold formal and informal dinners many times a year. Learn more about this tradition.

Oxford Colleges

The University of Oxford has 39 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and six permanent private halls . Some of them include:

Exeter College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.

St Cross College

The College of St Cross is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1965, it is an all-graduate college.

Reuben College

Reuben College is the first new Oxbridge college since 1990. The plans for the new graduate college were announced in December 2018.

Balliol College

Balliol College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford and one of its oldest. It was founded around 1263.

Somerville College

Somerville College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, was founded in 1879 as Somerville Hall.

Things to Do in Oxford

Bored and looking for something to do in Oxford? These are some of our suggestions and ideas for unique activities you can try:

Daunt Books

Daunt Books in Summertown is a charming outpost of the renowned independent bookstore chain known for its curated selection of books.

Café Coco is a vibrant and eclectic café located in Oxford, offering a unique blend of Mediterranean and global flavors in a lively setting.

Renting a Bike in Oxford – The Complete Guide

Oxford, with its flat terrain and extensive network of cycle paths, is an ideal city for exploring by bike. Here’s how to rent one.

Ivy Oxford Brasserie

The Ivy Oxford Brasserie is a stylish and elegant restaurant located in the heart of Oxford, offering a refined dining experience.

FREVD Café and Bar

FREVD is a café, bar and bistro located in a former 19th century church, in the suburb of Jericho. It was founded in 1998.

Everything about Oxford and its surrounding areas, including places to see, things to do, and information about all the colleges, libraries, and museums. 

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Explore Oxford In A Weekend: 22 Fun Things To Do

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: July 29, 2024

Oxford University City, known as the City of Dreaming Spires, is a must-visit place in the UK. Oxford is one of England’s most famous cities and is home to one of the world’s most prestigious university complexes and the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

There are many great things to see in Oxford besides the university colleges. With an ancient castle, world-class museums, a botanic garden, and filming locations for the Harry Potter films, there are many incredible Oxford attractions to explore.

One of the most popular things to do in Oxford is hop aboard a traditional Oxford punt and cruise along the River Cherwell as it winds through the city’s leafy green spaces.

Afterwards, stop off at one of Oxford’s many first-class restaurants or enjoy a cocktail (or two) at one of the city’s rooftop bars.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

A History of Oxford

Oxford University is one of the oldest universities in the world and comprises 38 independent colleges, which visitors can find all over the city.

The first Oxford colleges opened their doors in the 13th century. Still, it wasn’t until the 1870s that women were allowed to study and take exams, and it wasn’t until 1920 that they were allowed to join the university formally, and then, only specific colleges!

The most well-known college is Christ Church, which has seen many famous figures pass through its doors, including J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Indira Gandi, Winston Churchill, Edwin Hubble and the World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

Whichever Oxford college you choose to see, you will be in for a treat.

Oxford Open Doors is an annual weekend event in September. Places not usually open to the public offer free entry to celebrate Oxford’s heritage and culture.

Table of Contents

Getting to Oxford from London

Oxford is about 60 miles from London. It is easy to get there by car, coach, or train from all directions.

Parking in central Oxford is difficult, so arriving by public transport is a great option.

Use  Thornhill Park and Ride OX3 8DP  and take the stress out of searching for a city centre parking space. It costs £12 to park for up to 72 hours (2022). (Ticket machines are by the terminal building).

Head to bus stop B and hop aboard the number 400 bus to the city centre. Disembark at the High Street / Cornmarket Steet junction, and from there, you can reach all of Oxford’s historic landmarks.

Please note that once you board the bus, you will need to pay for a separate bus ticket in addition to the parking fee.

By Train – Oxford train station is a 10-minute walk to the central shopping area. Trains from London Marylebone or Paddington take approximately one hour to reach Oxford.

Guided Tours from London to Oxford

How long do you need in oxford.

Three days in Oxford will allow you to see all of the attractions in the city centre and have plenty of spare time to visit an Oxford attraction outside of the city. See the ideas at the end of this post.

Two days in Oxford will give you ample time to visit all its historic landmarks at your leisure.

If you can only spend one day in Oxford, you will still be able to see a lot of the city, but it will mean going at a fast pace. I suggest you join an organised Oxford walking tour to familiarise yourself with Oxford’s most famous landmarks.

If you only have one day in Oxford, my top picks are Christ Church College , Balliol College, and the Bodleian Libraries complex. Limiting the number of attractions in Oxford that you see will give you time to include a lunch stop and maybe a visit to Oxford’s famous Turf Tavern.

How to get around Oxford

Oxford is one of England’s most walkable cities, so I have grouped Oxford’s landmark attractions according to their location. It’s a good idea to book The Official Oxford Tourist Board Walking Tour to acclimatise yourself to the city. can be booked.

Oxford students also run free walking tours that include all the juicy bits about life at Oxford. While it is a free tour, if you have enjoyed it, they will ask for a small donation (beer money) at the end; the amount is up to you.

Another fun way to see Oxford is to use Oxford’s Hop On Hop Off Bus , which is a quicker way of getting to see the best of Oxford if you are pressed for time.

Oxford is called a cycling city for a good reason. You will see bikes chained up outside colleges all around the city, and this is one quick way to get around Oxford and its surrounding areas.

Why not hop on a bike tour and explore Oxford for yourself?

Best Oxford City Bike Tours

Accommodation in oxford.

On my 2-night trip to Oxford, I stayed at Vanbrugh House Hotel , a boutique heritage hotel in the city centre.

It has some great independent eateries on the same street and a great coffee shop next door! The hotel was perfectly placed, within walking distance of all the best attractions in Oxford.

For other places to stay in Oxford, please follow this link to Booking.com Oxford Hotels.

Best Attractions in Oxford

Visit the colleges of oxford university, starting with christ church.

Of all the colleges that make up Oxford University, Christ Church is probably the best known to visitors and should be first on your list of must-see attractions in Oxford.

It sits close to Oxford Castle and is one of the most prominent and grandest colleges. It also houses Oxford Cathedral and backs onto the beautiful Christ Church Meadow (the location of many messy end-of-year graduation ceremonies!)

One of the highlights of a visit to Christ Church is the grand dining hall, with its original masterpieces by Da Vinci.

If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you may also recognise the Bodley staircase, where Professor McGonagall greeted the new students at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Tom Tower, built by Sir Christopher Wren, is also a famous landmark in Oxford.

His architectural masterpieces included St Paul’s Cathedral and smaller hidden gems in London, such as St Dunstan in the East .

The college hasn’t always been so liberal in opening its doors. It only accepted men into its enclaves until the rules changed in 1980. After that, women were allowed to apply to be students at Christ Church College.

That said, the call role call is pretty impressive for the men who pass through its doors. It lists kings, politicians, and literary greats, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, among its fellowship.

Did you know?

Hogwarts Dining Hall was actually modelled after the Great Hall at Christ Church Oxford

Lewis Carroll was also a student at Christ Church. If you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland, there is a shop by Christ Church dedicated to the character.

A lovely cafe is next door with a view across the road to Christ Church College.

Go Punting On The River Cherwell

Punting on the River Cherwell is one of the fun things to do in Oxford.

If gliding along the river with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair sounds like a good idea, there are several places where you can hop aboard a punt.

Magdalen Bridge is a 10-minute walk from Christ Church through Merton Field, home to Oxford Punting .

You can hire a punt, rowing boat, or pedalo here. Or why not take it easy and hire a ‘punt chauffeur’ to do the hard work for you?

Further away from Oxford’s central hub of attractions is Cherwell Boathouse , located in a beautiful riverside setting.

The 2 AA Rosette Cherwell Restaurant offers fine dining in the original Victorian boathouse.

Wander around the University of Oxford Botanic Garden

This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and, indeed, the oldest botanic garden in the UK.

The Oxford Botanic Garden was founded as a physics garden in 1621 to grow plants for medicinal research. Located next to Magdalen Bridge, it is a lovely place to visit – a quiet oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre,

If you visit the gardens, look for sculptures depicting a crow from His Dark Materials and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, a nod to literary characters.

Castle District – Go Back In Time at Oxford Castle and Prison

Dating back over 1000 years, Oxford Castle is one of the oldest attractions in Oxford.

You can climb to the top of St George’s Tower for panoramic views of Oxford’s surrounding area. Or you can go underground to the candle-lit crypt and enter the 18th-century prison cells.

Outside, climb to the top of Castle Mound for skyline views. A small fee to climb the hill is payable at the gate. Honestly, you could miss this, as the views aren’t great.

Castle Quarter houses several chain restaurants and a unique place to stay in Oxford, the Malmaison Hotel . The hotel rooms are located in the converted castle prison!

Why not visit Oxford Castle on the city’s Hop On Hop Off Bus

Back yourself a bargain at Westgate Shopping Centre

Westgate Shopping Centre is very close to Oxford Castle. If you love shopping, you will find many high-street chains and designer labels at Oxford’s main shopping centre.

My main lure at Westgate was the range of Westgate rooftop restaurants with views over the city. If you are looking for things to do in Oxford at night, it’s good to come here to eat and see the city illuminated.

Climb the Carfax Tower

A five-minute walk from Oxford Castle is the Carfax Tower. This medieval stone tower dates back to the 12th century and is one of Oxford’s famous buildings to visit.

Visitors can climb the 99 steps to the top of the 23-metre bell tower for views over Oxford’s historic buildings and out to the countryside. There is a small entry fee of £3 (2022)

No building in Oxford is allowed to be built higher than the Carfax Tower

Shop at the historic Oxford Covered Market

The covered market is just across from Carfax Tower. The marketplace dates back to the 18th century and is home to food vendors, craft sellers, and the usual ‘stuff’ you find at markets.

While it is part of Oxford’s unique history, it would not be very high on my list of things to do in Oxford.

Broad Meadow Area – Balliol College

Balliol College is arguably the oldest college in Oxford, founded in 1263.

It has stood on a single site (where it is now) longer than any other college in the English-speaking world.

Balliol is a stunning landmark in Broad Meadow, packed with restaurants, shops and the equally famous Bodleian Library complex.

It was founded in the 13th century but could easily be mistaken for a modern-day film set with its turreted roofs and whitewashed facade. The college welcomes visitors who wish to tour the buildings and beautiful gardens.

There is a small £3 entrance fee, and I recommend visiting this college. It was one of my favourite places to visit in Oxford.

Did you Know?

Past students of Balliol College include five Nobel laureates, four Prime Ministers, including Boris Johnson, and numerous philosophical and literary figures

Trinity College

Most people around the world have heard of Trinity College Oxford. This 16th-century college is another impressive place to visit and is next door to Balliol College. Check opening times here .

Trinity and Balliol Colleges are rivals and come together every summer for a tortoise race. Each college owns a tortoise and races them against each another – the winning tortoise is the victor for his (or her) college!

Visit the Bodleian Libraries

Opposite Trinity College is a complex of buildings known as the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second-largest in Britain after the British Library.

Bodleian is not one single space; instead, it comprises several buildings, including Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Divinity School.

To get inside these spectacular buildings, daily ticketed tours of all or parts of the Bodleian Libraries can be booked online for guaranteed access.

On the day of my visit, all the tours had been sold, and I could only enter the Divinity School; even so, it was terrific.

The tours range from 30 to 90 minutes; however, the latter gives you underground access to the iconic Radcliffe Camera.

See where Harry Potter was filmed at the Divinity School

The Divinity School is a 15th-century medieval building used for lectures and discussions.

The intricate stone-carved ceiling is the main draw for visitors. It features 455 sculptural plaques representing coats of arms, initials, animals, and botanical elements.

Families that funded the construction of the Divinity School had their initials carved into the ceiling design, giving them eternal recognition.

At the end of the hall, you can see a Gothic wooden door leading to the Sheldonian Theatre.

This was added in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren to allow students to don their robes in the Divinity School and then proceed to graduate in the Sheldonian Theatre.

The Bodleian Library was used in the Harry Potter films. The elaborate fan-vaulted Divinity School became Hogwart’s infirmary and the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library was used as the Hogwart’s library.

Book a Harry Potter Walking Tour with access to the Divinity School here

Attend an event at the Sheldonian Theatre

Listed as one of Oxford’s architectural jewels, The Sheldonian Theatre was built in the mid-17th century and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, of St Paul’s fame.

It is used for lectures, recitals and ceremonies for the matriculation and graduation of Oxford students.

The word matriculation means the formal process of entering a university, or of becoming eligible to enter by fulfilling certain academic requirements such as a matriculation examination

Tour the iconic circular Radcliffe Camera Library

Radcliffe Camera, or Rad Cam, as students call it, is one of the most photographed buildings in Oxford.

The iconic 18th-century circular building once contained the Radcliffe Science Library; today, it is the main reading room of the Bodleian Libraries.

Visitors must pre-book tours to look inside the Radcliffe Camera and enter the Bodleian Library. Book in advance as this is one of the best things to do in Oxford, and tickets sell out quickly.

Radcliffe Camera is linked to Old Bodleian Library by an underground passage called the Gladstone Link.

Walk beneath the Bridge of Sighs Oxford

Within a stone’s throw of Radcliffe Camera is Hertford Bridge, more commonly referred to as the Bridge of Sighs, a nod to the similarity of the landmark bridge in Venice .

The bridge is a walkway between two parts of Hertford College and crosses above New College Lane.

It’s a popular place in Oxford to take photographs, but that’s not all you can do here.

If you walk a little under the bridge with Rad Cam behind you, look for a narrow alley called St Helen’s Passage on your left-hand side.

Wander along the passage and will arrive at one of Oxford’s most famous pubs, The Turf Tavern, centuries-old and with an exciting history. Many famous people have frequented it, and it is an Oxford landmark for students and visitors.

Spot the ancient 200-year-old giant oak tree behind the Bridge of Sighs, that was featured during a duel between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is by the Radcliffe Camera. It is at the heart of spiritual life at Oxford University and welcomes all faiths.

Step inside and be wowed by the beautiful stained glass windows and interesting memorials dating from different centuries. Access to the church is free.

For a look at the Radcliffe Camera from a different perspective, visitors can climb to the top of the 13th-century church tower for a small fee. Booking is advisable .

Enjoy high tea at The Grand Cafe Oxford

Just across the road from St Mary’s Church is an Oxford institution, The Grand Cafe, one of the best places for afternoon tea in Oxford .

Supposedly, it was the first coffee house in England, according to an entry in the diary of Samuel Pepys. Whatever the history, it is a place heaped with character where you can have high tea in atmospheric surroundings.

Holywell Street

If you have time, wander away from the Bodleian Libraries and head down Holywell Street. This is where you will find a street of pastel-coloured houses occupied by students from some of the surrounding university colleges.

The 17th-century Bath Place Hotel – a fabulous place to stay in the heart of this historic city.

Christ Church College Buildings

College buildings tend to be dotted around the city. We stumbled on several more buildings associated with Christ Church College as we strolled through the roads surrounding the main college building and Cathedral.

Oxford University has had its own police force for 180 years. Nicknamed ‘bulldogs’ and famous for their bowler hats, they had powers to arrest anyone within four miles of a University building. They were finally disbanded in 2003.

Remember to grab a beer while you are nearby at Oxford’s oldest pub, The Bear Inn, which dates back to 1242.

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum was founded in 1683, making it the world’s oldest public museum. The museum houses art and archaeology collections ranging from contemporary art to Egyptian mummies and aims to give visitors an insight into different cultures across the centuries.

The Ashmolean is huge and will use up much of your sightseeing time. Nevertheless, it is one of the world’s most famous museums and deserves a look.

I stayed around an hour on my visit and wandered through several collections before finding an extremely interesting one.

A mummified Egyptian baby had been scanned using modern technology to be viewed as a 3D image – for me, fascinated by Ancient Egypt , this was a treat.

Before you leave, head to the Ashmolean Museum Rooftop Restaurant and Cafe, a lovely place to enjoy refreshments with a view across Oxford’s rooftops.

One of the Ashmolean Museum’s most famous objects is Guy Fawkes’s lantern, held by him on the night he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Visit the Oxford University Natural History Museum

If you love all things associated with palaeontology, this is one of the museums you should visit in Oxford.

On a much smaller scale than the Natural History Museum in London, this one still has its fair share of dinosaurs and other incredible natural subjects.

Check out Pitts River Musem

Once inside the Natural History Museum, you will also find the Pitt Rivers Museum, famous for its anthropology. It has over half a million specimens from all over the world and from all periods of human existence.

The museum’s interior is also worth seeing. Beautiful columns from natural stone in many colours support the museum’s steel girders and glass roof.

When you have finished, enjoy refreshments from the Oxford artisan Horsebox Coffee Company, set up on the lawn in front of the museum.

Keble College

Opposite Pitts River Museum is one of the biggest colleges at Oxford University.

It was founded in 1870, and I had to capture an image of this beautiful building.

See inside St Johns College during Oxford Open Doors Weekend

One of the last colleges we visited was St John’s College, founded in 1555 and Oxford’s wealthiest college, with almost £600m of assets!

St John’s was open as part of Oxford Open Doors and, in my opinion, was the epitome of how I imagined Oxford University would be.

The college buildings were beautiful, crafted centuries ago by skilled stonemasons, and the site was eerily quiet. Bikes were parked in bays, and small doorways led up tiny stone stairwells to student and professor accommodations.

Seeing the names of students and professors on wooden boards outside each accommodation block probably sealed my time in Oxford.

There was no John Smith or Jane Green here; these were the names of people currently studying at Oxford and not a prop leftover from a Harry Potter film.

I can only imagine what it must be like to be tutored by Professor Batty and what roles Violet Elsworthy and Augustus Coningham will go on to hold in their lives!

As they say, Oxford really is another world!

Quirky Things To See In Oxford

As you wander around Oxford, look for quirky signs and sculptures!

Beyond the City of Oxford

A day trip to blenheim palace.

If you have a car with you, a thirty-minute drive from the city will take you to Blenheim Palace, sitting on the edge of the picturesque Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Buy Blenheim Palace entrance tickets online to avoid the queues.

The 300-year-old Blenheim Palace is a Unesco World Heritage site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, who, unsurprisingly, went on to study at Christ Church College!

The Blenheim Estate is still the country residence of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and is one of England’s most famous stately homes.

A five million pound solid gold toilet sculpture was stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019 and has never been recovered!

If you travel without a car, you can book a guided day tour of Blenheim Palace from Oxford.

Shop until you drop at Bicester Designer Outlet

Shop till you drop at this fashionista heaven in Oxfordshire, 25 minutes from Oxford city centre. Gucci, Fendi, Burberry and the like will have you parting with your cash at an alarming rate as you wander the 160 boutique stores in this village.

If you are more of a Marks and Spencer girl, this one might not be for you!

Bicester Designer Outlet is billed as the second most visited location in the United Kingdom by Chinese tourists, after Buckingham Palace!

Visit the Cotswolds

With so many things to do in the Cotswolds, you can combine a city break in Oxford with a stay in a beautiful Cotswold cottage to experience the English countryside.

A leisurely one-hour drive from the city centre, you will arrive in Broadway, one of Cotswolds’ prettiest villages. Or stop off at Castle Combe , an idyllic Cotswold village with a historic main street and a pretty stream running through it.

If you prefer to take a guided tour of the Cotswolds from Oxford, you can book several Cotswold day tours.

Oxford represents everything wonderful about England. Its historic architecture, incredible museums, and stunning countryside are all found in Oxford. What more could you want?

I hope you have found this post helpful in planning your trip to Oxford. If you have, I would love you to let me know by commenting below.

Pin For Future Travel to England

Are you looking for other places in England to see historic landmarks? Please check out the following posts:

Visit Historic Fountains Abbey Ruins and Studley Royal Gardens in Yorkshire

Discover the Medieval Ruins of Waverley Abbey

Visit Bayham Old Abbey in Tunbridge Wells Kent

Top Things to Do in Faversham: Kent’s Oldest Market Town

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Angela Price is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel. With over 35 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations. Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”

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Saturday 26th of March 2022

very informative, thanks! I love all the references to Harry Potter. I’m hoping to take my granddaughters to the UK in the next few years and I know they’d love to see the HP locations.

WhereAngieWanders

Sunday 27th of March 2022

I do hope you all get to visit Oxford, I am confident you will all love it.

JenniferMostert

Thank you for this lovely stroll down memory lane. I spent a week here, many years ago, soaking in the architectural beauty and joy of learning that feels imbued in the very walls of Oxford.

Thursday 24th of March 2022

Would love to visit Oxford someday. The architecture alone makes it incredible... and the kids would be all over the Harry Potter filming site!

It is a great place to visit with something for all ages.

Oxford looks beautiful, and it seems like there is so much to see and do there! The Oxford Botanical Gardens really caught my eye, and I'd love to see the inspiration behind the Hogwarts Dining Hall. I'll have to take a weekend trip here the next time I'm in London. Thank you for sharing!

I am so glad you enjoyed the post and it has highlighted to you what a great place Oxford is to visit.

Jen Nilsson

Wednesday 23rd of March 2022

This is a seriously comprehensive guide! Thank you so much! I'm saving it for later because I always manage to spend all my much time in London without getting to Oxford. Next time!

You won't be sorry! Oxford is such a quick journey from Oxford but very different.

Oxford Travel Guide (Practical tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 6, 2024

Our Oxford Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most famous university cities in the world. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Oxford!

Plan your visit to Oxford

Located only 60 miles (90 km) north-west of London in the county of Oxfordshire is the city of Oxford, home to arguably the world’s most famous and prestigious university.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires” Oxford is a compact city with many of its main sights situated close to each other.

Oxford is one of England’s most beautiful cities and a popular day trip from London easily reached by train from the capital. Plan to spend the day exploring the University’s famous colleges, magnificent medieval buildings & museums.

What you will find in this complete Oxford Travel Guide

Map of Oxford

When is the best time of year to visit oxford, how many days do you need in oxford, what is the best way to explore oxford, which city should i visit – oxford or cambridge, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to oxford, attractions and things to do in oxford and the surrounding area, accommodation in oxford, tickets, tours & attractions in oxford, best day trips from oxford, books to read before visiting oxford, enjoy your visit to oxford.

Oxford travel guide – Visiting Oxford FAQ’s

Oxford is a beautiful destination whatever time of year you plan to visit.

The summer months are busy with visitors from the UK and abroad flocking to explore the sights.

If you plan to stay in Oxford we recommend booking accommodation in advance during peak season.

During the winter Oxford is quieter but a truly magical experience when frost or snow covers the city.

Spring heralds in blossom-covered trees and colourful flowers across the city whilst visitors during the Autumn will be greeted by multi-coloured leaf displays of golds and reds. Oxford is simply stunning whenever you choose to visit.

It is possible to see the main sights and attractions of Oxford in a day but if you are an art or history lover we recommend 2 days to fully explore the cities museums and colleges.

Oxford is also a great base for further exploration of Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds by car or tour.

The historic centre of Oxford is easy to explore on foot. Alternatively consider buying tickets on the Oxford hop-on-hop-off bus tour and enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off for 24 or 48 hours.

I would say visit both if you can fit them into your itinerary. Both cities have their own unique charms.

Oxford is the larger city and has lots of things to see and do so could easily fill 2 days if you wish to explore all its colleges and museums. It is also the perfect destination to visit if you are considering a road trip to the Cotswolds. If you are a Harry Potter fan head to Oxford where you will find several film locations used in a number of the movies.

Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford. There is less to do and see but it is a beautiful and easy city to explore in a day and well worth visiting. Enjoy a stroll along the river Cam, try punting, and enjoy the cities stunning architecture. Read more about Cambridge in my Cambridge Travel Guide .

As I have mentioned both cities are doable day trips from London by train. If you only have one day and want to see both cities take this Oxford & Cambridge Day Tour from London .

What is the best way to travel to Oxford from London?

Oxford is an easy day trip from London but with so much to do and see it is worth considering spending a few days there to fully appreciate the city.

It is also the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds . The UNESCO World Heritage listed Blenheim Palace is also close to Oxford.

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Oxford for the day or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

• Distance from London: 52 miles / 83 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour
• Leave from: London Paddington/ London Marylebone

Although located only 54 miles and an hour drive from London I recommend taking the train! Oxford is one of the least car-friendly cities in the UK and it is not worth the hassle if you can avoid it.

If you are planning to visit Oxford as part of a UK road trip and it is your first destination after London I recommend travelling to Oxford by train and picking up a rental car at the station.

If you are travelling to Oxford by car from other UK destinations note that car parking in the city centre is limited and expensive. 5 Park and Ride sites are available if you plan to visit for the day but do take into consideration the additional time you will need. Alternatively, if you plan to stay for longer book accommodation which includes parking.

🚙 Considering a road trip around Scotland? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to familiarise yourself with it before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK 🚗

There are many day tours available which include Oxford in their itinerary. If you are pushed for time we recommend considering booking a tour from London to see the highlights of the city.

• Day Trip to Highclere Castle and Oxford – Relive scenes from Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, set in 1000 acres of beautiful countryside, followed by a visit to the university city of Oxford.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip – Escape the hustle and bustle of London and spend the day exploring the historic city of Oxford and the traditional stone villages of the Cotswolds. Travel in comfort through the countryside on a small group tour with a knowledgeable guide.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Tour from London – Depart London for a magical day out on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour–The Making of Harry Potter, followed by a visit to the University of Oxford. The full-day trip includes admission to the studio tour and a professional guided walk in Oxford.
• Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip – Discover Oxford on a guided walking tour from London. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see William Shakespeare’s birthplace as well as his schoolroom and guildhall. Explore inside Warwick Castle.

Click the links for more information about the best things to do in Oxford plus places we recommend visiting in the surrounding area.

ONE DAY IN OXFORD ITINERARY – BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

VISITING BLENHEIM PALACE

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN OXFORD

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

There are numerous walking tours of Oxford available. Choose the tour that interests you the most – for fans of Inspector Morse and Harry Potter there are excellent themed tours available.

If you prefer to tour the city with a university graduate this is also possible and a great way to learn about life for students at this hallowed university.

• University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide – Learn about life at the prestigious university from your student guide. This tour is also available as a private walking tour if you prefer to customise your tour.
• Making of Harry Potter Tour – Explore Oxford through the eyes of Harry Potter and other characters from the Harry Potter movies on a 1.5 to 2-hour tour. Discover how student life at Hogwarts compares with an Oxford education. Test your knowledge with a Potter-mania quiz.
• Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford – Follow in the footsteps of the fictional Inspector Morse and his sidekick Lewis on a TV locations tour of Oxford. See sites from the books and TV shows created by the author Colin Dexter.
• Private Punting Trip with Optional Walking Tour – Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour outing on the river and learn all about Oxford university, student life, and its proud rowing traditions. Have the option to also add on a guided walking tour afterward.

Oxford is the perfect base for day trips to surrounding areas including the Cotswolds and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace.

I have handpicked the best tours available from Oxford through Get Your Guide (we book most of our day tours and organised activities through Get Your Guide due to their great customer service and cancellation policy)

• Cotswold Explorer Full-Day Tour – Take an unforgettable drive through the glorious Cotswolds, visiting sleepy stone villages, hidden valleys, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy hearing the history and stories of the old wool and market towns and browsing in the quirky shops and cafes.
• Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace Small-Group Tour – Meander through the quaint villages of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water, and explore the rich history of Blenheim Palace.
• Blenheim Palace Guided Tour – Enjoy a guided tour of one of England’s most famous palaces and gardens and home to the Churchill family and Duke of Marlborough. Learn about the events which led to the creation of Blenheim Palace. Enjoy a private tour for a maximum of 4 persons.

Oxford is proud of its literary heritage and connections with many famous authors who have studied or taught at one of its colleges. To fully appreciate and enjoy your visit to Oxford we recommend reading some of their works.

These include

• Lewis Carroll
• Oscar Wilde
• JRR Tolkien
• John Betjeman
• Philip Pullman

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Oxford. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

• Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Liverpool Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
• York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has lots of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Visiting Oxford – your Oxford City guides

Visiting oxford – oxford city guides.

Welcome to your invaluable guide to Oxford City with information on where to stay in Oxford, what to see, the best places to eat and drink, great shopping spots, travelling to and around Oxford, and information about Oxford’s thriving communities.

There’s an excellent choice of museums, libraries, galleries and places of interest to take in on a visit to Oxford city. There’s also plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Hopefully, these pages will help you make the most of your visit.

An insider’s guide to a Philip Pullman walking tour in Oxford

From Exeter College to the Botanic Garden, explore our insider’s guide to an Oxford walking tour that focuses on British author Philip Pullman known for his bestselling series of books called His Dark Materials.

Insider’s guide to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien walking tour

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are two of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century. Oxford was their home for many years and is still a place where their legacies are celebrated.

An insider’s guide to the contemporary arts venues in Oxford

Oxford is a city steeped in history and culture, but it also boasts several contemporary art venues that showcase exciting and innovative work by emerging and established artists.

An insider’s guide to Harry Potter walking tours in Oxford

A Harry Potter walking tour in Oxford takes you to the real-life locations that inspired and were used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.

An insider’s guide to visiting Oxford

If you’re planning on visiting Oxford or you’ve found yourself in the city, here are our top picks of things to do and places to see.

An insider’s guide to Oxford University and City walking tours

A walking tour of Oxford University and the surrounding city is a popular way to explore the area and learn about its history and culture.

An insider’s guide to walking tour operators in Oxford

There are several walking tour operators in Oxford offering guided walking tours, hybrid bus and walking tour, and self-guided walking tours.

An insider’s guide to walking tours in Oxford – Introduction

Walking tours of Oxford are an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and architecture, and here’s your insider’s guide.

An insider’s guide to punting in Oxford

Punting on the scenic waterways of Oxford city is a relaxing and leisurely way to enjoy the river and seeing the city from a different perspective.

An insider’s guide to visiting Oxford University

Here’s your invaluable guide to visiting Oxford University, including what to do and things to see at Oxford University.

Oxfordshire Pitt Rivers Museum

Oxford city centre, oxford castle, 10 must visit places for first time travellers.

Oxfordshire has a rich history spanning centuries. It is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world, Oxford University. The town has a splendid medieval atmosphere that is both charming and irresistible for first time travellers. It also has a number of attractions both medieval and modern that will offer you a truly unique British experience. If you are visiting the place for the first time, it’s important that you have an itinerary prepared in advance or else you might fall short of time.

If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there” Source: Alice in wonderland

Wellbeing and Yoga – Thrupp, Oxfordshire

Here are the top 10 places that you should definitely visit while in Oxfordshire.

Ashmolean Museum, University Of Oxford

Ashmolean Museum

This museum is one of the oldest public museums in the entire country. It is also the most important of the four university museums in the area (The others include Pitt Rivers Museum, Museum of Oxford and Story Museum). It was initially built in order to accommodate Elias Ashmole’s collection of art and antiquities.

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is home to more than 20,000 cultural pieces and art from around the world. It was created in honour of Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers, a lieutenant general cum anthropologist who collected unique cultural pieces from different postings in the British Empire.

Oxford’s Natural History Museum

Photo of Oxford Castle Prison

This castle has been in existence for over 1,000 years making it one of the oldest buildings in UK. It served as a prison during the entire period until its closure in 1996. At the moment, parts of the quarters have been transformed into a hotel (Malmaison Hotel) while the other half is a museum.

The museum part of the castle gives out tours to visitors where they get to learn about the history of the prison and its most prolific inhabitants.

Botanic Garden

The Botanic garden is among the oldest in Britain. It’s located right at the centre of the city centre of Oxford thereby providing a peaceful haven away from the busy streets. It is also home to a number of traditional plants and herbs that have medicinal benefits. During chilly days, the heated greenhouses can provide a place of refuge while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The lily house at the Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford city centre is not as large as some other centres around Britain, however there’s plenty that you can do here. The best starting point when touring the city is from the Carfax intersection where the city’s four streets meet. Some of the best places to visit in the city centre include the Carfax tower, St. Aldate’s church, the town hall and Pembroke College (started in 1624). There are also a number of art galleries that you can visit as well.

Christ Church Building

The building was built in the 12th century and is home to one of the oldest colleges in Britain, Christ Church College. Lewis Carroll, the writer of Alice in Wonderland, once lectured mathematics here. For the millenials, Christ Church College is one of the main locations in Harry Potter films as well as Brideshead Revisited.

Oxford's Christ Church College

St. Giles Street, Oxfordshire

St. Giles Street

If there’s any street worth visiting, then this is the one. You will find the cross that represents the martyr’s memorial spot. It’s the spot where three Christian reformers were burnt at the stake. The event is usually commemorated every year. You will also find the Oxford University Museum of Natural History that houses a number of archaeological and anthropological collections.

Radcliffe Square

The square is a great illustration of the magnificent architecture that existed in medieval times. It is surrounded by the Bodlenian Library built in the 15th century, University church of St. Mary the Virgin and Radcliffe Camera; a trio of architectural jewels. All three places, including the Radcliffe Square, are open to the public.

Oxford's Radcliffe Square

The Market Place and County Hall Christmas lights

Abingdon On Thames

The Abingdon on Thames is a town located on the banks of river Thames. It is home to a number of historic and natural attractions. While here you can visit the Abingdon County Hall Museum, the Benedictine abbey as well as a number of parks located in the area such as Southern Town and Tilley Park.

Sheldonian Theatre

This theatre is located in Broad Street, Oxford. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1664 and serves as the ceremonial hall for Oxford University events. Its 32 panel ceiling was redecorated and refurbished using the 32 original colours that were used by the original designer, Christopher Wren.

You can also check out other places that you can visit from this list made by the lads at PlanetWare.

Sheldonian Theatre (Oxford, England)

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14 Best Things To Do In Oxford, Mississippi

The North Mississippi college town of Oxford, Mississippi is a destination for culture, dining, and more.

Things To Do On Campus

Things to do off-campus, where to eat, where to stay.

Life in Oxford may be in tune with the seasons and semesters of The University of Mississippi, but it is no ordinary college town. It is a literary town, a food town, a music town, an historic town, an art town. Equally celebrated for college sports and its cultural scene, this place attracts all kinds of residents, creating a vibrant community unlike any other.

When you consider the stately old homes (including Rowan Oak, the former residence of William Faulkner), a charming town square packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and welcoming locals , you’ve got a pretty ideal place to live or to visit. Unlike most  small towns , there’s more to discover in Oxford than you can fit into a single weekend. Which is a good thing, because after one visit, you’ll definitely be back. Read on for the best things to do while you're visiting Oxford, Mississippi.

Tour The University Of Mississippi

This North Mississippi town’s academic roots run deep. In 1837, it incorporated and named itself after Oxford, England, with the hope that it would also be home to a great university one day. About 10 years later, The University of Mississippi opened, and in time, Oxford became the South’s quintessential college town. For 110 years, it was the state’s only comprehensive university, and it was also one of the first in the South to admit and hire women. Today, Oxford—on campus and off—reflects the diversity and creativity of our region.

It's a beautiful campus, and a stroll among Ole Miss's sprawling acres of magnolia trees and live oaks is well worth your time. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon admiring the gorgeous landscape of the university. Visit the Lyceum, the gorgeous Ionic Greek Revival-style administration building completed in 1848, which was utilized as a hospital during the Civil War.

olemiss.edu

Get Lost In History At The University Of Mississippi Museum

While you're on campus, visit the University of Mississippi Museum to dive deeper into the history of the school, Mississippi, and beyond. View one-of-a-kind exhibitions and participate in educational activities hosted by the museum.

museum.olemiss.edu , University Ave. & S. 5th St., Oxford, MS 38655

See William Faulkner's Home

While you are at the museum, take a 30-minute peaceful walk on Bailey Woods Trail over to William Faulkner's Rowan Oak , the former residence of the celebrated author. Originally labeled "The Bailey Place" when Faulkner purchased the home in 1930, he later renamed it Rowan Oak after the rowan tree which symbolized security and peace.

rowanoak.com , 916 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, MS 38655

Spend Game Day At The Grove

If you're looking to experience an Ole Miss game day while in Oxford, do it the right way by setting up your tent at The Grove , a popular tailgating spot where up to 100,000 gather on game days. The Grove is named for the beautiful magnolia, elm, and oak trees it's surrounded by. Arrive early to set up to ensure you get a spot.

olemisssports.com , The Grove, 1848 University Ave., University, MS 38677

Explore The Historic Town Square

Known to locals as "The Square," the Historic Oxford Square is the place to go for wonderful restaurants, shopping, art galleries, bookstores, museums, boutiques, and more. There is something for everyone at The Square. Check out Bottletree Bakery for fresh daily pastries, or hop on over to City Grocery for an "interesting" twist on Southern food and cocktails.

instagram.com , 923 Van Buren Ave, Oxford, MS 38655

Shop At The South's Oldest Store

As the oldest documented store in the South (and the 16th oldest in the nation), Neilson's has a reputation for offering Oxford the latest fashion and specialty gifts. Shop for women's, men's, and children's clothing, or look for a gift for an upcoming celebration. The store located on The Square also sells cosmetics, accessories, and shoes. Feel free to shop till you drop.

neilsonsdepartmentstore.com , 119 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655

Browse The Shelves At Square Books

The South's beloved independent bookstore, and the heart of Oxford's literary scene (on The Square), Square Books regularly attracts a wide range of celebrated authors for readings and signings. (Or tune into Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, the store’s weekly live radio show that features musicians, writers, and other artists.)

squarebooks.com , 160 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 

Admire Local Art

Nearby, Southside Gallery has been a community hub for the visual arts since 1993. Check out their monthly exhibits and participate in one of the frequent artist receptions.

To really experience art in Oxford, join the Oxford Arts Crawl which is hosted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and held on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Besides the Southside Gallery, you will also get to stop by The Powerhouse Community Arts Center, The University of Mississippi Museum, and Gallery 130 in Meek Hall on campus via double-decker bus. Start at any location and wait till the bus comes along.

southsideartgallery.com , 150 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 oxfordarts.com , 413 S 14th St, Oxford, MS 38655 artolemiss.edu , 116 Meek Hall, University, MS 38677-1848

Listen To Live Music At The Lyric Theatre

If it's music you're after, head to the historic Lyric Theatre . The theatre, which has been a staple in Oxford since the late 1800s didn't begin as a theatre. In fact, the now-theatre was first a livery stable owned by William Faulkner's family. In the 1920s, the stable was turned into a theatre for live performances and silent films—and was then when it was named The Lyric Theatre. Later, The Lyric became solely a movie theater, and in 1949, William Faulkner walked from his Rowan Oak to the livery stable from his childhood to watch MGM's "Intruder in the Dust," a movie adaptation of one of his novels.

Today, after an extensive renovation in 2007, The Lyric Theatre is Oxford's center for performing arts —mostly concerts. While you're in town, check out the venue's calendar for events.

thelyricoxford.com , 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford, MS 38655

Go Hiking At Holly Springs National Forest

If you're looking for some rest and recreation, head on out to Holly Springs National Forest for a day surrounded by pine trees and cerulean lakes. Take some lunch with you and eat by one of the lakes, and after, go on a beautiful hike and experience Mississippi wildlife. You can fish and take a boat out on Chewalla Lake, Lake Tillatoba, or Puskus Lake, all lakes within the national forest's 155,000 acres.

fs.usda.gov

Grab A Sandwich Or A Slice

Oxford’s dining scene continues to gain national acclaim. Pop over to James-Beard-semifinalist Saint Leo for wood-fired pizzas and sophisticated small plates. At lunch spot Good Day Cafe, the humble sandwich gets an upgrade. The Good Burger, for instance, uses local ground beef, fried shallots, and house-made pickles and is served on a brioche bun.

eatsaintleo.com , 922 Jackson Ave. East, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 gooddayoxford.com , 766 North Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS, 38655

Nibble Small Bites

Head to Snackbar for raw oysters and a plate of Sweet Potato Chaat, one of chef Vishwesh Bhatt’s glorious international spins on Southern cooking. Wine and tapas bar The Sipp is an ideal spot to sample small plates and an Elderberry Martini.

citygroceryonline.com , 721 North Lamar, Oxford, MS 38655 thesippms.com , 400 S. Lamar Blvd. Suite A2, Oxford, MS 38655

Enjoy Fried Catfish

Ajax Diner specializes in Southern comfort food, like a heaping plate of fresh fried catfish or Mississippi pot roast. Or, for a classic Mississippi experience, head just outside of town to Taylor Grocery, which has long served some of the best fried catfish around.

ajaxdiner.com , 118 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 taylorgrocery.com , 4A Depot Street, Taylor, MS 38673

Sip A Craft Cocktail

Head to Bar Muse for Joseph Stinchcombe’s constantly changing, refreshingly creative takes on craft cocktails. Bar Muse is located inside Lyric Theatre and focuses on locally sourced ingredients that keep in step with the season.

barmuseoxford.com , 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford, MS 38655

Relax In A Boutique Hotel

Newly renovated in 2023, The Oliver Hotel still boasts old-school charm. Rest your head in one of 40 well-appointed rooms and enjoy features like Juliet balconies, a cozy library, and the grand ballroom. Other favorites with a collegiate feel include Hilton's Graduate Oxford and The Inn at Ole Miss.

oliveroxford.com , 425 S Lamar Blvd. Oxford, MS 38655 hilton.com , 400 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655 theinnatolemiss.com , 120 Alumni Drive, University, MS 38677

Rent A Local Cottage

The Z Luxury Rental is a three-bedroom, eclectic cottage located close to Oxford Square. Decorated in olives and pops of pink, you'll feel right at home in this "warm and romantic" abode.

thez-oxford.com , 1405 Pierce Ave., Oxford, MS 38655

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