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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.

VisitOxford

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 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 Humphrey’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 pumped-up tunes.

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

footprints_and_photographs

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.

jlo_conductor

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.

oxfordcastle

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.

Want to know more?

Check out Experience Oxfordshire for top insider tips and travel inspiration.

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

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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.

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The 24 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  Lauren Corona , 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 . 

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Things to see in Oxford

1.  Tour the collections at the Ashmolean Museum

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 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.  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.

4.  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.

5.  Check out a Divine Schism show

What is it? Divine Schism  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. 

6.  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.

7.  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.

8.  Eat brunch at Green Routes

What is it? A cute café with a vegetarian (mostly vegan) menu and excellent coffee from local coffee roastery Routes. 

Why go? Green Routes has a cracking brunch and lunch menu that's plant-based but won't disappoint meat eaters. With whitewashed walls and tons of plants, it's a trendy spot on the already trendy Magdalen Road. Here, you're just off vibrant Cowley Road, which lined with independent shops and great places to eat and drink, so the neighbourhood is well worth checking out too. 

Don't miss: The Number 39 Bap is ridiculously good, as are the pancakes. 

9.  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.

10.  Grab a pint at the Tap Social Taproom

What is it? A local brewery with a penchant for social justice, employing prisoners and prison-leavers, with a trendy taproom in Botley just outside of central Oxford.

Why go? Located a 30-minute walk or short bus ride from the station, in the Botley area of Oxford, Tap Social is a great chance to get away from the bustle of Oxford's busier parts and get the local experience. There's great beer on tap, both from Tap Social itself and other small breweries. You can grab top-notch pizza on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and make sure you check for its weekly events, from movie nights to  comedy and live music. 

Don't miss: T he Market Tap, a smaller Tap Social taproom in Oxford's iconic covered market, if you don't want to venture too far out of the city centre. 

11.  See the city from the water

What is it? An Oxford rite of passage, and a great way to see the city from a different perspective. 

Why Go? Meandering along the river past college buildings and manicured parks is the quintessential way to see Oxford – especially if someone else is doing the punting. Sit back, relax, watch out for stray branches, and make sure you’re the one holding the Pimms and not the pole.

Don’t Miss: Steer clear of the main river where you’ll have to share the water with rowing eights, paddleboarders and fishermen, and stick to the backwaters instead. The best bet is to head up the Cherwell to the Victoria Arms for a pint and a picnic.

12.  Get spooked on a theatrical ghost trail

What is it? An interactive, dramatic and ghoulish tour of Oxford's history with some spooky shenanigans thrown in.   Why go? Possibly one of the most entertaining ways to while away an evening in Oxford, this walking tour is led by costumed actors who lay bare the city’s gruesome past and brutal murders, and conjure up the many spectres that haunt its streets. Hear stories of fallen cavalry and how Dead Man’s Walk got its name before ending up at one of Oxford's most famous pubs.

13.  Travel the world with Oxford Botanic Gardens & 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.

14.  See an indie film at Ultimate Picture Palace

What is it? An old-school, independent cinema beloved by residents of East Oxford showing a mix of indie, classic and mainstream films. Why go? Forget the corporate blandness of cinema chains and go instead to the Ultimate Picture Palace to watch either the latest Hollywood-does-indie film or a brilliant black-and-white classic. Sundays were made for this.

15.  Attend candle-lit Evensong at Magdalen College

What is it? A 40-minute choral service that gives a sneak peek of college life as well as a chance to hear magnificent music.

Why Go? You don’t need to be religious or even musical to appreciate Evensong in an Oxford college chapel. The hushed atmosphere, classical architecture and solemn sense of purpose make an impression long before the first chord is struck. Once the organ gets going and the voices rise, you’ll find the hairs on your neck rising as you’re transported to a hgher spiritual ground.

Don’t Miss: Although many of the Oxford colleges allow members of the public to join Evensong services, Magdalen is known as one of the best.

16.  Tour Oxford’s backwaters by kayak

What is it? A four-hour backwater tour of the city.

Why go? Gliding along the Cherwell and Isis (as the Thames is known locally) you’ll get a totally different perspective on Oxford, sneaking around the back of college walls, peering into leafy greens and getting an engaging lowdown on the history of the city, its bathing places and riverine escapes as you go. The tours are suitable for complete beginners and offer the chance to leave the traffic and tourists behind and see views of the city and its colleges that many locals know nothing about.

17.  Take a tour of The Oxford Artisan Distillery

What is it? Oxford’s first (legal) distillery with a suitably quirky edge, a link to medieval farming and an eye on the future.

Why go? To sip the award-winning spirits of course – vodka, gin and rye whiskey made from heritage grains rescued from a medieval thatched roof and now farmed locally. Follow their journey from seed to still to bottle, hear about ancient methods of farming, see the handmade custom stills Nautilus and Nemo, and savour how it all comes together in silky-smooth spirits with distinctive flavours.

Don’t miss: The distillery’s garden bar sits at the highest point in hilly South Park. Come for a weekend drink and walk the park for views down over the city. 

18.  Follow in Alice’s footsteps at Christ Church

What is it? Oxford’s largest and grandest college, inspiration for Hogwarts and home of Oxford’s cathedral.

Why go? If the magnificent buildings aren’t enough to draw you in, the history of Christ Church should entice you whether you’re a fan of politics, philosophy, science or literature. A quick look at the alumni list reads like a who’s who of world leaders, writers and thinkers. Most of all, though, it’s the connection to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Harry Potter’ that are worth exploring.

Don’t miss: Visit the Great Hall to see the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s rabbit hole (a hidden door used by the dean when late for dinner), Alice’s elongated neck (the long-necked firedogs) and portrait of Henry VIII (which inspired the Queen of Hearts).

19.  Discover your favourite characters at The Story Museum

What is it? A magical museum celebrating storytelling from around the world as well as offering the perfect introduction to Oxford’s literary history.

Why go? To walk through a wardrobe door into Narnia, travel between story worlds, rediscover your favourite book characters and explore an enchanted library where you can wander between shelves and find yourself inside a story. Hands-on, family fun that will transport you into your favourite tales and introduce you to plenty more.

Don’t miss: The museum hosts loads of interesting talks, events and performances, as well as regular workshops, a comic club and adult-only nights of fairy tales for grown-ups.  

20.  Delve into history at Oxford Castle and Prison

What is it? Oxford’s historic castle and prison spans 1,000 years of history and tales of murder, romance, escape and execution.

Why go? It was a grisly lot being a prisoner in Oxford. Between the corrupt warders, plagues of vermin and merciless treatment, it’s no wonder escape attempts were regular. Learn about it all, and the history of the city’s Norman castle, or join a ghost hunt to flush out some of the prison’s former inmates.

Don’t miss: Nip around the side of the prison for a drink in the former visitor’s room, now the bar of a plush Malmaison hotel.

21.  Take in some contemporary art at Modern Art Oxford

What is it? One of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries showing a range of bold, temporary exhibitions by international heavyweights.

Why Go? Small enough for a quick visit but ambitious enough to pull in big names in the art world such as Anish Kapoor and Tracey Emin, MAO rarely disappoints. Its progressive programming and extensive range of workshops and participatory or educational events brings great art to the public in the most accessible ways.

Don’t Miss: The gallery runs a series of workshops alongside its shows, many aimed at children and families. Check out their events guide to see how you can get involved.

22.  Catch a gig at Jericho Tavern

What is it? The pub/music venue where Radiohead first performed a gig, and a mini-mecca for fans of alternative ’90s bands. Why go? Oxford is home to many great pubs, but the Jericho Tavern is one of the most famous – thanks largely to its connection to various bands who took their baby steps in the late 80s/early 90s. Radiohead performed here under the (not-so-good) name of ‘On a Friday’ and Supergrass were signed shortly after gracing the Jericho Tavern stage.

23.  Satisfy your sweet tooth at G&D’s ice-cream cafés

What is it? An Oxford institution, these three independent cafés serve the city’s best ice cream, bagels and brownies. Why go? Proudly independent, locally based and making all deliveries by bike, G&D’s has the feel-good factor as well as scrumptious handmade bakes and ice creams that have earned it generations of loyal followers. Along with sweet treats, you’ll need to be game for cow-themed competitions and hopefully, in time, a return to late-night openings to rival any kebab van.

24.  Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Morse

What is it?  A tour of the Oxford locations – pubs, colleges and streets – familiar to any fan of the Colin Dexter detective series Morse , Lewis and Endeavour . Why go? If neither Hogwarts nor Narnia wet your whistle, then this might be the ticket for you. This tour will take you around the areas Inspector Morse frequented when trying to puzzle his way out of a case. Post-walk pint of ale optional, but probably a must.

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Attractions

The finest oxford attractions.

With a backdrop of wide streets and noble building to multiple movies and TV programmes, Oxford is without doubt one of the most recognisable cities in the UK. If you’re visiting for a day-out or on a short-stay break, explore the city of Oxford and the wider county to discover world-class arts and culture, stunning venues and the finest Oxford attractions.

Listed below are various tourist attractions and things to do in and around Oxford.

DETAILS OF OXFORD ATTRACTIONS

Improve the visibility of your business by listing on oxfordcity.co.uk

Clue The Looking Glass

An immersive, outdoor adventure on the streets of historic Oxford. Part escape room, part treasure hunt, part Crystal Maze. Use an app on your phone to follow the trail of clues across the city. You’ll find intriguing puzzles & secret locations, interact with characters and discover exciting objects you’ll need to use.

CityDays create treasure hunt-style adventures in cities worldwide. Immersive experiences lead teams with clues, riddles and challenges that once unravelled lead them around the city.

Text Quest is a fun way of exploring a city. Your team receive a text with directions to a place and a clue to crack. Reply with the right answer, then get the next clue. You can play against other teams and make it a race, or you can stroll at your own pace and take in the sights.

Oxford Botanic Garden

Founded in 1621, the Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and occupies a world-class position in terms of its history and academic location. Its mission is to share the scientific wonder and importance of plants with the world.

Bate Collection

The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, in the Faculty of Music at Oxford University, houses over 2000 instruments from the Western orchestral music traditions from the Renaissance, through the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and up to modern times.

History of Science Museum

The Museum of the History of Science houses an unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments in the Old Ashmolean on Broad Street. Discover objects associated with such diverse figures as George III, Einstein, and Lawrence of Arabia.

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum holds one of the world’s finest collections of anthropology and archaeology, with objects revealing humankind’s extraordinary problem-solving and craft skills from every continent and throughout human history.

Harcourt Arboretum

Harcourt Arboretum, in the village of Nuneham Courtenay, has the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire set within 130 acres of historic picturesque landscape.

• Next »

Must-see attractions in Oxford

Christ Church

With its compelling combination of majestic architecture, literary heritage and double identity as (parts of) Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, Christ Church…

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…

Ashmolean Museum

Britain’s oldest public museum, Oxford’s wonderful Ashmolean Museum is surpassed only by the British Museum in London. It was established in 1683, when…

Magdalen College

Guarding access to a breathtaking expanse of private lawns, woodlands, river walks and even its own deer park, Magdalen ('mawd-lin'), founded in 1458, is…

Pitt Rivers Museum

If exploring an enormous room full of eccentric and unexpected artefacts sounds like your idea of the perfect afternoon, welcome to the amulets-to-zithers…

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Housed in a glorious Victorian Gothic building, with cast-iron columns, flower-carved capitals and a soaring glass roof, this museum makes a superb…

Radcliffe Camera

Surely Oxford’s most photographed landmark, the sandy-gold Radcliffe Camera is a beautiful, light-filled, circular, columned library. Built between 1737…

Merton College

Founded in 1264, peaceful and elegant Merton is one of Oxford’s three original colleges. Like the other two, Balliol and University, it considers itself…

New College

New College isn’t really that new. Established in 1379 as Oxford’s first undergraduate college, it’s a glorious Perpendicular Gothic ensemble. Treasures…

Oxford Castle and Prison

Little now remains of Oxford Castle, which was built for William the Conqueror in 1071, and largely destroyed after the English Civil War because the…

All Souls College

One of Oxford’s wealthiest and most tranquil colleges, All Souls was founded as a centre of prayer and learning in 1438. Much of its facade dates from…

Brasenose College

Small, select and elegant, Brasenose College was founded in 1509. A Brasenose Hall, belonging to Oxford University, already stood here by 1262, however,…

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

The ornate 14th-century spire of Oxford’s university church is arguably the dreamiest of the city’s legendary ‘dreaming spires’. Otherwise, this is famous…

Museum of the History of Science

Students of science will swoon at this fascinating museum, stuffed to the ceilings with awesome astrolabes, astonishing orreries and early electrical…

Trinity College

Founded in 1555, this small college boasts a lovely 17th-century garden quad, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Its exquisite chapel, a masterpiece of…

Exeter College

Founded in 1314, Exeter is known for its elaborate 17th-century dining hall, which celebrated its 400th birthday in 2018, and ornate Victorian Gothic…

Queen's College

Known for its musical excellence, this college is steeped in esteem and heritage. Although founded in 1341, its main claims to architectural fame are the…

Modern Art Oxford

Showcasing stimulating temporary exhibitions in its bright white airy galleries, and graced with a spacious cafe and a good shop, this excellent museum is…

Bridge of Sighs

As you stroll along New College Lane, look up at the steeped Bridge of Sighs linking the two halves of Hertford College. Completed in 1914, it's sometimes…

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, entered from the quad, doubles, uniquely, as the college chapel and the city’s cathedral. From the 8th century onwards, this site…

Botanic Garden

Stretching beside the River Cherwell, Oxford's small, peaceful botanic garden was founded in 1621 for the study of medicinal plants. The oldest of its…

Port Meadow

Although archeologists have identified traces of Bronze and Iron Age settlements bulging from this marshy Thameside meadow, northwest of Jericho, it has…

Story Museum

Conceived in celebration of Oxford’s unparalleled storytelling heritage, the Story Museum sprawls its way through a courtyard complex that includes…

Weston Library

Opened as the New Bodleian Library by King George VI in 1946, and renamed following a modernist overhaul in 2015, the Weston Library remains an extension…

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Long one of Oxford’s wealthiest colleges, Christ Church has amassed an exceptional art collection. Drawn from the 14th century onwards, it’s displayed in…

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church Meadow, a lush expanse bordered by the Cherwell and Thames (or Isis) rivers, stretches away south and east of Christ Church. It's ideal for…

Church of St Margaret of Antioch

Binsey’s small 12th-century church stands half a mile west of the Thames (and The Perch pub), in a splendid rural setting that’s only slightly marred by…

Sheldonian Theatre

Built from 1663 onwards to provide an appropriately grand setting for the university’s degree ceremonies – a function it still performs – this monumental…

Oxford Union

Famed worldwide as a debating society, and also known for attracting prominent international speakers, Oxford’s legendary Union is largely off-limits to…

Balliol College

Dating its foundation to ‘about’ 1263, Balliol College claims to be the oldest college in Oxford, though its current buildings are largely 19th-century…

St Edmund Hall

Founded at some point before 1317, St Edmund Hall is the sole survivor of Oxford’s original medieval halls, the teaching institutions that preceded the…

St Mary’s Passage

With a doorway sporting a lion’s head knocker, flanked by two golden fawns, this tiny alley is often said to have inspired elements of CS Lewis’ magical…

Carfax Tower

All that remains of St Martin's Church, demolished in 1896, this 13th-century landmark looms over what has been a crossroads for 1000 years. Climb the 99…

Godstow Nunnery

The ruined chapel is all that remains of Godstow Nunnery, on the Thames’ west bank 3 miles northwest of Oxford, near The Trout pub. Founded in 1145 by…

Tolkien’s Resting Place

Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien (1892–1973) is buried with his wife Edith at Wolvercote Cemetery, 2.5 miles north of Oxford city centre. Their…

St Peter's College

As Oxford colleges go, St Peter's is modest in age, size and decoration. Founded in 1929, it comprises a handful of architecturally contrasting buildings…

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

More on England

Visiting Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.

Things to see and do at Oxford University

Oxford is not a campus university, so it is not all located on one site. It is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, colleges and halls, located around the centre of Oxford. Many University buildings, such as gardens, libraries and museums, as well as many of the colleges, are open to visitors during the day, although please note that they may have varying opening hours, fees and rules for groups.

You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the links below:

• Visiting the Colleges
• Visiting Museums, Libraries and Places of Interest
• What's on at the University
• Shopping at the University

To make the most of your visit, bring along a copy of our leaflet, ' Explore the University of Oxford ', which contains a map and information on opening times of colleges, museums and other places of interest. 

Tours of Oxford University

Oxford University does not organise tours but a city walking tour is offered by the Bodleian Libraries in association with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. The tours, all operated by Blue and Green Badge Guides, begin at the beautiful modern Weston Library before heading through the historic and famous streets of the city. Tours take around two hours and can be  booked through the Bodleian Libraries .

A number of independent operators also offer guided tours of Oxford. A range of general and themed tours are available, as are tours by cycle, rickshaw and bus. For a list of tour companies, please visit the  Daily Information  website. 

Please note that all operators are independent of Oxford University. Details are provided here for information only. 

Disabled access

The collegiate University is committed to improving access and is currently continuing to develop its Access guide . As more of our historic buildings are modified the Access guide will become more comprehensive. In the meantime, the Access guide is a helpful first point for information on accessible buildings. Where there are gaps in the information we suggest you contact the places you wish to visit directly.

Information for prospective students

If you're thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree and want to see more of Oxford, our Virtual Open Days are an excellent opportunity to see the University, get to know the city, and meet tutors and students.

Additional information for visitors to the city of Oxford

Experience Oxfordshire  offers advice on walking tours, accommodation, things to do in Oxford, and more.

• History of the University
• Oxford Glossary
• Oxford people

Special offers for alumni

Make sure to bring your Alumni Card with you and see our special offers on the Alumni website

Accommodation in Oxford

• Accommodation at the University and the Colleges
• Visit Oxfordshire - where to stay
• TripAdvisor - hotels near Oxford University

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Oxford Travel Guide (Practical tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

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.

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.

• Oxfordshire museums
• Country houses and gardens
• University of Oxford
• Family days out
• Entertainment
• Walks in Oxfordshire
• Oxford and Oxfordshire
• Oxford university colleges to visit
• Rainy day ideas
• Afternoon tea
• Best restaurants
• Brewery and distillery tours
• Hospitality guide
• A weekend in Oxford
• Great outdoors
• The Cotswolds
• South Oxfordshire
• The Ridgeway Trail
• Harry Potter
• Inspector Morse
• Downton Abbey
• Midsomer Murders
• Arts and culture
• England's historic cities
• Fresh Air and freedom
• Time together
• Escape the everyday in Oxfordshire
• Only in Oxfordshire
• What's on in Oxfordshire
• Submit an event
• Special offers
• Oxfordshire hotels
• B&Bs and guesthouses
• Chipping Norton
• Henley-on-Thames
• Wallingford
• Travelling to Oxford and around Oxfordshire
• Attraction tickets
• Accessible Oxford guide
• Oxford Official Walking Tours
• Cotswold tours
• Car, bus and coach tours
• Walking, library and museum tours
• Book experiences
• Venue finding service
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Top 10 Things to Do in Oxford and Oxfordshire

A trip to Oxfordshire wouldn’t be complete without seeing these  top 10 attractions . Start your sightseeing in Oxfordshire now with these popular spots!

Go shopping at Bicester Village

Shop ’til you drop at Bicester Village – a luxury shopping destination home to more than 160 world-famous brands, from Swarovski to Saint Laurent, offering year-round savings on the recommended retail price. It’s the ultimate shopping experience!

Explore the beautiful Blenheim Palace

Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting stunning Baroque architecture and over 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland to explore.

Learn about the world-renowned University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is made up of 38 independent colleges, including the magnificent Christ Church, and their historic buildings can be found all over the city. See famous University buildings such as the Radcliffe Camera and Sheldonian Theatre on an Oxford Official Walking Tour – the best way to see the city.

Visit the famous Ashmolean Museum

Visit the world’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean Museum . Home to important collections of art and artefacts ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, there is something for everyone. Also don’t miss Oxford University’s gardens, libraries and museums .

Step back in time at Oxford Castle & Prison

Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle & Prison . Step back in time with their costumed guided tours, descend into the atmospheric crypt of St George’s Chapel and climb St George’s Tower to enjoy 360° panoramic views of the city’s dreaming spires.

Explore Oxford's Waterways

No visit to Oxford is complete without visiting the city’s waterways – the mighty  River Thames , which flows through to London, the River Cherwell  and the historic  Oxford Canal , now over 200 years old. There is so much to do on the river, from walks with incredible riverside views to punting at Cherwell Boathouse and boat cruises with Salter’s Steamers or Oxford River Cruises .

Book an Oxford Official Walking Tour

Explore Oxford on foot with a skilled and knowledgeable guide from Oxford Official Walking Tours . See famous filming locations used in Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, and the University’s most famous buildings: the Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bodleian Library.

Discover the historic Cogges Manor Farm

Discover traditional Cotswolds life at  Cogges Manor Farm , a 17th Century farmstead with museum and café, featured as Yew Tree Farm in Downton Abbey. Explore over 17 acres of naturally beautiful grounds, the walled garden, picnic orchard, moated islands and river Windrush walk and meet their friendly animals!

Go shopping at Westgate Oxford

Make shopping inspirational, exciting and fun at Westgate Oxford shopping centre – the major retail and lifestyle destination in the centre of Oxford is home to prestigious global brands plus eclectic restaurants, a five-screen boutique cinema and sophisticated rooftop bars and dining. For healthy Vietnamese food, head to   Pho on the rooftop terrace.

Visit the unique Bicester Heritage

Bicester Heritage  is the UK’s first business campus dedicated to historic motoring excellence and an established national centre for the industry. It’s based at the best-reserved WW2 RAF Bomber Station in the UK, in Bicester in the north of Oxfordshire.

More great things to do

The Oxford Artisan Distillery

City Sightseeing Oxford Open-Top Bus Tours

Crocodiles of the World

Waterperry Gardens

Kelmscott Manor

Fairytale Farm

Finest Hour Experiences

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Sheldonian Theatre

The Oxfordshire Museum

The Sky Wave Distilling Co.

Bicester Heritage

The Henley Distillery

River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames

Christ Church

Didcot Railway Centre

New Theatre Oxford

Museum of Oxford

Junkyard Golf Club

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Places to visit in Oxford

A skyline of dreaming spires, domed theatres and college gargoyles, Oxford inspires. Chain up your bike outside university colleges to peek past the porters onto quadrant lawns. The last time we counted there were 38. Pack up picnics for pauses in wonderful attractions including deer parks, meadow flood plains and exotic botanic gardens in this central-southern city. Be brave and try punting while you’re visiting for the weekend. It's the best way to see the River Isis in all its glory. After dark squeeze into side-street city pubs with rowdy students or master the arts at fringe theatres.

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Best things to do on a city break in Oxford

The medieval metropolis of Oxford revolves around its prestigious university, dating all the way back in the 12th century, though there’s so much more to Oxford than meets the eye.

Romantic punting on the River Cherwell

Ever watched people punting and felt you’d like to have a go? Pick up a few tips at Cherwell Boathouse, grab the pole and off you go.

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

Rainy Day Activities: Visit the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford

All the great civilizations of the world are represented in the Ashmolean Museum’s collections; escape the rain for a whole day, or pop in for five minutes for a quick browse.

Explore the city with Oxford Official Walking Tours

The fantastic walking tours are the perfect way to explore and learn about the history, famous residents and odd traditions of this unique city.

Get close to nature at Oxford Botanic Garden

Pack your picnic and plan a day out at Oxford’s Botanic Garden where there is always something interesting to see in the gardens.

Go on a tour of Oxford University

A host of famous alumni and one... Harry Potter?

Plan a romantic escape to Malmaison Oxford

Enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries in a converted prison on a romantic break in Oxford.

Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison

Step back in time with costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life.

Eat and drink by the riverside, at The Trout pub, Wolvercote

Sample local Oxfordshire food at this famously good pub on the banks of the River Thames.

Location: Wolvercote, Oxford

Rainy Day Activities: Explore Oxford's Museum of Natural History

Delve into Oxford University’s scientific archives, housed inside one of the city's most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings.

Lights, camera, Oxford – a screen tour to remember

From Inspector Morse to Harry Potter, don't miss a stop on this trip through Oxford's greatest screen moments.

Drink a beer at The Bear Inn – Oxford’s oldest pub

Sit back, relax and sample the cask ales and pub grub at Oxford’s oldest drinking hole.

August events: Oxford Foodies Festival

Feeling hungry? Eat and drink your way around one of the UK’s biggest food festivals.

Location: Oxford South Parks, Oxfordshire

Spend an afternoon in the gardens of The Fishes pub

Eat away the afternoon at the Fishes, a serious gastropub with beautiful views in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Location: North Hinksey, Oxford

Recreate the real Alice in Wonderland’s river trip

Take an Oxford River Cruise trip along the Thames just like the real Alice in Wonderland many years ago.

Join Bill Spectre on his award winning Ghost Trail

Dressed as a Victorian undertaker, Bill will lead you through the streets of this pretty city lifting the lid on this great seat of learning.

Escape to a country cottage in picturesque Oxfordshire

Oxford Country Cottages are situated on Lower Farm in Noke in a stunning courtyard garden.

Discover heritage and luxury in the heart of Oxford

Uncover the history of Oxford Castle Quarter, and then relax at the luxurious Macdonald Randolph Hotel on a city break in historical Oxford.

Enjoy a romantic escape to Broughton Castle

Stroll hand in hand through the beautiful gardens and grand Elizabethan manor of Broughton Castle on a romantic break in Oxford.

Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire

July events: Alice's Day

Rediscover the charm of Wonderland with a fun-packed day of events on Oxford’s unique Alice’s Day.

Discover beautiful Oxfordshire on a cycling holiday

The Carter Company's tours are authentic travel experiences, giving you the chance to discover hidden gems and local secrets across Oxfordshire.

Enjoy elegant riverside dining at The Folly

Enjoy alfresco dining whilst taking in views of the river at The Folly in Oxford, followed by a cruise aboard one of the river boats moored outside.

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Other historic cities to visit.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Immerse yourself in everything Shakespeare in this riverside market town. Start your days behind the scenes at his timbered birthplace museum or at his wife's quaint thatched cottage.

A grand gothic cathedral, Viking heritage and Roman city walls. York is quite literally steeped in history. This North Yorkshire city can be seen from every angle.

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Visit Oxford

Oxford is a wonderful place to visit. It is home to magnificent architecture and history, famous literary figures and unique traditions. Visit the Experience Oxfordshire website to find out about things to do, where to stay and planning your trip to the city of dreaming spires.

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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. 

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:

Other experiences:

Can’t see this widget? Use this link instead.

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’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

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghost of Amy Robsart at Cumnor Place

Oxford ghost stories: the ghostly librarian at duke humfrey’s library.

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Phantom Cavalier of St. John’s College

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Spirit of Sir Thomas Bodley

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghostly Choir of New College

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.

Visiting The Uffington White Horse from Oxford – Full Guide

If you’re visiting Oxford and like history, you should definitely consider visiting this 3,000-year-old white horse hill figure in Uffington!

Are Oxford Students Allowed To Work? Guidelines & Restrictions

Oxford students are generally allowed to work, but there are some restrictions and guidelines they must follow. Here’s what they say.

All of Oxford’s Michelin Star Guide Restaurants (Ranked!)

Oxford boasts several restaurants recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, offering a diverse array of cuisines and fine ingredients.

Oxford’s Top 5 Modern Buildings for Architecture Enthusiasts

Oxford is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, but it also boasts several modern buildings that are worth seeing.

Everything You Need to Know to Visit Blenheim Palace From Oxford

Located just a short distance from Oxford, Blenheim Palace stands as one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. Here’s how to visit!

In the Footsteps of Genius: Oscar Wilde’s Oxford Journey

The celebrated playwright, poet, and novelist attended Oxford University. Explore the historic sites that shaped Wilde’s academic years.

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:

St Hugh’s College

One of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, St Hugh’s College is situated on St Margaret’s Road, north of the city centre.

Wolfson College

Wolfson College is an all-graduate college affiliated with the University of Oxford in England, located near the River Cherwell.

Jesus College

Jesus College is in the centre of the city of Oxford, on a site between Turl Street, Ship Street, Cornmarket Street and Market Street.

Somerville College

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

Linacre College

Oxford University’s Linacre College is one of the most diverse for both sexes: Its students represent 133 different countries.

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:

Afternoon Tea at Oxford’s Grand Cafe

The Oxford Grand Café is placed on the site of the first coffee house in England. Today, it’s considered an Oxford institution.

The Turl Street Mitre Hotel

The Turl Street Mitre Hotel offers both 17th-century charm and modern comfort for those visiting Oxford.

Junk Yard Golf Club Oxford

Junk Yard Golf Club has three mashed-up golf courses in their awesome Oxford venue.

The King’s Arms

The King’s Arms is one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. It first opened its doors in 1607!

Turf Tavern

The Turf Tavern in Oxford is hidden way and accessed only by two small alleys. However, don’t be tricked by its humble entrance. The Turf Tavern has been around since

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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Oxford Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Oxford is a charming, historic city located just a short ride from London . The city is famed for its prestigious university, which is one of the oldest in the world (it was founded in the 11th century).

Oxford first earned fame in the Middle Ages as a hub for theological learning. It then expanded into medicine and law. Today, the university is home to over 24,000 students and you can study with the best and brightest in pretty much any field here.

While the city can feel stuffy and lacks the cut-loose university town feel that cities like Bristol have, visiting Oxford and seeing the old architecture more than makes up for it.

This Oxford travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you have an amazing visit to the historic city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Oxford

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Oxford

1. Tour Oxford

The University is the main attraction here. 24,000 students study at the famed college and on a visit to Oxford, you can tour fascinating museums, botanical gardens, and relax in the many pristine green spaces around campus. Bodleian Libraries offers guided tours of the university, including the inside of many historic buildings, which have been featured in countless movies over the years (including Harry Potter). They provide a look at university life, the history of the school, the architecture, and more. Tours last a couple of hours and cost 20 GBP.

2. Visit Balliol College

Founded in 1263 by wealthy landowner John I de Balliol, Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges in the University of Oxford. After Balliol’s death, his widow Dervorguilla continued to fund the founding of the college. This college was one of the first to create academic opportunities for women after only admitting men for 700 years and now the walls inside are lined with portraits of female graduates. Four Prime Ministers are alumni of Balliol college, as well as influential philosophers like Adam Smith and Aldous Huxley. It’s a prestigious college within Oxford and has a student body of about 400 who study Biology, English, History, Law, and more.

3. Admire South Park

Located in east Oxford, South Park is the largest park in Oxford, with free admission and a sweeping view of the city, including the university skyline. The land was privately owned until 1932 when the Oxford Preservation Trust acquired it and transformed it into a public park. The park is a favorite spot for photographers and from the highest point you’ll be able to see the towers of Oxford College. Within the park, you’ll find a 19th-century bridge and the Oxford Artisan Distillery. On a nice day, the park is filled with locals getting a tan, playing sports, and lounging. There are also a variety of events held there throughout the year including parades, firework displays, food festivals, and concerts.

4. Stroll under Hertford Bridge

This bridge is known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ because college students sigh under it on their way to take exams, and because it resembles the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. Hertford Bridge has an iconic design and connects the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College. It was completed in 1914 and serves as a convenient link between the two buildings. Visit the nearby Turf Tavern and commiserate with the students over a pint. You’ll be drinking in good company — Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking, and Margaret Thatcher have all paid a visit to Turf Tavern over the years.

5. Visit the Ashmolean Museum

Founded in 1683, this is Britain’s oldest public museum with a focus on art and archeology. It was originally constructed to house a “cabinet of curiosities” that Elias Ashmole donated to the University of Oxford in 1677. Ashmole’s collection was combined with older university treasures that supposedly included Guy Fawkes’ lantern and Jacob’s Coat of Many Colors. It recently went through a renovation in 2009 and displays Ancient Egyptian art, as well as an impressive Eastern Art collection. Today the museum is also working to preserve history, while simultaneously decolonizing the language and practices surrounding certain exhibits. Make sure to see the Amarna Princess Fresco and the Alfred Jewel before you leave. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Oxford

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the first things I do in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land and connect with a local guide. Footprints Tours are run by students and offer a solid introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Admire the University of Oxford Botanical Gardens

When it opened in 1621, the botanical gardens here were the first of their kind in the UK. Today, the collection includes traditional English landscape designs and some of the UK’s oldest redwood trees. There are over 5,000 plant species here spread out over 4.5 acres. Admission is 6.30 GBP and pre-booking is highly recommended to guarantee entry.

3. Shop for snacks at the Covered Market

This historic 250-year-old market has dozens of coffee bars, restaurants, traditional butchers, fish merchants, and independent shops. You’ll be able to find everything from artisanal sausage to sushi. There are a lot of homemade meals served here and it’s the best place to do some cheap shopping for groceries in the city. In addition to food, there are also lots of local vendors selling handmade wares, including clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry.

4. Browse the Bodleian Library

As the main research library of the University of Oxford, the Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second-largest library in the UK (after London’s British Library). Opened in 1602, its English Gothic architecture is gorgeous — so much so that it has served as a set for numerous films, including the first two Harry Potter films (its Divinity School, with its fan-vaulted ceiling and ornate decoration, was used as the Hogwarts hospital wing.) Entry is free and tours start at 9 GBP.

5. Go punting

Punting is a quirky and unique summer activity in Oxford. It’s essentially pushing a small boat around the River Thames or the River Cherwell with a pole. Punting season takes place from mid-March to mid-October when you can rent a boat or hire someone to take you. Rentals cost 30 GBP per hour and can fit up to 5 people.

6. Visit the Museum of Natural History

Established in 1850, this museum holds the University’s scientific collections of zoological, entomological, geological, paleontological, and mineralogical specimens. The exhibits are devoted to the history and diversity of life on Earth. One of their most famous exhibits is the Oxford Dodo. It has the only surviving dodo soft tissue remains in the world as well as a dodo skull (the dodo is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to Mauritius). Admission is free.

7. Learn about medieval life at Oxford Castle Prison

Originally built in the 11th century, visiting this Norman castle prison (which was in operation until 1996) is like stepping back in time. You can descend into a 900-year-old crypt and then climb to the top of Saxon St George’s Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. You’ll also learn about the past residents of the prison and hear stories of their crimes, which range from murder to tyranny to religious rebellion. Admission is by guided tour only and costs 15.25 GBP.

8. Get lost in Blackwell’s Books

For the bookworm, this historic shop is a must. Opened in 1879, it’s home to the Norrington Room, which holds the Guinness Record for the largest bookselling room in the world. Named after Sir Arthur Norrington, a former president of Trinity College, the 10,000-square-foot (929-square-meter) basement is just one of Blackwell’s four floors of books.

9. Take a day trip to Blenheim Palace

This underrated attraction is just 8 miles (12 kilometers) outside of Oxford. Built in the early 18th century, it is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from the amazing Baroque architecture, the rooms are preserved with their original furniture and the grounds include a beautiful garden and a butterfly house. The entire palace is filled with statues, tapestries, priceless furniture and fine china, and huge oil paintings. Highlights include the room in which Winston Churchill was born and the Blenheim Tapestries, which are 10 large tapestries that commemorate the first duke’s conquests. Fun fact: this 17th-century palace is the only non-royal house in the UK that’s still allowed to be referred to as a palace. Admission to the palace, park, and gardens is 35.00 GBP.

10. Have a pint at the student pubs

A lot of Oxford’s energy comes from the huge student population. Around Oxford, you’ll find everything from small, quirky dive bars to romantic cocktail bars. The Eagle and Child pub on St Giles’ street is one of the most famous of Oxford’s pubs. The pub was a popular meeting spot for literary heavyweights like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide

Oxford Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There is currently just one hostel in Oxford and a bed in a dorm with 8 beds costs 35-40 GBP. Free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities are included.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for 14 GBP per night. This gets you a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels that include free Wi-Fi and breakfast start at around 80 GBP per night.

There are lots of Airbnb options available in Oxford. A private room costs at least 25-35 GBP per night, while an entire home/apartment starts around 60-90 GBP per night.

Avoid visiting during alumni weekend (which takes place in September) and the annual Oxford Boat Race, which draws 250,000 visitors around Easter. The city fills up fast and prices rise!

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular here too.

You can eat cheaply in Oxford if you stick to the cafes centered close to the university. Most give discounts to students, and whether you pick up a sandwich, salad, or bagel, you won’t pay more than 9 GBP for a meal (even if you aren’t a student).

You’ll find most student restaurants on and around George Street with small takeaway windows and stands selling everything from falafel to burritos. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 GBP for a combo meal while a pint at a pub costs around 5 GBP.

A personal pizza can cost as little as 5.55 GBP while Chinese food costs around 8 GBP for a meal.

Expect to pay 12 GBP for a meal at an inexpensive casual restaurant, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs 25 GBP per person, including a drink.

If you’re cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s.

Backpacking Oxford Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Oxford, expect to spend about 70 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, public transit, limiting your drinking, cooking your own meals, and doing mostly free attractions like hanging out in the parks and exploring Oxford University. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 GBP per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of 140 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room or private hostel room, eating out for most of your meals, taking the occasional taxi, enjoying a few drinks, and doing some paid activities like a guided tour of Oxford or going punting.

On a “luxury” budget of about 240 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or bike to explore, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Oxford Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

As one of the UK’s biggest university towns, Oxford has many free and low-cost things to do. With plenty of cheap pubs, student-focused restaurants, and lots of public spaces, cutting your costs and saving money is easy here. Here are my top ways to save money when you visit Oxford:

• Take a free walking tour – One of the best ways to learn about Oxford is with a free walking tour. Footprints Tours runs free walking tours that can introduce you to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!
• Cook your own food – Like elsewhere in the UK, eating out in Oxford will destroy your budget. Cook as much as you can to save money.
• Eat cheap food – If you do plan on eating out, head out to neighborhoods outside the city center, where most of the students live. Stick to fast food and take-out joints for the cheapest options.
• Bike or walk everywhere – Oxford is not a large city so you can pretty much walk or bike everywhere. Skip the taxis and public transportation if you can.
• See the student theater – You can see cheap and cutting-edge student theater for a couple of pounds at the Burton Taylor Studio (near the bus station). It’s a small theater, but because it hosts student and independent productions, you can find a good deal on the ticket prices — even for last-minute tickets.
• Stay in an Oxford University dorm – When classes aren’t in session, it’s possible to stay in a dorm on the university campus. Exeter College is located in the center of the city and offers bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation in the dormitory. Rooms are only available during the Easter, summer, and winter vacations. (Not currently available due to COVID).
• Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget you’ll definitely want to try Couchsurfing . It’s a great way to cut costs while connecting to the local scene. Many students are away in the summer, however, so be sure to apply early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Oxford

Oxford currently has just one operational hostel. Fortunately, it’s a good one!

• Central Backpackers

How to Get Around Oxford

The easiest way to get around Oxford, especially if you stick to the central tourist areas, is by walking. Oxford is compact enough to get around on foot.

Bus – There is an extensive bus network through Oxford to get around if you choose to take public transportation. Three separate bus companies operate public transport in Oxford, with single trip fares as low as 1.20 GBP and day passes costing around 3.90 GBP.

Bicycle – Oxford is very bike-friendly if you stick to the bike paths. Pony Bikes and Donkey Bikes are dockless bike companies operating in Oxford, meaning the bikes can be picked up and left anywhere on the sidewalk. Download and rent directly from their respective apps.

If you’d rather pay for a full day of access, you can rent a bike from Summertown Cycles for as little as 18 GBP for your first day (6 GBP for each following day). Brompton Bike Hire offers folding bikes for 5 GBP per day, which you can pick up from the self-serve bike locker next to Oxford Station.

Taxi – Taxis cost around 4.60 GBP to start and 2.40 GBP per mile, but the price depends on the time of day and traffic. You can also use an app like MyTaxi to order your ride. Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Uber – Uber is available in Oxford, but again, walking or cycling are the easiest way to get around in the compact city so I’d skip them if you can.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. Keep in mind you’ll be driving on the left and that most cars have a manual transmission. Drivers need to be at least 21 and have had their license for at least one year.

When to Go to Oxford

Summer (July-August) is peak tourism season in Oxford, and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely do they go above 22°C (72°F). It’s perfect weather for exploring, punting, and relaxing in the many parks.

Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit as the city is abuzz with student life and temperatures are mild. This is my favorite time to visit.

Winter lasts from December through February, and tourism crowds thin out dramatically during this time. Temperatures can dip below freezing, and prices are slightly lower. The days are cold and grey, however, so I wouldn’t suggest visiting during this time if you can avoid it.

How to Stay Safe in Oxford

Oxford is safe and the risk of violent crime is low. The biggest risk here is petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in the busy student pubs and clubs (however, it’s still quite rare).

Solo travelers, including female travelers, should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re partying in the student pubs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit alleys and pathways when heading home. Pickpockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and keep your valuables tucked away.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Oxford Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Oxford Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

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The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

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Home » Europe » England » 31 Things to Do in Oxford, England

31 Things to Do in Oxford, England

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 19, 2024

Within a minute of stepping foot on High Street, it’s clear why Oxford, England, is called the City of Dreaming Spires. Its towers reaching skyward, the arches and vaults of the colleges, the gargoyles that peer out from medieval roof lines—the whole effect is intoxicating. Beyond the University and its beautiful buildings, it is also a city filled with world-class museums, fun pubs, and great sites to explore. There are lots of fun things to do in Oxford, and every time we return, we discover something new.

Oxford holds a special place in my heart because I spent a month living here as part of a program for high school students the summer I was 17. At the university, I met new people from all over the US and the world, immersed myself in British life, and explored what to do in Oxford, London, and beyond. It was the place that made me want to become a traveler.

It took me 20 years to return to this place, but now I can’t stay away, and I’ve gotten Lance love it, too. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to see and do in Oxford.

Tour Christ Church

See radcliffe camera, have afternoon tea, visit the ashmolean museum, go punting on the thames, see the bridge of sighs, buy a souvenir at alice’s shop, explore the museum of natural history, visit pitt rivers museum, stroll the university of oxford botanic garden, go to choral evensong, have a pint at turf tavern, tour oxford castle & prison, see the exhibits at weston library, visit the colleges of oxford university, have cocktails in jericho, shop at covered market, see the harry potter sites, play a game at thirsty meeples, grab a snack at g&d’s, step into fantasy land at the story museum, try out the oxford artisan distillery, visit blenheim palace, explore modern art oxford, tour the bodleian library, see the sheldonian theatre, shop at bicester village, see the headington shark, visit tolkien’s grave, see the christmas market.

Christ Church is probably the most well-known of the colleges of Oxford University. Not only are its buildings remarkable, but the college has educated philosophers and world leaders for centuries. If you only have time to visit one college, Christ Church is worth it.

Christ Church was founded in 1546, and walking through its halls, you feel every bit of that history. I first visited here in high school, and the majesty of its Tom Tower, the richness of the stained glass in its cathedral, and the image of its portrait-lined dining hall were some of my most vivid memories. They are just as brilliant now as they were then.

After visiting the college’s quads and buildings, you can wander through the Christ Church Memorial Gardens or head a few steps away to Christ Church Meadow, a popular spot for picnicking, walking, and relaxing.

Thanks to the college’s appearance in Harry Potter , Christ Church is one of the top places to visit in Oxford, and it’s very popular. As a result, you need to book timed tickets in advance , which requires planning ahead. In the fall, my self-guided visit was leisurely. However, when I found myself alone in a normally popular location in the college, one of the guards mentioned that 30 people per minute move through in the summer.

For one of the best views in the city, head to Radcliffe Square. The sides of the square are formed by magnificent buildings, including the medieval University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , the renowned Bodleian Library, and the 15th-century All Souls College. The circular library in the middle of the square, Radcliffe Camera, is a standout among the city’s architectural wonders.

I’m always a sucker for a skyline. So, while the view on the ground is lovely, heading up the tower at St. Mary’s is one of my favorite Oxford activities.

At 127 steps, the climb is fairly tame compared to many other towers in Europe. Along the way, you can pause to see the mechanisms of the 300-year-old clock. At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of spires, towers, and amazing gargoyles . I have made the climb more than once because it’s so stunning.

To see inside the Radcliffe Camera, you’ll need to take one of the guided tours that lets you explore the reading rooms and more. Tickets are available two weeks in advance. Also, don’t miss the interior of St. Mary’s, which dates predominantly from the later 15th and early 16th centuries. It is free to visit without the tower ticket.

See Radcliffe Camera and other famous sites on a small-group walking tour . For a private tour, check out this highly-rated option .

You can’t spend any amount of time in England without having a proper afternoon tea. One of my favorite places to go in Oxford for tea is the The Grand Café on High Street. It bills itself as the oldest coffee house in England , established around 1650. Options range from simple scones with jam and clotted cream to the “Grand High Tea,” with sandwiches, scones, petit fours, and champagne. Across the street, The Rose has similarly old roots and is also a solid choice.

The oldest public museum in England, the Ashmolean was founded in 1683 to house a massive collection of art and archaeological artifacts.

The collection spans everything from ancient Egypt to modern China with such impressive artifacts as Guy Fawkes’s lantern, a Stradivarius violin, and Michelangelo’s studies for the Sistine Chapel. One of my favorite sights was the huge deerskin mantle (a cloak) of Native American leader Powhatan—it dates from the early 1600s at the time of the first contact between the native tribes and colonizers.

Once you’ve finished visiting the museum’s collections, which are some of the most impressive things to see in Oxford, head upstairs to the rooftop restaurant for a snack, afternoon tea, or even a Sunday roast. You’ll find not only good food but gorgeous views of the city. Advanced booking is recommended.

Admission to the Ashmolean is free, so it’s hard to think of a better place to spend time, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Cutting through the city, the River Thames (locally called The Isis) is a central feature of the city. When the weather is good, going punting is one of the best things to do in Oxford from spring through early fall.

Punting –cruising down the river in a flat-bottomed boat propelled by your own effort and a wooden pole–is best enjoyed when you have several spare hours to learn to do it properly. It can be a bit of a workout, so it’s also a good idea to make sure your route includes a pub. Luckily, one of the boathouses has a pub on-site, so you can still have a pint even if your punting efforts don’t get you as far as you’d like.

One of the most photographed sites in the city, the unique Bridge of Sighs is officially named Hertford Bridge. Its nickname supposedly comes from its similarity to the more famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice. The walkway joins two buildings of Hertford College over New College Lane, and you can frequently see people crossing between the two while others pause in the street below for selfies.

Alice in Wonderland is just one of the classic stories dreamed up in Oxford. Written by Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll), a lecturer at Christ Church, and inspired by the college dean’s 10-year-old daughter Alice, the story has captivated readers for over 150 years. Alice’s Shop is the perfect place for lovers of the tale.

The shop itself—a small, 15th-century building—was a candy store in the days Dodgson and Alice wandered here, and it even makes an appearance in the book as the old sheep’s shop. Now, Alice fans can find a wide variety of Wonderland-themed items from umbrellas and plates to postcards, jewelry, and, of course, books.

The dodo is a creature that lives in people’s imaginations. It’s used as everything from a cautionary tale of extinction to a cartoonish presence in Alice’s wonderland. It’s been gone for over 350 years, so I never considered that any evidence of it still existed. But it does at Oxford’s Museum of Natural History .

The parts of the dodo, which likely died about 1662, are just one of the remarkable specimens at this free museum. It’s fitting for a place that also hosted one of the most famous debates about Charles Darwin’s research and his theory of evolution.

Although the dodo remains aren’t generally visible to the public, a replica and the bird’s story can be seen alongside the seemingly infinite number of dinosaur skeletons, elephant bones, and taxidermied animals that fill the unique space.

Each case and panel has detailed information about the different species, and there are lots of ongoing public events, tours, and workshops to teach adults and children. One thing I found particularly interesting at the museum was the number of panels dedicated to highlighting the research contributions of female scientists, who may or may not have previously gotten the credit they deserved.

The Pitt Rivers Museum is a collection of the interesting and unusual from around the world. It was founded in 1884 when General Augustus Pitt Rivers, a noted ethnologist and archaeologist, gave his vast collection to Oxford University.

The museum houses more than 500,000 objects, photographs, and documents from nearly every country and throughout every age in human history.

The displays are organized by type of artifact rather than the more common organization by geographical region or time period. This means that there are collections of masks, weapons, writing tools, musical instruments, jewelry, and many other objects that show how different cultures solved the same problems over time. Among the most unique artifacts are the towering totem pole from British Columbia and the museum’s collection of shrunken heads.

Like the Ashmolean and the Museum of Natural History, seeing the Pitt Rivers Museum is one of the best free things to do in Oxford. It adjoins the Museum of Natural History, so it’s convenient to visit both at the same time.

Founded in 1621, the botanic garden at the University of Oxford is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. The compact and diverse collection features a walled garden and glasshouses with plants and flowers from across the globe. This beautiful setting is said to have inspired Oxford professors and authors Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien as they created the fantastical worlds of Alice in Wonderland and The Lord of the Rings .

Attending Choral Evensong is a perfect opportunity to hear glorious music in glorious buildings. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the skillful singing and sumptuous interiors of the chapels, many of which date back at least 300 years.

Every evening during the school term, many chapel choirs at the Oxford colleges and select parish churches offer Choral Evensong, a service which is almost entirely sung and open to anyone who wishes to attend. The 45-minute service features typical hymns sung by the congregation as well as musical presentations by the choir.

Evensong is available throughout Oxford at many different locations depending on the day . I opted to attend the Sunday night service at Christ Church Cathedral, which has been home to a choir of some sort since 1526. The music and setting were as beautiful as I had hoped, and attending the service gave me limited access to the college grounds and the cathedral itself. If you’re interested in visiting Christ Church but don’t have time for the tour (or don’t want to pay), attending Evensong will let you see the cathedral and walk through the famous quad for free.

Well-hidden among ancient buildings is the Turf Tavern , an historic, 400-year-old pub that still fills with locals and students every night of the week. Thanks to its long history, the pub has welcomed British celebrities from C.S. Lewis to Tony Blair, and it’s the location where Bill Clinton famously “did not inhale” when he was studying here. Signs all over the pub tell visitors about interesting events in the establishment’s past.

The Turf Tavern is a bit tricky to find down the small St. Helen’s Passage at the end of a winding alley, but once you get there, you find an authentic and traditional pub experience. You can grab a pint at the bar and order fish and chips or opt for a gin and tonic and spicy grilled halloumi under the umbrellas outside. Either way, a visit to the Turf Tavern is a good time. It’s a must see.

Originally built in 1071, Oxford Castle has a long history as both a castle and a prison . Over the years, it served as everything from a point of defense to a court and execution site. On a tour, visitors can see the crypt and prison and learn the stories of prisoners who were held—and ultimately put to death—here. You can also climb up St. George’s Tower for great views of the city.

One of the interesting free things to do in Oxford is to visit the Weston Library . Part of the Bodleian Library complex, it holds some of the University’s rare manuscripts and millions of published works belonging to the school.

Though much of the Weston is accessible only to students and scholars, its public exhibition rooms are free to visit. They host a range of special exhibits on everything from maps of the world to the art of advertising over the centuries. All of the topics are presented in an engaging way, featuring rare artifacts, multimedia displays, and interactive elements.

I’ve mentioned Christ Church several times because it’s unique among the Oxford colleges and a place I happen to love, but there are 37 other beautiful colleges with outstanding architecture and remarkable history. Many of them are open to the public and easy to visit if you’re aware of their opening hours.

Every afternoon, guests can visit the iconic buildings of Exeter College, which has a great view of Radcliffe Square. The alma mater of J.R.R. Tolkien, Exeter still displays a bust of one of its most prominent alumni. New College and its stunning garden are open daily, as is the gorgeous Balliol College, which dates from 1263. The stained glass (and other grand features) are also available for visiting at All Souls College, Magdalen College (pronounced like maudlin ), and a myriad of other buildings.

Check this list for opening times. And, whatever you do, don’t walk on the grass.

A short walk from the center is the Jericho neighborhood. Known for its cool restaurants, cafes, and independent businesses, it’s a great place to come for craft cocktails and a fun night out.

Our favorite spot is Raoul’s , both for its classic cocktails and its own creations. Raoul’s makes their bitters and syrups on-site and does everything with a little bit of flare. We also love the stylish Toby’s Cocktail Bar .

Fresh produce, unique jewelry, and to-die-for milkshakes are just a few of the things available in the historic Covered Market . Opened in 1774, it has been home to traders ever since and is full of unique and vibrant shops and stalls.

From snickerdoodle to triple chocolate chunk, don’t miss the offerings at Ben’s Cookies, and make sure to stop by The Cake Shop to see the dramatic fondant creations coming to life. Sasi’s Thai and Pieminister are our favorite stops for lunch at the market.

If you think that Oxford feels a lot like Hogwarts, you’re not wrong. There’s good reason for that—not only do the grand buildings of the wizarding school echo Oxford’s Gothic and Romanesque architecture, but some of the movies’ scenes were filmed with the University as a backdrop.

We love Harry Potter and have visited the studios outside London , so scouting out the locations was a no-brainer. Luckily, it’s easy to put together your own tour of Harry Potter-related sites.

A trip to the Divinity School will find you standing in the bright Hogwarts infirmary, and the cloisters within New College are the same hallways Harry and his friends walked in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Duke Humfrey’s Library is the setting for the Hogwarts library in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone .

At Christ Church, the ornate Bodley Tower staircase will be familiar to fans of the movies, and it’s easy to see how the nearby Great Hall inspired the enchanted Hogwarts dining hall where so much of the movies’ action happens.

England’s first board game café, Thirsty Meeples , is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for something different to do. Packed floor-to-ceiling with more than 2,000 games, it’s hard to think of something this place doesn’t have.

For a modest cover charge, you can spend several hours playing with friends or go on your own to make new friends on their Tuesday night open gaming nights. Order a smoothie, a cocktail, or a sandwich while you plan your next Jenga move or search your memory bank for that illusive Trivial Pursuit answer.

Every day is a good day for ice cream, and G&Ds is the place to get it. There are three stores around the city with the G&D’s Cafe moniker (technically George & Danver, George & Davis, and George & Delila, if you’re as confused by that as I was). They specialize in natural homemade ice cream and baked goods, and they offer cafe items like bagel pizzas and salads.

My lunch there was good, but the ice cream is really the standout. With flavors like bananarama, t’was mint to be, road to Reeses, and super #?*! chocolate, you’re in for a treat.

In a city with as much literary history as Oxford, a place like The Story Museum fits in perfectly. This adorable museum is the fantasy of any kid or adult who loves make-believe or a well-crafted tale. There are opportunities for dress-up, exhibits about authors and their works, and interactive storytelling sessions with games and props.

The opportunity to activate your imagination is everywhere at the Story Museum—the restroom door has a warning about Moaning Myrtle, the front window has an advertisement for 101 Dalmatians, and there are many other subtle literary references. In the museum’s café and quirky gift shop, there is a range of food, books, and story-inspired items.

The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) is a grain-to-glass distillery focusing on gins and other spirits. They use a variety of interesting, Oxford-inspired ingredients to develop unique flavor profiles in their products, and everything is sourced from within 50 miles. The Ashmolean gin is inspired by the museum’s collections (and sold there, too), and the Physic gin is made for the University using botanicals sourced from and inspired by the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden. TOAD’s other spirits have similarly local stories.

The distillery offers several different tour options. The standard tour lets visitors see how the vodka, gin, absinthe, and whiskey are made from scratch, and the whisky tour goes even deeper into the distillery’s science and mission. Either option is great if you love craft distilleries like we do. Booking ahead is recommended.

Only a half-hour bus ride from the city center, Blenheim Palace makes an easy trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the early 1700s as the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough who still live there today. It was also the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and an exhibition here traces his career and life of service to Britain.

The public can tour the sumptuous interior of Blenheim Palace and have afternoon tea in the Orangery. The grounds feature formal gardens, pleasure gardens, and cascading Italian-inspired fountains that remind me of the grand fountains at Villa Tivoli near Rome .

Throughout the year, the Palace has a variety of special events and themed presentations. We visited near Christmas and saw the Palace transformed into Alice’s Wonderland along with a magnificent light trail around the grounds.

Modern Art Oxford is part museum, part community space. The museum brings the work of both famous and up-and-coming contemporary artists to the city and makes the exhibits accessible to everyone—it’s one of the best free things to do in Oxford for art lovers.

Once you’ve wandered through the galleries, stop at the vibrant café. Locals come in for food, to meet with friends, or just to hang out for a while in the welcoming space.

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, seeing the Bodleian Library is an essential part of any visit to Oxford, even if you’re just visiting on a day trip . There is more to the tour than simply book-filled rooms—you get to see some of the most beautiful spaces within the University.

There are several tour options that highlight different parts of the library. We opted for the hour-long version that includes the stunning Divinity School, which dates from 1470. As we walked through the Convocation House and the Chancellor’s Court, we learned about the history of the University and how it intertwined with the religious and political history of England.

The last stop on the tour was Duke Humfrey’s Library, a massive room filled with dark wood, ornate paneling, and that certain sweet, musty smell that accompanies very old books. Originally built in the late 1400s and then rebuilt following its destruction during the Reformation, the library is one of the unique places in Oxford.

Built in the 1660s, the Sheldonian Theatre is one of the most recognizable attractions in Oxford thanks to its semi-circular design and distinctive eight-sided cupola. A tour here offers a detailed look at the building’s architecture and stunning painted ceiling as well as a walk through its history.

There are still regular lectures and concerts open to the public, so try to get a ticket if there’s an appealing performance when you’re in town.

If shopping is your thing, visiting Bicester Village is an absolute must-do. Just about every outlet center in the world claims to have luxury items, but this place is luxury beyond imagination. Among the over 160 stores at Bicester Village, you’ll find brands like Fendi, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and more.

You can take the train (15 minutes) or a bus (30 minutes) straight from Oxford to the outlets. It can get quite busy on the weekends or during the holidays, so plan accordingly.  

One of the more unusual things to do near Oxford is to pay a visit to the Headington Shark . On an unassuming street of this suburb just three miles from downtown, the huge sculpture is hard to miss and so odd that we had to see it for ourselves.

The 25-foot-long fiberglass shark who looks like he just fell out of the sky has been in place since 1986. Commissioned by local journalist Bill Heine for his home and made by sculptor John Buckley, it was originally a source of conflict. The town council was afraid that if they allowed it to stay, suddenly everyone would want something similar protruding from their roof. Nearly 40 years later, it’s safe to say their concerns were unfounded.

The singular sculpture is meant to be a commentary on war and the feeling of vulnerability and helplessness when disaster strikes. Despite its heavy underlying meaning, most visitors come for its quirkiness and some stay. Because it’s also an Airbnb now.

An Oxford alum and professor, J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the literary giants closely associated with the University. During his time there, he published The Hobbit and his epic The Lord of the Rings and was a founding member of The Inklings, a literary group that included other greats such as C.S. Lewis.

Tolkien’s grave (alongside his wife Edith) at Wolvercote Cemetery is a popular pilgrimage site for lovers of Middle Earth. It’s planted with rose bushes and other flowers, and visitors often leave rings in homage to Tolkien’s works as we saw on our visit.

The cemetery is about three miles from the center of Oxford and is easy to reach by bus or car. There are signs pointing the way to the Tolkiens’ grave throughout the cemetery.

The Christmas market is the heart of the holiday festivities in town. With several dozen chalets lining Broad Street, it’s one of the most festive places to be at Christmas.

The market here is small compared to other markets like nearby Bath , but that helps it maintain an entirely local feel. For most of December, you’ll find the scents of mulled wine and the local favorite—churros—filling the air as people shop for ornaments, artworks, and artisan foods from the surrounding area.

There are so many fun places to visit and things to see in Oxford that you’ll be completely entertained for a weekend. But, with a little more time, consider a day trip somewhere nearby.

My favorite close destination is Bath. The ancient city of Bath has a handful of UNESCO-listed sites, including the ancient Roman Bath complex. You can relax in the springs at Thermae Bath Spa , visit the shops on Pulteney Bridge, and see the romantic Bath Abbey.

Where to Stay Head of the River – Overlooking Folly Bridge and the River Thames, the Head of the River has 20 individually decorated rooms—some with river views. Positioned over a pub by the same name, the hotel provides guests a hearty breakfast cooked to order each morning. Leonardo Royal Hotel – A great option for drivers, the Leonardo Royal Hotel offers parking just a 5-minute drive from the city center. This 4-star hotel has spacious bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant and bar, and an indoor splash pool and fitness center.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Saturday 11th of June 2022

Thank you for your time & effort! This is an excellent article…so informative.

Saturday 18th of January 2020

thanks Laura - I get to see it through my daughter's eyes, who is visiting there today

Laura Longwell

I hope she has a wonderful time in Oxford. It's the best :)

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A Day Trip To Oxford: Things to Do in Oxford for a Day

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 15 Comments

I spent a good deal of my childhood in Oxford, and it has long been one of my favourite cities in the UK. As you can imagine, we’ve explored the city in great detail! In today’s post, I want to help you plan your own day trip to Oxford, with a guide to all our favourite things to do in Oxford.

Being so close to London, Oxford makes for a popular day trip from the English capital. I t’s only an hour by rail from central London, with trains running regularly. So it’s easy enough to stay in London and just visit Oxford for the day. Oxford is also very compact and easy to get around, so you’ll be able to take in a good many highlights in a day.

Of course, there’s plenty to do for more than just a day if you’d prefer to spend longer in Oxford, so I’ve also included some tips on accommodation for a longer stay as well.

Here are some ideas for things to do on an Oxford day trip, based on both our recent visit and my previous experience living there. There’s also a section on how to get to Oxford from London to help you plan.

Things to do in Oxford on a Day Trip

Here’s a list of all our favourite things to do in Oxford which you should be able to do in a day trip from London, or other nearby location.

1. Take a walking tour

One thing Jess and I did this time round that was different to my previous visits was to take an official walking tour. This was an excellent way to get oriented (I always get lost in Oxford, the place is a maze!), learn about some of the history of the city, as well as see some University Colleges, of which there are many!

We took the Official University and City Tour , which started at the visitor centre and which is run by the official Oxford Tourism Board. Tours run a number of times a day, and are led by  licensed blue badge guides, which means they really know their stuff.

The tour lasted a couple of hours, with our guide taking us to some of the highlights of Oxford, including the covered market, the high street, the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and of course, a number of the university colleges.

It was excellent value for money, and a wonderful way to quickly get a handle on the layout of Oxford, the history of the town, and to learn more about the university colleges. We also went in to a number of the universities, and were given advice and tips as to which ones we should come back to to visit independently.

Finally, our last port of call was the optional Divinity School, a stunning building which also doubled up as the location for the Hogwarts Sanatorium in the Harry Potter movies.

Film buffs will know that Oxford was featured in many of the Harry Potter films – see our guide to Harry Potter filming locations for more of these. Plus you can take a specific Harry Potter walking tour if that’s what you are interested in.

All in all, a very worthwhile couple of hours of exploration! If you’re interested in doing a walking tour of Oxford, this is a link to the tour we took  so you can book in advance now.

Alternatively, you can also take a tour of Oxford which is led by an Oxford student , which is a fun way to get more of an insight into what life here is like as a student. These tours cover similar ground and last around the same amount of time – you can see the reviews and book online here .

2. Visit the University Colleges

We visited a number of the colleges on our walking tour, and they are just stunning. Our guide had given us some ideas as to which we could visit by ourselves, including some of his personal favourites, and I would very much recommend setting aside a bit of time to explore the colleges by yourself.

A little bit about Oxford University. One of the oldest Universities in the world, Oxford University is made up of thirty eight colleges, each of which is independently governed. There’s no campus, with all the colleges, halls, faculties and departments set throughout the city centre.

Visiting the colleges is a bit hit and miss depending on the time of year. In addition, some of the colleges (notably Christchurch), do charge an entry fee. Since opening times vary depending on the time of year and the exam schedule, your best bet is to draw up a shortlist of colleges you would like to visit, and pop into the porter’s office for each college to see if it’s open. The porter’s office is pretty much always at the entrance, and we found that they were always more than happy to help us out.

We visited a number of the colleges, including David’s College, Exeter College and Trinity College. I particularly liked the chapel at Exeter College, arguably one of the most picturesque of all the college chapels, and the gardens at Trinity College was also gorgeous to walk in.

Christchurch, which is generally regarded as one of the more spectacular colleges, was unfortunately closed on the day we visited, but if it’s open when you’re in town, I’d highly recommend popping by.

3. Go Punting

Punting is a classic pastime in Oxford, and one that is best enjoyed over a lengthy period of time, where you can learn how to actually do it, and maybe even reach a pub somewhere on your journey.

I’ve punted a few times before, but usually in the company of a competent punting friend. On this visit, it was just Jess and I, so I was given the task of figuring out how to make the boat move along the river in the direction I wanted it to go.

After a slightly confusing start where I confused the front and back of the punt, and following some helpful advice from the punt house as to my technique, we set off upstream, with the theory being that this would make for an easier return journey. I settled into a vaguely efficient rhythm, managing to avoid both the riverbanks and other punters, and we had a lovely time, even if we didn’t get quite far enough to find a pub.

For punting, I’ve always gone with the Cherwell Boathouse . It’s a great location, there are pubs in both directions, and they have a lovely bar and restaurant on-site if you don’t quite make it the half hour upstream that’s required to find a pub. We went this time, and were thankful for the friendly service and helpful punting advice! Punts are hired either by the hour, or the day, with the most up to date prices on their website.

4. Imbibe a Beverage

If you struggle to punt your way to a pub, don’t worry. Oxford has no shortage of fantastic watering holes, with some personal favourites including The Eagle & Child (popular with Tolkien), The White Horse, the Lamb and Flag, and the King’s Arms.

At the top of my list though is The Turf Tavern . A little tricky to find, being as it is down a tiny alley just next to the Bridge of Sighs, if you’re struggling just find a local to give you directions. This is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, and has a lovely outdoor beer garden as well as plentiful indoor seating and a wide selection of beers as well as food.

It’s popular with University students, and has had it’s fair share of famous faces over the years, including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who downed a yard of ale in 11 seconds. Not as easy as it sounds. Other famous visitors include Bill Clinton, and legend has it that it was at the Turf Tavern that he “did not inhale”. Whatever you think of that story, you’re bound to love this venue.

5. Visit Oxford Castle

If you are travelling with children, they’ll likely love a visit to Oxford Castle . Originally built in the 10th century, the castle served first as the main defensive centre of the town, back when castles were genuinely useful for that, before being used as a prison from around the 14th century.

Whilst much of the original castle was destroyed in the English Civil War, the parts that survived were incorporated into Oxford’s official prison, and stayed that way until 1996, when it was concluded that it probably wasn’t the most modern of prison constructions, and decommissioned.

Now, the surviving castle complex serves a number of functions, with part of it being a hotel. As a visitor wanting to learn more about the history though, you’ll want to take an Oxford Castle Unlocked tour, which gives you access to the Motte (a big earth mound), St George’s Tower, the crypt and parts of the prison.

The tour, which ran for around half an hour, largely comprised St George’s tower, and was performed by a character actor who assumed the role of King Stephen. From him, we learnt all about the history of the tower and it’s various uses, as well as some notable characters who had been held here.

We also got to go up on the roof of the tower itself, which had great views over the city. After the tour was complete, we were able to explore the prison, where we got a bit of an insight into prison life over the years, which looked pretty miserable! You can buy tickets online here .

6. Climb the University Church

Regular readers will know that one of my favourite ways to see a city is from above, usually by finding a nice tower and climbing to the top of it. It turns out that even in all my years living around Oxford I had never found a suitable tower, which was a bit of a failing as it turns out there’s an excellent view to be had from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera.

It’s a bit of a climb to the top, and there’s an entry fee of £4, but the view is more than worth both the effort and expense.

Practicalities for Visiting Oxford

Where to stay in oxford.

If you want to stay in Oxford for longer than a day, there are plenty of options in Oxford for accommodation to suit the majority of budgets.

We stayed a little way outside of the city centre at the peaceful Hawkwell House Hotel , found in Iffley Village. This is just a short taxi ride from Oxford City centre, or a ten minute bus ride. It’s also walkable via a lovely riverside footpath.

Our room was very comfortable, and the included English breakfast was of course appreciated. Other details like free wi-fi and luggage storage rounded out a solid offering.

If you’d prefer to be more central, there are lots of options for city centre accommodation in Oxford – check out the booking.com listings for Oxford here to get yourself started.

How to Get To Oxford from London

Oxford is very easy to get to, being served by trains and buses, and of course by car. There are direct trains from London Paddington to Oxford multiple times an hour – if you get one of the fast trains the journey time is around an hour.

Avoid the local trains which stop at more than four stations on the route, as this can make the journey more like two hours! We recommend the  Trainline   website for advanced booking reservations – we’ve tried most of the train booking sites in the UK and the Trainline is our favourite for ease of use.

Always book train tickets in advance of your travel for the best prices in the UK, and opt to either have them delivered to your mobile device, or to pick them up from the station, to save on postage fees.

There are also buses to Oxford from the centre of London, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Stanstead Airport, as well as many other destinations around the UK.

Buses (also known as coaches) in the UK are usually a little bit cheaper than the train, although they do take a bit longer. We recommend Megabus for bus travel, see their prices and book in advance for the best deals here .

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, Oxford is between 60 and 90 minutes drive from London. If you’re visiting Oxford as part of my detailed two week UK itinerary , then you’ll know that a hire car is my preferred method of getting around the country, giving you more flexibility and control over your trip. We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

Finally, if you want to just visit Oxford as part of a tour and let someone else handle all the logistics, there are a number of tours you can take from London. Here are a few options to choose from:

• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . This is a full day out, and means you’ll see a number of popular English attractions
• A tour of Oxford, Stonehenge & Windsor   – another full day of some of the most popular attractions you can visit from London
• A tour of Oxford and the Harry Potter Studios – two popular destinations that you can visit in a day from London
• A tour of Oxford and some of the stone villages of the Cotswolds

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to options for visiting Oxford as a day trip from London, as well as trips incorporating some other popular destinations.

Further reading

We’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you’re planning a trip around the UK, I have both a one week itinerary of the UK and a two week UK Itinerary for you to check out.
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge , another popular day trip from London
• A two day Edinburgh Itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• A 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• Looking for an epic Scottish road trip? Take a look at our guide to the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• Essential Sight-Seeing in London
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds as a day trip from London
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then we suggest the Oxford Insight Guide

So you know: we partnered with Visit Britain for our trip to Oxford, who covered our accommodation, walking tour, punting trip and Oxford Castle visit. As always, opinions remain our own – check out our code of ethics for our disclosure policy.

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SITI MAHINA BINTI ABDUL MANAP says

7th September 2023 at 9:01 am

Tq for the post.Really helpful.Will fly over to London mid December 2023.Any tips on how it’s like in winter?

Laurence Norah says

8th September 2023 at 8:13 am

My pleasure. So in December the UK in general is relatively cold, although this will depend on where you are coming from. Expect temperature to be between freezing and around 10C, with rain likely. The days will also be quite short at this time of year, sunrise in mid-December is around 8am, and sunset is just before 4pm.

As long as you dress appropriately though, with warm layers and a waterproof coat or umbrella, you will be fine. Most cities and towns will have nice Christmas lights and other festivities going on at this time of year, like CHristmas markets, so it can be a lovely time to visit.

I’d suggest reading our UK packing list guide for some tips on what to bring 🙂

Have a great trip!

Isabelle Martinez says

5th November 2019 at 3:44 pm

Very interesting post. Exactly what I need to plan a day trip to Oxford on my next stay in London.

6th November 2019 at 9:02 am

Thanks very much – have a great trip!

Tania Fonseca says

4th April 2019 at 12:37 pm

Thank you for such a helpful guide full of great ideas! Can’t wait to visit Oxford next month and follow your tips. Wish you all the best!

4th April 2019 at 1:13 pm

Our pleasure Tania! Have a great trip – let us know if you have any questions!

6th February 2019 at 1:27 am

I am planning my first trip to the UK (not London- done that). Came upon your blog and really enjoy the frankness and especially the beautiful photos.

6th February 2019 at 10:31 am

Thanks Linda 🙂 Have a great trip and do let us know if you have any questions!

23rd January 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thankyou for a lovely reminder of my home city of Oxford. I have not been home for 23 years ( it’s still home to all of my family, I’m the only one who moved more than 3 miles away) I miss my home city , even though I love my adopted country (USA) it doesn’t have the grandeur and rich history of England.

23rd January 2019 at 9:08 pm

Our pleasure Marie! We hope you get to make it “home” at some point soon 😀

27th November 2018 at 5:34 pm

I tried punting in Oxford and it’s so much harder than it looks >< You need to have a good core and strong arms for that! Well done for finding the front and back of the punt Laurence!

27th November 2018 at 6:19 pm

Thanks Alice! It is definitely a lot harder than it looks, and I have to say we didn’t go in an exactly straight line for most of our voyage 😉

Divya Nelson says

23rd March 2018 at 5:50 am

Thank you for such a lovely, picturesque guide to Oxford . I loved it thoroughly.

23rd March 2018 at 3:10 pm

My pleasure Divya – thanks for your kind comment!

curtis lau says

29th October 2016 at 8:59 am

Thanks for the introduction of the Oxford. Good insight.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Planning an Oxford Day Trip: A Guide to Visiting Oxford from London

Last updated: November 11, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 38 Comments

Oxford is a university city situated about 60 miles from London, making a Oxford day trip an ideal way to get out of the bustling capital for a day or weekend to explore this compact historical city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is best known as the home of England’s oldest university, the University of Oxford, which is still one of the most respected in the country.

A trip to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without touring a couple of university buildings, but Oxford has much else to offer. A visitor might go on a walking tour of the downtown, browse for souvenirs at the Covered Market, go punting on the River Cherwell, take a tour of a medieval castle, stroll in a pretty garden, enjoy a drink in a historical tavern, or even take a short drive to visit one of England’s most beautiful and famous country homes.

Laurence spent a lot of time in Oxford growing up and we’ve visited it a few times now over the past several years and really love this university city. We’ll share our advice and tips on planning a perfect Oxford day trip from London, and also offer plenty of things to do if you want to stay over and spend a few days in this history-filled city.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information about Oxford

Below we share all the planning information to help you get to Oxford from London, how to get around Oxford, where to stay if you decide to spend the night, and further travel resources.

Where is Oxford? 

Oxford is located within the county of Oxfordshire in southeast England. It is about 60 miles northwest of London and 73 miles east of Bristol. 

How to Get from London to Oxford?

You have a variety of options for getting to Oxford from London (or elsewhere in the UK), including by car, bus, or train. You can also visit Oxford via a guided tour or by booking a taxi or private transfer from London. 

Oxford by Car

If you have your own car, it is about a 1.5 hours drive from Oxford to central London. You can check and compare rental car prices across companies at Auto Europe  if interested in renting a car for the trip. We often find that Enterprise has the best car hire rates.

If you are driving, there  are a number of paid  public car parks in Oxford, just be sure to stay out of permit-only parking zones. 

Oxford by Bus

If you are interested in traveling by bus it is about a 1.5 journey and you can check prices at National Express as well as the Oxford Bus Company .

Oxford by Train

It is also convenient to get from London to Oxford by train and the journey takes about an hour, check National Rail for train schedules and prices. 

Oxford by Taxi

It is about a 1.5 hour taxi ride from London to Oxford. If you want to book a taxi during your time in the UK, we recommend comparing prices and booking via minicabit .

Taking a Guided Day Tour to Oxford from London

Another option if you don’t want to drive or take public transportation is to take a guided tour. These will include your transport to and from London, a guide, and many tour prices include some entrance fees.

Some day tours may also only go to Oxford, but most also include other attractions like Windsor Castle, the Cotswolds villages, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Cambridge, and/or Blenheim Palace.

Here are some options:

• This full day tour from London visits Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds.
• This tour includes Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Oxford.
• This guided tour visits both Oxford and Cambridge, England’s oldest and most prestigious university towns.
• This private tour by Oxford Alumni visits Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge and allows you to customize the itinerary as you wish.

Getting around Oxford?

The best way to get around central Oxford is on foot as most attractions are centrally located. But you can also take a public bus , drive, or taxi to get around the town or explore the wider Oxfordshire area.

Staying in Oxford? 

If our articles temps you to decide to spend the night in Oxford rather than visiting as a day trip, there are a number of lodging option in and around Oxford, from luxury hotels to comfortable  bed-and-breakfasts to budget-friendly  hostels . You can compare all the lodging options here .

If you are visiting by train or bus, you’ll want to choose something in central Oxford and within easy walking distance of most of the city’s main attractions.

Here is a list of suggested options for those exploring on foot for all budgets (lowest to highest):

• Central Backpackers – This well-rated hostel offers dormitory style beds and lives up to its name with a central location in Oxford. Located near the train station and a 8 minute walk from the center of Oxford. A great option for those on a tight budget.
• The Richmond – A good value hotel that offers budget-friendly rooms, breakfast, and a restaurant. A 15 minute walk from the center of Oxford.
• Museum Hotel Oxford – This popular midrange hotel offers one of the best locations in  Oxford in a building dating back to the 16th century. Centrally located; a 2 minute walk from Carfax Tower.
• Macdonald Randolph Hotel   – A  5-star hotel within a landmark city building. It is located across from the Ashmolean Museum and offers a restaurant, bar, and popular spa.
• Old Parsonage Hotel – A 5-star luxury boutique hotel set in a historical 17th century house, offering a garden library, bar, and restaurant. It is located within a short walk of the city center.

Those with a car can also choose from lodging outside the city center which is often a bit less expensive. Here are a few more options further away from the town center:

• Green & White House – A well-rated good value B&B that offers free bike hire, on-site parking, and breakfast. Located a bit outside the center. A 4 minute drive or a 25 minute walk to the city center.
• Noa Residence – A well-rated self-catering apartment hotel that offer well-equipped kitchens, free parking, and daily cleaning services. Located 1 mile from the city center.
• Swinford Manor Farm B&B – A beautiful countryside B&B set in a historical manor farmhouse located along the River Thames. Offers a free breakfast, extensive woodland views, and free parking. A 12 minute drive from central Oxford.
• Hawkbill House – A 4-star hotel made up of two 19th century manor houses in the nearby village of Iffey. Hotel offers a restaurant, bar, 24-hour room service, and free parking.  A 7 minute drive from the town center.

Further Information on Oxford? 

The local tourism office offers a variety of information and can help you make any bookings as needed. While you are in the city, stop by the Oxford Visitor Information Centre (telephone: 01865 252200), located at 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS in central Oxford for information, maps, public transit schedules, luggage storage, and tour bookings.

You can also visit the tourism website  Experience Oxfordshire  for planning your time in Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area.

If you have the time, we’d also recommend staying over and spending a couples of days in the city and then exploring the area further afield. Oxford also makes a great jumping off point to continue your exploration of this part of England to visits places such as Stonehenge , Bath, and the Cotswolds villages.  You can read our  one-week UK itinerary  and 2 week UK itinerary for even more recommendations.

Planning your Oxford Day Trip from London

We’ll share a number of great things to do in Oxford so you can put together an itinerary for your own Oxford day trip from London no matter what your interests.

Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is almost always a great way to get a good introduction to a new city. There are a number of walking tours, bike tours, and bus tours that you can take while in Oxford, including some that are free with a requested donation. 

We decided to take the 2-hour Oxford University and City Tour , which starts at the visitor center and is run by the tourism board . Another popular option is to take a tour of Oxford with a student , which will give you another perspective on living and learning in the city.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and guided us through part of the historical downtown, The Covered Market, Radcliffe Square, and two of the university buildings, including an optional stop at the beautiful Divinity School. Our guide was great at pointing out shops, university buildings, and museums along the way that might be of interest for us to visit which helped us better plan the rest of our time in the city.

In addition to these more general city tours, there are also other Oxford tours focused on the town’s history,  Inspector Morse , literature,  Harry Potter , architecture, etc.

Get a Bird Eye’s View of Oxford

Getting a good view of a city is always a great way to gain a better sense of its layout and to get some great cityscape photos. Some of the best city vantage points can be found by visiting the iconic St. Martin’s Tower, known to most residents as Carfax Tower (the only remaining part of the 12th century St. Martin’s church), the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and St. Michael Northgate.

We enjoyed an excellent view from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera. 

All of these vantage points charge small admission fees and require visitors to climb a number of stairs. There is also a decent city view from the tower during the Oxford Castle tour we did.

Feed Your Inner Scholar at the Museums

As you might suspect with a city best known for its university, there are a lot of museums to be found in the city, most associated with the university. They are numerous and range from the broad in focus to the very narrow, so you are sure to find at least one that is of interest. The best thing is that just about all the city’s museums offer free admission!

The Ashmolean Museum  was the first ever public university museum, starting as a small 17th century collection of curiosities and portraits and now containing a wide collection of paintings, coins, musical instruments, antiquities, and statues housed in a beautiful old building.

The  Museum of Oxford , located in the Town Hall, focuses on the history of Oxford and tells the story of the city’s development through a range of archaeological and social history objects. You can also book a tour of the Town Hall for a small fee. 

For modern art lovers there is the Modern Art Oxford museum and those who love drawings should check out the Christ Church Picture Gallery .  Oxford University Museum of Natural History includes the university’s collection of zoological, geological, entomological, paleontological, and mineralogical specimens and artifacts.

The  Pitt Rivers Museum , adjacent to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, is a museum devoted to ethnographic and archaeological objects from around the world.

Others include museums devoted to printing , musical instruments , and the history of science  ( housed in the original historical Ashmolean Museum building).

There are also regular exhibitions (often free and open to public) happening all over the city, both in and out of museums, so be sure to check to see what is on during your visit. T he Bodeleian Libraries in particular often seem to have public exhibitions, and while we were visiting one of the original Magna Carta copies (the library has 4!) and related objects were on display to commemorate the 800th anniversary of this important document. 

Get Locked up at Oxford Castle

On the western side of central Oxford, you’ll find the ruins of Oxford Castle dating back to the 2nd century. Much of the castle was destroyed during the 17th century English Civil War and in the 18th century, the building was turned into the city prison. It actually continued to serve as a prison until 1996!

Today, you can book guided tours of  Oxford Castle Unlocked of the remaining safe historical sections of the castle/prison, namely St. George’s Tower and the crypt. Costumed guides will take you around the castle and tell you about its history, with a focus on the castle’s role in two of England’s civil wars (The Anarchy and the Barons’ War) and you’ll hear tales about Empress Matilda, Robert D’Oyly the Younger, and King Stephen.

After the tour, you can explore the outdoor areas, mainly the Motte (a big earth mound), on your own. Even if you decide to forego the tour, the castle is worth a look from the outside if you are nearby.

Try Punting on the River Cherwell

Oxford sits at the confluence of two rivers, the mighty Thames and the Cherwell, and the city owes it early development to the presence of these two rivers. In the past, a male-only bathing spot (Parson’s Pleasure) and female-only nude bathing spot (Dame’s Delight) were to be found along the river although these have been closed in recent decades.

Today, visitors can still enjoy river boat trips as well as punting on the rivers. During our visit, Laurence decided to try to teach me about punting. We headed to the Cherwell Boathouse  to rent a punt, which looks a bit like a canoe except it is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow. One person sits down and the other stands on a section of the boat with a pole and pushes the pole against the river bed and sides with a pole. It turns out that a punt is more difficult to steer and navigate than a canoe, at least in our inexperienced cases!

A good thing about punting is that it is quite a slow-going process and you can easily stop off along the trip for a picnic, to take a walk, or to visit one of the local bars along the river. Just ask the boathouse for tips about where to go before you set off.  We had a female duck climbing in and out of our punt during part of the trip which kept me very amused while Laurence was doing the hard punting work!

Have a Drink

Like any university town, you won’t find a shortage of bars and pubs in Oxford. Laurence recommends The Eagle & Child (popular with Tolkien), The White Horse, the Lamb and Flag, and the King’s Arms (oldest pub in Oxford).

During my first trip to Oxford, we sought out The Turf Tavern   which is down a little alley called St Helen’s Passage (originally Hell’s passage), between Holywell Street and New College Lane, next to Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs. 

The Turf Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, and has a lovely outdoor beer garden as well as plentiful indoor seating and a wide selection of beers as well as food. It is something of a pilgrimage site with university students, famous visitors, and us average tourists all venturing into this back alley haunt. One of the more famous visitors was Bill Clinton who was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford.

If you are looking for something less alcoholic and a bit more civilized, a you might want to have a traditional afternoon tea experience at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel  (reservations strongly recommended) or   The Grand Cafe (served all day). Or grab a Tawainese bubble tea from the  Formosan Tea Bar.

Go Shopping 

Oxford is also a great place for some retail therapy. Along Oxford’s High Street you’ll find a number of local and independent boutiques, gift shops, and handicrafts that are popular with both students and visitors. Book lovers will want to make a stop at the famous Blackwell’s book store which has been selling books and textbooks in Oxford since 1879.

Most people make their way at some point to Oxford’s Covered Market which has been around since 1774. You’ll find everything from butchers to fishmongers ready to serve up fresh food and produce and bakers and baristas serving ready-to-eat treats and coffee. In addition to food, you’ll also find shops selling clothing, flowers, toys, souvenirs, jewelry, and pet supplies.

For those seeking discounted luxury goods, you might head a bit out of town to Bicester Village  which boasts over 100 retail shops. You can get to the shopping village by public bus (about 35 minutes), taxi, or by car (about a 20 minute drive) from Oxford.

Visit Blenheim Palace 

The English countryside is full of beautiful historical country homes, and just outside of Oxford you’ll find one of the most famous English homes, Blenheim Palace . Blenheim Palace is the official residence of the Duke of Marlborough and is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill .

This famous 18th century country house is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands in a romantic park created by the famous landscape gardener Lancelot “Capability'” Brown. Both self-guided and guided tours are available of different sections of the house.

There are also restaurants, cafés, a gift shop. There is a lot to see and do here so we’d recommend allotting at least a few hours for your visit. 

If Blenheim Place sounds interesting, you can read our separate post about our tips for visiting Blenheim Palace and on finding Winston Churchill’s grave located nearby.  

You can reach Blenheim Palace by car, public bus, or as part of  a guided tour from Oxford .

Explore the University Buildings

Although no one actually knows when the University of Oxford started, there is evidence of teaching here since 1096 and the university received an official charter in 1248. It is believed to be the oldest English-speaking university in the world and the second oldest university in the world still in operation!

The university buildings would give the city its nickname “City of Dreaming Spires” and the university still remains one of the most prominent features of the city.

Oxford University is made of thirty-eight colleges, each of which is independently governed, and a visit to at least one of the colleges is a must-do on a Oxford day trip. Many of the colleges allow visitors (usually for a small fee) to visit some of the buildings, such as the main square, gardens, chapel, and/or dining hall. But whether a college is admitting visitors depends a lot on the time of year and time of day and what is happening at the college at the time (e.g., exams, graduation, meals, summer break) and each college has its own schedule and policies.

During our time in Oxford, we specifically visited several colleges either as part of our city walking tour or later on our own including Wadham College, Jesus College, Exeter College, and Trinity College. We also visited the beautiful Divinity School which is a 15th century medieval building used for lectures and exams in theology, and today forms part of the Bodleian Libraries .

While the interior is normally closed to the public, visitors can get a good view of the interesting circular Radcliffe Camera (used as student library and reading rooms) from Radcliffe Square.

Harry Potter fans may be particularly interested in visiting both the Divinity School and Christ Church college which were both used as prominent film locations in the Harry Potter films. You can also book a specific Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford of course !

Before your visit, I would make a list of colleges you’d like to visit and then when in town you can stop at each college’s porter’s office (near the entrance of each college) and check to see if the college is allowing visits and check visiting hours.

You can also book a tour that includes university buildings on the tour as we did at the tourism office.

Note that you can even stay in one of the university residence halls which are rented out in some colleges during holiday and summer breaks – you can search for available rooms here .

Attend a Performance or Festival

There is almost always a play, concert, festival, recital, film, lecture, or art exhibition happening on any given day in Oxford. Many of those that are connected to the university are free or low-cost and make a perfect way to enhance an Oxford day trip. This is a great way to experience the wonderful cultural offerings of Oxford and see inside some of the lovely venues.

Going to the theater is a popular activity in Oxford, especially the outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays in the summer. You can check what is happening during your visit at the Oxfordshire Tourism Board and the Oxford City Guide websites or by stopping by the tourism board.

If you intend to see a show or performance while in town, you should check the listings at the individual theaters (such as the Oxford Playhouse and the Old Fire Station ) and buy your tickets in advance. 

Explore Oxford’s Gardens & Parks

Oxford has a number of lovely green spaces and gardens that can be explored when you need a break from museums, shopping, and the university buildings. For instance the 70-acre University Park offers a great place to walk and stretch your legs, watch a free cricket game, or spy on the ducks at the duck pond.

You’ll also find several other parks and meadows in the area, including the oldest botanical garden in England . The Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum was founded back in 1621!

We found some lovely flowers and views while walking along the River Cherwell and some of the University of Oxford colleges such as Trinity College have gardens that are open to the public. 

Which of these would be on your list if you were planning an Oxford day trip? Have you made an Oxford day trip from London? Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Oxford? As always, feel free to comment and we’re happy to answer any questions about Oxford day trip. 

Want to visit Oxford? PIN this article on Pinterest to read later:

**Disclosure: We’ve visited Oxford numerous times. On one of our trip to Oxford Visit Britain covered our accommodation, walking tour, punting trip, and Oxford Castle visit and Auto Europe provide a complimentary rental car during a separate visit to Oxford; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**

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shane sterling Post author

July 10, 2023 at 10:59 am

Hi what a great blog on a day trip from London to oxford. i am so glad you mentioned the covered market as so many people leave that hidden gem out. its a great place with some quirky shops. also the walking tours i have been on quite a few of the walking tours and thought they need something that bit extra.. i have come up with my own walking tour, oxford magic tours, which i am just launching. its a tour with live entertainment. if ever your back in oxford and would like to join the tour please let me know. it would be great if you could make it and maybe write about it. keep up the great work regards Shane

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

July 12, 2023 at 5:54 am

Yes, the covered market in oxford is definitely a place we recommend to those visiting Oxford. Glad you are starting your own tours company, we have done the Harry Potter magical tours, like this one , with Visit Oxford but haven’t done a live entertainment magic tour before so sounds like a new type of offering. Hope it goes well and we’ll definitely consider checking it out next time we are in Oxford.

Best, Jessica

Udita Post author

January 5, 2020 at 1:33 pm

Hi we would like to visit Oxford with our two kids aged 9 and 7 . James aged nine and a half is interested in the exploring the university so we would appreciate suggestions and will visit from London. We also need to decide if to do car or train as Stonehenge is also on the itinerary. Thanks Udita

January 6, 2020 at 1:46 pm

We’d recommend train as it is really easy to get from central London to Oxford by train and most things in Oxford can be reached on foot. If you are just going for a day trip, I’d definitely recommend train.

Some parts of the university are open to the public, those that are open often charge a fee for visitors to view a few of the public areas. It also depends on the academic year and school events if certain buildings are open to the public or not. So if there are specific colleges he is interested in seeing, you might want to check in advance if they allow visits and what you can see. But if you are just generally interested in the university, joining a walking tour is a great way to see some parts of the university and learn more about it and the city. We recommend 2 of them in the article above, both which are great for those specifically interested in the university. Or you can arrange a private tour if you want one that is just for your family and they can then adjust it to be a bit more kid friendly.

If there are a lot of things you want to do in Oxford, I’d recommend spending most of the day there as there is plenty to keep you busy for a day out. But if you are just interested in spending a few hours, then you can definitely combine it with a visit to Stonehenge on the same day if you want. Or you can do it on a separate day.

For Stonehenge, if you go by public transit, you can take the train from Oxford (or London) to Salisbury. Then there’s a shuttle bus that goes directly from Salisbury train station to Stonehenge, and it leaves about every 30 minutes. You can use it to just get to and from Stonehenge or you can buy a ticket that includes entry to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral and can also stop at Old Sarum if you have more time. You can see the shuttle bus timetable here . For more tips, this article about visiting Stonehenge as part of a day trip might be useful to you as well.

When visiting Stonehenge just make sure that if you are doing it as part of a day trip and plan to also stop elsewhere that you keep the schedules in mind as you want to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the visitor center and displays and the stones themselves. A lot of people end up rushing around.

Hope that helps and enjoy your trip to London! Jessica

Selina Post author

July 9, 2019 at 1:11 am

For a 1-day trip to Oxford, when do things generally close in Oxford? I’m trying to plan my return train trip. Would 8pm be too late?

July 9, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Hi Selina, It depends, but yes, most of the museums and tourist attractions close around 5pm or 6pm. But there will still be shops and other places open in Oxford and you can have a drink or dinner before heading back. So I think a 8pm train back would work fine if you want to spend the day in Oxford and end with a drink or meal. Otherwise, you could book your train a little earlier. Best, Jessica

Sophie Post author

September 22, 2018 at 8:10 am

Fantastic and informative post, guys – great work! I think some tourists who come to London have so many other things they want to see in the city that they might not get round to visiting Oxford. But Oxford is a fantastic place to visit! It’s so pretty and there’s so much history there. It’s a perfect place to go for a day trip if you’re an international student who is living in London, or someone who has come to stay in London for a few months rather than just a week! I’d definitely recommend to anyone if they have the time.

September 25, 2018 at 8:14 pm

Hi Sophie, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, we really love Oxford as well. Laurence used to live and go to school nearby when he was younger and likes to return to visit. It makes a great day trip from London for those interested in seeing a historic university town in England. We need to return again soon ourselves 😉 Best, Jessica

Vandana Post author

May 23, 2017 at 4:43 am

Hello dear,

such a apt write up with lovely pictures.

Me and my husband are planning to be in London next month. We will be in London / or around London for a week and then will be moving to Scotland post that. we plan to visit Oxford or cambridge or both, Stonehedge and York… Could you please suggest which of these places I can visit as day trip from london (i ll be staying with friends in paddington , london) and where I need to spend time overnight. we are young couple interested in architecture, fun, music and pubs

Appreciate your help! Vandana

May 25, 2017 at 3:38 am

Hi Vandana, If you have a week in London, I would probably not want to do more than two day trips from London if you also want to explore London since there is already so much to do there. We’re recommend getting a London Pass which covers most of the London attractions you’ll likely want to see and then consider a couple of the places you listed as day trips.

For the day trips, you can either drive yourself, take a local bus or train, or book a tour. Oxford and Cambridge are both fairly easy day trips from London (about 45 minutes to 1 hour on the train). Stonehenge is also a fairly easy day trip from London and best if you either have a car or book a bus tour – many of the bus tours also stop in the town of Bath as well. York is further away and you’ll need to take the train (2 hours each way) or bus and won’t have a lot of time to explore if you have to return so I’d recommend you stay overnight if you want to visit York or skip it on this trip.

Hope this helps. Best, Jessica

Leah Post author

May 14, 2017 at 1:52 am

Dear Jessica,

This is an excellent post!! We are planning our visit according to it, looking forward to get to Oxford, finally! 🙂 Just one technical question please- there’s a link to Oxford Tourism Board that doesn’t work. I looked it up and came up with this one: http://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/ It matches pretty much everything you mention, Is it indeed the same one..? Also, you mentioned the walking tour you took costs £9, but here the only tours i see start with £16. Not trying to scrimp or anything, just trying to find the one you recommended on 🙂 Would appreciate your advice.

Thanks a bunch!

May 14, 2017 at 2:18 am

Yes, thanks for pointing that out. It appears that one of the websites for Oxford tourism is now gone and whomever took it down did not do any redirects (frustrating for those who have linked to anything on their site!). I will update my links!

So yes, the Experience Oxfordshire is probably the best website in terms of official tourism info as it covers the entire region and I could not find an official one for just Oxford. In terms of the walk, the one we did is this one: Oxford University and City Walking Tour and appears to have risen in price a bit (this one is £14 if booked online). This one is sort of the “official” one and leaves from the visitor center. There are other Oxford city walks through companies such as Footprints , which offer paid and free walking tours in the city but I can’t speak to the quality as we haven’t taken any of them.

Hope this helps you book your tour in Oxford and do let us know if you have any other questions!

Mr. Mahmud Post author

April 19, 2017 at 10:00 am

Thank you for this thorough list about places to see in Oxford England! I’m going to London for the first period next weekend break. With one totally free day I now have various choices to pick for my day journey from London.

April 20, 2017 at 7:24 am

Hi Mr. Mahmud, You’re very welcome. If you only have one day, I would probably spend it in London but if you are there for 6 days or more, I would venture out to do some day trips and Oxford is a really great choice! Best, Jessica

budget jan Post author

May 21, 2016 at 3:56 pm

I’d like Trinity College Gardens, punting and antique shopping. Lovely photos of course 🙂

travelcats Post author

May 22, 2016 at 10:53 am

Hi Jan, those are all great places to visit while in Oxford!

Zaria Post author

May 8, 2016 at 3:21 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

What an amazing experience! I would love to take a tour at the castle, so enchanting! The antique shops along with the architecture are fantastic. I hope one day I will be able to visit Oxford. Great post, thank you!

May 12, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Hi Zaria! Thanks for taking the time to comment on our post. Yes, Oxford is a great place to do some shopping and has some great museums and architecture! I hope you have the opportunity to visit some day. Best, Jessica

Mathavan Post author

May 2, 2016 at 4:34 am

I am really like the London and its places for the architectural style and its heritage building. Your one day trip plan and advice is very useful for who planing to a visit to Oxford from London! Thanks!

May 3, 2016 at 6:46 am

Hello Mathavan, Glad you found our article helpful in helping you plan your time in London. If you have already enjoyed a lot of the attractions in London, then a day trip to Oxford is a perfect way to get out of the city and see something new! A great excursion for those who love history, literature, and architecture. ~ Jessica

eileen g Post author

April 21, 2016 at 6:42 am

A lot of these sites look familiar to me from watching Morse on the BBC. It seems the show made the most of its Oxford setting. It seems like a very charming small city to spend a day or two in!

April 21, 2016 at 12:41 pm

Hi Eileen, Yes, I bet you do. I have never seen Inspector Morse but a lot of the show takes place in Oxford and so you probably are familiar with many of the main sights from watching the show. You would probably enjoy some of the walking tours that are themed around Inspector Morse! Oxford is a great city to explore over a weekend! ~ Jessica

Marcia Post author

April 17, 2016 at 6:34 pm

I love the bird’s eye view of the city. Must have to do that next time. Oxford is such a beautiful city – there’s something to see and do around every corner.

April 18, 2016 at 2:50 am

Hi Marcia, Yes, climbing up towers and getting good views (and photos) is one of Laurence’s favorite things to do in a new place. Luckily, there are a few ways to get good city views in Oxford:) ~ Jessica

Ruth Post author

April 17, 2016 at 3:40 pm

I like all your suggestions. How many days did you spend on the city? I will like to try punting. Well, I will let somebody else do the “rowing” since I do not thing I will be able to maintain my balance ;0)

April 18, 2016 at 2:47 am

Hi Ruth, Laurence actually went to boarding school just outside Oxford so we have stayed in or near Oxford a few times. But in order to get a good overview of Oxford, I would recommend 2 full days or 3 nights. That would give you time to visit a few of the university buildings, climb a tower or two, go punting for a couple of hours, visit the castle if you wanted, see the Covered Market, and visit a couple of museums. Yes, I was nervous about punting as I was afraid of our punt would flip and get all our camera gear wet! But lucky we never tipped over:) ~ Jessica

Rob Post author

April 16, 2016 at 3:37 pm

Have not visited Oxford, but would love to! Particularly to see Trinity and Exeter Colleges. I did not know staying in one of the dorms was an option! That’s something we’ll definitely check into. Great photos – they are certainly adding to the wanderlust we’re feeling!

April 17, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Hi Rob, Yes, it is a great way to visit the city if you don’t mind staying in a dormitory style room (many don’t have kitchen facilities and have shared bathrooms down the hall) and a fairly well-priced option. We have never visited at the right times of year but we’d love to do this in the future as well! ~ Jessica

Jackie Post author

April 16, 2016 at 6:28 am

Thanks for this great post, I linked it up on my Facebook page. We haven’t been to Oxford since the 1990s and were just saying we need to go back.

April 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm

Hi Jackie, Thanks so much for sharing our article on your FB page! Yes, we keep returning to Oxford so I am sure you’d enjoy a return visit as well:) ~ Jessica

Lyn Post author

April 15, 2016 at 9:50 pm

I’ve never been to Oxford but after seeing this now want to go. I just love the photo inside the chapel. There looks like a lot to see and do in Oxford, sounds like maybe more than a daytrip if we want to see it at its best. Thank you for sharing with us!

April 17, 2016 at 1:53 pm

Hi Lyn, oh yes, the Exeter Chapel is fairly small but so beautiful! Many of the chapels, dining halls, and gardens of the university buildings are definitely worth exploring if they are open during a visit. It is amazing how old some of the university and museum buildings are in the city. Yes, I think many people visit Oxford as a day trip from London or elsewhere but I think you could easily spend 2-3 days exploring the city more in-depth. We’ve been a few times together and are planning to return again later this month actually to visit a couple more places. ~ Jessica

Kerri Post author

April 15, 2016 at 9:08 pm

A very comprehensive guide to all things Oxford. I would love to go punting. I’ve been to the UK many times now but have never managed to fit this in.

April 17, 2016 at 1:49 pm

Hi Kerri, Punting is a very good thing to do in the UK. Some of Laurence’s friends from Oxford are very skilled at it! We did OK but it definitely takes some getting used to the steering. I’d definitely advise trying it if you are in the Uk in the Spring or Summer and have a day of good weather – great way to see an area slowly and to spend the afternoon with a picnic. ~ Jessica

Michael Woods Post author

April 14, 2016 at 7:33 am

So jealous! I’ve wanted to tour around London for a looong time. Haven’t found the time yet though..

April 17, 2016 at 1:47 pm

Hi Michael, there are many great places around London that are wonderful places to go – we’ve done many day and weekend trips in the London area. Laurence spent a lot of time growing up around Oxford so we return to that area quite often. I hope you find the time to explore some of these places on future trips! ~ Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

April 13, 2016 at 5:39 am

I’ve never been to Oxford and would love to go. I need to stay long enough in London to allow for it. Such a beautiful city. I would try the punting just for the experience, but learning about the history of places is my favorite part. And climbing towers – I love a good view!

April 17, 2016 at 1:45 pm

Yes, there are so many things to do in London that a lot of people don’t leave the city, especially if time is short. But I think Oxford is a great city to explore if you have the time and want to see a great historical university city in the UK. Yes, there are a few places that you can get a great view of Oxford and some exercise climbing all those steps! 🙂

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