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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.

Oxford Attractions: Map

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

Jan 3, 2022 • 13 min read

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

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

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

Wander historic university colleges

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

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

Photograph classic Oxford landmarks

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

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

Tour the Bodleian Library

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

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

Indulge your love of bookshops

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

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

Treasures and afternoon tea at the Ashmolean Museum

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

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

Enter the Victorian era in the Pitt Rivers Museum

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

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

Hear Christ Church Cathedral Choir at Evensong

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

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

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

Overnight at Oxford Castle and Prison

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

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

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

Oxford’s Botanic Garden and Arboretum

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

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

Punting under Magdalen Bridge

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

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

The Alice in Wonderland Shop

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

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

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

Leave a memento to give thanks for Lord of the Rings 

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

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

Drink a pint on the bank of the River Thames

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

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

Dissect the History of Science

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

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

Enrich your imagination at the Story Museum

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

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

Admire Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History

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

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

Visit the birthplace of Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace

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

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

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

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

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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

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Oxford Travel Guide (Practical tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 6, 2024

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

Plan your visit to Oxford

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

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

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

What you will find in this complete Oxford Travel Guide

Map of Oxford

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

Oxford travel guide – Visiting Oxford FAQ’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

VISITING BLENHEIM PALACE

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN OXFORD

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These include

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

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

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

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

The Travel Blogger’s Guide to Oxford

By: Author Char Taylor

Categories UK

I love reading travel blogger’s advice and guides to places when I’m planning a trip, so I thought I’d round-up some of the best based on Oxford; a UK city that you really, really need to visit.

In my humble opinion the beautiful city of Oxford doesn’t really need any introductions. It has it all; quirky pubs, hidden lanes, iconic buildings, both high street stores and independent boutiques, Harry Potter magic (yes, that’s a thing), awesome cocktail spots, glam spots, hip hangouts…need I go on?!

I lived in the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ for a little bit, got married there and regularly head back for an Oxford-fix. I can’t recommend it enough.

Don’t just take my word for it though; these fellow travel bloggers have lots of praise for the city and loads of ideas for your next trip to Oxford.

Oxford is just over an hour or so from London or Birmingham, so it’s a really easy option for a weekend break (and you know how we feel about those weekenders here at The Travel Hack!).

Oxford City Guides

Okay it’s one of our own guides, but it’s handy one! In this post we share our top picks for that perfect weekend in Oxford. We’ve listed both save and splurge options, so you can tailor the trip for your own visit.

Rosie shares a snippet of her visit to the city. This post includes loads of gorgeous photos (what else would you expect from The Londoner?!) that will have you lusting for your own Oxfordian adventure.

Emily shares her itinerary for a short break in Oxford. If you’re tight on time, but want to get a good taste of the city then this guide is for you. Emily also includes some really good tips for scoring a tour of the Bodleian Library.

Short on time? If you can’t spare a whole weekend, but still want to visit Oxford you could pack a lot into just one day like Chloe. This guide includes a handy tip for enjoying great views above the city.

This guide is themed around Alice in Wonderland. If you’re a fan of the book, this particular guide is for you. It includes lots of the iconic sites and references from Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland.

I wrote this guide for my own site. What can I say? I just love this city! I’ve included tips on where to stay, what to see and do and importantly, where to eat. This guide is essentially an itinerary for a great weekend in Oxford.

This blog post shares a little of what you can expect in the city, including rough budgets/prices. If you’re watching your pennies it’s worth having a look at his guide.

If you’re more of a visual person this post is for you. It’s full of loads of photos of Oxford from the guys at Hand Luggage Only.

I love the name of this blog, but that’s not all to love. This post contains lots of gorgeous photos of the city, as well as some tips for your own trip. I second the recommendation Gee’s.

Where to Stay

Want to wake up to a view like this? Stay in this famous historical hotel and you can enjoy that and more.

For the ultimate Harry Potter experience you need to stay in one of the colleges. Emily did just that and you can read all about it in this review.

Lucy shares what it’s like to sleep behind bars. No really! If you’re looking for a stylish, quirky stay this one is definitely worth reading.

Not convinced? Lauren shares her luxurious stay at this stylish spot too. Just check out that bath (and mandatory champagne!).

Where to Eat and Drink

If you can’t afford to stay at this hotel it’s still worth visiting for the food and probably more so the cocktails. The drinks menu is massive.

What to See and Do

Another one of my posts – see I told you I love this city! I’ve rounded up seven of my fave things to do and see in Oxford. If you only do one thing, it’s surely got to be punting?!

Planning a trip to Oxford? Pin this post for later!

Sunday 26th of June 2022

Thanks so much for all this links to these Oxford posts! We plan a long awaited trip to Oxford as our base for 14 days in the UK in September. Our September 2020 trip had to be cancelled for obvious reasons I care not to mention. :) We want to make the most of our days and trust bloggers for tips. https://happywonderer.com/

10 Oxford Travel Tips to Help You Plan the Perfect Trip

Heading to Oxford? 

These Oxford travel tips and suggestions for the best things to do there are the perfect way to make sure that you’ve got the real scoop on what it’s like to visit Oxford and how to make sure your trip is a success, whether you’re spending one day in Oxford or a few days or more. 

From transportation to attractions to general need-to-knows, enjoy these travel tips for Oxford from someone who loves visiting this great English city!

1. You don’t need a car

Oxford is one of the most walkable cities in the UK, and you don’t need a car and shouldn’t bring one to Oxford (unless you just happen to be on a road trip there, in which case park it somewhere and then walk!)

Once in the city, walking and using public transportation like the buses if necessary is far easier than driving and will make sure that you truly make the most of your time. 

2. Make time for the Harry Potter walks

Most people associate London with being the filming location for Harry Potter, and indeed the studio work was done there. 

However, much of the exterior sets and on-location shots for Harry Potter were actually filmed in and around Oxford.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make room in your schedule for a Harry Potter walk in Oxford to see famous filming locations. 

3. Find the Sheldonian Heads

One of the most unique things to do in Oxford is to find the Sheldonian Heads (there are 6 in total). These funny head statues have a long history in Oxford, and you can find them on a stretch of road that ends with the Museum of the History of Science (where you’ll find two).

Challenge your travel companions to walk down the street and see who can find them all first.

4. Avoid the Summer months if possible

While summer is arguably the best weather time in the UK, it’s the worst time to visit Oxford if you want to avoid crowds.

Oxford itself isn’t huge, and what happens in the summer is that visiting students from around the world as well as plenty of tourists descend upon the city and cause what can only be described as a little bit of chaos.

If you have flexibility in your schedule, visit Oxford in the “shoulder season,” which is April, May, September, and October for fewer visitors to compete with. 

5. Use the public transportation connections to London

Oxford is a very well-connected city, but one of its closest connections is to London.

Whether you’re coming from London to Oxford or you want to take a day trip to London while staying in Oxford, you can either take the train from Oxford Station into Marylebone Station in London, or you can hop on the Oxford Tube, which is actually a quick service bus!

Bus tickets are cheaper with more stops throughout Oxford, but whichever way you travel, take advantage of that easy link to another beautiful and iconic English city. 

6. Eat in the Covered Market

There are so many restaurants in Oxford to choose from, but one of the best places to eat is actually in what is known as the Covered Market.

The “Covered” part is excellent for if you get caught in the rain, but there are also plenty of cafes and food options here to choose from, making it an excellent place for lunch.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with Moo’s Milkshakes (the flavor options are out of this world).

7. Understand the difference between Oxford University and Oxford Colleges

Often, you may see signs for different “colleges” in Oxford, like Christ Church College or Brasenose College.

If you’re not familiar with the UK educational system and the Oxford University system in particular, this can be confusing.

Are these random “colleges” or small educational institutions? Where exactly is Oxford University?

Oxford University is actually a combination of 44 colleges spread throughout the city. So a student will be attending “Oxford Uni,” but they will actually apply to one of the specific colleges within the university to live and study at. 

8. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help

Oxford residents are typically very friendly and welcoming and more than happy to help point you in the right direction or tell you more about what they love about Oxford. 

As long as you don’t interrupt a person holding a briefcase who seems to be flying down the street late for a meeting, you should interact with and get to know the local students and residents who call this gorgeous city home. They won’t bite!

One of the best places to meet the locals, of course, is in a pub!

9. Go punting

Punting means different things to different people depending on the context, but in Oxford, if someone tells you to “go punting,” it means a type of boat ride that happens on a river.

The boat itself is called a “punt,” and you can have someone else steer it for you or you can try it with friends.

Go punting from the Magdalen Boathouse in the summer months to take in Oxford from an entirely different perspective and take part in one of the most popular local pastimes when the weather is warm. 

10. Save money by eating picnics in the parks

Oxford is an incredibly green city with plenty of parks, and one of the best ways to save money while you’re in Oxford if you’re on a bit of a budget is to eat lunch (and dinner in the warmer, lighter months) in the parks.

Simply stop by any food shop like Sainsbury’s and grab yourself a “meal deal,” which typically includes a sandwich, crisps, and a drink, and take it to somewhere like Oxford University Parks to sit on a bench and eat while you watch the world go by.

You’ll save a ton of money, get some Vitamin D, and get to appreciate what Mother Nature has to offer in Oxford!

Kalyn runs Girl Gone London

A Day Trip To Oxford

From exploring the city’s history, to great shopping and restaurants, this travel guide will help you plan your day trip to Oxford.

There are lots of great cities to explore in the UK, but one of my favourite is Oxford. I grew up around 40-minutes away so it’s a city I’m familiar with. The architecture of the city is simply amazing, with historic college buildings, churches and old shops giving so much character.

It’s a very walkable city and the roads can get busy. If you’re visiting I’d recommend taking public transport if possible. My trip was in collaboration with Omio , a travel booking site which allows you to book planes, trains and buses all through one platform. Most of the tickets are e-tickets, so you don’t have to worry about printing in advance, and it’s super simple to use. 

I booked a National Express coach and had an easy journey from High Wycombe to Oxford, enjoying beautiful views of historic West Wycombe and the impressive Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire countryside. 

Rather than continue to Oxford’s bus terminal at Gloucester Green I decided to disembark on the High Street where some of the historic college buildings had already caught my eye. If, like me, you’re visiting Oxford for a day, you’ll be keen to pack in as much as possible. 

So with only 24 hours in Oxford, and lots of sightseeing to pack in, what activities would I recommend?

Explore The University Of Oxford And The City’s Architecture

38 colleges make up the historic University of Oxford – the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It’s incredible when you think that teaching started in the 11 th and 12 th centuries! The centre of the city is saturated with stunning architecture, and you really do feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the streets past Baliol College, Jesus, Brasenose and more. I love how you don’t need to plan your sightseeing in Oxford… you can just wander the streets and see what you discover!

For me, the most beautiful part was walking through Radcliffe Square, home to the impressive circular Radcliffe Camera. I also loved passing the Bridge of Sighs and the 17 th Century Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren – a former student at the university. 

While I didn’t explore inside any of the universities on this visit, many are open to the public. For a small fee (between £2 and £7) you can wander the grounds and explore some of the most ancient colleges and beautiful chapels. 

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Oxford, I’d highly recommend walking down to Christ Church – often named as one Oxford’s most beautiful colleges and famed for its impressive cathedral.  

Go On Your Very Own Adventure In Wonderland

Lewis Caroll (known as Charles Dodgson) studied maths at Christ Church, Oxford, and it’s in this city that Alice’s adventures in wonderland began. There are plenty of spots in the city that bring the magic to life.

On St. Aldates is Alice’s Shop – the very shop where Alice Liddell (Lewis Caroll’s muse) loved to buy her sweets. Inside the store today you’ll find hundreds of items of memorabilia, from Mad Hatter tea party crockery, to artwork, and even Alice fancy dress outfits! Don’t miss the White Rabbit staring anxiously at his pocket-watch at the door!

Stepping inside Christ Church may be a must for Harry Potter fans… but once inside its majestic Great Hall there’s also a famous stained glass window to Alice. 

And just a stone’s throw away is Cafe Loco – a themed café with Alice in Wonderland artworks on the walls and a Mad Hatter Tea Party menu! 

Climb The Tower At St Mary The Virgin

One of the top Oxford tourist attractions also offers the BEST views of the city!

Climb the church tower of St Mary The Virgin and you’ll be rewarded with views of the beautiful colleges, church spires and greens that make up Oxford city centre. It only costs £4, so is perfect if you’re on a budget.

The 62m tower dates from the 13th century and while the stairs up are narrow and steep, it’s definitely worth the effort! It’ll help you get your bearings of where the key sights are located, and help you plan what else to do on your London to Oxford day trip.

Take A Break At England’s Oldest Cafe

An Oxford institution, The Grand Café sits on the site of the oldest coffee house in England according to Samuel Pepys’ Diary of 1650.

The luxurious room with sweeping bar and huge mirror is a lovely place to enjoy a break from sightseeing.

I tucked into a delicious chocolate brownie, which was warm, indulgent and gooey in the middle!

Shop At Oxford Covered Market  

A maze of over 40 boutiques and foodie spots, Oxford Covered Market is a wonderful place to meander around. Dating back to the 1770s, it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone.

On your Oxford trip, be sure to check out The Oxford Cheese Shop (which sells lots of great locally made cheeses), The Cake Shop (where you can watch the experts creating incredible cakes right in the window) and cute boutique Fresh Clothing.

Challenge Your Friends At Thirsty Meeples Board Games Café

What an amazing place to visit on your Oxford day tour! Thirsty Meeples is home to a treasure trove of over 2000 board games. When I visited almost every table was taken, with people enjoying a good game, a drink and a chat. In a time where everyone seems to be glued to phones and laptops, it was really refreshing!

Don’t expect to turn up and play monopoly or scrabble – there are so many games you’ve never heard of, you should definitely try something new.

They charge a small fee per person for use of the table and game for three hours (£5 for adults / £3.50 for children) and while there you can choose from a menu of snacks, sandwiches, coffee, craft beer or cocktails (depending on how much you want to concentrate!)

Enjoy Oxford’s Quirky Shopping Scene

Queen Street and the High Street are home to chain stores including Marks and Spencer, French Connection, Primark and Topshop. But why go all the way to Oxford for a standard shopping experience?

If you’re visiting oxford for the day and fancy a rummage, check out Unicorn vintage store on Ship Street. Jam-packed with items, it was tricky to even open the door! Once inside wade through mountains of fur coats, retro dresses and costume jewellery – you might find a real gem!

For something more up to date, head to Fresh Clothing in Oxford Covered Market. I loved the bright coloured dresses and quirky shoes. There were also some lovely floral accessories!

Babylon, a gift and homeware store on the High Street also caught my eye with its fun window displays featuring flamingos and colourful cushions.

While I didn’t have the chance to go in (yes I was racing to the bus station!) I snapped a quick photo of Arcadia – an eye-catching shop selling second-hand books and vintage items. It looked perfect for gifts so I’ll be sure to squeeze a visit in next time I’m enjoying a day trip to Oxford.

Venture Into Oxford Castle Quarter

Just before catching my National Express coach home, I walked to Oxford Castle Quarter . With 1000 years of history, it’s worth checking out the beautiful exterior and 11th-century Motte and Bailey Castle, even if you don’t fancy venturing inside.

The area is also home to a Pizza Express, Prezzo, a coffee shop and even a Malmaison Hotel – with the rooms located in a converted Victorian prison! In the past people were dying to leave that building… and now people are paying to stay there…!

Is Oxford worth visiting?

100% – I love the city and I think this day trip to Oxford from London is one of my favourite day trips you can take from the capital. 

People sometimes ask me how long they should spend in Oxford, and while there’s plenty to keep you busy for several days (including some lovely things to do in Oxford at night which I haven’t mentioned in this post), I think a one day trip to Oxford from London gives an amazing flavour of the city, before you start planning return visits to go into more detail. 

Book your day trip to Oxford with National Express  via Omio now and find out more about what there is to do in the city at experienceoxfordshire.org .

Enjoyed this post about amazing things to see in Oxford? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

7 thoughts on “A Day Trip To Oxford”

If I ever get back to London, I will make sure to visit Oxford aswell. Looks like a cute, english town . x

I hope you get the chance to visit. It’s so pretty! I really love it there.

I do so adore the city of dreaming spires!

I love that name for it! You really feel it when you’re up the tower looking out too…

I love Oxford! All of the Harry Potter locations and University colleges are so much fun to explore. Maybe you can try and convince Oxford to let you into All Souls College next time? 😀

Hey Alice – glad you love it too!! I would love to visit All Souls next time – fingers crossed for an invite!!

Tks for the article! I’m going to Oxford and I find it very useful. 🙂

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Khabarovsk city, Russia

The capital city of Khabarovsk krai .

Khabarovsk - Overview

Khabarovsk , the administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai, is one of the largest industrial, transport, cultural, educational, and scientific centers of the Far East of Russia. This city is located at the intersection of international railway and air transport routes on the right bank of the Amur River, near the border with China.

The population of Khabarovsk is about 613,500 (2022), the area - 383 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4212, the postal codes - 680000-680150.

Khabarovsk city flag

Khabarovsk city coat of arms.

Khabarovsk city map, Russia

Khabarovsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

25 August, 2017 / Russian banknotes and the sights depicted on them .

1 August, 2017 / Khabarovsk - the view from above .

21 December, 2016 / Flying over diverse Russia .

21 April, 2013 / Khabarovsk - the center of the Russian Far East .

16 January, 2011 / Siberian tiger walking the highway .

More posts..

History of Khabarovsk

Foundation of khabarovsk.

Until the mid-19th century, the territory of present-day Khabarovsk, in accordance with the Nerchinsk Treaty, was located on a neutral territory, not delimited between the Qing Empire (China) and the Russian Empire. In 1858, the Aigun Treaty was signed, according to which the entire left bank of the Amur River passed into the possession of the Russian Empire, the right bank of the Amur to the Ussuri River became part of China.

After signing the treaty, the 13th Siberian Line Battalion was sent to establish settlements along the Amur. One of the new settlements was named Khabarovka - in honor of Yerofey Khabarov, a 17th-century Russian explorer known for his attempts to colonize this region for Russia. In 1864, the first plan for the development of the future town was made. By 1865, there were 1,294 residents in Khabarovka - mostly soldiers and officers.

Initially, only military buildings were constructed in Khabarovka. Five years after the foundation, there were already 167 buildings in the settlement including the house of the commander, barracks, warehouses, residential buildings, and trading shops. Due to its very convenient location at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, Khabarovka began to develop very quickly.

Following the military settlers, civilians began to arrive from all parts of the Russian Empire including Moscow and St. Petersburg. At that time, their main occupations were hunting, fur trade, and fishing. The settlers were provided with free fertile land, which also contributed to the influx of new residents to Khabarovka.

More historical facts…

Khabarovsk - a regional center of the Russian Far East

In 1873, the first elementary school was opened in Khabarovka. The Russo-Chinese treaty of 1881 allowed duty-free trade in the 50-kilometer land border zone and the goods of Chinese and English manufacturers could be bought half cheaper here.

By 1880, Khabarovka was already a rather large settlement of Primorsky Oblast with a population of 2,036 people (47.3% - military, 23% - bourgeois, 21.3% - foreigners (mainly Chinese workers), 1.4% - representatives of the indigenous population, and 7% - officers, clergy, merchants, industrialists).

At that time, the capital of Primorsky Oblast was Nikolayevsk (today’s Nikolayevsk-on-Amur), but Khabarovka had a more advantageous geographical position, as it was located at the crossroads of all communication lines from Vladivostok and the coast. In 1880, Khabarovka became the center of Primorsky Oblast and transformed into a town. In 1893, the town was renamed Khabarovsk.

In 1894, the Amur (Khabarovsk) department of the Russian Geographical Society was created with a museum (the Khabarovsk Regional Museum of Local Lore) and a library. In 1895, the first vocational technical school was opened - the railway school of the Ministry of Railways. During these years, a lot of stone houses were built in Khabarovsk. Most of them are preserved in the city to this day.

In 1897, the first train departed from the Khabarovsk railway station. The Ussuri Railway connected Khabarovsk with Vladivostok. The population of the town was about 14,900 people.

Khabarovsk in the 20th century and beyond

In 1916, the construction of a railway bridge over the Amur was completed and Khabarovsk was connected by the Amur Railway with Eastern Siberia.

November 14, 1922, after the liquidation of the Far Eastern Republic, Khabarovsk became part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. On December 6, 1923, the administrative center of the Russian Far East was transferred to Khabarovsk from Chita. In 1925, the railway bridge over the Amur was restored.

On January 4, 1926, Far Eastern Krai was formed with its center in Khabarovsk. The population of the city was about 52 thousand people. On October 23, 1934, the Far Eastern Agricultural Research Institute was established in Khabarovsk. In 1936, Khabarovsk was connected by rail with Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

By 1939, the population of Khabarovsk increased to 200 thousand people. From June 1940, the command of the Far Eastern Front was deployed in Khabarovsk. From August 1945, the headquarters of the High Command of Soviet Forces in the Far East and the command of the 1st Far Eastern Front were stationed in the city.

On March 16, 1946, the Khabarovsk Drama Theater was created. In 1949, a trial was held in Khabarovsk in the case of former members of the Japanese Kwantung Army. The most significant changes in the city occurred in the post-war decades.

In 1960, the Khabarovsk television studio began broadcasting. On October 24, 1964, the Khabarovsk Shipyard produced the first “Rocket”, a famous Soviet hydrofoil ship. On September 1, 1967, the Khabarovsk Institute of Physical Education (the Far Eastern State Academy of Physical Culture) was opened. On September 1, 1968, the Khabarovsk State Institute of Arts and Culture was opened.

In 1975, the population of Khabarovsk was about 502,000 people. By 1990, Khabarovsk was formed as a multifunctional economic center of national importance. The population reached its maximum of 616 thousand people.

In May 2000, federal districts were formed in the Russian Federation. Khabarovsk became the center of the Far Eastern Federal District. In 2008, the railway station was completely renovated. In 2009, the reconstruction of the bridge across the Amur was finished. In late summer - early fall of 2013, Khabarovsk was affected by flooding, which became the strongest over the entire observation period since 1897.

On December 13, 2018, the center of the Far Eastern Federal District was moved from Khabarovsk to Vladivostok.

Pictures of Khabarovsk

Pre-revolutionary architecture in Khabarovsk

Author: Tanya Yakushina

Lenin Square in Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk cityscape

Author: Santiago Rios

Khabarovsk - Features

Khabarovsk is often considered the capital of the Russian Far East. The city is located in Asia, in the southern part of the Central Amur Lowland, near the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, about 17 km from the border with China. The city stands on the elevated right bank of the Amur River, the relief of which is diverse and complex.

The distance from Moscow to Khabarovsk by roads is about 8,250 km, to Vladivostok - 750 km. About half of the population of Khabarovsk Krai lives in this city. Khabarovsk is a bit similar to the large cities of the Volga region. Here you can see similar new buildings wedging chaotically into the cityscape and an abundance of pre-revolutionary architecture.

Although Khabarovsk can’t boast of Vladivostok’s seaside flavor or all-Russian sights, it’s still worth coming here, and to some extent this is inevitable: all routes of the Khabarovsk region converge here.

The climate in Khabarovsk is temperate monsoon, with snowy cold winters and hot humid summers. The average temperature in January is minus 20.5 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 21.8 degrees Celsius. The number of sunny days per year is significantly higher than in a number of large cities of Russia (up to 300 days a year; in Moscow and St. Petersburg - about 100).

From November to March, very dry and frosty continental air with clear and sunny weather is established over the city. The best time to visit Khabarovsk is June and September when the weather is not too hot.

Khabarovsk is a major hub at the junction of water, air, rail, and road communications from the north and west of the country, Primorye, Sakhalin, and the ports of Khabarovsk Krai. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through the city, as well as the railway line to Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This city is the connecting point of the federal highways “Amur” (Chita - Khabarovsk), “Ussuri” (Khabarovsk - Vladivostok), and Khabarovsk - Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Urban transport includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, minibuses, and taxis.

The international airport “Novy” offers regular flights to Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, Yakutsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Magadan, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan).

The design of the Russian 5,000 rubles banknote features Khabarovsk. On its front side you can see the monument to Muravyov-Amursky (the founder of Khabarovsk and Vladivostok) on the background of the embankment of the Amur River. The Khabarovsk bridge over the Amur is depicted on the back of the banknote. At the time of construction, in 1916, it was one of the longest bridges in the world and was called “The Amur Miracle”.

The fork-shaped cross depicted on the coat of arms of Khabarovsk symbolizes the location of the city at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers. Fish reminds of the main occupation of the first residents - fishing. The white-breasted bear and the Amur tiger are endemic to the Amur land.

Main Attractions of Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk Regional Museum named after Nikolai Grodekov . The expositions of this museum feature exhibits on the paleontology and geology of the Amur Region, the flora and fauna of the Far East, the fish of the Amur basin, the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Amur region and Russian settlers, the history of the development of the Russian Far East, the events of the Civil War in the Far East (1917-1922). The museum building (1896) is a monument of architecture, culture, and history of federal significance. Shevchenko Street, 11.

Amur (Khabarovsk) Cliff - the most beautiful place in the city located in the center of Admiral Gennady Nevelsky Embankment running along the Amur River bank, near the Khabarovsk Regional Museum. In 1858, a military detachment led by commander Yakov Dyachenko landed here. He decided to set up his camp here, which later became a military settlement, and even later - the village of Khabarovka.

Here you can find a good observation deck with beautiful views of the Amur River and the city. Nearby, there is a park with the famous monument to the Governor-General of Eastern Siberia Muravyov-Amursky. This monument is depicted on the Russian banknote of 5,000 rubles. Shevchenko Street, 15.

The Far Eastern Art Museum - the largest museum of fine art in the Russian Far East. The collection of this museum has about 16 thousand works of art of the Old Russian, Russian pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and modern periods. Here you can also see the Far Eastern and Western European fine art, the art of the peoples of the Amur Region, works of Russian icon painting of the 15th-20th centuries. Shevchenko Street, 7.

Military History Museum of the Far Eastern Military District . The museum exhibits documents, photographs, banners of all periods of the history of the Far Eastern Military District, starting with the Russian Civil War in the Far East and to our time. In the courtyard, there is an exhibition of military equipment. Shevchenko Street, 20.

Khabarovsk Assumption Cathedral - the first stone building and one of the largest churches in Khabarovsk. The original building was demolished in 1930. In 2002, the cathedral was restored according to a new architectural project in the Russian style with some eclectic features. The new cathedral as a whole differs from the original building, but has some of its elements. In particular, the shapes of the arches and domes of the new cathedral were taken from the old version. Sobornaya (Komsomolskaya) Square.

Khabarovsk Bridge (“The Amur Miracle”) - one of the main symbols of Khabarovsk. The construction of this bridge completed the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1916. This bridge is depicted on the Russian 5,000 Rubles banknote. In the 1990s, the bridge was reconstructed, its old openwork spans were dismantled. Nearby, you can find the Museum of the History of the Amur Bridge with the last preserved span of the original design.

Lenin Square - the central and most picturesque square in Khabarovsk. In size, it is second only to Red Square in Moscow. It is framed by buildings of various styles of architecture, size, and number of storeys. There are beautiful fountains, well-groomed flower beds, and trimmed lawns here.

Severny Park - a cascade of three small but very picturesque ponds. In the middle of the green lawns and trees there are small arbors, as well as a snow-white wedding palace. Nearby, you can see the Church of Seraphim of Sarov. Kakhovskaya Street, 1.

Khabarovsk city of Russia photos

Churches of khabarovsk.

Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Khabarovsk

Author: Sergey V. Makogonov

Assumption Cathedral in Khabarovsk

Author: Jason Rogers

Transfiguration Cathedral in Khabarovsk

Lenin monument in Khabarovsk

Lenin Monument in Khabarovsk

Author: Kudinov D.M.

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

I lived in Khabarovsk for many years. I was an American working there. I spoke fluent Russian and pretty much blended right in. No one guessed I was a foreigner. I made lots of truly wonderful friends some of whom became like family.

I walked about any time I felt like it and never had any sort of problems. I lived in several other cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg and Khabarovsk is my favorite. If I could figure out a way to live there permanently, I would with pleasure.

I had the pleasure of flying a number of flights to Khabarovsk in the early 1990's. I met some wonderful people, one very special person. While the city was in a semi state of disrepair, it still held the historic beauty of its earlier years.

It has been over 20 years since my visit and I would very much like to return. Perhaps not in this life time but the memories live on.

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