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Oxford skyline, with university buildings

The 24 best things to do in Oxford right now

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

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

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

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

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Things to see in Oxford

Tour the collections at the Ashmolean Museum

1.  Tour the collections at the Ashmolean Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marvel at baroque country pile Blenheim Palace

3.  Marvel at baroque country pile Blenheim Palace

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

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

Expand your brain at Pitt Rivers Museum

4.  Expand your brain at Pitt Rivers Museum

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

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

5.  Check out a Divine Schism show

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

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

Cruise down the river

6.  Cruise down the river

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

Picnic on Port Meadow

7.  Picnic on Port Meadow

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

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

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

8.  Eat brunch at Green Routes

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

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

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

Get spell-bound on a Harry Potter locations tour

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

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

10.  Grab a pint at the Tap Social Taproom

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

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

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

See the city from the water

11.  See the city from the water

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

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

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

Get spooked on a theatrical ghost trail

12.  Get spooked on a theatrical ghost trail

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

Travel the world with Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

13.  Travel the world with Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

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

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

See an indie film at Ultimate Picture Palace

14.  See an indie film at Ultimate Picture Palace

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

Attend candle-lit Evensong at Magdalen College

15.  Attend candle-lit Evensong at Magdalen College

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

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

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

Tour Oxford’s backwaters by kayak

16.  Tour Oxford’s backwaters by kayak

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

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

Take a tour of The Oxford Artisan Distillery

17.  Take a tour of The Oxford Artisan Distillery

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

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

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

Follow in Alice’s footsteps at Christ Church

18.  Follow in Alice’s footsteps at Christ Church

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

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

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

Discover your favourite characters at The Story Museum

19.  Discover your favourite characters at The Story Museum

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

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

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

Delve into history at Oxford Castle and Prison

20.  Delve into history at Oxford Castle and Prison

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

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

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

Take in some contemporary art at Modern Art Oxford

21.  Take in some contemporary art at Modern Art Oxford

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

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

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

Catch a gig at Jericho Tavern

22.  Catch a gig at Jericho Tavern

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

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

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

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

Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Morse

24.  Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Morse

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

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PlanetWare.com

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

See also: Where to Stay in Oxford

1. Explore Historic Oxford City Center

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

Oxford City Center

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

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

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

Address: High Street, Oxford

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

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

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

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

Christ Church Cathedral

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

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

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

Location: St. Aldates, Oxford

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

Christ Church College

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

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

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

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

Location: St. Aldate's, Oxford

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

Magdalen College

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

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

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

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

Address: Rose Lane, Oxford

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

Radcliffe Square

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

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

Address: Broad Street, Oxford

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

Sheldonian Theatre

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

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

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

Ashmolean Museum

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

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

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

Address: Beaumont Street, Oxford

Official site: www.ashmolean.org

History of Science Museum

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

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

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

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

Martyrs' Memorial

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

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

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

Location: St. Giles, Oxford

Old timber framed house on Cornmarket Street

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

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

Address: Cornmarket Street, Oxford

Oxford Castle & Prison

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

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

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

Address: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford

Official site: www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH)

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

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

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

Address: Parks Road, Oxford

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

Blenheim Palace

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

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

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

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

Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Official site: www.blenheimpalace.com

Abingdon-on-Thames

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

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

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

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

Address: Market Place, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

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

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

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

Oxford Map - Tourist Attractions

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

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Why we love Oxford

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

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

Bodleian Libraries/Stu Heppell

Olds Schools Quad, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

Every book ever written at Bodleian Library 

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

Man walking into a boutique style vintage shop

Vintage chic

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

VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery

Blenheim Palace

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

Gloucester Green Market

Crowds of people shopping at Gloucester Green Market in Oxford

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

Photos by John Cairns

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford

Oxford River Cruises

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

Things to do in Oxford

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University of Oxford

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

VisitOxford

An old hall with grand ornate walls in the Divinity School, part of Oxford's Bodleian Library

Oxford Castle

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

Photo: Philip J.A Benton

Sunset at Oxford Castle and Prison

Pitt Rivers Museum

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

Experience Oxfordshire

An overhead view of the exhibits and displays at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford

Bicester Village

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

Bicester Village

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

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery

Ashmolean Museum

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

Winter-an evening at a museum

Oxford Alumni Harry Potter Tour

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

Christ Church CollegeatChrist Church _ Experience Oxfordshire

Inspector Morse Tour of Oxford

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

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Man walking through a sandstone archway

Bodleian Library

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

Radcliffe Camera

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

Man looking up at a historical building with dome

Go Ape Wendover

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

A child climbing up a tree at Go Ape Wendover

Oxford Kayak Tours

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

A man steering a kayak down a river in Oxford

Junkyard Golf Club

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

Junkyard Golf Oxford

Two people posing with golf clubs at Junkyard Golf in Oxford

Oxford Ghost Tours

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

People sat in a historic hall on a ghost tour of Oxford

The Ultimate Picture Palace

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

Ultimate Picture Palace/Ian Wallman

An outside shot of the Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford

Modern Art Oxford

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

Oxford Atelier/Modern Art Oxford

Two people looking at an art exhibit in Modern Art Oxford

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Tour

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

A woman holding a tray of whiskey shots as part of a distillery tour in Oxford

Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery

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

Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery

An outside shot of Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery

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

Crowds of people shopping at Gloucester Green Market in Oxford

Harry Potter Tour - Experience Oxfordshire

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

An inside shot of a hall in Christ Church college, Oxford, a filming location for the Harry Potter film series

The Jolly Farmers

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

An outside shot of the Jolly Farmers in Oxford

Oxford Pride

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

Crowds of people in front of a rainbow coloured bus as part of Oxford Pride

Oxford Music Festival

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

A group of people preparing to play guitars on stage as part of Oxford Music Festival

Oxford Literary Festival

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

Crowds of people watching a talk on stage at Oxford Literary Festival

C S Lewis Nature Reserve

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

Ross Mackenzie/CS Lewis Nature Reserve

A lake in the CS Lewis Nature Reserve in Oxford

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

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford

Car Chase Heroes

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

Alamy Stock Photo

Porsche 911 Hot Rod by Magnus Walker at Bicester Heritage Car Show, Oxfordshire

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

Bartender Preparing a Cocktail in a Large Glass

Westgate Oxford

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

The Westgate shopping centre in central Oxford

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

The main street in Burford village on a sunny day

Blackwell’s

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

A girl reading a book in a bookshop, Blackwells. Oxford

Oxford Walking Tours

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

Two people walking through the streets of Oxford

Chiltern Hills Cycling

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

Two young cyclists riding in the Chiltern Hills during the winter.

Featured things to do

footprints_and_photographs

A view of Magdalen College, part of the world famous Oxford University

One of the city’s most beautiful spots

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

jlo_conductor

Group of people posing on a punting boat, Oxford

Take a punt

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

oxfordcastle

Woman exploring underground rooms at Oxford Castle

Head into history

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

Two children seated on floor drawing museum exhibits

An evening at a museum

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

Places to stay in Oxford

City centre.

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

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

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

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

Explore nearby

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

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

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

VisitBritain

Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt

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

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Guards marching, Windsor Castle

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

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

Getting to Oxford

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

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

Getting around

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

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

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

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

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

Want to know more?

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

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Must-Visit Attractions in Oxford

Punting on the River Cherwell is one classic activity you cant miss in Oxford

From the glorious Bodleian Library to the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford is jam-packed with fantastic things to see and do. It has incredible architecture, superb art and a storied past dating back to Anglo-Saxon times – here, you can follow in the footsteps of Prime Ministers, poets and, of course, Harry Potter. Planning a trip to the City of Dreaming Spires, but have no idea where to start? We’ve whittled down the very best things to do in the beautiful city of Oxford.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Tour the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian is the historic heart of the University of Oxford. It’s the institute’s main research library and one of the oldest in Europe, dating back over 400 years. It sits in Radcliffe Square and houses ancient manuscripts, rare books, printed ephemera and maps. Take a guided tour for a deep dive into the drama of its 17th-century rooms, originally used to maintain order in the University but also used by King Charles I during the English Civil War.

oxford must visit

Smell the roses at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest of its kind in England, Oxford’s small botanic garden was founded in 1621 for the study of medicinal plants, and remains a department of the university today. It is run more for research purposes than for display, but it’s in a tranquil and colourful spot beside the River Cherwell. Wander around vibrant greenhouses and open beds with ‘Plants that Changed the World’ including potatoes and pineapples. A riverside van sells coffee and snacks.

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oxford must visit

Peek inside Oxford Castle & Prison

Step back in time with a unique guided tour around Oxford’s historic castle, dating back 1000 years. Costumed characters reveal the interesting history behind the building, plus you have the chance to climb the Saxon St George’s Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, as well as explore the ancient crypt and prison. If you’re lucky, there will be an event taking place inside the castle walls – like the Jericho Comedy Festival or a Shakespeare performance.

Visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Here, you can see specimens from all over the world, including a 150-year-old Japanese spider crab, a stunning example of neogothic architecture and a meteorite that fell from space 4.5 billion years ago. But it’s the dinosaurs that really draw the crowds. As well as a towering T-Rex skeleton – ‘Stan’, the second most complete ever found – you’ll see pieces of Megalosaurus, which, in 1677, was the first dinosaur ever mentioned in a written text.

oxford must visit

Stay in Keble College

Keble is one of the largest colleges at the University of Oxford, housing 800 students during term time and has been around since 1870. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to go to Oxford – or perhaps Hogwarts – now you have the chance to stay over here. Choose from a variety of traditional rooms with college green views. Breakfast is included and served in the magnificent gothic dining hall.

oxford must visit

Ponder curiosities in the Pitt Rivers Museum

This quirky museum is a real feast for the eyes, with over half a million objects and artefacts from around the world displayed inside. From Japanese Noh masks and Hawaiian feather cloaks to gruesome shrunken heads, there is so much to discover here. Highlights include a leather Roman shoe, dating back at least 1,500 years, and a pair of women’s knickers from Siberia made from reindeer skin.

Admire the view from University Church of St Mary the Virgin

With its distinctive decorated spire and beautiful architecture, St Mary’s is one of Oxford’s most-loved buildings. A church has stood on this site since Anglo-Saxon times, and was adopted as the first university building in the very early days of Oxford University. Take a trip up to the top of the 13th-century tower for unbeatable views across the heart of the city. While entering the church is free, there is a fee to climb the tower.

oxford must visit

Peruse the Ashmolean Museum

Explore half a million years of art and archaeology, spread out of five fascinating floors. The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is the world’s second university museum and Britain’s first ever public museum. Its first building was erected between 1678 and 1683. Exploring it makes for a fantastic free day out. From Egyptian mummies to Uccello’s masterpiece, The Hunt in the Forest , you won’t run out of things to see.

oxford must visit

Stroll through University Parks

Spread out of 70 acres, University Parks is a green oasis right in the heart of the city. With a great choice of walks, a wide collection of trees and plenty of open-space, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying a relaxed picnic and watching the world go by. Chances are you’ll be able to catch a game of cricket, lacrosse, football or even Quidditch – yes, you read that right! The Harry Potter sport is actually played in real life.

oxford must visit

Pop into Modern Art Oxford

Proving not all the best attractions in Oxford are thousands of years old, this modern art museum shows stimulating temporary exhibitions in its bright white, airy galleries. Discover a carefully curated programme of workshops, films, performances and revolving art residencies. There’s an excellent shop and a lovely cafe bar serving a menu using locally sourced ingredients, decent coffee and delicious homemade cakes.

oxford must visit

Walk to a pub through Port Meadow

You wouldn’t expect to find a large stretch of ancient open meadow land in the city, but that’s precisely the charm of this tranquil slice of Oxford countryside. Take a walk through the wildflowers, past grazing horses and cattle, before stopping for a pint at the ever-popular, 17th-century pub , the Perch. They do an excellent Sunday lunch with varied vegan options too.

oxford must visit

Shop inside the Covered Market

Opened to the public in 1774, the Covered Market has been a hub of Oxford life ever since. Inside this striking building, you’ll find a fantastic mix of permanent stalls and shops selling fresh fruit and veg to artisan cheese and hand-crafted jewellery. Take a wander around and soak up the lively atmosphere of this world-famous market . It’s open every day with shorter trading hours on Sunday.

oxford must visit

Snap a photo at the Bridge of Sighs

Officially named Hertford Bridge, but more commonly referred to as the Bridge of Sighs, this decorative skyway joins two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane. It picked up its nickname due to the supposed similarity to the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, and is now a much-loved Oxford landmark. Grab your phone and take a selfie – the best time is early morning or late afternoon before its swamped with tourists.

oxford must visit

Marvel at the great Christ Church

The compelling combination of majestic architecture, literary heritage and a double identity as (parts of) Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, Christ Church is an unmissable tourist attraction. Founded in 1525, it sits with Oxford’s busy town centre on one side, and the peaceful, green Christ Church Meadow on the other. A highlight here is the Renaissance Great Hall, the college’s jaw-dropping dining room, with its hammer-beam roof and portraits of past scholars.

oxford must visit

Go punting on the River Cherwell

You can’t visit Oxford without giving punting a try. Hire a boat from the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, pack a picnic and go for a punt down the scenic River Cherwell. Essentially, you use an extraordinarily long oar to push against the river bed and propel yourself forwards. It’s a quintessentially Oxford, timeless way to spend an afternoon – especially when the sun is shining.

oxford must visit

Catch a show at the Sheldonian Theatre

This Grade I-listed building, the first major design by world-famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, is where it all happens for Oxford University students. Inside these hallowed walls, students are admitted to the university and receive their degree. The theatre also regularly holds classical music concerts, so treat yourself to tickets to experience the grandeur of the place for yourself.

Buy a paperback at Blackwell’s Bookshop

The Oxford branch of Blackwell’s isn’t your typical bookshop . An integral part of University life, Blackwell’s is the biggest academic and specialist bookseller in the UK, stocking hundreds of thousands of titles. The famous Norrington Room boasts a whopping three miles (5km) of shelving, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest single room selling books.

oxford must visit

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

oxford must visit

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book near the bodleian library, oxford.

oxford must visit

The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Oxford

oxford must visit

The Best Hotels to Book in Oxford, UK

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The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Oxford

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Guides & Tips

10 reasons you should visit cambridge over oxford in england.

oxford must visit

A Brief History of Oxford University

oxford must visit

The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Oxford, UK

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See & Do

10 things you didn’t know about the university of oxford.

oxford must visit

The Most Picturesque Places in Oxford

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The Best Places To Enjoy Spring In Oxford

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10 Hidden Gems in Oxford’s Covered Market

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Food & Drink

The top bars and pubs in historic oxford, england, winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

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Must-see attractions in Oxford

United Kingdom, England, Oxford, Courtyard of Christ Church

Christ Church

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

Duke Humfrey's library, the Bodleian Library

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…

Front entrance to the Ashmolean Museum in Beaumont Street.

Ashmolean Museum

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

Inside the grounds of Magdalen College.

Magdalen College

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

Displays in the Pitt Rivers Museum.

Pitt Rivers Museum

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

Displays in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

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

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Radcliffe Camera

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

Exterior of Merton College.

Merton College

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

Outside the New College chapel

New College

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

Outside the castle walls, Oxford Castle.

Oxford Castle and Prison

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

Looking over to All Souls College, founded in 1438, the souls in question are those of soldiers who died in the Hundred Years' War, Oxford

All Souls College

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

16th century Brasenose College.

Brasenose College

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

The spire of Church of St Mary the Virgin, a 14th century tower that offers great views of Oxford and Nuffield

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

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

Outside the museum

Museum of the History of Science

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

The Trinity Chapel, the college was founded in 1555, but most buildings date from the 17th century

Trinity College

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

The front of the Exeter College

Exeter College

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

The front of the Queens College on High Street

Queen's College

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

The covered entrance to Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford

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

The Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs

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

oxford must visit

Christ Church Cathedral

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

Botanic Garden

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

Port Meadow

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

Story Museum

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

Weston Library

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

Christ Church Picture Gallery

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

Christ Church Meadow

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

oxford must visit

Church of St Margaret of Antioch

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

Outside the Sheldonian Theatre

Sheldonian Theatre

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

Outside the Union

Oxford Union

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

Outside Balliol

Balliol College

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

The door to the St Edmund College

St Edmund Hall

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

A side view of door in St Mary's Passage with the Radcliffe Camera in background.

St Mary’s Passage

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

Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower

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

Godstow Nunnery

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

Tolkien’s Resting Place

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

Outside the main St Peter's College building.

St Peter's College

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

oxford must visit

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Top 10 Things to Do in Oxford and Oxfordshire

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

Go shopping at Bicester Village

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

Explore the beautiful Blenheim Palace

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

Learn about the world-renowned University of Oxford

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

Visit the famous Ashmolean Museum

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

Step back in time at Oxford Castle & Prison

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

Explore Oxford's Waterways

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

Book an Oxford Official Walking Tour

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

Discover the historic Cogges Manor Farm

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

Go shopping at Westgate Oxford

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

Visit the unique Bicester Heritage

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

More great things to do

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The Oxford Artisan Distillery

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City Sightseeing Oxford Open-Top Bus Tours

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Crocodiles of the World

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Waterperry Gardens

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Kelmscott Manor

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Fairytale Farm

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Finest Hour Experiences

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Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

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Sheldonian Theatre

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The Oxfordshire Museum

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Sky Wave Gin

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Bicester Heritage

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The Henley Distillery

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River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames

Chrust Church College Oxford

Christ Church

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Didcot Railway Centre

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New Theatre Oxford

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Museum of Oxford

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Junkyard Golf Club

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Happy to Wander

27 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Oxford, England

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

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

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Take a unique Oxford walking tour

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

2. Go punting

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

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

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

3. Enjoy an afternoon tea river cruise

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

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

4. Prance down Oxford’s prettiest pastel street

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

5. Visit the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera

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

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

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

6. Admire the views from St Mary the Virgin Church

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

7. Walk underneath the Bridge of Sighs

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

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

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

oxford must visit

8. Frolic through the Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

9. Relive your childhood at the Story Museum

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

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

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

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

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

10. Visit the Oxford University Natural History Museum

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

11. Marvel at the Pitt Rivers Museum

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

12. Have a pint at the Turf Tavern

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

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

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

oxford must visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

14. Explore the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

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

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

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

oxford must visit

15. See a show at the Sheldonian Theatre

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

16. Explore New College

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

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

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

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

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

17. Go back in time at Oxford Castle and Prison

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

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

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

oxford must visit

18. Browse Blackwell’s Bookshop

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

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

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

oxford must visit

19. Admire pretty Magdalen College

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

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

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

oxford must visit

20. Experience the Covered Market

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

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

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

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

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

oxford must visit

21. Nerd out at the History of Science Museum

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

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

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

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

22. Wander through Jericho

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

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

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

oxford must visit

23. See the unique wall decorations at Bear Inn

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

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

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

24. Find Tolkien’s grave at Wolvercote Cemetery

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

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

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

oxford must visit

25. Join a tasting tour at Oxford Artisan Distillery

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

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

26. Do a dreamy day tour of the Cotswolds

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

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

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

Click here to check prices and availability.

oxford must visit

27. Venture out to Blenheim Palace

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

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

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

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

oxford must visit

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  • 17 of the Best Attractions You Must Visit in Oxford

oxford must visit

Oxford is famed for its architectural beauty.

You should also read…

  • 18 Great Ways to Enjoy the Summer in Oxford
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The legendary ‘ivory towers’ and ‘dreaming spires’ that epitomise this stunning city have often been portrayed in literature and film, and when you attend an Oxford Royale Architecture summer course , you’ll have the privilege of getting to know them for yourself.

In this article, we whet your appetite by introducing you to some of Oxford’s best-loved buildings.

1. Christ Church

Perhaps controversially, this is the only one of the Oxford colleges we’re going to include on this list, because otherwise it will turn into a just another list of Oxford colleges! Virtually all Oxford’s beautiful colleges are renowned for their stunning architecture, but Christ Church – founded in 1524 – is perhaps the most famous owing to its numerous appearances in popular film and television. The sight of ‘Tom Tower’, as its impressive entranceway is known, will be familiar to anyone who has seen the likes of The Golden Compass and Brideshead Revisited on the big screen, while its incredible dining hall has been immortalised as none other than the Hogwarts Great Hall in the much-loved series of Harry Potter films.

While it’s stood in for one of the world’s most famous eating halls, Christ Church – in which the cathedral that makes Oxford a city is located – is also noted for being the alma mater of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, also known as Lewis Carroll, who penned the childhood favourite Alice in Wonderland.

2. The Radcliffe Camera

Image shows the Radcliffe Camera on a misty day.

The Radcliffe Camera can only be described as Oxford’s most iconic building. Dominating the small cobbled square in which it’s found, this large, circular building was designed by James Gibbs and built in 1737-1749. Built in the English Palladian style, it forms part of the Bodleian Library complex. It houses mainly English, History and Theology books, and because it’s a working library, only students and scholars are admitted.

3. The Bodleian Library

While the Radcliffe Camera is off-limits to tourists, the nearby Bodleian Library buildings can be seen on one of its guided tours , and there’s an excellent gift shop too. The Bodleian – known colloquially as ‘The Bod’ – is the nerve centre of this vast library, which is a legal deposit library, meaning it’s entitled to a copy of every book ever published in the UK and Ireland. What you see above the ground constitutes only a small fraction of its overall holdings, which are housed in vast underground networks that few will ever be lucky enough to see. As you walk past the main entrance, you’ll see some huge wooden doors, which are adorned by the crests of all the Oxford colleges.

4. The Bridge of Sighs

Image shows the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford.

Although it’s not really a building as such, no discussion of Oxford’s architecture would feel complete without some mention of the Bridge of Sighs. Completed in 1914, the Bridge of Sighs lies right opposite the entrance to the Bodleian Library, and connects two part of Hertford College (once the college of Brideshead Revisited author Evelyn Waugh). Famous for its similarity to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, though not actually modelled on it, this one is a little more ornate and provides a popular photo opportunity for tourists, who pose on New College Lane beneath it.

5. The University Church

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is flanked on one side by the High Street, and on the other by the cobbled Radcliffe Square. Though the building itself is worth exploring, the view from its lofty heights is the primary basis of its appeal. For a small fee, you can climb to the top of the spire and enjoy a 360 degree view over Oxford’s famous ‘dreaming spires’. There’s also a popular organic cafe, the Vaults and Garden, accessed via Radcliffe Square.

6. The Sheldonian Theatre

Image shows the Sheldonian Theatre.

This unusually-shaped building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and lies adjacent to the Bodleian Library. The building gets its name from the then-chancellor, the Archbishop of Canterbury Gilbert Sheldon. For most of the year it’s used as a concert venue, and in 2008 it was famously the venue of a speech by the Dalai Lama. However, at the start of the academic year it’s the scene of what’s called the Matriculation Ceremony: the centuries-old process all new Oxford students must go through in order to become an official member of the university. It also marks the end of a student’s academic career, as it’s where graduation ceremonies are held on special days throughout the year. Freshers and graduates have been passing through its doors since it was opened in 1669, making it one of Oxford’s most famous and prestigious venues.

7. The Ashmolean Museum

Famed for being the world’s oldest university museum, the Ashmolean Museum can be found on the corner of Beaumont Street and St Giles, and it’s free to go in. Its imposing Neo-Classical facade, part of the building designed by Charles Cockerell and dating from 1841-45, forms an appropriate entranceway to a collection that houses numerous priceless antiquities and works of art from around the world. Among the treasures you’ll find within are the lantern said to have been used by Guy Fawkes during the Gunpowder Plot, and the Arabic costume of Lawrence of Arabia.

8. The Museum of Natural History/Pitt Rivers Museum

Image shows the Museum of Natural History in Oxford.

On Parks Road you’ll find Oxford’s Museum of Natural History, Oxford’s answer to London’s more famous Natural History Museum. It’s part of the university and houses a superb collection of zoological and geological specimens, including fossils, stuffed animals, skeletons and geodes. It’s perhaps most famous for its dodo specimen, which comes all the way from the extinct bird’s home, the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The imposing Gothic-style building housing all this was completed in 1861 by the Irish architects Thomas Newenham Deane and Benjamin Woodward. Newenham Deane’s son was to add the adjoining Pitt Rivers Museum to his father’s work a couple of decades later. The Pitt Rivers Museum is accessed only through the Museum of Natural History, and is noted for its original Victorian cases packed with anthropological curiosities from all over the world – including the revered shrunken heads from South America.

9. The Holywell Music Room

Said to be the oldest purpose-built music room in Europe, the Holywell Music Room was built in 1748 by the Vice-Principal of St Edmund Hall, Dr Thomas Camplin. Situated on Holywell Street, it’s part of nearby Wadham College, and has been the setting for performances from countless famous musical figures, most notably the composer Haydn. There are numerous free concerts held here throughout the year, making it a popular destination with fans of classical music.

10. Blackwell’s Bookshop

Image shows the vast Norrington room in Blackwell's bookshop, Oxford.

Blackwell’s Bookshop is as much an Oxford institution as some of the revered buildings we’ve already mentioned. The flagship Oxford store – now just one of dozens of branches across the country – began life as a shop measuring just 12ft square. These days it still looks tiny from the outside, but go in via either of its two entrances and you’ll soon discover that it opens out into an Aladdin’s Cave filled to the brim with books on every subject. Since its expansion into neighbouring shops, it’s now spread across several floors, and with a vast basement that goes down several more levels, it’s a building that constantly surprises with nooks and crannies. It’s very easy to get lost in it, and it’s even easier to come out clutching a stack of book purchases bigger than one can realistically carry.

11. Oxford Castle

With most of the focus in Oxford being on the university, it’s easy to forget that its history goes back further than the institution that dominates it. A reminder of this lies in the form of Oxford Castle, a partly-ruined Norman castle dating from the 11th century. It replaces an earlier moated motte and bailey castle on the same site. The castle was mostly destroyed in the English Civil War, and what was left of it became a prison, which occupied these buildings and then a set of new ones built from 1785 onwards. This was in use until 1996, when it was transformed into a luxury hotel.

12. The Examination Schools

Image shows the entrance to the Examination Schools, Oxford.

An object of dread for many an Oxford student, the university’s Examination Schools have entrances on both the High Street at the front and cobbled Merton Street to the rear, the latter the scene every year of wildly jubilant celebration by stressed-out Oxford students who’ve just completed a gruelling run of Finals exams. As the name suggests, the Examination Schools are where the university’s formal exams take place, but during term time its purpose-built rooms are also used, in addition to lecture theatres in university departments across the city, for everyday lectures. The building itself was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1882. These days, it’s a focal point for tourists, who aren’t allowed in but come to watch begowned Oxford students going in and out of their exams in May and June.

13. The Turf Tavern

With foundations dating from the 13th century, the famous Turf Tavern is a quaint old pub accessed by a narrow alleyway next to the Bridge of Sighs. Its outdoor seating area is as popular in the winter as it is in the summer, as it has a number of outdoor fires on which punters can toast marshmallows. If you only visit one pub during your time in Oxford, make it this one.

14. Carfax Tower

Image shows Carfax Tower, Oxford.

On the crossroads between the High Street, St Aldate’s, Cornmarket Street and Queen Street lies Carfax Tower, right in the heart of the city. In fact, many consider this to be the true centre of the city, and it’s the spot from which distances to other towns and cities are measured. The unusual name derives from the French word ‘carrefour’ – not just the name of the famous French supermarket chain, but the word for ‘crossroads’. It’s noted for its clock, which is a replica of the original church clock of 1676, featuring little figures who chime the bells every quarter of an hour. You can also climb to the top for another great view of Oxford’s dreaming spires.

15. The Grand Cafe

The Grand Cafe on Oxford’s High Street conjures up an atmosphere of old-world opulence. Popular with tourists and students alike, it’s known and loved for its elegant high teas during the day and sumptuous cocktails in the evening. Interestingly, the Grand Cafe was originally the site of England’s first coffeehouse, set up in 1652. Another coffeehouse, the Queen’s Lane Coffee House, lies exactly opposite, and was established just two years later.

16. Saxon Tower

Image shows the medieval church of St Michael at the North Gate, Oxford.

The Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate lies just off busy Cornmarket Street. So-called because this was the site of the northern gate in the days when Oxford had city walls, the church dates to around 1000-1050, while the tower is Oxford’s oldest building, dating from 1040. On display in the church tower is the cell door of the Oxford Martyrs, who were imprisoned in the adjoining Bocardo Prison before being burnt at the stake just outside the city walls, in what is now Broad Street.

17. The Ultimate Picture Palace

Oxford’s first purpose-built cinema was opened in 1911, and retains much of its traditional charm to this day, despite a long period of disuse after its owner was called up for active service during the war. Situated on Jeune Street in Cowley, it still uses old-fashioned raffle ticket-style cinema tickets and you queue up outside to get in. It’s a far cry from the Odeons that dominate the film scene in the city centre, and it’s as nostalgic a cinema experience as anybody could wish for.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief introduction to the rich tapestry of Oxford’s historic buildings. There is something of interest everywhere you look in this stunning city, and if you’ve been inspired to visit Oxford, why not join us this summer at our Oxford Summer School .

Image credits: banner ; Radcliffe Camera ; Bridge of Sighs ; Sheldonian , museums ; Blackwell’s ; Examination Schools ; Carfax Tower ; Saxon Tower . 

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

31 Things to Do in Oxford, England

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 19, 2024

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

Rooftops and spires of Oxford, England.

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

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

Tour Christ Church

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

Stone building with a bell tower around a quad

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

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

Fountain in the middle of a quad surrounded by a stone building .

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

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

Overhead view of a round building and other rooftops.

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

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

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

Buildings with spires seen from above.

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

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

Scone and cup of tea on a table.

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

Greek pottery artifact displayed in a museum.

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

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

Greek and Roman sculptures displayed in a museum.

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

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

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

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

Enclosed stone and glass bridge connecting two buildings.

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

Signs for Alice's Shop including a girl and a rabbit.

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

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

Skeletons and exhibits in a museum.

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

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

Exterior of a building with arched windows.

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

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

Cases full of artifacts in a museum.

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

Wooden totem pole with images of a bird and a man

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

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

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

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

Rows of pews and altar in a church at night.

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

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

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

White exterior and sign at the historic Turf Tavern.

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

Bar, stone walls, and old wooden beams inside an historic pub.

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

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

People reading display panels in exhibit rooms

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

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

Lawn and stone buildings.

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

Large stone building lining a city street

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

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

Two cocktails on a table with a menu from Raoul's Bar & Liquor Store.

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

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

People shopping in an indoor market.

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

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

A dining hall with long tables and portraits along the walls.

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

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

Staircase and vaulted ceiling.

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

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

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

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

Ice cream cone in front of a hand-shaped sign for G&D's Cafe.

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

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

Exterior of the building and signage for The Story Museum.

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

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

Bottles of craft spirits.

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

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

Exterior of palace with a colonnaded porch.

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

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

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

Large art gallery room with paintings on the walls.

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

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

Room with ornate, vaulted ceiling and walls with relief decorations.

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

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

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

Circular building behind a fence lined with busts.

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

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

Line of people outside a Gucci store.

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

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

Shark sculpture protruding from the roof of a home.

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

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

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

Rings around the stalk of a rosebush at the grave of JRR Tolkien and his wife

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

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

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

Wooden chalets selling pottery and gifts.

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

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

Stone bridge over a river.

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

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

Oxford city skyline with roofs and Tom Tower

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

oxford must visit

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

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

31 Things to Do in Oxford, England

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Saturday 11th of June 2022

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

Saturday 18th of January 2020

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

Laura Longwell

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

The Geographical Cure

One Day In Oxford England Itinerary, What To See and Do In A Day

Oxford is a beautiful and bustling university town. It’s a 1,000 year old scholarly city with film set grandeur and ambience.

Oxford is home to the world’s oldest English-speaking university. The town is nicknamed the “Town of Dreaming Spires.” It’s full of creamy honey-toned architecture, neat lawns, and the feel of cloistered academia.

Oxford is located just 56 miles from London, making it an easy day trip from the UK’s capital.

Here’s my recommended one day itinerary for visiting Oxford. It covers all the top attractions and and best things to do in the city. I also give you sightseeing and day trip options if you have more time in Oxford.

the Tower of Five Orders of Bodleian Library

Oxford is renowned for the 39 separate colleges that constitute Oxford University. They are sub-communities where the students live and eat in their own worlds, developing their own history and customs.

There is no official date when Oxford University was founded.

The earliest Oxford colleges were founded in the mid 1200s. By the mid 16th century, the whole collection was complete.

Together, the colleges form an incredible square mile warren of old world stone architecture and bristling spires, all made of pretty Cotswold limestone. Bells chime all the time, as if the city is celebrating.

cityscape of Oxford

You definitely can’t see all the colleges with just one day in Oxford. You’ll have to pick and choose.

But you can glimpse many of them just by strolling the city center, as you take in the bookstores, pubs, and punting.

What To Do In One Day In Oxford Itinerary

Here are my picks for the top attractions and best things to do with one day in Oxford.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this one day in Oxford itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

I also give you tips for visiting and options for other things to see near Oxford if you have more than a day.

the Handle Bar Cafe

One Day In Oxford Morning

1. breakfast.

If you haven’t had breakfast when you arrive in Oxford, pop into the Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen on St. Micheal’s Street for some avocado toast or a smoothie.

You can also grab a specialty coffee at Society Cafe . It’s a pretty bright white cafe with passionate baristas and nummy baked goods.

2. Walking Tour

You may want to start your one day in Oxford with a guided talking tour to get the lay of the land.

You can book a small group tour with a university alumnus or a private 2 hour guided walking tour . You can also book a 3 hour tour that combines walking and biking .

A guided tour will be efficient and make sure you see things or details you might otherwise miss. Then you can figure out what you specifically want to go back and see.

Some walking tours have special themes you may enjoy. For example, you could book a Tolkien and CS Lewis walking tou r or a Harry Potter tour . There’s also a hidden histories tour , which is one of the all in vogue “uncomfortable” tours.

Ashmolean Museum

3. Ashmolean Museum

If you didn’t book a guided walking tour, start with the venerable Ashmolean Museum . Established in 1683, the Ashmolean is one of Britain’s oldest public museums. Plus, it’s completely free to visit.

Housed in an early Victorian building, the Ashmolean has an international art and archaeology collection spread out over six floors. There’s also a fairly new rooftop terrace and restaurant where you have stunning views over the city.

The museum’s “Ancient World” galleries house collections of Islamic art, Egyptian mummies, Indian textiles, ancient documents, and even Oliver Cromwell’s death mask.

There’s an extraordinary collection of artifacts from Minoan Crete. It came courtesy of Arthur Evans, the archaeologist who excavated Knossos Palace .

Pre-Raphaelite Room in the Ashmolean

Upstairs in the Italian Renaissance area, you’ll find sketches by Michelangelo and Raphael . There are also masterpieces by Uccello, Mantegna, and Bellini. The museum’s acknowledged masterpiece is Uccello’s The Hunt in the Forest .

At the Ashmolean, you can also get your Pre-Raphaelite fix.

The museum holds preparatory sketches for William Holman Hunt’s  The Light of the World , a famous painting on display in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral .

You can also find sketches and watercolors. One of the museum’s most remarkable works is a painted wardrobe by Edward Burne-Jones.

After your museum visit, head east down Broad Street to see some of Oxford’s attractions.

Blackwell's Bookstore on Broad Street

4 . Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s is Oxford’s famous bookstore. It’s located on Broad Street, which some think is (yet another) location that inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Founded in 1879 by Benjamin Henry Blackwell, it’s one of the world’s largest academic and specialty bookstores. It’s a book lover’s paradise. If you’re not careful, you could be sucked in for hours.

You’ll find almost 3 miles of books on every imaginable topic. Don’t forget to take a peak in the Norrington Room downstairs.

It’s not uncommon to see famous authors in here reading from a recent novel or delivering a lecture.

Sheldonian Theater

5. Sheldonian Theater

Broad Street ends at the Sheldonian Theater . This is a little architectural jewel that was one of architect Sir Christopher Wren’s first big commissions. He was then a professor of astronomy at Oxford.

The theater was built from 1663 onward to serve as a setting for Oxford’s degree ceremonies.

The theater is modeled on the Theater of Marcellus in Rome . It has a distinctive white cupola, from which you’ll have panoramic views.

The theater is surrounded by 12 busts of Roman emperors who all look rather startled and sport different style beards. They were commissioned by Wren and carved by Christopher Bird. The busts have been nicknamed “the Philosophers” and “the 12 Apostles.”

Inside the theater are 17th century murals depicting the triumph of truth over ignorance. They were painted during the reign of Charles II.

Click here for prices and tours for the theater.

 view of the Radcliffe Camera

7. Radcliffe Camera

The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s top attractions and its most photographed landmark.

The “Rad Cam” was built as an addition to the Bodleian Library in 1737. Funds were donated by Dr. John Radcliffe, a physician to King William and Queen Mary.

Camera is a Latin word for chamber or room. The Rad Cam has a towering 140 foot rotunda that wouldn’t seem out of place in Rome . It’s the third largest dome in the U.K.

Inside, you’ll find a light-filled, circular, and columned library. It was the first of its kind in Britain and perfectly exemplifies Palladian principles, using a symmetrical, repeating pattern.

Read : Guide To the Palladian Vicenza Italy

Today, the Rad Cam serves as a reading room for the Bodelian Library. You can only go inside the Rad Cam by joining the 90 minute tour of Bodleian library.

the carved Gothic ceiling of the Divinity School in Bodleian Library

8. Bodleian Library

The venerable Bodleian Library is Oxford’s spiritual core. It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

In the UK, it is second in size only to the British Library in London . It receives a copy of every book published in the UK.

The Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items in three reading rooms. Book worms will be in seventh heaven.

The library houses many rare books and maps. One of its most famous items is the Gough Map , which is a medieval map of Great Britain.

Other famous items include manuscripts of 18 plays by Shakespeare, a copy of Handel’s Messiah, and four 13th century original manuscripts of the Magna Carta.

The Bodleian is not a lending library though. No book every leaves the space.

getting ready to tour Bodeleian Library

Students who enter have to make the “Bodley Oath,” whereby they swear not to bring fire or flames into the library.

The Bodleian Library complex also includes the Weston Library, the Divinity School, and Duke Humphrey’s Library.

Weston Library

The Weston Library initially opened in 1946 as the New Bodleian Library. In 2015, it was given a major renovation and re-christained as the Weston Library by Prince William.

The Weston has an ornamental 17th century Ascott Gate salvaged from an estate. It reads “If you are good, enter. If wicked, by no means.”

The Weston Library is free to visit. It also has miles of books and some precious treasures. You’ll find a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, manuscripts from famous authors, and the Oscar Wild’s infamous court summons. Wild was the novelist who was put on trial for “gross indecency” in 1895.

Divinity School

The Oxford Divinity School is a sublime space with a beautiful and intricate vaulted ceiling.

facade of the Divinity School

This medieval building was built in the 1400s to be used for lectures, oral examinations, and discussions on theology. This makes it the oldest surviving purpose-built part of  any  university.

Entry to the Divinity School is £2.50 per person. This room doubled as the infirmary in the Harry Potter movies. Click here for a Harry Potter tour with a divinity school entry.

Duke Humphrey’s Library

The Duke Humphrey’s Library is upstairs above the Divinity School. Completed in 1488, the sumptuously decorated library takes its name from the youngest brother of Henry V, of Agincourt and Shakespeare fame. It’s lined with portraits of Oxford founders.

Even on a tour, you can’t enter the the magnificent medieval room or pick up the ancient tombs. But you can peer into the library from an extension on one end.

In the Harry Potter films, Duke Humphrey’s was the Hogwarts Library.

Photograph by Vinesh Rajpaul

9. Tours of Bodleian Library

To visit the Bodleian Library, you have to pre-arrange a guided tour. You can book a 30, 60, or 90 minute tour of the library on its website . Here’s what you can see:

  • 30 minute tour: € 9, covers the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library
  • 60 minute tour: € 12, covers the Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court, and Duke Humphrey’s Library
  • 90 minute tour: € 18, covers everything on the 60 minute tour plus the Gladstone Link (underground library and passageway) and Radcliffe Camera.

If you have time, I recommend the 90 minute tour. It’s the only one where you can go inside the Radcliffe Camera.

You can book tours online up to 30 days in advance. A few tickets are reserved for same day visitors.

New College courtyard and cloisters

10. New College

New College isn’t really new, as its name implies. The college was established in 1379 as an Oxford undergraduate college.

The college buildings were built in the Perpendicular Gothic style. The college is also renowned for its beautiful 15th century cloisters. The medieval dining hall is the oldest in Oxford.

You may also remember New College from the Harry Potter movie, Goblet of Fire . Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret in the cloisters.

Vaults and Graden Cafe

One Day In Oxford Afternoon

For lunch, you can join the queue at Vaults and Garden Cafe , which serves up a changing menu of salads, curries, and stews under vaulted ceilings. If it’s nice out, you can dine in the garden and admire the Rad Cam up close.

You can also settle in at The Grand Cafe . It’s an Oxford institution on High Street and the site of the oldest coffee shop in England.

Alternatively, if you’re a market person, head to Oxford’s Covered Market on Market Street. This is Oxford’s answer to the bazaar.

It’s the go to place in Oxford for fresh produce, meat, flowers, and baked goods. You can sidle up to a sandwich counter or sit down at one of the cafes.

the Bridge of Sighs, under construction when I was there

12. Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge is part of Hertford College on Queen’s Lane. It dates from 1874. The mini-bridge links two buildings of the college.

It’s a photogenic bridge nicknamed the “Bridge of Sighs” because of its similarity to the more famous bridge in Venice .

While it’s small like the Bridge of Sighs, stylistically, it looks more like the Rialto Bridge.

13. All Souls College

Then at least dip into All Soul’s College . The college was founded as a center of prayer and learning in 1438.

It has a beautiful Gothic facade, with eye catching towers on the north quad. Inside, the chapel has a 15th century fan vaulting in the vestibule and and a medieval hammer beam roof.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

14. University Church of St. Mary The Virgin

Right next door to All Souls College is the University Church of St. Mary . Some think it’s the dreamiest of Oxford’s “dreaming spires.”

From the tower, you have the best bird’s eye view of Oxford and the facade of the Radcliffe Camera. You can also snap a photo of the Bridge of Sighs.

The climb isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s 127 steps up a medieval spiral staircase. There is no elevator.

Tickets may be purchased from the shop at the Radcliffe Square entrance. They’re £5.

Christ Church College, a must visit attraction with one day in Oxford

15. Christ Church College

If there’s only one college you visit, make it Christ Church College . It’s an absolute must visit attraction with one day in Oxford.

The grand college simply oozes history. It’s the largest and most prestigious of Oxford’s colleges.

The college was founded in 1525 by Henry VIII’s chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey. The college is the alma mater of 13 British prime ministers, Albert Einstein, and Lewis Carroll.

Established in 1525, the college comes complete with its own cathedral and art gallery.

the Crossing Tower

The main entrance to Christ Church is the 17th century Tom Tower, which was designed by Christopher Wren. The 6 ton bell, dubbed “Great Tom,” rings 101 times every night at 9:05 pm.

It seems nonsensical, but there’s a reason for the madness.

In 1663, Oxford had only 101 students. Curfew was at 9:00 pm.

“Oxford Time” was then 5 minutes behind the now used GMT time. Hence, the bells tolled at 5 minutes after 9:00 pm.

The Great Hall in Christ Church College is a spectacular Renaissance space. It once served as Charles I’s parliamentary seat during the English civil war.

the Great Hall of Christ Church College

The hammer beam roof hovers above. Around the room are portraits of bygone scholars and prime ministers.

The Christ College Picture Gallery features an exceptional collection of works from the 14th to 18th centuries. It’s behind the college cathedral.

It boasts paintings and drawings by Italian Renaissance painters Filippino Lippi, Tintoretto, and Michelangelo .

Christ Church served as the filming inspiration for the Harry Potter movies. It doubled as the Great Hall of Hogwarts, though the producers built a studio replica to use for filming.

Apart from the Harry Potter films, Christ’s Church College may be best known for its association with Alice and Wonderland. It was here that Lewis Carroll began conjuring the story about a girl who follows a rabbit down a hole and ends up at a mad tea party.

To book a tour of the college, head to the Meadow Gate entrance.

Christ Church Cathedral

16. Christ Church Cathedral

The lovely Christ Church Cathedral serves a dual purpose. It’s both the Christ Church College chapel and the cathedral of Oxford.

The cathedral is the world’s smallest cathedral and is a gorgeous treasure house of architecture. It began life as a simple priory church. During the Reformation, Henry VIII decreed it a cathedral.

Like practically every building in Oxford, the church has an elegant fan vaulted ceiling. There are beautiful stained glass windows. And you’ll find a lovely painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist and Oxford student Edward Burnes-Jones.

This is a wonderful place to go to Choral Evensong. It happens daily at 6:00 pm.

15th century ribbed vaulting in the cathedral

One Day In Oxford Evening

17. sample the oxford ale.

In the evening on your one day in Oxford, do what the Oxfordians do — settle in at one of the city’s many boozers. Strong ale is Oxford’s signature drink and a long standing tradition.

You can have a pint at the creaking timbers of the Eagle and Child . (Please note the pub is under renovation at the moment and is expected to re-open late in 2022.)

The historic pub is the place where C.S.Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein once slacked their thirst. They met there for almost 30 some years. They nicknamed the pub the “Bird and Baby” and called their literary group “the Inklings.”

Bodleian Library, the Tower  of the Fiver Orders

The pair later moved their conversions to the 500 year old Lamb & Flag in Oxford’s Jericho neighborhood (which is also being renovated).

Many an Oxford scholar took a liquid break at the King’s Arms . Turf’s Tavern is a 13th century hole in the wall pub that was frequented by Bill Clinton.

You can also take a historic pub tour with a student guide .

18. Dinner In Oxford

Where to eat dinner in Oxford?

If you’re staying for dinner, you can try: Gees Restaurant (Mediterranean in a twinkly light-filled conservatory) or The Punter (modern vegetarian and vegan).

For a splurge, you can check out Pompette (French) or Arbequina (Spanish tapas).

entrance to the Bodleian Library

19. Harry Potter In Oxford

Are you a Harry Potter fan traveling to Oxford?

As I mentioned above, scenes in the films were inspired by or filmed at Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, the Divinity School, and New College.

Click  here  to book a tour of Harry Potter-themed tour of Christ Church College. Click  here  for a Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford that includes Christ Church.

From London, you can book a guided tour that includes Oxford and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio . Or, you can book a private tour from London to Oxford .

READ : Guide To Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

Jesus College in Oxford

Tips For Spending One Day In Oxford

Here are some tips and things to know about visiting Oxford.

1. Plan In Advance

You’ll have a more efficient visit to Oxford if you plan in advance. Decide whether you want to do a DIY one day tour or book some guided tours.

If you opt to fly solo, be sure to consult a map and plan your itinerary in advance, so you aren’t wasting time figuring out which places you need to visit and where they are. 

You should also determine your mode of transportation in advance and book any necessary tickets online.

1. How To Get To Oxford

Leave as early as possible so that you can make the most of your one day in Oxford, from wherever you are arriving from in the UK.

Oxford is 62 miles northwest of London. It takes about an hour and a half to drive.

Once there, you can book a  walking tour with a university guide  to get oriented.

Harry Potter store in Oxford, the House of Wonders

Traveling by train is probably the fastest way to get to Oxford. Trains leave from London’s Paddington Staton for Oxford every 5-10 minutes.

The journey takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive at the Oxford train station, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the city center.

By Guided Day Tour :

If you want someone else to take care of the logistics and transportation, you can easily visit Oxford on a guided day trip tour from London.

Here are some tour options to consider:

  •   a 10 hour day tour that visits Oxford, Straford-Upon-Avon & the Cotswolds
  • a 10 hour tour of historic colleges in Oxford & Cambridge
  •   7 hour day trip tour of Oxford
  • a 7 hour private day trip from London

William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, in front of Bodleian Library

2. How To Get Around Oxford

Oxford is a very walkabout pocket sized city. It’s really more like a small town.

The main attractions are all clustered in the city center, which makes it possible to see much of Oxford in one day.

But you can also take the hop on hop off tourist bus or take a city bike tour . Cycling is a popular activity in Oxford. Watch out for cyclists as you walk around.

3. Where To Stay In Oxford

For a splurge, try the Old Parsonage Hotel . The charming hotel is a country-esque crash pad. It’s housed in an 17th century building built of Cotswold stone covered with ivy. It has creaking floors, a private garden, sweet library, and an exceptional breakfast.

The Old Bank Hotel is in a Georgian townhouse with rooftop gargoyles. It has luxury bedrooms, an art collection, and a prime location with views of Oxford landmarks.

The Randolph Hotel has been give a makeover and is now colorful, with Oscar Wild prints.

Magdalen College in Oxford

More Than One Day In Oxford?

If you have more than one day in Oxford, there are some other amazing things to do in the city.

1. Magdalen College

Magdalen College (pronounced maud-lin) is in the southeast section of Oxford. It has a pristine green quad, 15th century cloister, and flowery water meadow.

The Great Tower is 145 feet tall. This is where the college choir sings to launch May Day festivities .

Magdalen College is where C.S. Lewis lived and taught. The cloister’s grotesque carvings appeared in Chronicles of Narnia novel.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Next to Magdalen are the Oxford Botanical Gardens.

There are over 5,000 different types of plants. It’s lovely, but mostly used for research.

2. Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum is a quirky Victoria-era museum housed in a Neo-Gothic brick building. It focuses on anthropology and archaeology.

The museum is a dimly-lit maze. It houses a madcap array of curiosities from the farthest reaches of the British empire.

You’ll find a witch trapped in a bottle, shrunken heads, monkey skulls, totem poles, weapons, and witching paraphernalia. Canoes of every kind hang from the ceiling.

Oxford Castle and Prison

3. Oxford Castle & Prison

With more than one day in Oxford, history buffs will want to tour Oxford Castle .

You can learn all about the history of this castle, climb St. George’s Tower for views, descend to the 900 year old crypt, and explore the 18th Century prison. The prison remained in use until 1996.

4. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is a castle-like Gothic pile built in the 1850s. It was financed through the sale of bibles.

You’ll see dinosaur skeletons and a stuffed dodo that was immortalized in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland .

punting boats

The museum was famously the site of a great debate over evolution between Bishop Samuel Wilberforce and Thomas Huxley. Huxley was a student of Charles Darwin.

Floating down one of Oxford’s canals is a time honored tradition in Oxford. You can rent a flat bottomed boat, called a punt, under Magdalen Bridge.

But believe me; it isn’t easy to drive one. Mastering the long wood pole takes practice.

If you want someone else to do the rowing, you can book a tour with an Oxford student .

Castle Combe in the Cotswolds

Day Trips From Oxford

There are also some wonderful destinations that are just a stone’s throw away from Oxford: the Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, Straford-upon-Avon, and Blenheim Castle.

1. Cotswolds

In the Cotswolds, little has changed since the middle ages. The Cotswolds is where you go to experience tumbling hills, chocolate box villages, and admire authentic thatched cottages.

You can book a guided Cotswolds tour just for your group . You can also book a day tour from London that combines Oxford and the Cotswolds .

statue of William Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon

2. Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque market town. It’s best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and for its beautifully preserved Tudor buildings. 

The main attraction, naturally, is the timber-framed house where Shakespeare was born. It was passed down to various Shakespeare descendants.

Then, in 1847, the Shakespeare Trust purchased it. Visitors can explore the original house and garden.

The best way to get to Straford is by car, train, or guided tour. It’s less than an hour from Oxford.

This  guided day tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon from London  is led by a Shakespearean actor. Here is a  guided tour option that includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds .

Blenheim Palace

3. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a stunning Baroque Palace in Woodstock, about 25 minutes from Oxford. It’s a UNESCO heritage site that was built between 1705-22.

The palace is the seat of the dukes of Marlborough. It’s also the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

You can admire the opulent interior, which is stuffed with tapestries, statues, and fine period furniture. You’ll can also enjoy displays on Winston Churchill and stroll in the superbly landscaped gardens.

Click here to book an entry ticket the the palace. If you’re staying in Oxford, you can book a guided tour of Blenheim Palace from Oxfor d .

If you’re staying in London, there are many permutations. You might consider:

  • a 10 hour Blenheim + Cotswolds tour
  • a 6 hour private tour from London
  • a 10 hour tour with the palace and Downton Abbey filming locations

Highclere Castle

4. Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle  is the country house home of the Earl of Carnarvon. It’s most famous, though, as the filming location for  Downton Abbey , the hit British period TV series. 

The castle is open seasonally so check opening dates on the website before planning a visit.

The best way to get to the castle is by car or by joining a tour.

This guided tour option includes a  visit to Highclere Castle and other  Downton Abbey  filming locations . You can also book a guided tour that combines  Highclere and Stonehenge .

Warwick Castle

5. Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is one of my favorite castles in England. It’s about 2 hours northwest of London. Once inside, grab a map because the castle grounds are vast.

The castle’s origins go back to William the Conqueror, the first king of England. But it was mostly built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The castle was the seat of the dukes of Warwick. The castle’s most famous resident was Richard Neville , known as “the Kingmaker.” It featured in many battles in the historic War of the Roses, the clash between the Lancaster and York families.

The must see things to see inside are the Great Hall, the exhibit of the Weekend Party, and the Warwick the Kingmaker Exhibit. You can also stroll the medieval castle walls and climb several towers.

Click here to book an entrance ticket to Warwick Castle.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Oxford itinerary. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

  • 3 Day Itinerary for London
  • 5 Day Itinerary for London
  • Best Museums in London
  • Harry Potter Places in London
  • Guide to the National Gallery of Art
  • Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Guide to the Tate Britain
  • Guide to Wesminster Abbey
  • London Tourist Traps To Avoid
  • Guide to the Tower of London
  • Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

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Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

THE 10 BEST Oxford Sights & Historical Landmarks

Oxford landmarks.

  • Educational sites
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  • Adventurous
  • Honeymoon spot
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oxford must visit

1. Bodleian Library

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2. Oxford Castle & Prison

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Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (160)

oxford must visit

3. Christ Church

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4. University of Oxford

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5. Magdalen College

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6. University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

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7. New College

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8. Radcliffe Camera

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9. Bridge of Sighs

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10. Sheldonian Theatre

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11. Balliol College

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12. Merton College

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13. Worcester College

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14. Iffley Lock

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15. Carfax Tower

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16. Exeter College

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17. Weston Library

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18. Wadham College

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19. Alice’s Shop

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20. Trinity College

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21. St. Michael at the North Gate

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22. All Souls College

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23. Headington Shark

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24. Oriel College

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25. Keble College

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26. Iffley Village

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27. Oxford Town Hall

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28. St Edmund Hall

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29. Queen's College

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30. Tom Tower

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What travelers are saying

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  • Oxford Castle & Prison
  • University of Oxford
  • Bodleian Library
  • Christ Church
  • Magdalen College
  • New College
  • Iffley Lock
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • Radcliffe Camera

Where Angie Wanders

22 Fun Things to Do in Oxford In A Weekend

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: January 30, 2024

22 Fun Things to Do in Oxford In A Weekend

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

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

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

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

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Table of Contents

A History of Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

circular brick building.

Getting to Oxford from London

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guided Tours from London to Oxford

How long do you need in oxford.

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

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

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

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

How to get around Oxford

Oxford is one of England’s most walkable cities, so I have grouped Oxford’s landmark attractions according to their location. The Official Oxford Tourist Board Walking Tour can be booked here .

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

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

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

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

Best Oxford City Bike Tours

Accommodation in oxford.

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

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

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

Exterior of Vanbrugh House Hotel.

Best Attractions in Oxford

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

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

Christ Church Oxford.

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

interior of Oxford Cathedral.

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

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

Christ Church Dining Room, long table with lamps.

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

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

Tom Tower Oxford.

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

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

Did you know?

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

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

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

Alice in Wonderland shop Oxford.

Go Punting On The River Cherwell

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

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

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

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

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

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

people in a punt along the river cherwell in Oxford.

Wander around the University of Oxford Botanic Garden

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

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

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

Pink Dahlia Flower.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxford Castle.

Back yourself a bargain at Westgate Shopping Centre

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

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

Climb the Carfax Tower

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

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

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

Shop at the historic Oxford Covered Market

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

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

Oxford's covered market interior.

Broad Meadow Area – Balliol College

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

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

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

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

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

Did you Know?

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

Balliol College Oxford.

Trinity College

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

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

Trinity College Oxford.

Visit the Bodleian Libraries

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

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

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

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

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

Bodleian Library exterior.

See where Harry Potter was filmed at the Divinity School

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

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

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

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

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

Carved stone interior of the Divinity School Oxford.

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

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

Attend an event at the Sheldonian Theatre

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

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

Sheldonian Theatre Oxford.

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

Tour the iconic circular Radcliffe Camera Library

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

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

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

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

Circular Radcliffe Camera Building Oxford.

Walk beneath the Bridge of Sighs Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bridge of Sighs Oxford.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

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

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

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

View of St Mary's Church from beside the Radcliffe Camera Building.

Enjoy high tea at The Grand Cafe Oxford

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

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

Blue exterior of the Grand Cafe Oxford.

Holywell Street

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

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

pastel coloured houses in Oxford.

Christ Church College Buildings

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

building of golden sandstone with oranate roof and flagpole.

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

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

The Bear Inn Oxford.

Ashmolean Museum

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

The Ashmolean is huge, so it will take away a lot of sightseeing time. Nevertheless, it is one of the world’s most famous museums and deserves a look.

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

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

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

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

mummified baby in the Ashmolean museum.

Visit the Oxford University Natural History Museum

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

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

natural History Museum Oxford.

Check out Pitts River Musem

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

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

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

Dinosaur skeletons inside Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford.

Keble College

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

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

Keble College

See inside St Johns College during Oxford Open Doors Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

As they say, Oxford really is another world!

St Johns College Oxford.

Quirky Things To See In Oxford

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

gargoyle head.

Beyond the City of Oxford

A day trip to blenheim palace.

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

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

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

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

Blenheim Palace.

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

Shop until you drop at Bicester Designer Outlet

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

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

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

two pastel coloured telephone boxes at Bicester Outlet.

Visit the Cotswolds

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

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

Broadway High Street in the Cotswolds.

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

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

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

Pin For Future Travel to England

Christ Church College Oxford

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

Visit Historic Fountains Abbey Ruins and Studley Royal Gardens in Yorkshire

Discover the Medieval Ruins of Waverley Abbey

Visit Bayham Old Abbey in Tunbridge Wells Kent

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

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Saturday 26th of March 2022

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

WhereAngieWanders

Sunday 27th of March 2022

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

JenniferMostert

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

Thursday 24th of March 2022

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

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

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

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

Jen Nilsson

Wednesday 23rd of March 2022

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

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

OneDayItinerary Top Logo

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

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

One day in Oxford Itinerary

What’s the Best Time to Visit Oxford?

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

Streets of Oxford

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

Oxford Canal

A Few Facts About Oxford

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

Streets of Oxford

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

Bridge of sighs, Oxford

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

One Day in Oxford Itinerary

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

Tour the Colleges

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

Oxford

Christ Church College

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

Christ Church College, Oxford

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

Christ Church Meadow Walk, Oxford

Exeter College

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

Exeter College Chapel, Oxford

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

Exeter College Chapel Interior, Oxford

New College

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

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

Head to Oxford’s Covered Market for Lunch

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

Covered Market, Oxford

Visit The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

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

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

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

Inside of Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

Sit down for a drink

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

Foggy Oxford

Where to Stay in Oxford, England

The Old Bank, Oxford

The Old Bank

91-94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

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

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Bear and Ragged Staff, Oxford

The Bear and Ragged Staff

28 Appleton Road, Oxford, OX2 9QH

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

Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge

Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge

11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, OX2 6UJ

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

Central Backpackers, Oxford

Central Backpackers

13 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH

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

Day Trips from Oxford

Blenheim palace.

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

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

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

Stonehenge & Bath

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

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

Extra Tips for Visiting Oxford

University Closings

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

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

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

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

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

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

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Radcliffe-camera-from-above_by_Laure

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

Last updated: May 17, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 15 Comments

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

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

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

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

Radcliffe Camera Oxford

Things to do in Oxford on a Day Trip

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

1. Take a walking tour

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

A day in Oxford Jesus College

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

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

Trinity College Oxford UK

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

Oxford city centre

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

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

Harry Potter hospital location Oxford

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

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

2. Visit the University Colleges

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

Wadham College Oxford

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

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

Exeter College Church oxford

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

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

3. Go Punting

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

Punting in Oxford

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

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

Punting in Oxford Cherwell Boathouse

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

4. Imbibe a Beverage

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

Turf Tavern Bar Oxford

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

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

Bridge of Sighs Oxford

5. Visit Oxford Castle

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

Oxford Castle

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

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

Oxford Castle Stocks

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

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

6. Climb the University Church

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

RadCliffe Camera Fisheye Oxford

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

Practicalities for Visiting Oxford

Where to stay in oxford.

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

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

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

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

_by_Laurence Norah

How to Get To Oxford from London

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

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

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

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

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

Oxford University Museum of Natural history

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, Oxford is between 60 and 90 minutes drive from London. If you’re visiting Oxford as part of my detailed two week UK itinerary , then you’ll know that a hire car is my preferred method of getting around the country, giving you more flexibility and control over your trip. Check here for a competitive car hire quote , sourced from some of the most popular rental providers in the UK.

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

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

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

Further reading

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

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

Ideas for spending a day in Oxford, either as part of a day trip from London, or a longer journey in the UK. Includes tips on sight-seeing, getting here and away, and where to stay.

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

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There are 15 comments on this post

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SITI MAHINA BINTI ABDUL MANAP says

7th September 2023 at 9:01 am

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

Laurence Norah says

8th September 2023 at 8:13 am

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

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

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

Have a great trip!

Isabelle Martinez says

5th November 2019 at 3:44 pm

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

6th November 2019 at 9:02 am

Thanks very much – have a great trip!

Tania Fonseca says

4th April 2019 at 12:37 pm

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

4th April 2019 at 1:13 pm

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

6th February 2019 at 1:27 am

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

6th February 2019 at 10:31 am

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

23rd January 2019 at 5:31 pm

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

23rd January 2019 at 9:08 pm

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

27th November 2018 at 5:34 pm

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

27th November 2018 at 6:19 pm

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

Divya Nelson says

23rd March 2018 at 5:50 am

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

23rd March 2018 at 3:10 pm

My pleasure Divya – thanks for your kind comment!

curtis lau says

29th October 2016 at 8:59 am

Thanks for the introduction of the Oxford. Good insight.

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Insider's Oxford

11 Must-See Oxford Museums

Ashmolean Oxford

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

With so much history, it’s no surprise that Oxford boasts so many cool museums. Looking for the best Oxford museums? Here are the ones you shouldn’t miss.

Oxford is not short of a museum or two – this historical British city is filled with things to do, not to mention more than its fair share of cool museums.

Over the years, we’ve spent lots of time in Oxford’s museums so we’re pretty confident about the ones you need to visit. We’ll level with you – some are pretty dull, but others are like stepping into another world.

Whether it’s the internationally-renowned Ashmolean Museum or the rather more offbeat Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Think of it as a slice of that world-famous education without the stress of exams and the prohibitive costs. Thumbs up to that.

Looking for more ideas for your time in Oxford? Don’t miss our guide to the best places to see in Oxford .

The Ashmolean

oxford must visit

The Ashmolean is Oxford’s biggest museum and should be at the top of any Oxford itinerary . 

Situated on the corner of St Giles’ and Beaumont Street, this gargantuan museum takes you on a journey through the history of international cultures.  

The galleries are organised into five main departments – Western Art, Eastern Art, Coins, Antiquities and the Cast Gallery then subdivided by region.

The thoughtful curation emphasises connections between the arts of different cultures that you would never otherwise have thought of.

The Ashmolean opened in 1683 when Elias Ashmole donated his collection of rarities to the University of Oxford. It’s expanded and expanded over the years, moving to its current location and undergoing a huge renovation that finished in 2009.

Ashmolean Oxford

The end result is a fascinating museum – set aside at least a couple of hours to make the most of it.

Finish your visit with a coffee in the stellar cafe – which is one of the best cafes in Oxford.

Free entry – suggested donation £5

The Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford 2

The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s more hidden treasures.

Tucked away in the same building as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers houses a collection of over half a million objects charting the history of man from around the world.

At first glance, it’s a bit overwhelming – cabinet after cabinet filled with all kinds of curiosities stretching from the entrance to the back of the museum.

Don’t worry – take your time to work through the collection, which is spread out over three floors. 

It’s arranged typologically (by type of object rather than by the destination it came from), lending itself to interesting comparisons between the ways in which different cultures create objects to address the same problem.

It’s an immersive walk through the history of man.

In short, you really should visit.

Read more: One Day in Oxford – The Perfect Itinerary

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History

oxford must visit

The best way that we can describe the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is that it’s like the Natural History Museum in London but on a much more accessible scale.

The museum’s collection spans over 7 million objects, only a small proportion of which is on display at any one time. The displays are split into distinct areas – including zoology and mineralogy – but we’ll bet it’s the palaeontology collection that will first catch your eye.

Fossils and replicas of dinosaurs dominate the museum floor, clustered by the museum’s exhibits.

Oxford is inextricably tied with the famous children’s book Alice in Wonderland and the Museum of Natural History is no exception.

The museum holds the last soft-tissue specimen of the now-extinct Dodo. It’s this exhibit that is thought to have inspired Lewis Carroll (real name Charles Dodgson) to create the character in the book.

Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford

We love visiting Modern Art Oxford as you’re never sure what you’re going to find. As the name suggests, this gallery is dedicated to showcasing the best contemporary art talents.

In a city that sometimes feels like it has its foot in the past, Modern Art Oxford is refreshingly focused on the present. It’s not a huge space, but it has earnt itself a respected international reputation for challenging exhibitions.

Each exhibition is presented in a different fashion – so much so that it’s sometimes hard to believe it’s the same space.

We’ll be honest, we’re not always a huge fan of the exhibitions and we think they can be a bit hit and miss – but they never fail to make you stop and think.

The gallery opened in 1966 – meaning it’s been pivotal in shaping Oxford’s art scene for over fifty years.

Can’t visit in person? Don’t fret. Lovers of art can join MAO Studio – an online space dedicated to delving into the gallery’s programmes, chatting with like-minded people, and sharing creative projects. It’s pretty wholesome.

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Christ Church has it all – a long and illustrious history, its own cathedral – it was even used as a filming location for the famous Harry Potter series .

But we’re not here to talk about that, we’re here to look at Christ Church Picture Gallery . Hidden near the back entrance to Christ Church, the picture gallery showcases the college’s collection of paintings and drawings by the Old Masters.

The collection started in the 18th century when General John Guise gifted over 200 artworks to the college to ensure that students could study great works without having to travel to Italy on the grand tour, as was the norm. 

It has expanded over the years before being moved to its current location in the 1960s.

With 300 artworks and over 2,000 drawings, we were surprised by the scope of the collection. Highlights include Filippino Lippi’s ‘ The Wounded Centaur’ and Jacopo Tintoretto’s ‘Martyrdom of St. Lawrence’.

Entrance £4

Read more: Finding Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

Museum of Oxford

The Museum of Oxford charts the city’s own history. It’s recently undergone a huge renovation, and it’s now ready for the public to explore Oxford’s fascinating past.

The museum throws up more than a few interesting facts – did you know that Christ Church is built on the site of an old priory that was dedicated to Oxford’s patron saint, St Frideswide? 

Or that Oxford was put under siege three times during the English Civil War as it was the seat of King Charles I’s Oxford Parliament?

Recent exhibitions include The Queer Geography of Oxford , a collection that delved into past and present queer spaces in Oxford, as well as Of Ordinary Things, a multi-media exhibition featuring work by Iraqi women in Oxford.

The MOX also runs tours of Oxford’s Town Hall, during which you’ll be able to have a nosey around the Court Room, Council Chamber, and the Lord Mayor’s parlour.

Free to enter.

The History of Science Museum

Another of the University of Oxford’s museums, The History of Science Museum occupies what long ago used to be the premises of the Ashmolean Museum.

The museum was founded in 1924 in order to preserve scientific objects from being destroyed and to help chart the development of science throughout the years. 

Initially built around Lewis Evans’ collection of scientific instruments, it has evolved throughout the years to become one of the biggest collections of scientific pieces in Europe.

Don’t think this is a dry gathering of dusty old objects, the Museum’s curators have done a brilliant job of drawing you into the world of science.

Peek at the blackboard Einstein used during one of his Oxford lectures, examine the original Penicillin culture, chart the early days of telecommunications and learn about the riveting history of science.

This is a fascinating museum that all the family will enjoy.

The Oxford University Bate Collection

The Bate Collection might not be everyone’s cup of tea – a collection of musical instruments does not, on the face of it, sound very exciting at all. But if you give it a try, The Bate Collection may just surprise you.

The collection displays over 2,000 musical instruments from the Renaissance period to the present day. 

The instruments are mainly those used in Western traditions – but there’s the odd outlier thrown in for good measure – Javanese gamelan anyone?

Wandering around the museum is an interesting enough way to spend an hour, but if you really want to bring it to life, we recommend booking a tour. Be warned, they must be booked in advance.

Story Museum

oxford must visit

Another Oxford museum that has recently been under reconstruction, The Story Museum celebrates stories and delves into their transformative effects on people’s lives.

Head through the likes of the Whispering Wood and the Enchanted Library, as Oxford’s stories are told in an immersive and engaging way.

Make sure you check out the City of Stories exhibition, which sees you board a magical Story Craft and fly through a thousand years of Oxford’s history, from ancient myths to classic children’s literature. Adults will find themselves enjoying this just as much as the little ones.

Weston Library

The Weston Library is a part of Oxford University’s world-famous Bodleian Library . 

While much of the Bodleian is off-limits unless you book onto a tour, the Weston Library hosts an ever-changing roster of exhibitions.

The exhibitions are pretty diverse. 2022’s offerings include The ‘Asian Mystery’: Benjamin Disraeli and the Disraeli Papers and Tutankhamun: Excavating the Archive.

Very eclectic and insightful.

The Oxford University Press Museum

Oxford University Press

From 17th-century printing press’ to information on Oxford’s literary classics, this is one of the top museums in Oxford.

Be warned: you have to book ahead to visit the museum, which is a bit of a killjoy – but it does mean that it’s never overcrowded and you have plenty of space to explore the museum at your leisure.

Oxford Museums – Map

Practical Information for Visiting Oxford’s Museums

  • The Ashmolean is the biggest of the museums – We advise spending a full morning or afternoon there to do it justice.
  • Most of the other Oxford museums can be visited in an hour or two.
  • We love the Pitt Rivers Museum – it’s highly underrated – and could easily spend a day looking at the exhibits. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending more time than you expected.

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England Travel , Travel · October 18, 2021

15 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

This post will be sharing 15 iconic places to visit in Oxford on a day trip.

For my third trip this Autumn, I decided to go down South to visit the one and only Oxford City. I had previously planned to spend two days there but I couldn’t for the life of me find affordable accommodation to stay. So, I went into the Trainline app to see the distance between Manchester and Oxford. Thankfully, it was under three hours so I figured I could make the trip in a day. The worst that could happen is that I would have to come back some other time.

I’m not sure there’s anyone that doesn’t know about the iconic Oxford University. I’ve been curious about this institution literally all my life and I was incredibly ecstatic to be able to visit and see the university for myself. Asides from the congestion from the students which tried to dampen my trip, Oxford city did not disappoint. It was just bad timing on my end.

I spent an entire day in Oxford without running out of things to do and I’m here to share how it all went down.

Getting to Oxford from Manchester

Since it was going to be a long day and Oxford is packed with a lot of attractions, I made sure I set out as early as 8am so that I could get there before noon. That turned out to be the best decision. Even though next time, I’ll probably leave at 6am as we’re having shorter days and longer nights these days.

oxford must visit

As always, I booked my ticket for a steal on Trainline a few days ago. With my 26-30 railcard , I was able to save some coins which made my train ticket even cheaper.

For less than £50, I get a return ticket from Manchester Piccadilly to Oxford which took about an average of 2 hrs 45 mins each. Although, it took longer on my back because there was a slight delay. I arrived at Oxford before noon and immediately found my way to the City Centre which I usually do.

Here’s a walking tour to help you navigate the city centre:

Here are 14 Places To Visit In Oxford As A Solo Traveller

Now, my main goal was to visit the Oxford University campus and its surrounding areas. It wasn’t until I got there that I discovered that there’s no central campus. Instead, the institution is split into 39 independent colleges that are scattered all over the city centre. Obviously, I wasn’t about to visit all colleges as I only had one day. So, I just walked as far as my feet could take me while hitting a few landmarks in the process.

Check out the Top 10 Oxford Colleges You Must Visit .

Just like York , the city is a bit congested and centralized. Every other building is a landmark and as such, you can hit about 10 landmarks in a very short time. Although, it is very easy to get carried away because there’s just so much to see and do.

But for the purpose of this article, I’m gonna categorize these attractions which are mostly part of the Oxford University into groups so it’s easier to understand. All attractions are free unless otherwise stated.

Bodleian Libaries

These are a collection of 28 libraries that serve the University of Oxford. When combined together, they are the second-largest library in the United Kingdom after the British Library. In total, they currently hold about 13 million printed items. I was able to stop by three of them including;

Weston Library

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

This is part of the Bodleian academic libraries of the University of Oxford. It stands completely unmissable on the corner of Broad Street. I had passed by it a few times until my way back when I realized that it is an actual landmark and part of the university. This is because the building was refurbished in 2015 so it looks pretty recent compared to the rest.

Bodleian Library

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

There’s no way I couldn’t stop by the Bodleian Library; the main research library of the University of Oxford. Thankfully, the building itself was open to the public via the courtyard so I could go in and just marvel at its excellence. Over the centuries the library has expanded to occupy five buildings. All of which are landmarks on their own.

Radcliffe Camera

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

Just behind the main Bodleian Library is the Radcliffe Camera, an absolutely stunning unmissable circular library. The architecture is simply outstanding in the midst of the university buildings. I really wish it was open to the public but unfortunately you have to be a member of the library to go in. The building houses English, History and Theology books.

The next category of places to visit in Oxford is museums. I mean, are you in England if you don’t see a minimum of five museums in one city? I think not. The university has six museums and I was able to stop by two including one other external museum.

History of Science Museum

This is the world’s first purpose-built museum building which also happens to be open to the public. As the name implies, it has a huge collection of scientific instruments from the Middle Ages up until the 19th century. That is the coolest thing ever if you ask me. In fact, did you know that the museum has one of the most iconic objects which is Einstein’s Blackboard which was used by Albert Einstein when he lectured at Oxford? So cool!

Ashmolean Museum

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

Unfortunately, I got here when they were about to close. But it was so cool to discover that it is the world’s second university museum as well as Britain’s first public museum. It houses huge collections of archaeological specimens and fine art. Entry is free asides from specific exhibitions.

The Story Museum (Paid)

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

This was such a cute and unmissable family-friendly museum I stumbled on my way to the Christ Church Cathedral. They have a lot of interactive child-friendly exhibitions which kids will find exciting. Book your tickets here .

I was only able to stop by two cathedrals because I was pressed for time. As always, I wasn’t disappointed.

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Paid)

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

Right in the heart of Oxford, in the university premises is the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. I didn’t even know that it was a cathedral because its outdoor cafe was buzzing with people. But the signage managed to give it away. As a result of its proximity to the university, it was automatically adopted and became the first building of Oxford University for lectures and convocations. For only £5, you can see one of the best views of Oxford city from the tower. Book your tickets here .

Christ Church Catherdral (Paid)

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

One of the most iconic and must-see places to visit in Oxford is the medieval Christ Church Cathedral. It doubles as the official chapel of the Christ Church college; one of the largest and wealthiest colleges of the University of Oxford. While it’s not free to the public, you can still enjoy some scenery by walking around the Christ Church Meadow . Book your tickets here.

Other Miscellaneous Attractions

After a bit of back and forth and satisfying some of my curiosities, I decided to wander away from the university premises. Here are some interesting attractions I discovered along the way.

The Sheldonian Theatre (Paid)

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

Another core building is the Sheldonian Theatre which is the ceremonial home of the Unversity of Oxford. It plays host to all kinds of events including weddings, meetings, lectures and concerts. Book your tickets here.

The Covered Market

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

Just behind the University is the Covered Market, a historic market established in 1774 in a guise to organize the stalls on the main street of Oxford. Which makes sense because the city welcomes visitors from all spheres of life. The last thing they would want to do is to give visitors a wrong impression of the city. A quick walk around the market shows how the traders are forced to keep their stalls neat and tidy at all times. It houses all sorts of shops including food retailers, butchers, gift shops and bakeries.

Carfax Tower (Paid)

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

This is the remains of the official city church of Oxford from the 13th century. The location of the church is bound to affect traffic in some way. It’s no wonder that in 1876, part of it was demolished. For only £3, you can climb the 99 steps of the tower to soak in the skyline of Oxford city. Book your tickets here.

Westgate Shopping Centre

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

There’s nothing like an ultra-modern shopping centre in a medieval city. Of course, I had to stop by to see some of the high street brands with outlets in Oxford. I took a short break here, grabbed some refreshments and got a new lipstick from the MAC store before checking out the rooftop bars and dining. I used that excuse to get a bird’s eye view of Oxford.

Oxford Castle & Prison

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

One of the must-see places to visit in Oxford is the partly ruined 1000-year-old Oxford Castle and Prison. Unlike other castles which are usually located on the outskirts of the city, this was surprising because it is situated near the Westgate Shopping Centre by the city centre. It wasn’t until I got there that I realized why this is the case. It is partly ruined hence it isn’t as large as it once was. Still, it was nice to take a self-guided tour around the remains of this former Castle and Prison now used as a hotel and tourist attraction.

Modern Art Oxford

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

I thought I wasn’t going to see any art galleries at all in Oxford until I discovered this contemporary art gallery on my way to the Christ Church Cathedral. So, if art is your thing, there have a number of modern art and contemporary exhibitions all the time. Make sure you check their websites to see what’s on.

Oxford Canal

14 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

You can either decide to stop by the Oxford Canal on your way to or back from the city centre. Either, that serene walk along the canal is the perfect break away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Best Time to Visit Oxford

As you can tell, Oxford is a university city which means you’ll always find students swarming around. In my experience, this is not the best time to visit the city. As someone who also lives in a University city, the presence or lack thereof of students can make or mar your experience. I honestly don’t know how I forgot that the term is currently in session at Oxford. You can imagine how incredibly busy it was. As such, I didn’t enjoy it to the fullest. Nevertheless, next time I won’t be making that mistake anymore.

Oxford university terms are pretty short as they last only eight weeks. So, your goal is to visit in between those terms when the students are on break and the city is a bit quieter. Their terms are as follows;

  • Spring Term aka Hilary from mid-January to mid-March.
  • Summer Term aka Trinity from end of April to mid-June.
  • Autumn Term aka Michealmus from early October to early December.

So the best times to visit Oxford are;

  • Mid-March to Mid-April.
  • Mid-June to End of September.
  • Mid Decemeber to Early January.

To avoid the Tourists crowd, you’ll want to avoid going during the Summer and just go during the Spring or Autumn.

I hope you have enjoyed this post on 14 iconic places to visit in Oxford. As you can see, one day is nearly not enough to explore this stunning city. If you really want to enjoy this city, I suggest you plan to stay for one or two weeks.

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Visiting Oxford, its University, Pubs, and Museums

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

Must-See Oxford Attractions

Oxford Castle and Prison - Image courtesy of Meraj Chhaya

Oxford Castle & Prison

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

The Sheldonian Theatre - Oxford

The Sheldonian Theatre

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

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

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Immersive Adventures: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems in Oxford

Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems in Oxford

Oxford, the city where dreams reach for the sky with those famous spires! This place is a treasure chest of sights to see. Ready to find out the must-see attractions to visit here? You’ve come to the right spot.

It’s a special place that matches the beauty and historical significance packed into every corner of Oxford. But even if you weren’t a bit in love with Oxford, it’s hard to ignore its stunning looks and rich history. It stands out, not just in the UK but all across Europe.

Coming to Oxford might not be your first rodeo, or maybe it is. Either way, there’s always something around the corner waiting to surprise you—a hidden gem or a secret alley.

We’re diving into the best of Oxford, from the famous to the not-so-known. Are you ready to start this adventure? Let’s jump in!

Table of Contents

Iconic Oxford: The Must-See Attractions

Let’s take a closer look at the must-see attractions that make Oxford a unique place to visit.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is more than just an institution. Instead, it’s a symbol of academic excellence and historical depth that dates back centuries. Known worldwide for its high standards and notable alumni, the university is a network of colleges, each with its own personality.

When exploring, don’t forget to book walking tours in advance. These Oxford tours take you through iconic locations, some featured in Harry Potter movies, led by knowledgeable guides. For convenience, you can book these tours online beforehand. Plus, they include a visit to the Divinity School filming site, where you can experience Oxford’s cinematic connections.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is a gold mine for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe and a vital research library today. The library’s stunning architecture and vast collections are a testament to the intellectual heritage it preserves. For a deeper dive, consider taking a guided tour to uncover the library’s secrets and stories.

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is a must-visit for art and archaeology buffs. As the first university museum, its exhibits range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art masterpieces. The museum is a showcase of human creativity and history across the globe. Make sure to check out the special exhibitions, as they often feature unique and fascinating collections.

Oxford Castle and Prison

Oxford Castle and Prison offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. This historic site has served various roles throughout its thousand-year history, from a Norman fortress to a county jail. Today, visitors can explore its ancient walls, climb the Saxon St. George’s Tower, and uncover the stories of its past inmates. It’s a captivating journey through time.

These iconic attractions are just the beginning of what Oxford has to offer. Each one tells a part of the city’s story, inviting visitors to step into its rich history and vibrant culture.

Oxford’s Hidden Gems

Let’s dive into some of Oxford’s hidden treasures that promise an equally memorable experience.

The Covered Market

Right in the heart of Oxford, the Covered Market opens up a world of discovery. This historic market, established in the 1770s, offers a unique shopping experience . When you wander through its aisles, you’ll find a mix of traditional and modern shops. From butchers and bakers to florists and jewelers, this place has it all. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some local delicacies while you’re there!

Port Meadow

Stepping into Port Meadow feels like walking through a painting. This ancient stretch of common land has remained unchanged for centuries. Grazing horses and cattle dot the landscape, adding to its timeless charm. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a picnic. As you roam, enjoy the stunning views and maybe even catch a sunset that lights up the Oxford skyline.

The Botanic Garden

If you are a nature enthusiast, the Botanic Garden is a must-visit. It’s not just a garden but a peaceful sanctuary right in the city’s bustle. Here, you can stroll among thousands of plant species, from the delicate to the exotic. Each visit can reveal something new as the seasons change. It’s a beautiful reminder of the natural world’s diversity and beauty.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Now, for something truly unique, step into the Pitt Rivers Museum. It’s like a treasure chest filled with the extraordinary. From shrunken heads to intricate masks, the collection here spans cultures from all corners of the globe. The display might seem a bit crowded, but that’s part of its charm. Each item tells a story, inviting you to explore the wide range of human creativity and ingenuity.

Holywell Music Room

Music lovers, take note. The Holywell Music Room isn’t just any concert venue; it’s the oldest music hall in Europe, dating back to the 18th century. Attending a performance here is like taking a step back in time. The room’s history and acoustics make every note more special. It’s an intimate space where you can connect with music in a way that’s rare today.

Phoenix Picturehouse

The Phoenix Picturehouse stands as a beloved icon of Oxford’s cultural scene. This independent cinema, with its cozy ambiance and thoughtful selection of films, offers a distinct alternative to the multiplex experience. Here, you can enjoy everything from the latest blockbusters to indie films and cult classics in an environment that celebrates the art of filmmaking.

Famous Bridge of Sighs

Though well-trodden by tourists, the Bridge of Sighs remains a symbol of Oxford’s romantic allure. Inspired by Venice’s famous bridge, Oxford’s version has its own story intertwined with the city’s academic life. It’s a reminder of Oxford’s ability to blend beauty and function, inspiring countless photographers and dreamers who pass beneath its arches.

These hidden gems in Oxford offer a glimpse into the city’s diverse character.

In a Nutshell

It’s clear that this city has so much more to offer than just its famous university and historic buildings. So, take your time, wander off the beaten path, and let Oxford reveal its secrets to you. Remember, the true magic of Oxford isn’t just found in its well-known attractions but in the personal discoveries you make along the way.

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oxford must visit

IMAGES

  1. 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Oxford

    oxford must visit

  2. 11 Top Things to Do in Oxford, England (with Photos)

    oxford must visit

  3. Explore Oxfordshire: Top 35 Must-Visit Places in Oxford

    oxford must visit

  4. Top 35 Places to Visit in Oxford and Oxfordshire

    oxford must visit

  5. Oxford

    oxford must visit

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

    oxford must visit

VIDEO

  1. :60 Visit Oxford 2023

  2. First visit to Oxford, guess my favorite place!

  3. Oxford University, England

  4. Students' TOP TIPS on applying to #OXFORD as a grad student!!

  5. Things to avoid in London and what to do instead part 3: Oxford Street #londontrip #explorelondon

  6. Areas To Visit In Oxford #travel #oxford #studentlife #oxfordbrookes

COMMENTS

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

    Keble College. Cool Things to See in Oxford. Sheldonian Theatre. University Church of St Mary's. The Bridge of Sighs. Oxford Castle & Prison. Cool Things to do in Oxford - Exploring Cultural Oxford. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Modern Art Oxford.

  2. 24 Best Things to Do in Oxford, Picked By Locals

    Don't Miss: Although many of the Oxford colleges allow members of the public to join Evensong services, Magdalen is known as one of the best. Photograph: Oxford Kayak Tours. 16. Tour Oxford's ...

  3. The 17 top things to do in Oxford

    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.

  4. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Oxford

    1. Bodleian Library. 3,196. Historic Sites. The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. The Bodleian Library was founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK.

  5. 15 Essential Things To Do In Oxford

    To help put our favourite must-see places in Oxford together in one day, ready our day trip to Oxford guide. 13 - SEE OXFORD CASTLE & PRISON. Oxford Castle is a partly ruined mediaeval castle just outside the centre of Oxford. The Norman building was destroyed in the English Civil War but bizarrely the St George's Tower that remains is ...

  6. 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Oxford

    Address: High Street, Oxford. 2. Visit the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. While sightseeing in the city center, be sure to include the University Church - the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin (or simply St. Mary's) - on your Oxford itinerary.

  7. Oxford Attractions & Places to Visit

    Oxford is a city of dreaming spires, the oldest university in Britain, the famous filming locations of Harry Potter and much more. Explore the official tourism guide to Oxford from VisitBritain and find out the best things to do and why we love Oxford. Whether you want to visit the colleges, museums, parks or pubs, Oxford has something for everyone.

  8. Must-Visit Attractions In Oxford

    Must-Visit Attractions in Oxford. From the glorious Bodleian Library to the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford is jam-packed with fantastic things to see and do. It has incredible architecture, superb art and a storied past dating back to Anglo-Saxon times - here, you can follow in the footsteps of Prime Ministers, poets and, of course, Harry Potter.

  9. Must-see attractions Oxford, Oxfordshire

    St Peter's College. Oxford. As Oxford colleges go, St Peter's is modest in age, size and decoration. Founded in 1929, it comprises a handful of architecturally contrasting buildings…. Discover the best attractions in Oxford including Christ Church, Bodleian Library, and Ashmolean Museum.

  10. Top 10 Things to Do in Oxford and Oxfordshire

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

  11. 23 Best Things To Do In Oxford

    Pitt Rivers is a museum which is quite distinct and very much has a character of its own - surely one of the best places to visit in Oxford. Entry to Pitt Rivers is free, but again, booking is essential. Here, donations are important for supporting the ongoing work of the museum. Ashmolean Museum Oxford.

  12. 27 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Oxford, England

    A visit here is a must while you're in Oxford and want to see a little bit of everything, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to modern art. There's also a lovely rooftop restaurant where you can have some refreshments while enjoying the views over Oxford. 15. See a show at the Sheldonian Theatre

  13. 17 of the Best Attractions You Must Visit in Oxford

    If you only visit one pub during your time in Oxford, make it this one. 14. Carfax Tower. Open daily from 10, closing between 15.00 and 17.30 depending on the time of year. On the crossroads between the High Street, St Aldate's, Cornmarket Street and Queen Street lies Carfax Tower, right in the heart of the city.

  14. 31 Things to do in Oxford England

    It's a must see. Tour Oxford Castle & Prison. Originally built in 1071, Oxford Castle has a long history as both a castle and a prison. Over the years, it served as everything from a point of defense to a court and execution site. On a tour, visitors can see the crypt and prison and learn the stories of prisoners who were held—and ...

  15. One Day In Oxford England Itinerary, What To See and Do In A Day

    It's an absolute must visit attraction with one day in Oxford. The grand college simply oozes history. It's the largest and most prestigious of Oxford's colleges. The college was founded in 1525 by Henry VIII's chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey. The college is the alma mater of 13 British prime ministers, Albert Einstein, and Lewis Carroll.

  16. THE 10 BEST Oxford Sights & Historical Landmarks to Visit (2024)

    Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London. 1,272. Recommended by 91% of travelers. Historical Tours. from $102 per adult. 2023. Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide. 4,522. Recommended by 97% of travelers.

  17. 22 Fun Things to Do in Oxford In A Weekend

    Oxford University City, known as the City of Dreaming Spires, is a must-visit place in the UK. Oxford is one of England's most famous cities and is home to one of the world's most prestigious university complexes and the oldest university in the English-speaking world. There are many great things to see in Oxford besides the university ...

  18. How Best to Spend One Day in Oxford, England?

    Streets of Oxford. May, June, and July are the best months to visit Oxford for those looking for sunshine and warmth. The summer months usually sport temperatures ranging from 15 and 22 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and days in June offer around five more hours of sunshine than days in December.

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

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

  20. 11 Must-See Oxford Museums

    Christ Church Picture Gallery. Museum of Oxford. The History of Science Museum. The Oxford University Bate Collection. Story Museum. Weston Library. The Oxford University Press Museum. Oxford Museums - Map. Practical Information for Visiting Oxford's Museums.

  21. 15 Iconic Places To Vist In Oxford On A Day Trip

    Oxford Castle & Prison. 1 / 16. One of the must-see places to visit in Oxford is the partly ruined 1000-year-old Oxford Castle and Prison. Unlike other castles which are usually located on the outskirts of the city, this was surprising because it is situated near the Westgate Shopping Centre by the city centre.

  22. Visiting Oxford, its University and Museums

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

  23. Immersive Adventures: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems in Oxford

    Iconic Oxford: The Must-See Attractions. Let's take a closer look at the must-see attractions that make Oxford a unique place to visit. University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is more than just an institution. Instead, it's a symbol of academic excellence and historical depth that dates back centuries. Known worldwide for its high ...