oxford houses to visit

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The Best Castles & Stately Homes near Oxford

The historic university city Oxford is the perfect base to visit some of England’s best stately homes. The stately homes around Oxford are filled with history, art and have some of the best gardens in England.

From a former Prime Minister’s home to a lavish house owned by the Rotschild family. The stately homes around Oxford are diverse and perfect day out from Oxford.

Whether you go alone and want to visit the grand Rothschild art collection or if you’re planning a family trip. You can find art, culture, war history, gardens and family activities at these English stately homes.

Blenheim Palace

baroque • churchill family • children activities • film location • UNESCO World Heritage Site

oxford houses to visit

Blenheim is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England that holds the title “palace”. The 18th century stately home is built in English Baroque style and it’s one of the largest stately homes in England. And since 1987 it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For 300 years Blenheim was the family home of the Churchill (and Churchill-Spencer) family. But in the 19th century the estate was saved from ruin when the 9th Duke of Marlborough married American heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt.

Blenheim Palace is often used as film location. From blockbusters like James Bond, Mission Impossible and Harry Potter. But also period dramas like Cinderella, A Little Chaos and The Young Victoria. You can download a guide to these filming locations at Blenheim Palace.

The Blenheim estate can be enjoyed by everyone. Inside the palace you can visit the historic State Rooms, a Churchill Museum and a “Downstairs” Tour. But the grounds have much to offer as well. There are several gardens, a butterfly house and a maze. The estate offers plenty for children as well with fun trails and a miniture train.

The Blenheim Estate is open daily

How to get here from Oxford

The easiest way from Oxford Station is the S3 or S7 bus to Woodstock. From the bus station it’s a 10 minute walk to Blenheim. (note: you get a 30% discount if you arrive at Blenheim by public transport, bicycle or by foot)

Waddesdon Manor

neo-renaissance châteaux • rothschild • art museum • children playground • film location

oxford houses to visit

Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild built Waddesdon Manor between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. Notable guests like the future King Edward VII and Queen Victoria visited the house and its extensive art collection.

The house opened to the public in 1959 and shows the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

Waddesdon Manor is often used as film location. It was the filming location for Buckingham Palace in The Crown. But also in period dramas such as Rebecca, Downton Abbey (as Haxby Park) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

The estate offers a woodland playground for children.

A 30 minute drive from Oxford takes you to Waddesdon Manor. By public transport the journey is considerably longer.

Hughenden Manor

jacobean • royal connection • politics • world war II • children acitivities

oxford houses to visit

This 18th century Jacobean country house is the former home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. He was the favourite Prime Minister of Queen Victoria and she also visited the house.

Disraeli and his wife Mary Anne loved Hughenden and it was the home has a rich history of political drama and royal visits.

The basement at Hughenden Manor was used as a secret intelligance base called “Hillside” during the Second World War. It was here that aerial photogrpahs of Germany were analysed and bombing missions were planned.

Today Hughenden Manor is owned by the National Trust. The house is re-created as Benjaming Disraeli would have known them. On the ground floor you’ll find the library with an extensive book collection. Including his own novels and one written and signed by Queen Victoria. Upstairs you’ll find Disraeli’s study, bedroom and Mary Anne’s boudoir along with the black silk robe worn by Disraeli as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

An exhibition called “The Royal Gifts of Hughenden” shows Israeli’s close relationship with Queen Victoria.

From Oxford Station you can take the train and bus to Hughenden Manor. The journey takes approx. 1 hour.

West Wycombe Park

palladian & neoclassical

Inspired by travels through Italy, Sir Francis Dashwood (2nd Baronet), wanted to built and Italian-style country house. Because the built of the house took so long, it is now a combination of Palladian and Neoclassical style.

Inside the house is also a lavish combination of styles. From a neoclassical entrance hall you can visit eight room with baroque and rococo architecture styles.

The grounds are designed in a natural landscape style with follies in classical style and temples. The gardens are one of the finest original 18th century garden in England.

The grounds are open April-August and the house is open in June-August.

From Oxford Station you can take a train and bus to West Wycombe Park. The journey takes approx. 75 minutes

Stonor Park

italianate garden • medieval origins • children activities

Home of the Stonor family for 850 years. And it is the one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. The origins of the home go back to Medieval time but you can see many architectural periods from later remodels.

At the house you’ll find a Gothic revival hall, a 17th century library and a long hall leading to the gardens.

The grounds of Stonor have much to offer. If you want to wander then the Italianate garden with Renaissance pond is perfect. A kitchen garden that is especially lovely in Spring and Summer. And The Ladies Walk is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring.

But the grounds offer more. Even older than the house is the Stone Circle. Formed of giant boulders left behind at the end of the last Ice Age.

A wonderful children area called the Tumblestone Hollow is a magical place for the entire family.

The house & gardens are sometimes closed for events, so be sure to check the Stonor website for the opening days.

From Oxford it takes approx. 40 minutes to reach Stonor Park. The nearest railway station is Henley-on-Thames and taxis are available from the Station.

Rousham House & Garden

gothic • 18th century gardens

oxford houses to visit

The house was built in 1635 but extensively remodeled by William Kent in the 18th century. Therefor it now has a Gothic appereance. The house has been owned by the same family since it was built.

Rousham House & Garden is best known for its gardens. It is one of the earliest gardens in English landscape design and today it is almost identical to how William Kent designed it. Monty Don calles Rousham a masterpiece and one of the best gardens in the world.

The gardens are open daily (no children under 15 are allowed in the gardens without prior permission). The house is open by appointment only.

There are several public transport options for a visit to Rousham. The journey takes between 30-60 minutes

Buscot Park

neoclassical • art collection

oxford houses to visit

The 18th century neoclassical country house was built for politcian Edward Loveden Loveden. It is the family home of Lord Faringdon and it houses the family’s art collection “The Farringdon Collection”.

Surrounding the house you’ll find enchanting landscaped gardens.

The house and grounds can both be visited. Though the house is closed on certains. To see the current opening times you can visit the Buscot Park website .

The Stagecoach Gold Route 66 bus operates between Oxford and Swindon every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and hourly on a Sunday, passing through Faringdon.

Claydon House

rococo interiors • florence nightingale • children’s trail

oxford houses to visit

Claydon is one of these houses were the outside doesn’t reflect the inside. From the outside Claydon looks rather austere. But on the inside you’re greeted by beautiful rococo interiors.

The Claydon estate has been owned by the Verney family for 400 years. One of the ladies of the house was Parthenope, the sister of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. Florence often visited the house and she even had her own suite of rooms. Today you can find a small museum dedicated to Florence Nightingale at Claydon House.

Claydon house was used as a filming location for Far From the Madding Crowd, an addaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel. (you can also visit houses were Thomas Hardy lived. You can find more information in the “Famous Writers’ Houses in England” post).

By car, the journey from Oxford takes approx. 40 minutes via A34 and A41. The journey by public transport takes longer.

Are you planning to visit one of these stately homes around Oxford? Be sure to share it with #visiteuropeancastles

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  • 17 of the Best Attractions You Must Visit in Oxford

oxford houses to 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 . 

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

Tasmin Waby

Jan 3, 2022 • 14 min read

Oxford has lots of quirky little pubs to while away a day in

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

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

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

Wander historic university colleges

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

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

A Venetian-style bridge built over a small road in Oxford

Photograph classic Oxford landmarks

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

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

Tour the Bodleian Library

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

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

A view of the many book-lined shelves in Blackwell's Bookshop, Oxford.

Indulge your love of bookshops

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

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

Treasures and afternoon tea at the Ashmolean Museum

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

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

Enter the Victorian era in the Pitt Rivers Museum

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

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

The grand interior of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, England. Pews line the walls of the ancient building.

Hear Christ Church Cathedral Choir at Evensong

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

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

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

Overnight at Oxford Castle and Prison

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

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

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

Oxford’s Botanic Garden and Arboretum

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

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

A view looking down on a group of people punting on the River Thames in Oxford. One person stands in the boat, using a long pole to propel it across the waters, while the others lie back and enjoy the scenery.

Punting under Magdalen Bridge

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

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

The Alice in Wonderland Shop

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

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

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

Leave a memento to give thanks for Lord of the Rings 

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

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

The Head of the River Pub, Oxford. The river-side pub has a beer garden that is full of people drinking and socialising.

Drink a pint on the bank of the River Thames

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

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

Dissect the History of Science

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

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

Enrich your imagination at the Story Museum

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

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

Dinosaur skeleton displays inside the Natural History Museum in Oxford.

Admire Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History

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

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

Visit the birthplace of Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace

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

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

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

This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2022

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

Central Oxford

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

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

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

Magdalen College Oxford

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

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

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

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

The bodleian library.

Old Bodleian Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera

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

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

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

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

The Ashmolean Museum

Ashmolean Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: The Best Museums in Oxford

Punting on the Cherwell

Punting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum

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

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

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

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

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

Oxford Sightseeing Spots – Must-Visit Oxford University Colleges

Christ church college.

Christ Church Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magdalen College

Magdalen College

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

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

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

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

Keble College

Keble College Oxford

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

Enter the Victorian Gothic masterpiece that is Keble College.

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

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

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

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

Cool Things to See in Oxford

Sheldonian theatre.

Sheldonian Oxford

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

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

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

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

University Church of St Mary’s

St Marys Oxford

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

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

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

View from St Marys Bell Tower Oxford-87

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

Worth the terror and the sore legs? Totally.

The Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs

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

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

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

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

Oxford Castle & Prison

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

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

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

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

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

➥ Book a guided tour of Oxford Castle and Prison .

Cool Things to do in Oxford – Exploring Cultural Oxford

The oxford university museum of natural history.

Museum of Natural History Oxford 3

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

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

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

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

Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford

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

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

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

Hunt Out Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

Christ Church

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

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

New College Cloisters

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

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

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

Discover Literary Oxford

Narnia Door Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unusual things to do in Oxford

Visit the story museum.

Story Museum

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

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

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

Take a Spooky Ghost Tour

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

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

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

👻 Book the official “Haunted Oxford” ghost tour .

Best Things to do in Oxford – Food & Drink

Afternoon tea at the grand cafe.

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

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

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

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

Read More: Unmissable Afternoon Teas in Oxford

Explore Oxford’s Cool Cocktail Bars

Duke of Cambridge Cocktail Bar Oxford-81

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: The Best Cocktail Bars in Oxford

The Eagle & Child

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

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

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

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

Oxford Historic Pub Crawl

Turf Tavern Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Historic Pubs and Cool Drinking Dens in Oxford

The Covered Market

oxford houses to visit

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

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

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

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

Read More: The Best Cafes in Oxford

Best Places to Visit in Oxford – Parks and Green Spaces

Christ church meadow.

oxford houses to visit

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

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

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

Port Meadow (and a Few Gorgeous Pubs)

oxford houses to visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

Oxford Botanic Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Oxford: Tips for Planning Your Trip

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

Oxford Attractions: Map

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Two boys playing on a path in front of a palace

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.

Things to do in Oxford

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University of Oxford

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

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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

Gloucester Green Market

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

Oxford River Cruises

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

Photos by John Cairns

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford

Featured things to do

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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 (72km) 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 (97km) from London. The average train time from Central London to Oxford is 1 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. You can also explore using a bus tour operated by City Sightseeing 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.

The Oxford Bus Company provides frequent and affordable travel across Oxford, with quick and convenient contactless and cash payment options. Stagecoach offers city centre services and runs routes to the stately home at Blenheim Palace to the north, around 35 minutes away.  Five Park and Ride  locations exist to keep the city centre car free and run into the centre regularly.

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

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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. Enjoy crazy mini golf at Junkyard Golf Club   and dine at Pho for healthy Vietnamese food.

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

oxford houses to visit

City Sightseeing Oxford Open-Top Bus Tours

oxford houses to visit

Crocodiles of the World

oxford houses to visit

Waterperry Gardens

oxford houses to visit

Kelmscott Manor

oxford houses to visit

Fairytale Farm

oxford houses to visit

Finest Hour Experiences

oxford houses to visit

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

oxford houses to visit

Sheldonian Theatre

oxford houses to visit

The Oxfordshire Museum

oxford houses to visit

Sky Wave Gin

oxford houses to visit

Bicester Heritage

oxford houses to visit

The Henley Distillery

oxford houses to visit

River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames

Chrust Church College Oxford

Christ Church

oxford houses to visit

Didcot Railway Centre

oxford houses to visit

New Theatre Oxford

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Museum of Oxford

oxford houses to visit

Junkyard Golf Club

oxford houses to visit

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UK Travel Planning

Oxford Travel Guide (Practical tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

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

Plan your visit to Oxford

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

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

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

What you will find in this complete Oxford Travel Guide

Map of Oxford

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

Are you planning a visit to the UK 2

Oxford travel guide – Visiting Oxford FAQ’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxford and Cambridge colleges to choose from when visiting the best of Oxford travel guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View of Radcliffe Camera in Oxford Travel Guide.

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

Cotswolds.

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

Blenheim Palace.

VISITING BLENHEIM PALACE

Oxford travel guide showing a view of the city.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN OXFORD

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

Bridge of sighs as seen in the Oxford Travel Guide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These include

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

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

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

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

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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 houses to 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 :)

New list shows most expensive Airbnb rentals by state. See Mississippi's priciest places

oxford houses to visit

Mississippi may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about luxurious travel accommodations, but a recent list revealed one of its cities features 10 of the state's most expensive Airbnb rentals.

According to a report from Best Brokers, a financial securities trading company, the most expensive Airbnb in the state is "The Oxford House" in Oxford, Miss. This rental property rate runs $9,189 per night, including all taxes and fees.

According to Best Brokers, the company sought to uncover the most expensive Airbnb properties in each 50 states by using a seven-night stay in July 2024 as its criteria. Their calculations included cleaning fees, Airbnb service fees and occupancy taxes.

The Oxford House Airbnb listing information states the private-gated estate features nine bedrooms, nine and a half bathrooms, three kitchens, and a gym equipped with a treadmill and Peloton Bike. The home also has an outdoor entertaining area, a heated pool and a dining room that seats 18.

See below which Mississippi city features the 10 most expensive rentals in the state , according to the Best Broker report:

The Bella in downtown Biloxi: How suite it is: Biloxi's new short-term rentals feature music, pop-art themes

What are the Top 10 most expensive Airbnb rentals in Mississippi?

The state's top 10 most expensive Airbnb rentals are all in Oxford, according to the Best Broker report.

Here are the rental rates for each property based on a seven-night stay in July 2024, including taxes and fees:

  • The Oxford House : $9,189 per night plus fees — 9 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms
  • Luxury Estate Home : $7,925 per night plus fees — 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms
  • Historic Oxford Mississippi Home : $3,832 per night plus fees — 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Happy Place in Oxford : $3,814 per night plus fees — 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
  • Luxury Modern Estate Home : $3,698 per night plus fees — 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
  • New Orleans Home : $3,180 per night plus fees — 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
  • 4BR Between Square & Ole Miss : $3,149 per night plus fees — 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
  • Lovely 4BR House : $2,802 per night plus fees — 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
  • The Velvet Dream : $2,755 per night plus fees — 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
  • The Jefferson House Oxford : $2,731 per night plus fees — 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Where is the most expensive Airbnb in the U.S.?

The Riverbend House in Aspen, Colorado, is the most expensive Airbnb in the U.S., according to the Best Broker report. The rate is $55,729 per night plus fees for the 8-bedroom and 13-bathroom villa that showcases mountain views.

The property includes a chef's kitchen, outdoor pool, fire pits, hot tubs, a pond, an office, den, media room, gym, game room and a commercial kitchen.

"According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean wage for a full-time wage or salary worker in the United States is $1,028 per 40-hour work week or $53,490 per year," the report said. "This means you must work more than 7 years to afford a 7-night stay at the most expensive Airbnb in the U.S. (to rent the whole thing for yourself)."

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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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to 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 houses to visit

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Cruise down the river

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 . 

An email you’ll actually love

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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About Oxford

Visiting Oxford

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

Things to see and do at Oxford University

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

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

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

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

Tours of Oxford University

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

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

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

Disabled access

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

Information for prospective students

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

Additional information for visitors to the city of Oxford

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

  • History of the University
  • Oxford Glossary
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Make sure to bring your Alumni Card with you and see our special offers on the Alumni website

Accommodation in Oxford

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Oxford

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

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

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

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

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

See also: Where to Stay in Oxford

1. Explore Historic Oxford City Center

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

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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What to See in Oxford

Historical places, landmarks, parks & museums.

If you’re planning a visit to Oxford or have just moved there, you’re probably looking forward to seeing the city and its incredible landmarks. Oxford is a beautiful place with hundreds of historical locations, parks, and of course some of the oldest colleges in the world. Let us help prepare for your visit to Oxford! In this section you will find articles and pages about all the different landmarks and activities to make the most of your Oxford visit.

Historical Places & Landmarks

Did you know Oxford has a medieval castle? And a Saxon tower? The city is not just the home place of one of the oldest universities in the world, it’s also a fascinating British town with a large variety of historical places and incomparable landmarks. Browse All >

Oxford's Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. Here’s how to visit it (and why!).

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

University Church of St Mary the Virgin is actually from where Oxford University grew, and an un-missable spot if you’re visiting the city.

24-26 Cornmarket Street. Image courtesy of Chuca Cimas.

24-26 Cornmarket Street, Oxford

24-26 Cornmarket Street, Oxford is a timber-framed building built in the late 14th century. It belonged to a wine merchant and was an inn.

Mob Quad, Merton College. Image courtesy of Caro Wallis

Mob Quad in Merton College

Mob Quad in Merton College is probably the oldest quadrangle in Oxford. The quad is so old, it actually doesn’t have any chimneys.

Christ Church Cathedral - Oxford. Image courtesy of Randy Connolly

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is perhaps the most stunning college chapel in Oxford. It was built as a place of worship in the late 12th century.

Museums & Art Galleries

Oxford is home to numerous museums and art galleries. There really is something for everyone in the city. For example, the Ashmolean Museum has some of the most beautiful archaeological pieces in the entire country, while Modern Art Oxford showcases contemporary exhibitions and projects. Browse All >

Antiques on High - Oxford Museums, Art Galleries and Antiques Shops

Antiques on High

Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.

Aidan Meller Gallery - Oxford Museums and Art Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

Oxford Christ Church College, Canterbury Quadrangle. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art museum holding an important collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and almost 2,000 drawings and is one of the most important private

The Oxfordshire Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum is located in Woodstock (in Fletcher’s House, Park Street, opposite the Bear Hotel) and tells the story of the County of Oxfordshire through galleries and exhibitions. The

The Story Museum - Oxford

The Story Museum

The Story Museum is an unusual museum. Located in the heart of Oxford, it celebrates the power of stories. Fly through a thousand years of Oxford’s story history, from ancient

Parks & Meadows

There are many parks and meadows in Oxford you can visit and use for sports, picnics, walks, and dates. You have the Oxford University Parks, the Botanic Garden, and Christ Church Meadow among many others. They are all beautiful oxford spots no matter the time of the year! Browse All >

Crocodiles of the World: The UK's Only Crocodile Zoo

Crocodiles of the World

Crocodiles of the World is a unique and fascinating attraction located in Oxfordshire and dedicated to crocodiles and their relatives.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is a renowned zoological collection in Oxfordshire. Here’s how to visit from Oxford.

Things to See Near Oxford: Waterperry Gardens. Image courtesy of Ukgardenphotos via Flickr Commons.

Waterperry Gardens

Waterperry Gardens is a charming horticultural haven located in the idyllic countryside of Oxfordshire. Here’s everything about it.

Oxford For Introverts: Quietest Places To Relax or Study

Wellington Square

Wellington Square is nestled within the heart of the historic city of Oxford. This park, unfamiliar to many, is actually a little gem!

Oxford Parks and Meadows: Oxford Canal - A Breath-taking Walk

Oxford Canal

Oxford Canal is a breath-taking option if you’re looking for an enjoyable walk close to the city. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Things to Do in Oxford

You can also do some shopping in Oxford! Explore some of the little secret shops around the city, attend a regatta, or stop by a historical bookshop. These are all great options if you’re visiting Oxford. Browse All >

Oxford Hotels: The Old Parsonage Hotel. How and When to Visit.

The Old Parsonage Hotel

The Old Parsonage Hotel is one of the best-ranked hotels in the city and dates back to the 17th century. Here’s how to visit.

Oxford Hotels: The Randolph Hotel. How to Visit, When to Stay

The Randolph Hotel

The Randolph Hotel, situated in the heart of Oxford, stands as a distinguished landmark of the city, attracting guests from around the world.

Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford has more than 100 stores featuring prestigious luxury brands and beloved high-street choices.

Barefoot Jericho - Cakes in Oxford

Barefoot Jericho

Barefoot offers homemade cakes, pastries and bread, delicious coffee for eat-in or takeaway in the neighbourhood of Jericho, in Oxford.

Shops to See in Oxford: The Cake Shop - Cakes for Any Occasion

The Cake Shop

The Cake Shop offers ready-made designs and bespoke masterpieces and has been trading since 1986 in Oxford’s Covered Market.

Enjoying Oxford

Explore new and familiar locations, visit the parks, step into a college, or drop by one of the many quirky shops Oxford has to offer. Browse All >

Things to Do this 2024 Easter in Oxford: Places & Activities

Things to Do this 2024 Easter in Oxford

Looking for activities and events for Easter 2024 in Oxford and the surrounding area? Here’s an overview of everything available.

Oxford's Victors Rooftop Bar

The Best Oxford Rooftop Bars You Should Definitely Visit in 2023

Even though Oxford is not a big metropolis, it has plenty of excellent rooftop bars and places with a view.

Oxford Museum of Natural History - Image courtesy ofMagnus D

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

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

Visiting Oxford in the Winter and Other Seasons

When is the Best Time to Visit Oxford? Season Tips & What to See

Are you planning a visit to Oxford but are wondering what the best time to go is? If you’re looking for the warmest time, that’s (from highest to lowest temperature)

Where to Go on a Date in Oxford

Where to Go on a First Date in Oxford – Walks, Parks and Spots

You are in Oxford. You’ve got a date. But where to go? If you look for first date ideas online, you will come across some pretty good lists of things

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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Calvert Marine Museum, Drum Point Lighthouse, Solomons Island, Maryland. Image credit Malachi Jacobs via Shutterstock

  • 7 Most Charming River Towns in Maryland to Visit in 2024

Found only a hop, skip, and jump from Washington DC, Maryland is known for its abundant seafood and proximity to the bustling capitals of the Northeast. Some of the best wine in the country is found in Maryland, surprisingly, with its winemaking tradition dating back to 1648 before the state’s official founding. Maryland is also the land of crab cakes and big water, its coastlines adjoining the Free State to the vast Atlantic .

Lovers of the water and its restorative powers are both free and encouraged to travel inland as well. The state’s rivers, like the Patapsco, the Patuxent, and the famed Potomac, have given rise to more than a few lovely little towns along their bends and bows. Uncover some of the best river towns in 2024 to visit in the state.

Havre de Grace

Aerial sunset panorama of Havre de Grace Maryland

The town of Havre de Grace rests along the Susquehanna River and is full of the small-town charm, which brings visitors back to Maryland again and again. This northern town sits at the top of Chesapeake Bay , meaning there is never any shortage of seafood. Havre de Grace’s promenade is a point of interest not only because of its views of the Susquehanna but also because it deposits visitors at the Concord Point Lighthouse. It is a fabulous place for a picture or even a souvenir from the lighthouse’s gift shop.

Havre de Grace is known for its food. Water Street Seafood combines food with delectable views in an unbeatable combination. Next, satisfy your curiosity at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. Its 600-square-foot gallery shows the region’s connection to the Underground Railroad and how marine travel made it possible. It also teaches about the Indigenous peoples who lived in the area before European settlement.

Solomons Island

The waterfront at Solomons Island, Maryland.

Found at the meeting point of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay, Solomons Island has a reputation for being a place where one can see sublime views. Charter boats and fishing vessels come and go from the town’s docks and visitors often hire them to see the water at sunset. The Calvert Marine Museum offers visitors a first-class education in the town’s history and nautical tradition. Looking for a scenic memento? The Drum Point Lighthouse​​​​ is eminently photogenic and makes for a great subject.

Two hours from Baltimore and around an hour and a half from the Nation’s capital, visitors to the town will cross the imposing 135-foot-tall Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge, which offers fabulous views to passersby. Solomons is home to the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center whose garden spans 30 acres of forests and meadows. Amateur archaeologists will want to visit Calvert Cliffs at Calvert Cliffs State Park, where the tide has washed away the cliffside. Fossils have been known to turn up on the beach there, though the park is lovely enough on its own merits.

St. Michaels

The harbor at St. Michaels, Maryland.

Known as "the town that fooled the British," St. Michaels is known as a site of American ingenuity during the War of 1812 when the militiamen of St. Michaels hung lanterns in the trees behind the town. The two sides exchanged cannon fire in the middle of the night, but since the British could only see the lights hung in the trees, their cannons overshot the town, winning the day for the Americans. Today, St. Michaels is much better known for its scenic views of the Miles River and the rustic and eclectic shops found along Talbot Street in town. Wine, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere all await visitors to St. Michaels.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is an absolute delight. Featuring plenty of exhibitions and a shipyard, the museum is more akin to a bustling waterfront dock than your typical art gallery. As proof, the museum allows visitors to buy the usual fare at its gift shop alongside an actual boat if they choose. St. Michales is also home to another rarity: the 19th-century Hooper Strait Light. This lighthouse is one of only four Chesapeake Bay lighthouses built in the unique screw-pile style. Lastly, Sail Selina II offers water tours to better experience the Chesapeake Bay region first-hand.

The lighthouse and marina at Cambridge, Maryland.

Spread along the spectacular Choptank River, Cambridge is one of the oldest colonial cities in the state. Its history as the seat of Dorchester County dates back to 1684. This history was captured by the novelist James Michener, who called Cambridge’s High Street one of the most beautiful in the country. The street remains full of historical homes which have been well maintained over the centuries, with some having been built in the 1700s. With so much to do, see, and experience, Cambridge is small-town Maryland at its best.

The town’s maritime heritage is proudly on full display in Cambridge. From crabbing to sailing, Cambridge’s history is inextricably linked to the waters surrounding it. This history is captured in the Richardson Maritime Museum and the Ruark Boatworks. Visitors can even ride on a legitimate skipjack oyster dredging ship. The Underground Railroad and Cambridge’s role is also well remembered and on display at the Harriet Tubman Museum. If you hear the call of the wild, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge nearby encompasses more than 32,000 acres across three major habitats. The refuge boasts one-third of Maryland's tidal wetlands and is one of the most ecologically important areas in the state.

Pocomoke City

American Flag flying over white bridge in Pocomoke City, the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Only a few miles north of Virginia , Pocomoke City is a historic town in southern Maryland found along the Pocomoke River. Its small but beautiful downtown is full of quiet cafes and boutiques. Pocomoke City is the ideal place to be if you are seeking a break from the traffic jams and ambient noise of city living, offering instead the soothing lapping of the river and the clink of wine glasses at sundown.

One of the town’s most beloved attractions in town is the Delmarva Discovery Centre. The museum has exhibits on river otters, steamships, and the pre-European cultures that populated the area. The downtown Nature Trail is highly recommended and starts at the city dock at Cypress Park before looping around Stevenson's Pond to Winter Quarters Landing. The trail features a floating boardwalk, exercise stations, and a sizable pedestrian bridge. Watch a movie at the recently renovated Mar-Va Theater or take a gander at the historic Coston House Museum.

The Historic Monkton Railroad Station, Maryland

Monkton is a beautiful unincorporated town found less than an hour north of Baltimore along the Gunpowder River. Monkton is surrounded by Gunpowder Falls State Park, one of the state’s largest state parks covering nearly 20,000 acres across two counties. Fishing and beaches, hiking trails, and wildlands are all available at the park, making it one of the definite must-see locations for any visit to Monkton.

Tubing is very popular in Monkton, and one of the most popular places to launch is the Monkton Station from within the park. The Northern Central Railroad Trail leads past Monkton Station and stretches along an abandoned railroad all the way up to the Pennsylvania border. Ladew Topiary Gardens is another point of interest thanks to its 22 acres of award-winning gardens punctuated by its manor house. The Manor Tavern is a local favorite known for having some of the best burgers in Maryland.

Boats in the harbor of Oxford, Maryland.

The town of Oxford has a profound maritime heritage in part thanks to its location along the Tred Avon River. With its historic charm and small-town vibes, visitors to Oxford are sure to love taking a relaxing stroll through the town's quiet streets. Or, climb aboard for a ferry ride on the nation’s oldest privately owned ferry service between Oxford and Bellevue. Bikers will want to ride along the Oxford/ St. Michaels Bike Trail to the nearby town of St Michaels. This little town has fewer than 1,000 residents, but do not let that fool you. Oxford packs plenty to do and see into a small package.

Looking for a place to stay? Look no further than the Robert Morris Inn, known as the childhood home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Or, if you are looking to learn more about Oxford, there is no better way than by visiting the Oxford Museum. Over 300 years of Oxford history have been chronicled there for visitors to look at and learn. One of the loveliest parts of Oxford is the picket fences. Each summer, residents and artists paint lengths of picket fence which are then displayed and auctioned off in the fall. It is just one way Oxford’s residents take pride in their community.

Maryland is so much more than crab cakes. The stunning stretches of river and state parks this small state has to offer are difficult to capture into words. In 2024, eye-catching lighthouses and river cruises await visitors to Maryland in addition to all the blue crab and seafood you could ever want. If you are planning a visit to Maryland or the Northeast in the near future, consider these river towns for a trip as educational as it is serene.

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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.

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

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

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.

  • International edition
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UK interest rate cut ‘remains some way off’ says Bank of England chief economist – as it happened

Huw Pill needs to see more compelling evidence that the underlying persistent component of UK CPI inflation is being squeezed

Full story: M&S wins legal challenge over Gove’s block on Oxford Street store revamp

  • 3d ago Closing summary
  • 3d ago US consumer sentiment weakens
  • 3d ago Improvements with material storage required at Dounreay nuclear site
  • 3d ago Why Pill voted to leave rates on hold last month
  • 3d ago BoE's Huw Pill: Time for first rate cut is 'some way off'
  • 3d ago Full story: M&S wins legal challenge over Gove’s block on Oxford Street store revamp
  • 3d ago Why the high court ruled aginst the government
  • 3d ago M&S: High Court rules Secretary of State’s planning decision on Marble Arch store unlawful
  • 3d ago Eurozone inflation dips to 2.6%
  • 3d ago UK manufacturing PMI: what the experts say
  • 3d ago UK manufacturing downturn continues amid weak demand and Red Sea crisis
  • 3d ago Eurozone factory recession continues
  • 3d ago Pearson eyes AI gains after profits rise
  • 3d ago Wincanton backs GXO's £762m offer in takeover battle
  • 3d ago ITV shares surge after Britbox sale stake
  • 3d ago Rise in house prices in February suggests 'correction is over'
  • 3d ago Nationwide: Rising borrowing costs could threaten recover
  • 3d ago Introduction: Annual house prices rise for first time in over a year in February

The Bank of England in the City of London

BoE's Huw Pill: Time for first rate cut is 'some way off'

Newsflash: The Bank of England’s chief economist says he believes the central bank is “some way off” cutting interest rates.

In a speech at Cardiff University Business School now, Huw Pill explains that he needs to see “more compelling evidence” that the underlying persistent component of UK CPI inflation is being squeezed down, so that inflation will sustainably hit its 2% inflation target.

Pill was one of six policymakers who voted to leave interest rates on hold last month at 5.25% (two wanted to raise to 5.5%, and the ninth wanted a cut to 5%).

Pill explains today that he believes the signs of a downward shift in the persistent component of inflation dynamics are early, and “tentative”.

In my view, we have some way to go before such evidence becomes conclusive. While that persistent component of inflation continues to threaten the lasting and sustainable achievement of the 2% inflation target, the MPC will need to maintain a degree of restrictiveness in its monetary policy stance to squeeze this persistent component out of the system.

Pill points out that monetary policy could still be restrictive, even if Bank Rate was cut from its current 16 year highs.

Nonetheless, in my baseline scenario the time for cutting Bank Rate remains some way off. I need to see more compelling evidence that the underlying persistent component of UK CPI inflation is being squeezed down to rates consistent with a lasting and sustainable achievement of the 2% inflation target before voting to lower Bank Rate.

Closing summary

Time for a recap.

Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill has said he thinks the bank is still “some way off” cutting interest rates.

In a speech to Cardiff University Business School, Pill said:

In my baseline scenario the time for cutting Bank Rate remains some way off.

Pill said he wanted to see “more compelling evidence” that the persistent factors pushing up inflation were being squeezed, and cautioned against “being lulled into a false sense of security” from lower headline inflation in the coming months.

A survey of UK factories found that costs are being driven by up Red Sea disruption , which may hamper the battle to bring down inflation.

UK manufacturing production fell for the twelfth month running in February, according to S&P Global’s monthly poll of UK purchasing managers, with new orders, output, employment levels and stocks of purchases all dropping.

Hopes of looming interest rate cuts have helped to boost activity in the housing market, where prices rose on an annual basis in February for the first time in over a year .

Marks & Spencer has claimed victory after Michael Gove’s decision to block a controversial plan to raze and redevelop its main store on London’s Oxford Street was ruled to be unlawful.

ITV has sold its 50% stake in BritBox International, the streaming service that offers programmes such as Line of Duty outside the UK, to BBC Studios for £255m in cash.

Low taxation on petrol SUVs in the UK compared with much of Europe is inviting a glut of large, polluting luxury cars, according to an analysis by a green thinktank.

Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, of breaching its foundational mission by putting the pursuit of profit ahead of the benefit of humanity.

The cost of first and second-class stamps is to go up again next month, after Royal Mail announced price rises of 10p a letter.

Bosses at the UK haulage company Wincanton have thrown their support behind a £762m takeover offer from the US logistics business GXO and dropped their backing for a rival bid.

The annual pay package of the boss of GlaxoSmithKline , Emma Walmsley, has jumped by 50% to £12.7m, mainly because of a higher share bonus payout reflecting the British drugmaker’s improved performance.

US consumer sentiment weakens

Over in the US, consumer sentiment has dipped as people grew gloomier about current economic conditions, and the prospects for the future.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index has slipped to 76.9 for February, down from January’s reading of 79.0, and also worse than the preliminary reading of 79.6 taken duting last month.

The Current Economic Conditions index fell by 3.1%, to 79.4 from 81.9.

The Index of Consumer Expectations lost 2.5%, to 75.2 from 77.1.

*US FEB. ISM MANUFACTURING INDEX FALLS TO 47.8; EST. 49.5 *MICHIGAN FINAL FEB. CONSUMER SENTIMENT AT 76.9; EST. 79.6 pic.twitter.com/xvFQcIKyuQ — Christian Fromhertz 🇺🇸 (@cfromhertz) March 1, 2024

Surveys of Consumers director Joanne Hsu says:

Consumer sentiment moved sideways this month, slipping just two index points below January and holding the gains in sentiment seen over the past three months. Expected business conditions remained substantially higher than last autumn, with short-run expectations now 63% above and long-run expectations 46% above November 2023 readings. For all but one index component, readings this month were higher than all values between mid-2021 and the end of 2023. Consumers perceived few changes in the state of the economy since the start of the new year, and they appear to be assured that inflation will continue on a favorable trajectory. Sentiment is currently 8 points shy of the historical average since 1978.
The year-ahead inflation expectations in the United States edged up to 3% in February 2024, from a three-year low of 2.9% in the prior month, matching the preliminary estimate from the University of Michigan Consumer Survey. pic.twitter.com/c8PE93Uezs — PFO Inc (@PfoInc) March 1, 2024

Improvements with material storage required at Dounreay nuclear site

Alex Lawson

The body behind Scotland’s biggest nuclear clean-up project has been served with an “improvement notice” after the nuclear industry regulator found failures in its storage methods.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said there were shortfalls in arrangements for storing alkali metals at Nuclear Restoration Services’ (NRS) Dounreay site on the coast of northern Scotland.

The ONR said:

“Buildings used to store alkali metals, predominantly sodium, were leaking in rainwater - with pools observed where containers of these metals were being kept.”

The regulator’s inspectors found that a prolonged period of exposure to moist and damp conditions had resulted in “degradation of the barriers for safe storage of these chemicals” at the Caithness site.

No one was harmed and there was “no radiological consequences” but there “was the potential for serious personal injury, if workers had been exposed to these hazardous materials”, the ONR said.

“The storage arrangements for these materials were inadequate and fell below legal compliance and the high standards that we expect to see,” said Ian Phillips, ONR’s head of safety regulation for decommissioning, fuel and waste sites.

The ONR will monitor the response to the notice at Dounreay, which is run by NRS, formerly known as Magnox.

Dounreay was the UK’s centre for fast reactor research and development from 1955 until 1994.

The decommissioning of nuclear sites in Britain was put in the spotlight late last year when the Guardian published Nuclear Leaks , a year-long investigation into cybersecurity, safety and allegations of a “toxic” culture at Sellafield, the vast nuclear waste site in Cumbria.

Huw Pill’s speech comes at a time when the financial markets have been lowering their expectations for interest rate cuts this year.

The money markets currently anticipate that the Bank of England’s first rate cut may not come until August – until recently it was seen in June, but that is now less likely.

Three quarter-point rate cuts this year are no longer fully priced in; at the end of last year, as many as six were expected in 2024.

Why Pill voted to leave rates on hold last month

In his speech in Cardiff, Huw Pill says there were three reasons he voted to leave interest rates on hold at 5.25% last month :

First , while economic activity remains weak in the UK – with real GDP contracting in the second half of last year according to the latest vintage of data – I attribute a significant part of this weakness to developments on the supply side. Second , I expect to see headline consumer price inflation continue to fall in the coming months, and likely to approach or even fall below the 2% inflation target this spring. Of itself, that is good news. But the drivers of this decline in annual headline inflation are a combination of base and external effects. We need to guard against being lulled into a false sense of security about inflation developments over the medium term by the mechanical effects of high monthly inflation a year ago dropping out of the calculation of annual rates and / or the impact of downside surprises in international commodity prices, notably for energy and food. Third – and reflecting this last point – in coming to a view on monetary policy, my focus remains on the persistent component of consumer price inflation. It is this persistent component that will still be there at the 12-to-24-month horizon when monetary policy decisions taken today have their greatest impact on inflation.

UK stamp prices are going up again.

Royal Mail says the price of first-class stamps will increase by 10p to £1.35 and second-class stamps will increase by 10p to 85p.

A year ago, a first-class stamp cost 95p before being hiked to £1.10 in April 2023, before another 15p increase in October last year.

The increase comes after warnings by the loss-making firm over the impact of higher costs and lower demand for letters.

Royal Mail says it needs to raise stamp prices due to the drop in letter volumes.

In January, regulator Ofcom suggested Royal Mail’s service obligation could be reduced to just three deliveries a week, saying it £650m a year.

Back in the economic sphere, Brazil’s economy ended last year in stagnation.

New data shows Brazil’s GDP was unchanged in the final quarter of 2023, weaker than the 0.1% growth expected by economists.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Brazil stagnated 0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 over the previous quarter. https://t.co/Kmncqw44j7 pic.twitter.com/LP4XzyrCvM — TRADING ECONOMICS (@tEconomics) March 1, 2024

On an annual basis, Brazil grew by 2.9% last year.

Reuters has more details:

Activity in the country got a boost from agriculture in early 2023, with booming exports of commodities like soybeans, while a resilient job market and the positive impact of welfare programs on consumption helped it for most of the year. Economists expect that to change in 2024 as Brazil faces a drop in agricultural output and borrowing costs remain high, with the central bank’s benchmark interest rate now at 11.25% even after a total 250 basis points of cuts since August.

Property developers will welcome the high court’s ruling, says Vicky Fowler , head of planning at the law firm Gowling WLG .

“This long-awaited and landmark decision in relation to planning policy is likely to reverberate throughout the commercial real estate sector as it breathes a sigh of relief. Developers should take comfort in the ruling and the fact that the NPPF does not (at least at the moment) come anywhere close to creating a presumption for the reuse of buildings.”

[NPPF = National Planning Policy Framework, which lays out the government’s planning policies for England]

Zoe Wood

The levelling up secretary refused permission to redevelop the store near Marble Arch in the West End in July last year, in a win for campaigners concerned about the carbon footprint of the plan.

In August M&S mounted a legal challenge to that decision and on Friday morning a high court judgment revealed the judge had sided with the retailer.

The M&S operations director, Sacha Berendji, said the “ judgment couldn’t be clearer”.

Berendji added:

“ The court has agreed with our arguments on five out of the six counts we brought forward and ruled that the secretary of state’s decision to block the redevelopment of our Marble Arch store was unlawful.”

More here .

Why the high court ruled aginst the government

Today’s ruling that the government’s decision to block Marks & Spencer from rebuilding its flagship store in Marble Arch in central London was unlawful is online here .

It shows that M&S brought its case against the blocking of its demolition plan on six counts.

Ground One – the SoS erred in respect of paragraph 152 of the National Planning Policy Framework (“NPPF”) when he said in DL 24 that there is a “strong presumption in favour of repurposing and reusing buildings”;

Ground Two – the SoS erred in respect of the consideration of alternatives;

Ground Three – the SoS erred in the balance of public benefits as against the heritage impacts;

Ground Four – the SoS’s conclusion on the harm to the vitality and viability of Oxford Street, had no evidential basis;

Ground Five – the SoS made an error of fact in respect of the embodied carbon, and misapplied policy in respect of embodied carbon;

Ground Six – the SoS erred in his approach to analysing the impact of the proposals on the setting of Selfridges and the Stratford Place CA

Judge Nathalie Lieven ruled in favour of M&S on grounds one to four.

On ground 5, she says Gove “appears to have become thoroughly confused” about the rules for carbon offsetting, and thought they applied to embodied carbon rather than just to operational carbon.

Judge Lieven says that if the secretary of state had properly understood the policy he might have come to a different conclusion; but in any event, she is quashing the decision on the first four Grounds.

On the sixth point, related to heritage issues, she dismissed M&S’s argument.

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson has commented on the court ruling, saying:

“We acknowledge the judgement and are considering our next steps. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
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Biden announces U.S. will airdrop food aid into Gaza as famine concerns grow

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Friday that the U.S. will drop food aid into the Gaza Strip, noting that the humanitarian aid flowing into the region for Palestinians is insufficient.

“Aid flowing into Gaza is nowhere nearly enough… lives are on the line,” Biden said as he announced the decision about the airdrops during an Oval Office meeting he was holding with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“We should be getting hundreds of trucks in, not just several,” he continued. “We’re going to pull out every stop we can.”

The president reiterated that the U.S. is trying to push for an immediate cease-fire between Hamas and Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, where he said “innocent people” have died.

Later on Friday, the president responded to a reporter's question about when the first air drops will happen, saying, "I’m not positive. I think very soon." Shortly after, Biden addressed a possible cease-fire agreement, saying he's "still hoping for it."

"It's not over 'til it's over," he said.

Biden on Thursday had walked back his previous comments that he hoped a cease-fire agreement could be completed by Monday.

Displaced Palestinian children gather to receive food at a government school in Rafah, Gaza

The White House is growing increasingly concerned about possible famine for a sizeable portion of Gaza’s population.

Samantha Power, the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, announced this week that the U.S. was sending $53 million in additional humanitarian assistance into Gaza. 

“She’s working on expanding the channels, the corridors through which that aid can flow. We’re going to keep at this,” White House principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said Thursday. “The events of this morning just underscored how deep and dire the humanitarian needs amongst civilian population in Gaza are right now.”

The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said in a statement on Telegram Friday that 115 people had died and 760 were wounded as a crowd of people waited for humanitarian aid trucks in Gaza on Thursday. Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli soldiers opened fire on civilians. 

NBC News has not independently verified the reported death toll. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident. An Israeli government source said that IDF troops responded with “live fire” after people surrounded trucks carrying humanitarian aid.

The Israel Defense Forces said in a post on X Thursday, “This morning humanitarian aid trucks entered northern Gaza, residents surrounded the trucks and looted the supplies being delivered. As a result of the pushing, trampling and being run over by the trucks, dozens of Gazans were killed and injured.”

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Rebecca Shabad is a politics reporter for NBC News based in Washington.

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