Oxford

Name: About Time: One Passion. A World of Histories
Start: 2024-03-02T12:00:00+00:00
End: 2025-12-31T17:00:00+00:00
Location: History of Science Museum

Oxford, also called the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ is a wonderful place to explore with a broad range of things to do. Home to 1,500 listed buildings from every major period of British architectural history from the 11th century onwards, its centre looks like an enchanted fairytale city – no wonder Oxford is a firm favourite of filmmakers from all over the world and has inspired countless famous writers over the centuries.

Things to do in Oxford

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a history and heritage holiday, cultured city break, a family holiday or a weekend out with friends – Oxford has plenty to offer for everyone.

Oxford is flat and compact, with many of its major attractions, such as the University of Oxford and its colleges; Bodleian Library, the museums, and Oxford Castle & Prison right in the centre – perfect to explore on foot. Don’t miss Modern Art Oxford for its inspiring exhibitions of contemporary art.

Climb the 99 steps of Carfax Tower to experience a bird’s eye view of Oxford’s “dreaming spires” or climb the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, considered one of the oldest buildings in the world for a great view of Radcliffe Camera.

Just a little out of the centre, you can find large green spaces like Christ Church Meadows (with excellent views of Oxford’s spires), University Parks, the riverbanks and Port Meadow.

Want to go shopping with friends and family? Westgate Oxford is Oxford’s shopping and leisure experience located in the heart of Oxford and is home to prestigious global brands, eclectic eateries, a five-screen boutique cinema and sophisticated rooftop bars and dining. Whilst you’re at Westgate, head to Curzon Oxford cinema situated across two floors with five screening rooms or visit Flight Club Oxford, the home of Social Darts!

The Oxford Covered Market was officially opened in 1774 and has a unique and wonderful atmosphere. It provides its visitors with the wonderful aromas of fresh fruit, coffee, and fresh baking and to a feast of sights and sounds.

Explore the city on foot with Oxford Official Walking Tours. Join the popular Oxford University & City Tour and learn about the city’s quirky traditions, fascinating history and hidden secrets or take one of many specialist tours to explore more what this historic city has to offer! Are you tired of walking? You can hop on a City Sightseeing Oxford open-top bus tour and see the city’s famous buildings from a unique perspective.

Discover the city from the river, with Salter’s Steamers boat trips or Oxford River Cruises.

Are you a lover of the automotive industry? Book a tour at MINI Plant Oxford, one of the oldest automotive plants in the world. The prebooked plant tours offer the opportunity to explore the fascinating MINI museum beforehand, where you will see a brief history of car manufacturing here in Oxford.

Check out our latest Oxfordshire Visitor Guide for itineraries, things to do, and places to eat, shop and stay

Places to eat & drink

Craving delicious food and drink in Oxford?

Tuck into vibrant Vietnamese flavours at Pho Oxford, enjoy bold Indian street food at Mowgli, savour sushi and grilled delights at Sticks’n’Sushi Oxford, discover a modern Asian-inspired a la carte menu at Victors Oxford, or sip stylish drinks with friends at The Alchemist – all on the Westgate Oxford Roof Terrace. You can also book a table at The Beefy Boys where they serve authentic dirty burgers, loaded fries and boozy shakes made with quality ingredients.

Head to Cosy Club Oxford for tasty bites and creative cocktails, dine al fresco at the riverside Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant. For a Japanese twist, share contemporary dishes at KIBOU Oxford on Little Clarendon Street.

TV and film locations

Oxford is a favourite filming location for many famous TV shows, such as Inspector Morse.

Retrace the steps of Harry Potter in Oxford with your family or friends on a private walking tour of Oxford. See the Tudor dining hall at Christ Church that inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall, as well as the staircase that was used several times during the films. Even though neither of the Alice in Wonderland films were ever made in Oxfordshire, Oxford was where author Lewis Carol met little Alice and where the whole story began! Find out more about TV and film locations in Oxford and Oxfordshire here.

Oxford is easy and fast to reach from London, as well as the major airports in the area, with regular direct connections: London Paddington and London Marylebone are an hour away by train. Frequent coaches depart 24 hours a day from London Victoria with the Oxford Tube. Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham airports can be reached by regular direct buses in approximately 90 minutes, and Birmingham International is served by fast trains, making Oxford easily accessible from all over the world!

Public toilets

Check out the following Google link to locate public toilets in Oxford city centre.

Oxford’s Temporary Congestion Charge

Oxford’s temporary congestion charge scheme will be introduced on Wednesday 29 October to reduce congestion and pollution in the city, with a daily charge of £5 applicable to cars and motorhomes without permits that pass through any of the six congestion charge locations.

The temporary congestion charge operates all year round, including bank holidays, from 7am to 7pm at Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clements Street and Thames Street and 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm at Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.

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Where is Oxford?

How to get to Oxford

Great Western Railway (GWR)

GWR trains from London Paddington taking as little as an hour and trains from all over the South West, let GWR be your gateway to the historic heart of Oxford
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Chiltern Railways

Chiltern Railways runs a twice hourly service from Oxford and London to Haddenham and Thame Parkway.
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Airline: London Gatwick Airport to Oxford

The Airline is a 24/7 bus service operated by Oxford Bus Company that connects Gatwick and Heathrow Airports with Oxford and High Wycombe.
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Oxford Tube: Oxford to London

24 hours a day and 7 day a week coach service linking Oxford and London.
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National Express

National Express provides industry-leading, affordable coach travel to hundreds of destinations across the UK every day.
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Park&Ride

The best way to travel to Oxford is to use the Park&Ride. There are 5 Park and Ride car parks located on the outskirts of Oxford with frequent onward bus journeys into the city centre.
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Oxford Bus Company

Oxford Bus Company operates a comprehensive network of services in the city, as well as express coach services to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
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Stagecoach

Stagecoach provides local bus services throughout Oxford City and Oxfordshire with some services also extending as far as Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
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001 Taxis

With over 50 years of experience, 001 Taxis takes care of all your transport needs in Oxford and the Oxfordshire area.
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Royal Cars

Royal Cars is Oxford's largest taxi company offering all types of work, from local runs to airport tranfers to long-distance pickups and drop offs, weddings and occasionally have crossed the channel.
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INTX

INTX delivers exceptional transportation services across Oxfordshire and the UK, specialising in coach hire, chauffeur services, and event transport management.
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Auto Europe

Auto Europe is a renowned car hire broker with an extensive network of global and local car hire partners around the world.
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TVR Self Drive

TVR Self Drive is a family run independent Oxfordshire self drive car and van hire business.
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M6toll

Whatever your reason for travelling, the M6toll is the most reliable route through the Midlands. Reach your destination relaxed, recharged and ready for what lies around the next corner.
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