Things to do in Oxfordshire

Searching for things to do in Oxfordshire? Whether you are looking for Bicester Village – the world’s most popular luxury shopping outlet, the UK’s only crocodile zoo, the world’s oldest public museum – Ashmolean Museum and the oldest Botanic Garden in the world, the oldest University in the English-speaking world, Britain’s oldest chalk figure or picture-perfect villages – don’t look any further, as we’ve got them all!

Explore the city of Oxford and the wider county to discover world-class arts and culture in stunning venues, the University of Oxford, museums, country houses and gardens such as Blenheim Palace and beautiful landscapes full of walking, cycling and boating opportunities.

Oxford and Oxfordshire have also provided backdrops for countless international films including Harry Potter filmed at Christ Church and James Bond’s Spectre filmed at Blenheim Palace, to name just a few. Many places across the county may look familiar to fans of shows like Downton Abbey, Midsomer Murders and Inspector Morse.

Oxfordshire is famous for its excellent local produce and delicious food. From Michelin-starred restaurants such as Belmond Le Manoir, cosy rural pubs, farmers’ markets, social enterprise cafés and international cuisine, you will not be short of places to eat and drink.

If you are travelling with family, Oxfordshire is the perfect place to enjoy a big day out. With fantastic farms, wildlife parks such as Cotswold Wildlife Park with over 260 different species of animal. Magical museums and amazing mazes, the county’s got activities for children of all ages. You can enjoy real-life escape games at City Mazes, explore and climb the historical Oxford Castle and Prison, or visit Cogges Manor Farm, a Scheduled Ancient Monument with over 1000 years of history, for something special.

There are also many tours you can take, by foot, bike or even boat, to explore the county and discover its hidden secrets.

If Oxford is your first stop, the Oxford Visitor Information Centre offers somewhere to gather friendly local information and help, as well as a place for you to store your luggage while you explore Oxford and Oxfordshire.

Bicester Hotel-golf-spa

Bicester Hotel and Spa

Bicester Hotel and Spa is a four-star resort set among beautiful acres of Oxfordshire countryside. With 52 spacious rooms and suites, decorated in four various contemporary styles this family owned estate is surrounded by quaint gardens and a glorious 18-hole Golf Course offering a backdrop of the most magnificent sweeping rural views. The six well-appointed...

Oxford River Cruises

Oxford River Cruises provides a range of luxury boat trips, sightseeing tours and unique picnic cruises in the heart of the historic city of Oxford. Their vessels provide a comfortable and intimate setting for an unforgettable river experience and one of the most memorable things to do during your visit to Oxford. Public Cruises can...

Bill Spectre Ghost Trail

Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trail Burford

Bill Spectre leads us through the streets of Woodstock revealing the darker history of this pretty town. This entertainment based tour is, performed by Bill, who’s award Oxford Ghost Trail has been named by TripAdvisor as one of 10 best in the world. By private booking starting at £100 Bill Spectre will lead you through...

Oxford Bus Museum

Oxford Bus Museum & Morris Motors Museum

We’re a local Museum completely run by volunteers that have a passion for Oxfordshire’s transport history. Our Bus Museum hall is packed with vehicles: buses, coaches, charabancs. We even have a horse tram from the 1880’s. There is also a collection of 50 historic, mainly 19th century, bicycles. The story of the development of public transport across...

Heythrop Park Resort Spa

The Heythrop Park Spa has a selection of different packages available to provide an escape from everyday life, and a place to relax and revitalise. Enjoy one of their many ESPA treatments and restore your body, mind and soul. The Spa is also conveniently located just 12 miles north of Oxford on the outskirts of Chipping...

Faringdon Folly Tower

Faringdon Folly Tower

Faringdon Folly Tower was built in 1935 by Lord Berners, owner of Faringdon House. It is the last major Folly to be built in England. The Tower is 100 feet high and affords panoramic views over five counties. It sits on Folly Hill, within a charming 4 acre, circular woodland of splendid Scots Pine and...

oxford-castle

Oxford Castle & Prison

Come and explore the 1,000 year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda or the fate of Mary Blandy, one of the prisons’ most famous criminals. Step inside our padded jail cell and...

enigma-machine

Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers, is now a vibrant heritage attraction, open every day to visitors. Step back in time to experience the stories of the extraordinary achievements of the men and women who worked here. A place of exceptional historical importance, Bletchley Park is also the birthplace...

Active England Tours

Active England Tours include cycling and biking, walking, family adventures and multisport tours through beautiful countryside and a host of iconic places. From London to Windsor, Oxford, Churchill’s Blenheim Palace, Shakespeare’s Stratford, Bath, Stonehenge, Downton Abbey, the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall, our tours visit the REAL England in all its glory. For couples, families, singles...

Bill Spectre Ghost Trail

Bill Spectre’s Oxford Ghost Trail

Voted on TripAdvisor as one of ten best ghost tours in the World. Join Bill Spectre, a professionally trained actor and Equity member on his award-winning theatrical ghost trail of Oxford as he lifts the lid on this great seat of learning. This entertainment based tour is illustrated with props and illusions. Bill in costume...

Oxford Brookes Venues

Scott House is former Oxford Brookes University student accommodation which was refurbished in 2016 and offers 24 single en suite bedrooms available year round from January 2017. Main Features: 24 single en-suite bedrooms split over two floors Self-service access system (Scott House does not have a manned reception) Fully equipped self-catered kitchen located on the 1st...

St. Michael at the Northgate Church

St Michael at the North Gate is an ancient place. The Saxon Tower, built c1040, is Oxford’s oldest building. On your climb to the top, you will see the door of the Bocardo prison cell as well as a wealth of treasures and artefacts. The Church is the City Church of Oxford playing an important...