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.

Weston Library

The Weston Library, also known as the “New Bodleian Library”, is located in the heart of historic University City Oxford, on Broad Street. The original architecture of the library building was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert in the 1930’s and the library was finally opened in 1946 by King George VI. In 2003 the Library...

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Junkyard Golf Club

Welcome to junkyard golf club! Home of crazy golf, weird cocktails and all things junk! Get excited on three mashed up 9-hole crazy golf courses created from pre-loved and reclaimed random shizzle. Groups can putt their way through all sorts of bizarre holes; think UV garage, scrapyard slides, circus freaks and jungle bathtubs. The courses:...

Alice’s Shop

A fundamental part of the tales of Alice in Wonderland, Alice’s Shop features in the original story written by Lewis Carroll. Situated across the road from Alice’s childhood home, the Oxford University college of Christ Church, Alice’s Shop was Alice’s sweet shop 150 years ago, and was written into Alice’s adventures. Illustrator of Through the Looking-Glass,...

StayCotswold Ltd

StayCotswold has a fantastic range of cottages, barns and family homes with around 40 properties located in Oxfordshire. This wide portfolio of luxury self-catering properties can cater for couples looking for a romantic bolthole, to larger family or friends groups looking to get together in Oxfordshire. From secluded rural locations, to village and town properties...

High Fly Trapeze

At High Fly Trapeze our experienced instructors provide you with a safe and supportive atmosphere where you can exceed your own expectations by learning how to swing and flip through the air in your very first class. You don’t have to be as strong as you might think, just come armed with a positive attitude...

Turrill Sculpture Garden

Behind the public library in South Parade, Summertown, Oxford there is a large, sunny oasis, approximately 100ft by 60ft. In the year 2000, it was transformed from an empty and uninviting space into an attractive garden for the public to enjoy and it has gone from strength to strength from then on. There are plenty...

Blenheim Palace Pleasure Gardens

The Blenheim Palace Pleasure Gardens If you’re looking for things to do with the kids, take a ride on the Miniature Train to Blenheim Palace’s Pleasure Gardens. Explore the Marlborough Hedge Maze, delight in the abundance of wildlife in the Butterfly House, burn off some energy in the Adventure Playground and enjoy a relaxing moment amongst...

International Friends

International Friends offers tours for overseas visitors to Oxfordshire! Explore the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside or learn about Shakespeare and Downton Abbey…there are a variety of tours available to accommodate different interests and requirements. Oxford, Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s Stratford Small group tour with maximum 16 people Expert, friendly guide Guided walking tour of Oxford Entries included to...

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Bicester Village

Bicester Village is just 46 minutes by train from London Marylebone. This luxury destination is home to more than 160 boutiques of world-famous brands, Oscar de la Renta, Paul Smith, Belstaff, Gina, Marni, Rupert Sanderson, Temperley London, with savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price all year round. Together with a selection...

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Abingdon Museum

The County Hall has dominated the marketplace of Abingdon, south of Oxford, since the late 17th century. Designed by a protégé of Sir Christopher Wren, this splendid Baroque building was erected between 1678 and 1682. It housed a courtroom on the first floor, raised on arches above a market space. It is now home to...

Sho4Travel

Private Tours of the Cotswolds Escorted tours in my spacious 6-seater air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery. There are a number of different personally guided driven tours available (8-hour full day tour, 6-hour short day tour) which are suited to families or larger groups travelling together. Regular destinations. The Cotswolds discovery tour A full day to explore this...

The Carter Company Cycling Holidays

Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, The Carter Company’s cycling holidays are all about creating authentic travel experiences, giving you the chance to discover hidden gems and local secrets across Oxfordshire and beyond into the Cotswolds and along the Thames. Offering a range of unique routes, with overnight stays in hand-picked boutique hotels, they...