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 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.

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Townhouse Executive Travel & Tours

Townhouse Executive Travel & Tours offers personal tours of the Cotswolds and other key destinations in the local area. They operate throughout the year and offer a personalised experience in their fleet of Mercedes cars for 1 to 7 people. Their personalised tours and day trips allow you to create your own trip itinerary and experience...

Uncomfortable Oxford

Uncomfortable Oxford is a brand-new social enterprise which runs walking tours, museum tours, public lectures, discussion cafes, and more! Founded by two Doctoral students in 2019, it seeks to raise awareness and discussion about difficult aspects of history which still are visible and present today. Walk the streets with a critical eye and learn about...

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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...

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South is located just outside Abingdon, the UK’s oldest town. Relax in our fresh spacious guest rooms, with quality amenities, free Wi-Fi, 55” HDTV with Chromecast, plush bedding and work space. The hotel offers superior and connecting rooms, great for families. The Oxen Bar & Grill is our signature restaurant with...

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Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

A fantastic day out for all the family. Stroll around the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, enjoying uninterrupted views of the animals, so it feels as though you are in a wild setting. Watch the daily Lemur & Penguin Talks, take a ride on Bella the Train (extra cost) or explore the large adventure playground, with...

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Broughton Castle

Broughton Castle is an ironstone manor house located in Banbury, North Oxfordshire. It was awarded five stars in Simon Jenkins book England’s Thousand Best Houses and attracts visitors with its exquisite architecture and beautiful gardens. History Historic Broughton Castle is a family home lived in by Lord and Lady Saye and Sele, and their family....

University Parks

Oxford University Parks is a large parkland area northeast of Oxford city centre. The University Parks consist of about 70 acres (30 hectares) of parkland on the bank of the River Cherwell, together with a 4 acre (1.5 hectare) spur of land running towards the south. University Parks is a parkland for sports and recreational...

Oxford International Study Centre

Oxford International Study Centre is accredited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, with grade one (“exceeds expectations”) in every category. The College is also an Associate Member of the European Council of International Schools and has Tier 4 Sponsor Status for UK Visas & Immigration. We are located in the heart of Oxford, between the Town...

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Oxfordshire Artweeks

Explore amazing art in wonderful places across Oxfordshire! And all for free! With nearly five hundred art exhibitions, artist open studios and events in interesting places throughout May, you can discover Oxfordshire’s creative talent in painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, wood, glass art, jewellery and more. For three weeks, two thousand artists and designer-makers throw...

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...

Museum of Oxford

The Museum of Oxford is a history museum located in the front area of the Oxford Town Hall, on St Aldate’s Street. The museum was first opened in 1975 and is considered as the only museum committed to telling the story of Oxford and its people. The museum showcases original artefacts and treasures from Oxford...

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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...