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.

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.

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden, founded in 1621. Situated in the heart of Oxford, this historic garden is an oasis of green in the city centre. Indeed it is one of the most compact yet diverse collections of plants in the world. Take a stroll among the family beds in the...

Didcot Railway Centre

Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 25-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Take unlimited rides on steaming days, explore the original 1932 engine shed and see magnificent preserved locomotives –...

Chrust Church College Oxford

Christ Church

Christ Church is located in the heart of the city centre and is one of the colleges belonging to the University of Oxford. It is also home to the legendary Christ Church Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century. Today, Christ Church is a visitor favourite, well-known for its impressive architecture, entertaining evening choirs...

Golf at Heythrop Park Resort

Open 365 days of the year the Bainbridge Championship Course at Heythrop Park, with a 7088 yard par 72 course throughout the 440 acres of beautiful estate and provides the perfect challenge for all golfers. The 18 hole course meanders over ridges and through valleys that are studded with ancient woodland, lakes and streams. The course...

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...

New College

Despite its name, New College is one of the oldest and most popular colleges in Oxford. The College is located in the heart of the city with an outstanding architecture and a beautiful garden landscape. The college is also well-known for its cultural and musical life and its excellent choir. The college was originally founded by...

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...

Gulliver’s Guides

Gulliver’s Guides is a specialist tour-guiding business, based in Oxford. Founder Tony Gulliver is a is a qualified Blue Badge driver-guide, running tours in the Heart of England and beyond – to the Cotswolds, Stratford, Bath and Stonehenge, as well as Windsor, the Wye Valley and Shropshire. He also happens to be a descendant of...

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Blenheim Palace Flower Show: 22-24 June 2018 Enjoy a fabulous day out celebrating the very best of gardening, home and lifestyle. Packed with inspiration, flowers, plants, and live entertainment all set within the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace. The Grand Floral Pavilion forms the centrepiece of the Show and features the UK’s finest nurseries and...

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...

The University of Oxford Shop

Situated in the heart of Oxford on High Street, the University of Oxford shop is the University’s official retail outlet. They stock a wide range of collegiate apparel as well as an eclectic collection of gifts, from jewellery and cufflinks through to leather bags and accessories, cushions and prints – many of which are commissioned by...

Oxford Playhouse

Oxford Playhouse is a theatre for everyone. Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce a wide range of live performances. The programme includes the best of British and international drama, family shows, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry. The Playhouse produces and tours its own shows,...