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.

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Wychwood Brewery: Tour, Store and Brewery Tap

Wychwood Brewery is situated within the heart of Witney. You will be able to enjoy the freshest selection of beers including Legendary Hobgoblin, Brakspear Oxford Gold, as well as a wide range of Wychwood beers. The brewery shop is opened Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, where you can purchase bottles and a wide range...

Sheldonian Theatre

Built between 1664 and 1669, the Sheldonian was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the greatest architect of his time, to house the University’s ceremonies and the Oxford University Press. The theatre has played an important role in Oxfords history, and visitors are invited to step inside and explore this unique building. Take a walk around...

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...

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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...

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Wallingford Visitor Information Centre

For details on what to do, where to stay and events taking place in and around Wallingford, visit the Town Information Centre, situated in the Market Place under the Town Hall. We can help with advice on transport and national attractions too. And if there’s something we don’t know, we will do our best to...

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...

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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Oxford Official Walking Tours

Oxford Official Walking Tours are a fun and informative way to learn about Oxford’s history, visit the University of Oxford, and explore the filming locations used in Harry Potter and Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour. Your tour will be led by professionally trained green and blue badge guides. They are for all walking abilities and...

Oxford Town Hall

This magnificent grade 2* Victorian building not only continues to play a key role in the management, social and cultural life of residents and visitors but is also a versatile venue and home of the Museum of Oxford. Oxford’s Guildhall was built on the site in 1292. It was then replaced by the first Town...

The Carter Company Walking Holidays

A walking holiday is a unique way to explore Oxford and its surroundings, including the Thames Path and the Cotswolds. With so many backwaters, sleepy lanes and secret alleyways, there’s a lot to discover. You will be able to walk towards the dreaming spires of Oxford through the extensive wild meadows which lead into the...

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Go Cotswolds

Family-run Go Cotswolds provides small-group day tours of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – and between May and September we tour on Thursdays and Saturdays too! We pick up passengers from Moreton-in-Marsh rail station, which is an easy, short and inexpensive train journey from Oxford. We also pick up/drop...

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...