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.

The Oxford Artisan Distillery

Welcome to The Oxford Artisan Distillery, this ancient city’s first distillery – and one of the world’s very few true craft distilleries. We cultivate, craft, create and curate the very finest spirits using sustainably grown populations of ancient heritage grain. In fact, the rare and distinctive subtleties in our spirits are a direct result of...

Crocodiles of the World

Enjoy a great day out at the UK’s only crocodile zoo near Witney in West Oxfordshire with plenty of photo opportunities, feeding displays, crocodile talks and much more. Not to mention meeting all the amazing crocodiles, alligators, caimans, lizards, snakes, meerkats and even a Komodo Dragon! Highlights include: Meet all 12 crocodile species – including...

Cherwell Boathouse

If you’re visiting Oxford why not make the most of your trip and take part in the quintessentially Oxford activity of punting? Visit Cherwell Boathouse and hire a punt for the day from Oxford’s biggest punting station. A timeless classic, take your punt and sail upstream or down river, admiring the city’s beautiful architecture and landscape from...

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...

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...

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Hook Norton Brewery

Hook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the country. Of course, the brewery is about so much more than just its fantastic range of award-winning beers. At the brewery, we have a shop, Malthouse Kitchen Cafe, free museum and meeting rooms....

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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...

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...

The Garden Spa at Minster Mill

The Garden Spa is a tranquil haven in the heart of Minster Mill’s beautiful grounds. The indoor heated plunge pool is beautiful and intimate and a poolside rock sauna, aroma steam room, ice fountain and tropical rain forest showers complete the picture. Indulge in simply blissful spa treatments to relax and unwind. The three treatment...

Cogges Manor Farm

Discover the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds and enjoy a morning or afternoon visiting the historic grounds at Cogges. Cogges is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with over 1000 years of history, with Grade II* Listed 13th century manor house and 17th century farm buildings. Discover the fascinating story of past owners ranging from Norman knights, English Kings,...

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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. They are for all walking abilities and cover a maximum of 2 miles with tours lasting 1 to 2 hours,...

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...