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.

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...

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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...

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...

Language Schools in Oxford

EC English Oxford

English opens many doors in life and can be your route to a successful future. Whether you are learning for your education, your career or simply for an incredible life experience, EC Oxford will make sure you reach your goals. Choose from a wide range of English language courses, and let the friendly and professional...

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Stonor Park

Family home of Lord and Lady Camoys and the Stonor family for over 800 years with a 13th Century chapel with earlier origins, built on the site of a pagan stone circle. The house was built in the late 12th Century and developed until the mid 18th Century. It contains many family portraits, notable paintings...

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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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...

The Oxford Artisan Distillery

Welcome to The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD, to those in the know), 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...

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Walking and Cycling in Abingdon

Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, Abingdon is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The beauty spanning right from the town centre with historic walks, gardens, meadows and parks, right out to waterside walks and strolls along the Thames. There are so many beautiful walks to choose from, a gentle stroll or a more challenging trek Abingdon...

Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor was the inspirational country home of William Morris; poet, designer, craftsman, socialist and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement. This Grade I listed house was loved by Morris as a survival of traditional craftsmanship in harmony with the nearby village and surrounding landscape, which lies towards the very upper reaches of...

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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. Our personalised tours and day trips allow you to create your own trip itinerary and experience...

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...