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.

cotswold-wildlife-park

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...

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...

The Raymond Blanc Cookery School

Let the Raymond Blanc Cookery School nurture your natural love for food! Join the Raymond Blanc Cookery School for one of their fabulous cooking classes and gain the skills you need to translate your passion for food into beautiful and imaginative cuisine. The Raymond Blanc Restaurant is the first Michelin starred kitchen in the UK...

Weston Library

The Weston Library, also known as the “New Bodleian Library”, is located in the heart of historic University City Oxford, on Broad Street. The original architecture of the library building was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert in the 1930’s and the library was finally opened in 1946 by King George VI. In 2003 the Library...

St. Michael at the Northgate Church

St Michael at the North Gate is an ancient place. The Saxon Tower, built c1040, is Oxford’s oldest building. On your climb to the top, you will see the door of the Bocardo prison cell as well as a wealth of treasures and artefacts. The Church is the City Church of Oxford playing an important...

Modern Art Oxford

Modern Art Oxford is a leading UK contemporary art space with an international reputation for inspirational and innovative programmes. Founded in 1966, Modern Art Oxford aims to make contemporary art accessible and engaging to the widest audience through presentation and participation. The programme celebrates the relevance of contemporary visual culture to society today. Their agenda...

Oxford Tour Guides

A great way to discover Oxford is to take a walking tour with Oxford Tour Guides. We specialise in private or group tours that are tailored to your interests. The tour can be any length whether you just have an hour or two to spare or it can be up to a whole day. Just...

Bill Spectre Ghost Trail

Bill Spectre’s Oxford Ghost Trail

Voted on TripAdvisor as one of ten best ghost tours in the World. Join Bill Spectre, a professionally trained actor and Equity member on his award-winning theatrical ghost trail of Oxford as he lifts the lid on this great seat of learning. This entertainment based tour is illustrated with props and illusions. Bill in costume...

Faringdon Folly Tower

Faringdon Folly Tower

Faringdon Folly Tower was built in 1935 by Lord Berners, owner of Faringdon House. It is the last major Folly to be built in England. The Tower is 100 feet high and affords panoramic views over five counties. It sits on Folly Hill, within a charming 4 acre, circular woodland of splendid Scots Pine and...

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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...

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,...

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...