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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Oxford Castle & Prison

Come and explore the 1,000 year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda or the fate of Mary Blandy, one of the prisons’ most famous criminals. Step inside our padded jail cell and...

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 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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SJE Arts

SJE Arts at St John the Evangelist church is a warm and welcoming venue in the busy Cowley area of central Oxford with good public transport links to the city centre and to London. The church was designed and built for a monastic order but is now part of St Stephen’s House, University of Oxford....

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...

Bill Spectre Ghost Trail

Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trail Burford

Bill Spectre leads us through the streets of Woodstock revealing the darker history of this pretty town. This entertainment based tour is, performed by Bill, who’s award Oxford Ghost Trail has been named by TripAdvisor as one of 10 best in the world. By private booking starting at £100 Bill Spectre will lead you through...

Carfax Tower

The historical “centre point” of Oxford, Carfax Tower, is all that remains today of St. Martin’s Church, the official city church of Oxford from 1122 onwards. The tower was built in 1818 as part of a reconstruction of the church, which was demolished in 1896 due to increasing traffic problems in the city centre. Today...

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DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Spa

The DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Spa offers a relaxing oasis for a short spa break, spa days or the occasional spa treatment, ideally located close to Oxford. Allow the expert DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Spa team to gently ease your muscles with an all body massage or enjoy a soothing facial treatment. 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...

Salter’s Steamers Boat Trips

Salter’s Steamers is a family run firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for almost 150 years (est. 1858). As one of the longest established firms on the Thames, Salter’s Steamers own one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating on the river. Their cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts...

MINI Plant Oxford Tours

Take a journey through more than 100 years of Oxford’s car building history and discover how BMW creates over 1,000 one-of-a-kind, made-to-order MINIs every day. – Visit MINI’s production halls where human skill and state-of-the-art technology combine to build a new MINI every 67 seconds. – See MINI’s Visitor Centre where 58 years of rich...

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is the largest common land in Oxford, situated to the west of the city, running on the east bank of the River Thames, from Jericho to Wolvercote. The meadow is accessible via Walton Well Road, Aristotle Lane and Wolvercote. The large meadow consists of 440 acres of grazing land which is still used...