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.

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.

Bodleian Library

Oxford’s libraries are among the most famous in the world, not only for their exceptional collection of books and manuscripts, but also for their historic buildings, some of which have remained in continuous use since the Middle Ages. Today the Bodleian Libraries offers visitors a unique experience, combining the antiquity of the Old Library with...

Didcot Railway Centre

Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 25-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Take unlimited rides on steaming days, explore the original 1932 engine shed and see magnificent preserved locomotives –...

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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...

Traditional Punt Hire at Cherwell Boathouse

Enjoy punting on the river Cherwell at Oxford’s biggest punt station! Sail along the river Cherwell on this idyllic form of transport and discover Oxford in a totally unique way. Whether you choose to float downstream to University Parks – one of the most popular picnic spots in Oxford, sail to ‘The Victoria Arms’ for a pit...

Shotover Country Park

Shotover Country Park offers everyone a chance to enjoy a place of beauty and history right on the edge of Oxford. Covering 117 hectares (289 acres) on the southern slopes of Shotover Hill there are spectacular views from the top across south Oxfordshire. The park is an intimate mosaic of hidden valleys, varied landscapes 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...

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...

StayCotswold Ltd

StayCotswold has a fantastic range of cottages, barns and family homes with around 40 properties located in Oxfordshire. This wide portfolio of luxury self-catering properties can cater for couples looking for a romantic bolthole, to larger family or friends groups looking to get together in Oxfordshire. From secluded rural locations, to village and town properties...

Waterperry Gardens

Waterperry Gardens have been delighting visitors for years with 8 acres of historic and inspirational gardens nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside. The gardens feature a spectacular 200 foot herbaceous border along with rose and formal gardens, a lily canal and riverside walk. The Plant Centre and Garden Shop stock everything for the garden with many...

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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....

Oxford Brookes Venues

Scott House is former Oxford Brookes University student accommodation which was refurbished in 2016 and offers 24 single en suite bedrooms available year round from January 2017. Main Features: 24 single en-suite bedrooms split over two floors Self-service access system (Scott House does not have a manned reception) Fully equipped self-catered kitchen located on the 1st...

The Rollright Stones

The Rollright Stones Monuments are located at the border between Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, only 45 minutes’ drive away from Oxford. This ancient site consists of three different monuments, The Kings Men stone circle, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights and dates back from ~3800 to 1800 BC. The Legend around this popular monument tells the story...