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.

Heythrop Park Resort Spa

The Heythrop Park Spa has a selection of different packages available to provide an escape from everyday life, and a place to relax and revitalise. Enjoy one of their many ESPA treatments and restore your body, mind and soul. The Spa is also conveniently located just 12 miles north of Oxford on the outskirts of Chipping...

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...

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...

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Abingdon Visitor Information Centre

The Abingdon Visitor and Community Information Centre is run by the town council and offers a service for both residents and visitors on Abingdon-on-Thames and the attractions of the town and surrounding areas. Opening Hours Monday – 9.30 am to 3.00 pm Tuesday – 9:30 am to 3.00 pm Wednesday – 9.30 am – 3.00...

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Blenheim Palace Flower Show: 22-24 June 2018 Enjoy a fabulous day out celebrating the very best of gardening, home and lifestyle. Packed with inspiration, flowers, plants, and live entertainment all set within the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace. The Grand Floral Pavilion forms the centrepiece of the Show and features the UK’s finest nurseries and...

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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...

Golf at Heythrop Park Resort

Open 365 days of the year the Bainbridge Championship Course at Heythrop Park, with a 7088 yard par 72 course throughout the 440 acres of beautiful estate and provides the perfect challenge for all golfers. The 18 hole course meanders over ridges and through valleys that are studded with ancient woodland, lakes and streams. The course...

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...

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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...

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Bicester Hotel and Spa

Bicester Hotel and Spa is a four-star resort set among beautiful acres of Oxfordshire countryside. With 52 spacious rooms and suites, decorated in four various contemporary styles this family owned estate is surrounded by quaint gardens and a glorious 18-hole Golf Course offering a backdrop of the most magnificent sweeping rural views. The six well-appointed...

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...

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...