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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Blenheim Palace

Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, landscaped Parkland and stunning Formal Gardens, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Explore over 2000 acres of...

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is also known as The University of Oxford’s museum of anthropology and world archaeology. The museum was founded in 1884 following a gift to the university from general Pitt Rivers, it retains its unique atmosphere with dense displays of artefacts, many in the original wooden display cabinets. A special feature of...

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...

City Sightseeing Oxford Bus Tours

Hop on and hop off on City Sightseeing Oxford bus tours in Oxford. Explore Oxford in one of the double decker buses with 26 stops around the city including, Christ Church College, Sheldonian Theatre, Queen’s College, Martyr’s Memorial, Trinity College and Oxford Visitor Information Centre. You have the choice between 2 routes: the Historic City &...

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...

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Spa at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel

The spa at the Macdonald Randolph hotel provides you with the perfect oasis to unwind and relax. Our calm and tranquil Oxford spa provides the most luxurious of retreats from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spa includes: Steam room, Aromatherapy steam, Bio sauna, rock sauna, hydrotherapy bath, ice fountain. New Deluxe couples treatment...

Abingdon Abbey Buildings

Abbey Buildings Abingdon was dominated by the great Benedictine Abbey – the same size as Westminster Abbey. Nothing above ground remains of the Abbey Church now but its outline in Abbey gardens can still be seen. Many of the Abbey buildings do still exist. The beautiful medieval buildings are more than 600 years old, set...

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...

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Broughton Castle

Broughton Castle is an ironstone manor house located in Banbury, North Oxfordshire. It was awarded five stars in Simon Jenkins book England’s Thousand Best Houses and attracts visitors with its exquisite architecture and beautiful gardens. History Historic Broughton Castle is a family home lived in by Lord and Lady Saye and Sele, and their family....

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Harcourt Arboretum

Explore 140 acres of tranquil British woodland, open wildflower meadows and trees from around the world. The giant redwoods are some of the oldest in the UK, having arrived from California in the late 1850s. Visit in May to see and smell the stunning drifts of bluebells or meander along the Serpentine Ride and discover...

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...

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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...