If you are planning to visit Oxford, good choice, it’s a popular tourist destination steeped in history and culture. A walk through its cobbled streets reveals an array of architectural marvels, genuine ancient history, and plenty of great shopping, pubs and restaurants.
The city of Oxford also boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, including world-renowned institutions. With so much to explore, it’s no wonder that Oxford is considered one of England’s most popular tourist hot-spots for sightseeing.
Central Oxford is compact enough to explore on foot. The hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus is another option; check the operator’s current fares and route before booking.
Here are some must-see options to add to your itinerary for things to do in Oxford.
Get locked up at the Oxford Castle and Prison
Address: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY
Oxford Castle & Prison brings together the city’s Norman castle and later prison history. The castle was founded in 1071; guided visits explore the surviving buildings and the people held here.
Today, the castle is open to the public, offering tours, events and educational programs. Visitors can explore the castle’s dungeons and learn about its history, as well as the prison’s most famous inmates.
Oxford Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions, and provides an insight into the city’s fascinating past, and being in the city centre means all the great Oxford pubs and restaurants are on the doorstep.
Climb the Carfax Tower
Address: Queen St, Oxford OX1 1ET
The most iconic feature of the city’s skyline, the Carfax Tower is a Grade I listed building. Originally part of St Martin’s Church, it stands at a height of 75 feet. The tower is open to the public and visitors can climb the 100 steps to reach the top and take in the views over the city.
Oxford Artisan Distillery: check reopening plans
Address: Old Depot, South Park, Cheney Lane, Headington, Oxford OX3 7QJ
The Oxford Artisan Distillery is preparing to return to its South Park home. The Oxford Spirit Group says tours will form part of its reopening plans, but this is not currently a walk-in distillery attraction. Check the operator’s announcements before planning a visit.
Relax at the Waterperry Gardens
Website: www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Address: Waterperry, Oxford OX33 1LA
For years, Waterperry Gardens has delighted tourists with its 8 acres of inspirational and historical gardens tucked away in the Oxfordshire countryside, only 7 miles from the Oxford town centre. Along with formal and rose gardens, a lily canal, and a riverbank walk, the gardens have a stunning 200-foot herbaceous border. Everything for the garden is available at the high-quality Plant Centre and Garden Shop.
Beautiful pieces of art by British artists are displayed in the Art-in-Action Gallery and Gift Barn along with suggestions for the home, the outdoors, and gifts. The site also has a church and a Museum of Rural Life. Check the garden’s website for admission prices and opening arrangements.
Explore the Oxford Canal
The Oxford Canal offers towpath walks and a slower view of the city, with narrowboats and waterside scenery along the route north towards Banbury. Boat trips and hire depend on the operator and season; walkers should share the towpath considerately with other users.
Take a selfie at Iffley Lock
Address: Iffley Lock, Church Way, Iffley, Oxford OX4 4EJ
Iffley Lock is a riverside stop on the Thames, locally also known as the Isis. It can be combined with a towpath walk south from central Oxford. The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race takes place in London, between Putney and Mortlake, not at Iffley.
Take a bike ride to the Martyrs’ Memorial
The Martyrs’ Memorial at the southern end of St Giles commemorates Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, who were executed in Oxford in 1555 and 1556. Their statues form part of the Gothic memorial. The site of the executions is marked separately by a cross in Broad Street.
Take the Harry Potter tour
For fans of the Harry Potter films, there are some locations to visit that will bring a magical experience. These include Christ Church College, the Divinity School, Duke Humfrey’s Library, and more.
Appreciate the history of the University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with evidence of teaching from 1096. Its colleges, libraries and museums are spread across the city rather than gathered on a single campus.
Colleges are working academic communities, so visitor access varies during term, examinations and private events. Check individual college arrangements before setting out.
Under the banner of Oxford university are a whole list of the popular things to do and see in Oxford:
Bodleian Libraries
Website: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
The Bodleian Library opened in 1602 and remains a working research library. Book an official tour if you want to see historic interiors such as Duke Humfrey’s Library; access to particular rooms depends on the tour. The Weston Library also offers exhibitions and a public space to explore. See the Bodleian’s visitor website for current options.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
The world’s first university museum was founded in 1683 and is home to a world-renowned collection of art and antiquities of cultural heritage from around the world. General admission is free and advance booking is not required. The museum opens daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.45pm; special exhibitions may need separate tickets.
The museum has extensive collections of works from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as a large collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian art. The museum also houses a wide range of European and North American paintings, prints and drawings, and an important collection of nineteenth-century photographs.
Plus, as a bonus the rooftop café is one of the top spots in Oxford for an afternoon tea.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
One of the most popular natural history museums in the United Kingdom was founded in 1860. The museum houses a collection of specimens from across the animal kingdom, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
It also displays a wide range of fossils and minerals. It also offers a range of educational activities and workshops, as well as special events.
Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a museum located in Oxford, England. It was founded in 1884 and is part of the University of Oxford. The museum is known for its anthropological and archaeological collections, which range from local to global in scope. Visitors to the museum can explore the collections and learn more about the history and culture of the people behind the objects. The museum is also home to a range of educational activities and events.
Christ Church College
Founded by King Henry VIII in 1546, Christ Church is renowned for its beautiful grounds, impressive architecture, and strong academic tradition. Visitor tickets and opening arrangements should be checked with the college before travelling.
Christ Church Cathedral
The college is also home to the world-famous Christ Church Cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of Oxford.
Christ Church Meadow
Christ Church Meadow is a public open space adjacent to Christ Church College, by River Thames and the River Cherwell which offers riverside walks.
Magdalen College
Magdalen College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, founded in 1458. The college is known for its beautiful architecture, including its grand gothic chapel, and for its expansive grounds, which are home to various species of wildlife. It has an impressive library, a large dining hall, and a variety of student-run societies.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs (main image) connects two parts of Hertford College above New College Lane, not the River Cherwell. Designed by Sir Thomas Graham Jackson, the covered bridge is one of Oxford’s best-known photographic landmarks. It can be viewed from the street.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Founded in 1621, the University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Britain. Its walled garden and glasshouses sit beside the River Cherwell, opposite Magdalen College.
Admission is ticketed, and opening hours vary seasonally. Check the Botanic Garden’s website for prices, concessions and the day’s closing time.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
The University Church of St Mary the Virgin stands between the High Street and Radcliffe Square. Entry to the church is free, while the tower requires a ticket and offers views across the university buildings.
The tower climb has 127 steps on a steep, narrow spiral staircase. Step-free access to the church is available from the High Street. See the University’s access guide when planning a visit.
Things to see in Oxford recommended by our local based staff
This is not an exhaustive list of what to do in Oxford of course, so comment below with your favourites. Here’s what us locals have recommended so far:
Enjoy a peaceful walk or picnic at Port Meadow
Head to this open grassland, perfect for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. Top it off with a pint in the Perch. Heaven on a summers day.
Peruse the Oxford Covered Market
A bustling market housed in a beautiful Victorian building that has been operating for over two centuries, filled with a variety of stalls selling food, clothing, and unique gifts.
Have a pint at The Eagle and Child Pub
Sadly this is currently closed now, but you can find others on our Oxford Pub guide. If it ever reopens, visit this historic pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to meet. If not, head to the Turf Tavern or the Bear Inn, or take our famous pub crawl from Jericho to the city centre.
Catch a show or performance at the Oxford Playhouse
This renowned theatre is well worth a visit, you might not see past luminaries like Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, and Judi Dench tread the boards, but it showcases the best high-quality drama, comedy, musicals, and dance performances the arts scene in Oxford has to offer.
Go boating on the Thames
There are plenty of day trips or you can hire a kayak or go punting. It’s a pleasurable way to sightsee and to appreciate the water and scenery.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
Personally I think the best time to visit Oxford is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) with pleasant weather for exploring the city on foot and visiting the various attractions.
While a crisp winters day is also ideal, you are relying on avoid the many cold wet rainy days which hinder walking around or bike riding.
Avoiding school holidays is always recommended, and summer can be overcrowded with tourists which ruins photos and makes any spontaneous decisions a lot more difficult.
Things to do in Oxfordshire Guides
