What To Do In Oxford: The Ultimate Visitors' Guide

One of the most popular things to do in Oxford is to hop aboard a traditional Oxford punt and cruise along the River Cherwell as it winds through the city's leafy green spaces. If you aren't a fan of boats, you can enjoy the river walk and still see the punts gliding along the water.

Afterwards, stop at one of Oxford's many first-class restaurants or enjoy a cocktail (or two) at one of the city's rooftop bars.

I spent a weekend in Oxford and experienced everything I wrote about in this blog post. There's a lot to cover, so wear your comfy shoes and prepare to uncover all the landmarks in Oxford's beautiful and historic university city.

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A History of Oxford

Oxford University is one of the oldest universities in the world and comprises 38 independent colleges, which visitors can find all over the city.

The first Oxford colleges opened to male students in the 13th century. It wasn't until the 1870s that women were allowed to study and take exams, but it took until 1920 before they were formally allowed to join specific university colleges.

The most well-known college is Christ Church, which has seen many famous figures pass through its doors, including J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Indira Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Edwin Hubble, and the inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

Whichever Oxford college you choose to see, you will be in for a treat.

Oxford Open Doors is an annual weekend event in September. Places not usually open to the public offer free entry to celebrate Oxford's rich heritage and culture, making it a great time to visit.

Getting to Oxford from London

Oxford is about 60 miles from London. It is easy to get there by car, coach, or train from all directions.

Parking in central Oxford is difficult, so arriving by public transport is a great option.

Use Thornhill Park and Ride OX3 8DP and take the stress out of searching for a city centre parking space. It costs £12.50 to park for up to 72 hours. Ticket machines are by the terminal building.

Head to bus stop B and hop aboard the number 400 bus to the city centre. Disembark at the High Street / Cornmarket Street junction, and from there, you can reach all of Oxford's historic landmarks.

Please note that once you board the bus, you will need to pay for a separate bus ticket in addition to the parking fee.

By Train – Oxford train station is a 10-minute walk to the central shopping area. Trains from London Marylebone or Paddington take approximately one hour to reach Oxford.

Guided Tour from London to Oxford - Travel to Oxford and the Cotswolds on a London Day Trip.

How long do you need to spend in Oxford?

Three days in Oxford will allow you to see all of the attractions in the city centre and have plenty of spare time to visit an Oxford attraction outside of the city. See the ideas at the end of this post.

Two days in Oxford will give you ample time to visit all its historic landmarks at your leisure.

If you can only spend one day in Oxford, you will still be able to see a lot of the city, but it will mean going at a fast pace. I suggest you join an organised Oxford walking tour to familiarise yourself with Oxford's most famous landmarks.

If you only have one day in Oxford, my top picks are Christ Church College, Balliol College, and the Bodleian Libraries complex. Limiting the number of attractions you see in Oxford will give you time for a lunch stop and maybe a visit to Oxford's famous Turf Tavern.

How to get around Oxford

Oxford is one of England's most walkable cities, so I have grouped its landmark attractions by location. To acclimatise to the city, book the Official Oxford Tourist Board Walking Tour.

Another fun way to explore Oxford is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which is a quicker way to see the best of Oxford if you are pressed for time.

Oxford is rightly called a cycling city. You will see bikes chained up outside colleges all around the city, and this is one quick way to get around Oxford and its surrounding areas. You can book a guided Oxford city bike tour with a student for all the insider information!

Accommodation in Oxford

On my 2-night trip to Oxford, I stayed at Vanbrugh House Hotel, a boutique heritage hotel in the city centre.

It has some great independent eateries on the same street and a great coffee shop next door! The hotel was perfectly placed, within walking distance of all the best attractions in Oxford.

For other places to stay in Oxford, please follow this link to Booking.com Oxford Hotels.

Visit the colleges of Oxford University, starting with Christ Church

Of all the colleges that make up Oxford University, Christ Church is probably the best known to visitors and should be first on your list of must-see attractions in Oxford.

It is situated close to Oxford Castle and is one of the most prominent and grandiose colleges. It also houses Oxford Cathedral and backs onto the beautiful Christ Church Meadow (the location of many messy end-of-year graduation ceremonies!)

One of the highlights of a visit to Christ Church is the grand dining hall, which houses Da Vinci's original masterpieces.

Did you know? Hogwarts Dining Hall was modelled on the Great Hall at Christ Church Oxford.

Harry Potter fans may also recognise the Bodley staircase, where Professor McGonagall greeted the new students at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Tom Tower

Tom Tower, built by Sir Christopher Wren, is also a famous landmark in Oxford.

His architectural masterpieces included St. Paul's Cathedral and smaller hidden gems in London, such as St. Dunstan-in-the-East.

The college hasn't always been so liberal in opening its doors. Until the rules changed in 1980, it only accepted men into its enclaves. After that, women were allowed to apply to be students at Christ Church College.

That said, the call role call is pretty impressive for the men who pass through its doors. It lists kings, politicians, and literary greats, including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, among its fellowship.

Lewis Carroll was also a student at Christ Church. If you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland, there is a shop by Christ Church dedicated to the character.

A lovely cafe is next door with a view across the road to Christ Church College.

Go punting on the River Cherwell

Punting on the River Cherwell is one of the fun things to do in Oxford.

If gliding along the river with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair sounds like a good idea, there are several places where you can hop aboard a punt.

Magdalen Bridge is a 10-minute walk from Christ Church through Merton Field, home to Oxford Punting.

You can hire a punt, rowing boat, or pedalo here. Or why not take it easy and hire a 'punt chauffeur' to do the hard work for you?

Further away from Oxford's central hub of attractions is Cherwell Boathouse, located in a beautiful riverside setting.

The 2 AA Rosette Cherwell Restaurant offers fine dining in the original Victorian boathouse.

Wander around the University of Oxford Botanic Garden

This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and, indeed, the oldest botanical garden in the UK.

The Oxford Botanic Garden was founded as a physic garden in 1621 to grow plants for medicinal research. Located next to Magdalen Bridge, it is a lovely place to visit - a quiet oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre,

If you visit the gardens, look for sculptures depicting a crow from His Dark Materials and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, a nod to literary characters.

Castle District - Learn the history of Oxford Castle and Prison

Dating back over 1000 years, Oxford Castle is one of the oldest attractions in Oxford.

You can climb to the top of St George's Tower for panoramic views of Oxford's surrounding area. Or you can go underground to the candle-lit crypt and enter the 18th-century prison cells.

Outside, climb to the top of Castle Mound for skyline views. A small fee is payable at the gate to climb the hill. Honestly, you could miss this, as the views aren't great.

Castle Quarter features several chain restaurants and is home to a unique place to stay in Oxford, the Malmaison Hotel. The hotel rooms are located in the converted castle prison!

Why not visit Oxford Castle on the city's Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Bag yourself a bargain at Westgate Shopping Centre

Westgate Shopping Centre is very close to Oxford Castle. If you love shopping, you will find many high-street chains and designer labels at Oxford's main shopping centre.

My main lure at Westgate was the range of rooftop restaurants with views over the city. If you are looking for things to do in Oxford at night, it's good to come here to eat and see the city illuminated.

Climb the Carfax Tower

A five-minute walk from Oxford Castle is the Carfax Tower. This medieval stone tower, dating back to the 12th century, is one of Oxford's most famous buildings.

Visitors can climb the 99 steps to the top of the 23-metre bell tower for views over Oxford's historic buildings and out to the countryside. There is a small entry fee of £4 (2025)

Did you know? No building in Oxford is allowed to be built higher than the Carfax Tower.

Shop at the historic Oxford Covered Market

The covered market is just across from Carfax Tower. The marketplace dates back to the 18th century and is home to food vendors, craft sellers, and the usual 'stuff' you find at markets.

While it is part of Oxford's unique history, it would not be very high on my list of things to do in Oxford.

Explore Broad Meadow Area - Balliol College

Balliol College is arguably the oldest college in Oxford, founded in 1263.

It has stood on a single site (where it is now) longer than any other college in the English-speaking world.

Balliol is a stunning landmark in Broad Meadow, featuring a range of restaurants and shops, as well as the equally famous Bodleian Library complex.

It was founded in the 13th century, but its turreted roofs and whitewashed facade could easily be mistaken for a modern-day film set. The college welcomes visitors who wish to tour the buildings and beautiful gardens.

There is a small entrance fee, and I recommend visiting this college. It was one of my favourite places to visit in Oxford.

Did you know? Past students of Balliol College include five Nobel laureates, four Prime Ministers, including Boris Johnson, and numerous philosophical and literary figures.

Trinity College

Most people around the world have heard of Trinity College, Oxford. This 16th-century college is another impressive place to visit, located next door to Balliol College. Check opening times here.

Did you know? Trinity and Balliol Colleges are rivals and come together every summer for a tortoise race. Each college owns a tortoise and races them against each other - the winning tortoise is the victor for his (or her) college!

Visit the Bodleian Libraries

Opposite Trinity College is the Bodleian Library, a complex of buildings known as one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second-largest in Britain, after the British Library.

Bodleian is not one single space; instead, it comprises several buildings, including Duke Humfrey's Library and the Divinity School.

To gain entry to these spectacular buildings, daily ticketed tours of all or parts of the Bodleian Libraries can be booked online for guaranteed access.

On the day of my visit, all the tours were sold out, and I could only enter the Divinity School; even so, it was terrific.

The tours range from 30 to 90 minutes; however, the longer option provides underground access to the iconic Radcliffe Camera.

See where Harry Potter was filmed at the Divinity School

The Divinity School is a 15th-century medieval building used for lectures and discussions.

The intricately carved stone ceiling is the main draw for visitors. It features 455 sculptural plaques representing coats of arms, initials, animals, and botanical elements.

Families that funded the construction of the Divinity School had their initials carved into the ceiling design, giving them eternal recognition.

At the end of the hall, you can see a Gothic wooden door leading to the Sheldonian Theatre.

This was added in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren to allow students to don their robes in the Divinity School and then proceed to graduate in the Sheldonian Theatre.

Did you know? The Bodleian Library was used in the Harry Potter films. The elaborate fan-vaulted Divinity School became Hogwarts' infirmary, and the medieval Duke Humfrey's Library was used as Hogwarts' library.

Book a Harry Potter Walking Tour with access to the Divinity School.

Attend an event at the Sheldonian Theatre

Listed as one of Oxford's architectural jewels, the Sheldonian Theatre was built in the mid-17th century and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, of St. Paul's fame.

It is used for lectures, recitals and ceremonies for the matriculation and graduation of Oxford students.

Did you know? The word matriculation refers to the formal process of entering a university or becoming eligible to do so by fulfilling specific academic requirements, such as a matriculation examination.

Tour the iconic circular Radcliffe Camera Library

Radcliffe Camera, or Rad Cam, as students call it, is one of the most photographed buildings in Oxford.

The iconic 18th-century circular building, once home to the Radcliffe Science Library, is now the main reading room of the Bodleian Libraries.

Visitors must pre-book tours to look inside the Radcliffe Camera and enter the Bodleian Library. Book in advance as this is one of the best things to do in Oxford, and tickets sell out quickly.

Did you know that Radcliffe Camera is linked to the Old Bodleian Library by an underground passage called the Gladstone Link?

Walk beneath the Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge is within a stone's throw of Radcliffe Camera, more commonly referred to as the Bridge of Sighs, a nod to the landmark bridge in Venice.

The bridge is a walkway between two parts of Hertford College and crosses above New College Lane.

It's a popular place in Oxford to take photographs, but that's not all you can do here.

If you walk a little under the bridge with Rad Cam behind you, look for a narrow alley called St Helen's Passage on your left-hand side.

Walk along the passage and arrive at one of Oxford's most famous pubs, The Turf Tavern. It is centuries old and has an exciting history. Many famous people have frequented this Oxford landmark for students and visitors.

Spot the ancient 200-year-old giant oak tree behind the Bridge of Sighs, that was featured during a duel between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located near the Radcliffe Camera. It is at the heart of spiritual life at Oxford University and welcomes all faiths.

The beautiful stained glass windows and interesting memorials from different centuries are eye-catching. Access to the church is free.

Did you know? For a different perspective on the Radcliffe Camera, visitors can climb to the top of the 13th-century church tower for a small fee. Booking is advisable.

Enjoy high tea at The Grand Cafe

Just across the road from St Mary's Church is an Oxford institution, The Grand Café, one of the best places for afternoon tea in Oxford.

According to an entry in Samuel Pepys's diary, it was the first coffee house in England. So, enjoy high tea in atmospheric surroundings.

Walk down Holywell Street

If you have time, wander away from the Bodleian Libraries and head down Holywell Street. This is where you will find a street of pastel-coloured houses occupied by students from some of the surrounding university colleges.

The 17th-century Bath Place Hotel is a fabulous place to stay in the heart of this historic city.

See the Christ Church College Buildings

As we strolled through the roads surrounding the main college building and the Cathedral, we stumbled upon several more buildings associated with Christ Church College.

Did you know? Oxford University has had its own police force for 180 years. Nicknamed 'bulldogs' and famous for their bowler hats, they had the power to arrest anyone within four miles of a University building. They patrolled the streets of Oxford until 2003.

Remember to grab a beer while you are nearby at Oxford's oldest pub, The Bear Inn, which dates back to 1242.

See the artefacts in the Ashmolean Museum

If you love history, you have to visit the Ashmolean Museum. It dates to 1683, making it the world's oldest public museum. The museum houses art and archaeology collections that range from contemporary art to Egyptian mummies, aiming to provide visitors with an insight into different cultures across the centuries.

The Ashmolean is huge and will consume a significant portion of your sightseeing time. Nevertheless, it is one of the world's most famous museums and deserves a look.

I spent about an hour on my visit and wandered through several collections before finding an especially interesting one.

A mummified Egyptian baby had been scanned using modern technology to create a 3D image - for me, fascinated by Ancient Egypt, this was a treat.

Before you leave, head to the Ashmolean Museum Rooftop Restaurant and Cafe, a lovely place to enjoy refreshments with a view across Oxford's rooftops.

Did you know? One of the Ashmolean Museum's most famous objects is Guy Fawkes’s lantern, which he held on the night he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Visit the Oxford University Natural History Museum

If you love all things associated with palaeontology, this is one of the museums you should visit in Oxford.

Although it is much smaller than the Natural History Museum in London, it still has its fair share of dinosaurs and other incredible natural specimens.

Check out the unusual Pitts River Museum

Once inside the Natural History Museum, you will also find the Pitt Rivers Museum, famous for its anthropology. It boasts over half a million specimens from around the world and spans all periods of human existence.

The museum's interior is also worth seeing. Beautiful natural stone columns in many colours support the museum's steel girders and glass roof.

When you have finished, enjoy refreshments from the Oxford artisan Horsebox Coffee Company, set up on the lawn in front of the museum.

Keble College

Founded in 1870 and located opposite the Pitt Rivers Museum, Keble is one of the largest colleges at Oxford University.

See inside St John's College during Oxford Open Doors Weekend

One of the last colleges we visited was St John's College, founded in 1555 and Oxford's wealthiest college, with assets of almost £600m.

St John's was open as part of Oxford Open Doors and, in my opinion, was the epitome of how I imagined Oxford University would be.

The college buildings were beautiful, crafted centuries ago by skilled stonemasons, and the site was eerily quiet. Bikes were parked in bays, and small doorways led up tiny stone stairwells to student and professor accommodations.

Seeing the names of students and professors on wooden boards outside each accommodation block probably sealed my time in Oxford.

There was no John Smith or Jane Green here; these were the names of people currently studying at Oxford, not props left over from a Harry Potter film.

I couldn't help but imagine what it would have been like to be tutored by Professor Batty. Or what roles will Violet Elsworthy and Augustus Coningham go on to hold in their lives?

As they say, Oxford really is another world!

Quirky Things To See In Oxford

As you walk around Oxford, look for quirky signs and sculptures!

Places to visit beyond the City of Oxford

Spend a day at Blenheim Palace

If you have a car with you, a thirty-minute drive from the city will take you to Blenheim Palace, sitting on the edge of the picturesque Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Buy Blenheim Palace entrance tickets online to avoid the queues.

The 300-year-old Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, who, unsurprisingly, went on to study at Christ Church College!

The Blenheim Estate remains the country residence of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and is one of England's most renowned stately homes.

If you are travelling without a car, you can book a guided day tour of Blenheim Palace from Oxford.

Shop until you drop at Bicester Designer Outlets

Shop till you drop at this fashionista haven in Oxfordshire, 25 minutes from Oxford's city centre. Gucci, Fendi, Burberry and the like will have you parting with your cash at an alarming rate as you wander the 160 boutique stores in this village.

If you are more of a Marks and Spencer girl, this one might not be for you!

Did you know that after Buckingham Palace, Bicester Designer Outlet is the second most-visited location in the United Kingdom by Chinese tourists?

Visit the Cotswolds

With so many things to do in the Cotswolds, you can combine a city break in Oxford with a stay in a beautiful Cotswold hotel to experience the English countryside.

A leisurely one-hour drive from the city centre, you will arrive in Broadway, one of the Cotswolds' prettiest villages. Or stop off at Castle Combe, an idyllic Cotswold village with a historic main street and a pretty stream running through it.

If you prefer to take a guided tour of the Cotswolds from Oxford, you can book a small group day tour of the Cotswold villages.

Conclusion

Oxford represents everything excellent about England. Its historic architecture, incredible museums, and stunning countryside are all found in Oxford. What more could you want?

I hope you have found this post helpful in planning your trip to Oxford. If you have, please let me know by commenting below.

Pin For Future Travel to England

Are you looking for other places in England to see historic landmarks? Please check out the following posts:

Visit Historic Fountains Abbey Ruins and Studley Royal Gardens in Yorkshire

Discover the Medieval Ruins of Waverley Abbey

Visit Bayham Old Abbey in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Top Things to Do in Faversham: Kent’s Oldest Market Town