Things to do in Oxford

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Oxford

Types of activities

Where to stay

Oxford travel guide

University Church of St Mary the Virgin which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Radcliffe Camera showing a square or plaza and heritage elements

Oxford showing heritage elements and street scenes

Oxford featuring street scenes as well as an individual male

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What to do in Oxford

Popular places to visit

Oxfordshire showing a garden and outdoor eating

University of Oxford

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Oxford during your travels in Oxford. Experience the area's museums and theatre scene.

Oxford Castle

Embark on an entertaining journey through this medieval castle. Learn about its dark past and listen to tales of murder and crime.

Christ Church Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views

Christ Church College

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Christ Church College during your trip to Oxford. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Bodleian Library

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Gaze up at towering Oxfordshire dinosaur skeletons, see a colony of swifts in a tower and study the preserved model of the extinct dodo.

Ashmolean Museum

The world’s oldest public museum is home to a fascinating collection of global curios and priceless works of art.

Oxford Town Hall

Learn the story of Oxford when you visit this beautiful Victorian building, which is the seat of local government and also hosts art exhibits and music concerts.

Sheldonian Theatre

Find out about the history of Oxford with a stop at Sheldonian Theatre. Experience the area's museums and theatre scene.

Bodleian Library which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Exeter College

Stroll across perfectly kept grounds, admire centuries-old architecture and attend a peaceful evening recital in one of Oxford’s first colleges.

Areas of Oxford

Oxford City Centre

4.5/5(131 area reviews)

Museums, historical sites and theatres are some highlights of Oxford City Centre. Make a stop by Covered Market or New Theatre Oxford while you're exploring.

Cowley

While visiting Cowley, you might make a stop by sights like Temple Cowley Pools and Southfield Golf Club.

East Oxford

While visiting East Oxford, you might make a stop by sights like Iffley Road Track and Thames River.

Headington

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Headington. You might want to make time for a stop at Headington Shark or Exciting Game.

North Oxford

While North Oxford isn't home to many top sights, Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Ashmolean Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Oxford

While visiting South Oxford, you might make a stop by sights like Thames Path and Thames River.

Abingdon

Aylesbury

Wallingford

Witney

Watlington

Oxford featuring a park and a statue or sculpture

Waterstock

Yarnton

Boarstall

Frequently asked questions

Is Oxford worth visiting?

One of the most common things to do in Oxford is explore Ashmolean Museum. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and distilleries and craft breweries.

How do I spend a day in Oxford?

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ashmolean Museum and Waterperry Gardens. Then, tour different parts of Oxford for local dining and some retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Oxford?

Ashmolean Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Oxford and should be high on every itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Oxford?

Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as Ashmolean Museum, Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral. The average stay in Oxford is two days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Reading isn't far away.

Is Oxford a walkable city?

With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Oxford is a great destination to explore on foot. Wander between Ashmolean Museum and Sheldonian Theatre. Then take a stroll through Oxford City Centre, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Sandford-on-Thames, which is about 5 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Oxford with kids?

If you're looking for activities and attractions for all the family, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Oxford with kids.

What to do in Oxford for adults?

There's no shortage of things to do in Oxford, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Oxford Town Hall or War Memorial Garden.

Are there free things to do in Oxford?

One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Oxford is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Ashmolean Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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