Things to do in Oxford

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic university campus with a prominent dome and Gothic architecture.
A historic building with a dome and columns, surrounded by a cobblestone street and other historic architecture.
A traditional half-timbered building with a 'Change' sign, a street with pedestrians, and a church in the background.
A street with a pub named "Three Goats Heads" and a church in the background.
A church interior with wooden pews, a patterned floor, and a large organ at the front.

Things to do

Oxford: City and University Tour, including college entry

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry

€32
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry
Shakespeare’s Stratford, Warwick Castle, Cotswolds & Oxford

Oxford,Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

€79
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Oxford,Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
Luggage Storage in Oxford

Luggage Storage in Oxford

€9
per adult
Luggage Storage in Oxford
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

€30
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

€32
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
Discover Oxford And The Cotswolds A Guided Tour

Discover Oxford And The Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Tour

€1
per adult
Discover Oxford And The Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Tour
Oxford Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h and 26 audio commentary

Oxford Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h and 26 audio commentary

€6
per traveller
Oxford Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h and 26 audio commentary
Turn Oxford into your own private treasure hunt!

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Oxford with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

€18
per adult
Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Oxford with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems
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Top places to visit

1. Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle Unlocked is a fun attraction, where you learn about the intriguing history of the city’s castle. Costumed characters take groups on tours around the castle, sharing anecdotes about the mysterious and dark figures that once roamed these halls. Ascend the Saxon St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the charming city and colleges spread out below.
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A historic building with a large arched entrance, a tower with battlements, and multiple flags.

2. Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is a distinguished collection of fascinating art and archeological relics. From Egyptian mummies to English silverware, the museum's pieces are wide in scope and include internationally important collections, such as the modern and contemporary Chinese art collection.
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A classical building with columns and a statue on top.

3. Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is the home of the academic institute’s collection of fossils, skeletons and other natural specimens. The exhibits are housed in a glorious neo-Gothic structure from the 1800s. Peruse the various displays and learn about the world’s rich natural past.
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A historic building with arched windows and a stone facade.

4. Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower is the only remaining ruin of a 12th-century church that once stood right in the center of Oxford. It reaches a height of 74 feet (23 meters). Ascend the 99 steps to get to the tower’s peak and look out over the rest of the city.
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A historic stone tower with a clock, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.

5. Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library has an enormous collection of books on every conceivable matter. It is the principal research library of the University of Oxford, where students use it as a reference for learning.
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An ornate stone archway with intricate carvings and a coat of arms above it.

What to do in Oxford

Stay near popular Oxford attractions

A historic building with a clock tower and a well-maintained lawn.

University of Oxford

9.4/10 (1,690 reviews)
This prestigious 12th-century institution houses 39 autonomous colleges with distinct architecture. Explore the Bodleian Library, stroll through picturesque quadrangles, or join a guided tour of Oxford's rich academic history.
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Where to stay in Oxford

Find the best Oxford areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oxford
Learn more about Oxford
A historic building with a pointed tower and arched windows.

Oxford City Centre

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.

A historic building with a green dome and a clock tower.

Jericho

Jericho might not have many top sights, but Ashmolean Museum and New Theatre Oxford are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A row of red brick houses with bay windows and a red car parked on the street.

Summertown

Bars and gardens are just a few things travellers like about Summertown. A stop by The North Wall Arts Centre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

A large whale sculpture on a building roof.
Photo by Georgia Johnson
Open Photo by Georgia Johnson

Headington

Travellers enjoy Headington for its bars and live music. Consider checking out Headington Shark while you're in the area.

A historic cityscape with prominent Gothic architecture, including a cathedral with spires and a large dome.

Cowley

While visiting Cowley, you might make a stop by sights like Shotover Country Park and Southfield Golf Club.

A stone archway with a metal gate, leading to a garden with flowers and a building in the background.

Abingdon

A grand historic building with ornate architecture, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens with vibrant flower beds.

Aylesbury

A historic building with arched windows and a stone roof.

Witney

A rural road with a narrow drainage ditch beside it.

Horton-Cum-Studley

A snow-covered boat docked by a snowy riverbank.

Kidlington

A residential area with houses and a green field.
Photo by David Kemp (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Culham

A garden with a pond, neatly trimmed hedges, and a variety of colorful plants.

Waterstock

A historic building with a symmetrical facade, a central entrance, and a well-maintained garden with trees and a gravel path.

Yarnton

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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