Best Things To Do in Oxford, United Kingdom

Are you looking for what to do in Oxford?

PLACES TO SEE

There is so much historical beauty in this city and Oxford itineraries are full with bunch of activities to do. The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe, along with the Radcliffe Camera are architectural masterpieces. Do visit the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, the first building of the University and thus its birthplace. The city has some marvellous garden spaces and sporting events. Lovers of theatre and music will also not be disappointed. Oxford has some great film cinemas and theatres as well.

Oxford tourist attractions should include:

  • Bodleian Library: One of the oldest and largest research libraries in Europe.
  • Oxford Castle: A classic Norman castle and later prison, now with it’s own special tour.
  • University of Oxford Botanic Garden: One of the oldest scientific gardens in the world, now with 8000 different species of flora.
  • University Church of St. Mary the Virgin: One of the oldest and most beautiful of Parish churches.
  • Uffington White Horse: Incredibly stylized prehistoric hill figure.
  • Creation Theatre Company: Fast-paced, visually appealing productions specialising in inventive theatre.
  • Magdalen College: One of Oxford’s first science colleges, with its own deer park, and also Magdalen Tower, Magdalen Bridge and Addison’s Walk.
  • Oxford University Parks: Beautiful gardens, large sports fields, exotic plants, and a cricket ground.
  • Museum of the History of Science: 18000 objects representing the development of science, from as far back as antiquity.
  • Blackwell's Bookstore: 10,000 square feet under Exeter College.
  • Oxford Covered Market: 18th century historic market serving up food for the most part.

Museums in Oxford:

  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology: The world’s first university museum.
  • Pitt Rivers Museum: Archaeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford.
  • Christ Church: Famous for its literary connections, including Harry Potter and Alice In Wonderland.
  • Christ Church Meadow: A delightful two mile walk through greens and along rivers.
  • University Museum of Natural History: Zoological, entomological and mineral specimens collected over the last three centuries in a Victorian style building.

THINGS TO DO

Check out some of the most prestigious colleges of Oxford, each well-equipped with lush green gardens, awe-inspiring edifices, fascinating histories and an impressive list of alumni. All Souls and Christ Church top the list of ‘Must See Colleges’ at Oxford. The city’s museums collectively are a sort of Mother ship calling out to nerds all over the world. Ashmolean Museum and Oxford University Museum of Natural History have vast collections of ancient artefacts. These places house some of the rarest, most valuable specimens from the fields of history, biology, geology, archaeology, art…these places have the power to stun each and every one of its visitors.

When it comes to nightlife at Oxford, you will be spoilt for choice. Good food, good drinks and goo music at very affordable prices (Since the majority of their customers happen to be students on a tight budget).

Other oxford attractions

  • Port Meadow: Ancient grazing land
  • Sheldonian Theatre: Used for music concerts, lectures and university ceremonies, but not for theatre.
  • Trinity College: Produces three British Prime Ministers.
  • Bridge of Sighs: Takes it’s name from a counterpart in Venice. Connects parts of Hertford College over New College Lane.
  • St. John's College: Best known for it’s choir, May Ball, competitive spirit and the classical architecture of its Canterbury Quad.
  • Oriel College: Fifth oldest college at Oxford University.
  • Radcliffe Camera: One of England’s first round libraries.
  • Exciting Game: A sixty minute puzzle room to be solved with friends.
  • High Ropes Oxford: A treetop adventure.
  • The Ultimate Picture Palace: Uber-cool independent world cinema.
  • Headington Shark
  • Laser Kombat Oxford
  • Iffley Village: A charming village in Oxfordshire. Check out the lock.
  • Carfax Tower: A viewpoint in Oxford’s shopping district leftover from the 14th-century Church of St. Martin.
  • Exeter College: Small, but highly important college, the fourth-oldest in the university, and associated to J. R. R. Tolkien.
  • Worcester College: An exquisite establishment with Rupert Murdoch and Emma Watson in it’s list of alumni.
  • Merton College: Oldest college of Oxford. J. R. R. Tolkien taught here.

Below we have a list of things to do in Oxford and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Oxford getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Oxford with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Oxford

Here is the list of things to do in Oxford and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Ashmolean Museum Of Art And Archaeology

    Art Museum, Art Gallery, Archaeological Site

    Ashmolean is the world’s first and finest university museum. What started as an accommodation for Elias Ashmole’s ‘cabinet of curiosities’, his assorted collection of rare and quirky objects from all over the world (such as a moth eaten stuffed dodo), now is a grand repository of fine art and archaeological artefacts. The building was built in 1841 and reflects a delight...Read more
  2. Bodleian Library

    4.5 (943 Votes)
    Bodleian Library

    Library, Educational Site

    The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest and largest libraries in Europe. Its origin dates back to 1602 and at present it contains well over 11 million items in its archives. It is also one of only 6 places in the United Kingdom where each and every copyrighted book MUST be submitted. Today, Bodleian, or ‘Bodley’ as the students call it, happens to be the main research library at O...Read more
  3. Christ Church Meadow

    4.6 (864 Votes)
    Christ Church Meadow

    Church, Outdoors, Walking Area, Entertainment

    Christ Church Meadow is a popular walking and picnic spot, offering a quaint environment and scenic views. The meadow periphery meets Riven Thames, River Cherwell and Christ Church. The lower sections of the pasture, closer to Thames, are used for cattle grazing and the other end is used as sports fields. Oxford’s main rowing events are annually held at the Thames near the meadow. The med...Read more
  4. University Church Of St. Mary The Virgin

    Church, Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

    There is no dearth of churches at Oxford, but the Church of St. Mary the Virgin is probably the oldest and most beautiful parish church in the city. The Church also holds a special place in the history of the English Reformation. The ‘Virgin Porch’ beneath the Church Tower has a statue of the Virgin and the Child that had been damaged by bullet holes during the Cromwell revolution. ...Read more
  5. Magdalen College

    4.7 (177 Votes)
    Magdalen College

    Educational Site, Architecture

    Magdalen College is truly, despite undeniably tough competition, one of the most beautiful colleges at Oxford. After all, this is the place that inspired the creation of characters in Narnia. It was founded in mid-15th century and soon became one of the richest colleges at Oxford. Magdalen College has its own Deer Park and is situated on the banks of River Cherwell. In the past, the Deer Park a...Read more
  6. Uffington White Horse

    4.7 (219 Votes)
    Uffington White Horse

    Outdoors, Landmark, Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The ‘Uffington White Horse’ refers to a 110 m long figure carved into a hill that dates back to the late prehistoric period. It was presumably created out of crushed chalk deposited into deep trenches. The top of the hill offers a wonderful scenic view of the White Horse valley. The figure has been referred to as a horse since the 11th century and can be seen in its entirety only th...Read more
  7. Oxford Covered Market

    4.4 (557 Votes)
    Oxford Covered Market

    Outdoors, Cafe, Entertainment, Market

    The Covered Market came into existence in the late 18th century and has since been a favourite with the locals and tourists alike. The idea behind creating a covered market space was to clear out shabby stalls from the streets of Oxford. Land too was expensive for many small traders who were forced to scatter their stalls and services around the town. The market was used as a central complex to...Read more
  8. Oxford University Parks

    4.7 (285 Votes)
    Oxford University Parks

    Outdoors, Park, Walking Area, Entertainment

    The Oxford University Parks is spread across 74 acres of land on the banks of River Cherwell, a tributary of Thames. It has a large collection of trees and exotic plants along with well-maintained sports areas. Different areas of the University Parks are devoted to growing and preserving different plant species. The Park has a beautiful lily pond that complements the beauty of the greens. The g...Read more
  9. Blackwell's Bookstore

    4.7 (355 Votes)
    Blackwell's Bookstore

    Educational Site, Book Shop, Exhibition

    Although Blackwell Group is now a nationwide retailer of academic books, it started off as a bookstore at Broad Street, Oxford in 1879.  Apart from retail, the Blackwell family also took an interest in preserving the valuable classical works of many English writers such as Chaucer, the Bronte sisters, Shakespeare, John Bunyan and more. Don’t let the small exterior fool you. Situated ...Read more
  10. Ashmolean Museum

    4.7 (7 Votes)
    Ashmolean Museum Image
    ©

    Art Gallery, Museum

    The Ashmolean Museum, located in Oxford, United Kingdom, was founded in 1683 by Elias Ashmole, a wealthy English antiquarian and politician. Ashmole donated his personal collection of curiosities, which included coins, books, and natural specimens, to the University of Oxford with the condition that a museum be established to house and display the items.The museum was originally known as the As...Read more
  11. Oxford Airport (London Oxford Airport) Image
    ©
    London Oxford Airport (OXF) is an international airport located in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, England, approximately 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Oxford. It is the only airport in Oxfordshire and is the largest general aviation airport in the UK. The airport is owned and operated by Oxford Airport Ltd.The airport was originally built in the 1930s as RAF Kidlington, a Royal Air Force station. Duri...Read more
  12. Tom Phillips Image
    ©
    The Tom Phillips Museum in Oxford, United Kingdom was founded in 2018 by the Tom Phillips Charitable Trust. The museum was established to celebrate the life and work of the late British artist Tom Phillips (1937-2018). The museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying Phillipss work, as well as providing educational resources and activities for visitors. The museum also serves as a research...Read more
  13. Bt Museum Oxford Image
    ©
    The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at Oxford University was founded in 1924 by the bequest of Sir Francis William Bate (1862-1921). Bate was a passionate collector of musical instruments and a great admirer of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. He wanted to create a museum that would bring together the best of his collection and provide a place for the study of musical ins...Read more
  14. Empathy Museum Image
    ©
    The Empathy Museum in Oxford, United Kingdom was started in 2015 by artist and writer Clare Patey. Patey had previously founded the Museum of Contemporary Commodities and the Feral Trade Café, both of which explored themes of consumerism and trade.The Empathy Museum was created as a response to the growing lack of empathy in society and the need for more understanding and connection between pe...Read more
  15. The Story Museum Image
    ©

    Museum

    The Story Museum in Oxford, United Kingdom was started in 2003 by Kim Pickin and Nicola Davies, two mothers who were passionate about children's literature and storytelling. They wanted to create a space where children could explore and engage with stories in a fun and interactive way.The idea for the museum came about when Pickin and Davies were discussing the lack of dedicated spaces for chil...Read more

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