Things to do in Oxford

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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

￥5,958
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

￥5,880
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
Luggage Storage in Oxford

Luggage Storage in Oxford

￥1,578
per adult
Luggage Storage in Oxford
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

￥5,635
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford
Warwick Castle, Shakespeares England & Oxford with Admission

Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's England, Oxford & Cotswolds Tour from London

￥17,121
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's England, Oxford & Cotswolds Tour from London
Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail

Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail

￥5,635
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail
'His Dark Materials’ Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Lyra’s Oxford

'His Dark Materials’ Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Lyra’s Oxford

￥2,400
per adult
'His Dark Materials’ Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Lyra’s Oxford
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Oxford must see attractions

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. 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.

3. 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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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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What to do in Oxford

Stay near popular Oxford attractions

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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 and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oxford
Learn more about Oxford
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Oxford City Centre

Museums, historic sites, and theaters are just a few things travelers enjoy about Oxford City Centre. Check out Covered Market or New Theatre Oxford while you're exploring the area.

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

Jericho

Though Jericho might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Oxford Playhouse and Ashmolean Museum.

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

Summertown

Travelers enjoy Summertown for its bars and gardens. Consider checking out The North Wall Arts Centre while you're in the area.

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

Headington

Bars and live music are just a few things travelers like about Headington. A stop by Headington Shark is also recommended if you've got time to explore 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 Southfield Golf Club and Shotover Country Park.

Popular day trips from Oxford

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 calm river with reflections of trees and a power line tower in the distance.

Kennington

A snow-covered boat docked by a snowy riverbank.

Kidlington

A stone church with a bell tower and a graveyard.
Photo by William Wells (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Stadhampton

A grassy field with a tree and a fence in the distance.

Boars Hill

A narrow water channel with a fence on one side and a grassy field on the other.

Worminghall

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 neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Sandford-on-Thames, which is about 5 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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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