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 featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Radcliffe Camera which includes heritage elements and a square or plaza

Oxford showing street scenes and heritage elements

Oxford featuring street scenes as well as an individual male

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What to do in Oxford

Popular places to visit

Oxfordshire featuring outdoor eating and a garden

University of Oxford

4.5/5(220 reviews)

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

4.5/5(57 reviews)

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 featuring interior views, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Christ Church College

4.5/5(112 reviews)

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

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

4.5/5(103 reviews)

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

4.5/5(183 reviews)

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

4.5/5(24 reviews)

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

Carfax Tower

4/5(28 reviews)

Climb the narrow, winding staircase to reach the top of this tower, which is considered the very centre of Oxford, for a panoramic view over the city.

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.

East Oxford

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

Cowley

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

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.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Thame

Horton-Cum-Studley

Sandford-on-Thames

Nuneham Courtenay

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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Flights from Oxford

Things to do in Oxfordshire