12 Best Day Trips From Oxford, England - Updated 2024

Rachita
Rachita 
Updated
| 5 min read

Are you looking for nice places to visit from Oxford, UK? If so, you won’t be disappointed because Oxford’s strategic location makes it the ideal base to visit several beautiful destinations in England. From gorgeous beaches to dreamy castles and chocolate factories, there is a lot to explore around Oxford via day trips. Also, most of these places are easily accessible by coach or train, so you won’t have any trouble planning these day tours. But if you’re planning to while away the night, you can book a stay at the countryside hotels near Oxford. Those who wish to unwind with a good soak have nearby log cabins with hot tubs as options. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best day trips from Oxford, England, that will allow you to explore the magical countryside and the historical sites in the country.

1. Birmingham (from USD 28.0)

With its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, Birmingham promises an unforgettable journey. Explore the city’s rich heritage by visiting iconic landmarks such as Birmingham Cathedral and the historic Jewellery Quarter. Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, housing a diverse collection of artwork.

Indulge in a shopping spree at the Bullring, a bustling retail destination, or stroll through the picturesque canals and charming neighborhoods. When you get hungry, treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure with various restaurants offering diverse cuisines worldwide.

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The Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham

Duration: 2 to 8 hours

1025 reviews

2. London (from USD 160.0)

Any day trip from Oxford to London will surely be filled with a range of activities and sights to keep you entertained and occupied. You can choose to indulge in a shopping spree on Oxford Street, enjoy a boat ride along the River Thames, visit the beautiful historical sites or simply enjoy a five-star meal at a breathtaking rooftop restaurant, there is no shortage of things to do in London.

For a truly memorable trip, make sure that you check out the hop-on-hop-off bus in London to make the most of your one-day trip to this enchanting destination.

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London in One Day with Tower of London and London Eye Upgrade

Duration: 9 hours

1421 reviews

3. Winchester

Winchester, England
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Carlesmari used under CC BY 3.0

A lovely English city to visit on a day trip from Oxford, Winchester is the perfect spot for anyone who loves cathedrals, architecture, or literature. One of the must-see places in this small city is the gorgeous Winchester Cathedral, which is one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe. And for all the Jane Austen fans, this is a perfect place to visit as well, as it is where she lived out her last days - her grave currently rests inside the cathedral. Apart from the cathedrals, there are several museums and lovely trails to explore around the city, and it barely takes one hour to reach here from Oxford.

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4. Ewelme

Ewelme Church
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Colin Smith used under CC BY-SA 2.0

An attractive village in Oxfordshire, Ewelme is an absolute delight to visit and it is another great day-trip destination from Oxford to include on your itinerary. This amazing village lies in a small valley and it is also the source of the small stream, the Ewelme Brook. In the centre of the village, you will find the source of this stream and an attractive pond where you can sit and relax, or you can explore the streets here and watch the late 20th-century houses blend amazingly with older village properties.

There are also several old churches and buildings here to explore, or you can simply enjoy the greenery and the meadows. If you want to enjoy the tranquil side without the big crowds, Ewelme is a nice place for a day trip in the UK.

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5. Blenheim Palace (from USD 257.0)

A combination of royalty and grandeur, Blenheim Palace is an incredible country house lying on the outskirts of Oxfordshire, and it has a fascinating history associated with it. This lovely country house was the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and it was even the home of the Duke of Marlborough at one time.

With its rich history, well-manicured gardens, and lavish interiors, Blenheim Palace is a popular destination for day trips in the English countryside. Here, you can choose to stroll in a beautiful setting or experience the living history, it is entirely up to you.

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Blenheim Palace Guided Tour from Oxford- private tours

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

14 reviews

6. Bristol (from USD 29.0)

Experience the vibrant city of Bristol in southwest England, filled with art, history, and a thriving music scene. Explore Bristol’s rich maritime heritage at the iconic SS Great Britain and Bristol Harbour. During the afternoons, marvel at the stunning street art adorning the city’s walls, including works by the renowned artist Banksy. For a deeper look into the cultural offerings of the city, head to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases diverse exhibits.

For shopaholics, go for a shopping spree at the bustling Cabot Circus or discover unique boutiques in the bohemian neighborhood of Stokes Croft. End the day by enjoying live music in Bristol’s vibrant venues.

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Bristol Old City and Harbour Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes

137 reviews

7. Stratford-upon-Avon (from USD 67.0)

Stratford-upon-Avon is another popular day trip site from Oxford and it is a favorite for all the literary fans out there. The birthplace of Shakespeare, this cute little town offers the perfect ambiance for strolling around with its Tudor houses and Shakespeare exhibits. And guess what, you can always enjoy the amazing Shakespeare plays that are regularly performed here by the Royal Shakespeare Company. One of the stops that you should not miss out here is the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Shop from where you can purchase hilarious Shakespeare merchandise. This city is slightly touristy but you are bound to enjoy a day trip from Oxford here, especially if you are a literary lover.

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Oxford to Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon Full-Day Trip

Duration: 1 day

1 review

8. Brighton (from USD 53.0)

brighton
Source: www.viator.com

If you are looking for a day trip from Oxford to enjoy the British seaside, then you should definitely include Brighton on your itinerary. While this destination requires a slightly longer travel time at 2 to 2.5 hours, this resort city is definitely worth it as you have so many fun things to do. From sitting beside the gorgeous Brighton pier to visiting the local amusement parks, this place is a fun stop for both kids and adults. With plenty of exciting things to keep you occupied, the resort city is sure to capture your heart with its plethora of activities and seaside views.

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Full-Day Brighton Tour from Oxford

Duration: 1 day

1 review

9. Salisbury (from USD 1.0)

salisbury
Source: www.viator.com

Popularly known as the cathedral city, Salisbury is another beautiful city that you can visit from Oxford on a day trip. Salisbury Cathedral is one of the most gorgeous attractions in the city that will leave you speechless, with its gorgeous architecture and aura. You can even walk to the Old Sarum that was the original Salisbury settlement before they shifted to the present location. And there is always the historic Stonehenge, which is located around 8 miles (13 km) from Salisbury. If you really want to enjoy some quiet time, then Salisbury is perfect as it is a small, quiet town with gorgeous scenery surrounding it.

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Salisbury & Winchester : Two Medieval Masterpieces

Duration: 9 hours

10. The Cotswolds (from USD 136.0)

If you are looking for a relaxing trip from Oxford, then make sure you add a day for the Cotswolds to your itinerary. This 800-square-mile (1287 square km) countryside, filled with beautiful castles and cottages, will allow you to simply enjoy your surroundings without any hurry. A great place to explore on foot, you can spend an entire day here marveling at the antique stores or the gentle rivers flowing close by while being surrounded by the green countryside. Also, make sure that you follow the local tradition and enjoy a cup of afternoon tea before returning to Oxford.

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Small Group Tour of Cotswold Villages

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

9 reviews

11. Bath (from USD 80.0)

bath
Source: www.viator.com

A delightful place to visit in England, Bath is a must-see stop for all the Jane Austen fans, and history and architecture lovers. Bath is home to a lot of interesting attractions to explore, like the Roman baths, a tour of the Jane Austen Center, and a lot more. But apart from the attractions, there is a lot to see and experience in Bath in the outdoors as well. You can simply stroll around the streets and enjoy the architecture here or you can take a hot-air balloon ride over Bath for an unforgettable experience; you are sure to fall in love with Bath at the end of the trip.

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Oxford to Bath and Stonehenge Full-Day Trip with Admission

Duration: 1 day

15 reviews

12. Cambridge (from USD 47.0)

cambridge
Source: www.viator.com

Cambridge is another fun, short day trip to consider from Oxford that will leave you spellbound by the end of the day. Home to the most amazing university colleges in the world, Cambridge is a gorgeous city that is filled with majestic museums and beautiful sights. Here, you can enjoy a walk with a local to learn about the famous stories of this city and the importance of the different university colleges found here. Later, you can go punting on the River Cam and enjoy the scenery around you along with a few beautiful sights like the Mathematical Bridge, etc. Trust me, a day in Cambridge is a day well-spent, and you are going to love every moment of your stay here.

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Full-Day Cambridge and Cambridge University Tour from Oxford

Duration: 1 day

1 review

Enjoy these amazing day trips from Oxford

Excited to embark on the above-mentioned day trips from Oxford? With so many amazing historical sites, gorgeous countryside, and locations with relaxing beaches in the region, there are so many places to discover and so many ways to have fun. So, if only a day out in Oxford is what your time can afford, make sure to embark on these day trips for a memorable time.

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Oxford, England


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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