A charming city in central southern England, founded in the 12th century, Oxford is known for its prestigious university, the Carfax Tower, and the Church of St Mary the Virgin. Unlike its rival city, Cambridge, with its sprawling parks, Oxford has majestic spires and picturesque cobblestone streets that are unparalleled in the world. But apart from all those attractions, the city has a very interesting history, a thriving art scene, and vibrant dining options that all you need to do is explore. In case you need more ideas on what attractions to see and activities to indulge in, read our list of the best things to do in Oxford, England.
1. Learn about the city's famous authors via a waking tour (from USD 36.0)
A destination for any interest, Oxford is brimming with a storied past waiting to be heard. Bookworms who are fans of two of the city’s famous authors, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, can jump at the chance to have a first-hand experience in their icon’s footsteps in Oxford through a walking tour. You’ll learn about the authors’ biographies by visiting significant sites that have become integral to their lives and works.
The guided walking tour includes visiting Exeter College, where Tolkien studied, University Church, where Lewis preached, Eagle & Child Pub, where the two had their weekly meetings as part of The Inklings, and more.
Oxford Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
2. Play a city detective through treasure hunting (from USD 30.0)
Play detective in an exciting and flexible treasure-hunting pursuit to make your Oxford excursion with your friends more thrilling. Nothing like exploring the city while engaging in a fun group activity. You’ll be navigating your way into the urban jungle by following a treasure map and solving mysterious clues along the way. The self-guided tour will be an entirely outdoor activity to escape the usual crowds and discover little-known details about Oxford.
This activity is also a great way to tick top attractions off your list of places to visit without having to keep up with fellow tourists and a fixed schedule.
Oxford Private Self-Guided Treasure Hunt
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Set sail on University Regatta Course with a river cruise (from USD 63.0)
If you’d like to reward your legs with a much-deserved rest from all the walking, why not set sail on a boat and glide down the tree-swept streams of Oxford? This activity could be the perfect sightseeing leisure for those looking to discover the city from a unique perspective. The river cruise takes about 90 minutes and will take the scenic route along the University Regatta Course, featuring remarkable views of Christ Church Meadows, Iffley Lock, and University Boat Houses. Live commentary on board will keep you engrossed in the scenery.
Not only will your sight feast during the cruise but also your palate. Decadent afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, cakes, and cream scones is served in transit to enhance the experience.
Oxford Small-Group Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
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4. Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide (from USD 32.0)
Embark on an adventure by taking this personalized tour of the world’s most famous university in the UK. You’ll walk along with a student of Oxford University as they tell you about the history and traditions of this educational giant. Make your way through 11 different stops on this tour and be enchanted by the architectural designs of these historical landmarks.
Meet your guide on 16 Broad St, and move towards one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, the Merton College. Be mesmerized by the huge shelves and vast collection of books at Bodleian Library and admire the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin.
Your next stops will take you through All Souls College, Hertford College, Oriel College, Radcliffe Camera, and Exeter College, showcasing the finest architectural designs. Lastly, explore the city in a fun way with Footprints Tours Oxford before ending this journey at The Divinity School.
Oxford University Walking Tour with Bodleian Library and Entry
Duration: 2 hours
5. Discover different species of plants at the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum
Established in the early 17th century, Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum is the oldest garden in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the world’s oldest scientific gardens. It features over 6,000 species of plants, which you’ll find in its many gardens and glasshouses and the Herbarium room, where you can learn more details about them. Apart from the plants, the garden also offers workshops and tours, which will delight nature lovers. Additionally, it has a lot to offer for the whole family, such as kids’ activities, picnicking, and a pop-up cafe once in a while.
Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum
Address: Rose Ln, Oxford OX1 4AZ, United Kingdom
Website: Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 7.09 USD (5.45 GBP)
6. See drawings of Raphael at the Ashmolean Museum
The oldest museum in Great Britain and the oldest university museum in the world, Ashmolean Museum, was founded in 1683. It has tons of exhibits and artworks, which any art fanatic will surely love. A few of the highlights of the museum include the drawings of Raphael and the collections of Anglo-Saxon artifacts. Also, you’ll find here the largest exhibit of Chinese artworks in the west and new galleries with displays focusing on Egypt and Nubia. There’s more to this museum than mentioned above, so make sure you visit the museum before leaving the city.
Ashmolean Museum
Address: Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, United Kingdom
Website: Ashmolean Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
7. Cross the Bridge of Sighs at night
Hertford Bridge, or more popularly known as the “Bridge of Sigh,” for its resemblance to the famous Bridge of Sigh in Venice, is a must-visit attraction in the city center of Oxford. It is a covered Skyway that links the old and new quadrangles of Hertford College and also the most photograph part of the school, with the Sheldonian Theater as its stunning backdrop. Another great thing about the attraction is you can come anytime and as many times as you want for you to see it in a different look. For a more romantic vibe, you can try to cross it in the evening, when it is attractively lit up.
Bridge of Sighs
Address: Catte St, Oxford OX1 3BW, United Kingdom
8. Be in awe of the beauty of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin
One of the most important buildings in Oxford, which dates back to the 11th century, University Church of St Mary the Virgin is a majestic religious attraction that will keep your mouth open because of its beauty. It features a unique baroque style porch, created by Nicholas Stone, and spire that is said to be the most beautiful in England. The parish of the St. Mary the Virgin is mostly composed of university and college buildings. Apart from its dreamy appearance, you should also drop by the church to hear the mass, listen to the lovely choir, and pray.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Address: The, High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ, United Kingdom
9. Go shopping at the Covered Market Oxford
A hidden gem in central Oxford, Covered Market Oxford is a large historical market, opened in 1774. It features permanent shops and stalls selling a variety of wares, ranging from local produce to crafts and arts, and specialty items. If you’re hunting for souvenirs, or are hungry and want to dine in some quirky cafe or bar, then you must visit this place. One of the must-visit shops here, especially if you’re famished and on a budget, is the Alpha Bar. They sell gourmet sandwiches and salads and other seasonal dishes at an affordable price. Another shop you must not ignore is the Hat Box, which specializes in hat-making, wherein they can also do personal designs just for you. Other vendors include Oxford Cheese Company, Moo-Moo’s, Ben Cookies, and a lot more.
The Covered Market Oxford
Address: Market St, Oxford OX1 3DZ, United Kingdom
Website: The Covered Market Oxford
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5:30pm; Sat: 8am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
10. View the Oxford Dodo at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History was constructed between 1855-1860 to be the venue where the university’s growing number of natural history specimens will be displayed. One of the famous exhibits here is the Oxford Dodo, which is the only surviving dodo remains in the world. Also, the museum has been a witness to many historical events and scientific accomplishments like the first public demonstration of telegraphy. Apart from the collection of specimens, the building itself, with its cathedral-like structure that features a stained glass ceiling, is an attraction worth visiting.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Address: Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW, United Kingdom
Website: Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
11. Visit the Tom Tower
An iconic structure in Oxford, Tom Tower, is located at the main entrance of Christ Church. It is a bell tower that is named after the Great Tom, which is the name of its bell. The square tower features an octagonal lantern and a faceted ogee dome, designed by Christopher Wren, and built between 1681-82. Make sure to visit the building and see with your own eyes its Gothic revival style and the inspiration for the design of the Clock Tower at the University of Auckland.
Tom Tower
Address: A420, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom
Website: Tom Tower
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm
Price: 19.52 USD (15 GBP)
12. See the controversial Headington Shark
A very interesting and quite peculiar sculpture in Oxford, the Headington Shark is a 26 ft (7.92 m) fiberglass sculpture of a shark planted face-first on a roof of a house. Bill Heine, the house owner, together with John Buckley, the sculptor, erected the sculpture in the night with a crane. The said statue is said to be some kind of protest against the use of nuclear bombs and to honor what happened to Nagasaki and Chernobyl. But according to some neighbors, it is just an antenna in disguise because the local government won’t allow Heine to put his antenna on the roof. Nonetheless, it became so popular that it has been a must-visit attraction in Oxford since then. Also, the house is up for rent in Airbnb.
The Headington Shark
Address: 2 New High St, Oxford OX3 7AQ, United Kingdom
Website: The Headington Shark
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Climb the Carfax Tower
Are you afraid of heights? If no, you’ll surely be delighted with what you’ll see atop the Carfax Tower. It is the only remaining structure of St. Martin Church, which was the official church of Oxford until 1122. The church was demolished to ease the traffic in the area. The tower has a height of 74 ft (22.55 m), and no structure can be built in central Oxford taller than it. Another great thing about this tower is you can climb its 99 steps and from the top, see the spectacular view of the city.
Carfax Tower
Address: Queen St, Oxford OX1 1ET, United KingdomDummy address
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 3.90 USD (3 GBP)
14. Learn about the story of the Oxford Castle (from USD 25.26)
A ruined Norman medieval castle in central Oxford, Oxford Castle, is one of the most visited attractions in the city. It was built in 1071 and from then on served as different things, such as a county jail, a religious site, and home of the royals at one time, until it closed in 1992. You’ll learn more about the castle as you explore its other areas, including the Saxon St. George’s Tower, Victorian Prison D-Wing, and Debtors’ Tower, among others. After all the walking and exploring, you’ll surely need to sit and replenish lost energy, so make sure to drop by the Castleyard Cafe and order one of the crowd’s favorites made from locally sourced ingredients.
Oxford Castle and Prison: Guided Tour
Duration: 1.0 hour
15. Pedal your way around Oxford's iconic landmarks (from USD 44.0)
There are tons of iconic landmarks to visit in Oxford that only a short trip can provide. But if an afternoon is all you got to explore, don’t fret. One superb way to get in-depth with Oxford in less time is to take a biking tour. Lucky for you, there is this small-group cycling tour that takes you around the city’s best-known sites in a span of two to three hours.
Bicycles and tour guides already come with the rates, so all you have to do is pedal your way around town. During this short expedition, you can expect to see the historic Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, and Sheldonian Theatre. Moreover, Lady Margaret Hall, Port Meadow, and Thames River are also part of the itinerary.
2-3 Hour Cycle Tour of Oxford
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore Oxford
Oxford is a known university city, where the first things that come to mind are students in libraries stressing about their upcoming exams. But, the city is more than the university. To know more about it, you should check out our list of the best things to do in Oxford, England, and have an amazing holiday ahead.
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