Oxfordshire is a breathtakingly beautiful tourist county situated in England. It is known for its historic cities, natural beauty, and rich culture. Picturesque towns, lush meadows, and parks dot Oxfordshire. Some notable attractions include the stunning towns of Burford and Witney, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, and Henley-on-Thames. The county’s most famous city Oxford houses the world-renowned University of Oxford. In addition, Oxford also houses other historic university buildings such as Bodleian Library and Clarendon Building. Museums such as Museum of Oxford, Pitt Rivers Museum, and Museum of Natural History boast impressive artifacts. This attracts numerous history buffs from all around the globe. So, go ahead and plan a visit to this exciting county. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Oxfordshire, UK.
1. Spend a magical day in the rolling hills of Cotswold (from USD 109.0)
Cotswolds is an expansive area comprising various historic sites, especially the Cotswolds hills. A designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), it is among the most extensive protected landscapes in the UK. The area’s numerous attractions, beech woodlands, cottages, ancient buildings, and dry stone walls promise a unique experience.
Other notable attractions and areas in and around the region include Castle Combe, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Blenheim Palace, and Rollright Stones Monuments.
Baking Scones at Airbnb in the Cotswolds
Duration: 2.5 hours
2. Experience stand-up paddle boarding river tour in Oxford (from USD 55.0)
Stand-up paddleboarding is ideal for those seeking a unique way to explore the historic city of Oxford. The activity requires boarders to stand on floating boards and use a paddle to move through the water. This popular outdoor sport derived from surfing is quite safe and stable. There exist numerous clubs that specialize in providing basic training for the sport. So, go ahead and experience this unique activity by opting for a stand-up paddleboarding river tour on River Thames.
Oxford StandUp Paddle Board Tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
3. Witness the baroque architecture of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock
Blenheim Palace, named after the Battle of Blenheim, is a UNESCO world heritage site. Situated in Woodstock, this palace is popular for its intricate design and rare English Baroque architecture.
An ideal spot for history buffs, the palace is also popular for being the ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Different exhibitions inside the palace throw rich insight into what the palace life might have been in all its glory.
Blenheim Palace
Address: Woodstock OX20 1PP, United Kingdom
Website: Blenheim Palace
Opening hours: 10:30am - 4:45pm (daily)
Price: 42.28 USD (35 GBP)
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4. Visit Oxford Artisan Distillery and enjoy tasting craft drinks (from USD 28.0)
Oxford Artisan Distillery is Oxford’s earliest distillery. A delight for spirit connoisseurs, the distillery offers tours to experience the creation and curation of quality spirits. The tours enable patrons to view how ingredients are selected and how vodka, gin, rye whiskey, and absinthe are made.
The distillery, which uses sustainably grown ancient heritage grain, holds the distinction of being a certified organic distillery in the UK.
The Oxford Artisan Distillery Tour
Duration: 1 hour
5. Cruise along River Thames and enjoy a delightful dinner (from USD 101.0)
River Thames is among the longest rivers in England. It flows through counties such as London, Kent, Essex, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Kent, etc. Passing through UK’s most picturesque regions, Thames provides an excellent way to view the breathtaking sights. No wonder Thames river tours and related attractions find top mentions in the must-do lists of tourists.
Visitors can opt for a wide array of tours such as round-trip tours or special event tours that include afternoon teas, lunches, etc.
Oxford Small-Group River Cruise and 3-Course Dinner
Duration: 2 hours
6. Discover the magic of Oxford in a Harry Potter tour (from USD 50.13)
An absolute delight for Potterheads, Harry Potter tours in Oxford allows one to relive the magic of the Hogwarts world. The university city of Oxford served as a spot for numerous scenes in Harry Potter movies.
Some notable ones include Bodleian Library which served as Hogwarts infirmary and Christ Church College, the stairways, and hallways which were used for some important scenes. Other important locations include New College Cloisters, Duke Humfrey’s Library, a part of Bodleian Library, and New College Courtyard.
Oxford: Harry Potter Tour with Divinity School Entry
Duration: 105.0 minute
7. Learn the art of making authentic sourdough in Henley-on-Thames (from USD 120.0)
Henley-on-Thames is a beautiful town located on the banks of River Thames. It is widely popular for Royal Regatta, which is an exciting rowing competition dating back to the 1800s. The town’s River & Rowing Museum is ideal for learning the history of the sport. Its beautiful settings, historic attractions, and proximity to many tourist towns and villages make it popular among visitors. Besides, the town also offers unique experiences.
One such experience is the art of making authentic sourdough. This slow-fermented bread is immensely popular in this region. Several bakeries or even individual hosts allow one to experience and learn firsthand the art of making this bread.
Enjoy baking delicious sourdough
Duration: 4.5 hours
8. Refresh yourself with tea at Broughton Castle in Banbury
The town of Banbury houses the famous Broughton Castle. it is a historic manor house sitting on an artificial island. Built in the year 1300, this castle has survived the vagaries of time and stands well preserved. Besides the elegant interiors of the manor house, the gardens surrounding the palace are delightful as well.
Just opposite the castle’s main entrance, there is a cozy tearoom. Guests can have a relaxing time savoring the tea, coffee, cakes, and pastries in the spacious tearoom or the lush gardens outside.
Broughton Castle
Address: Broughton Castle, Banbury OX15 5EB, United Kingdom
Website: Broughton Castle
Price: 8.47 USD (7 GBR)
9. Meet the crocodiles at Crocodiles of the World in Brize Norton
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Crocodiles of the World is the only crocodile zoo in the UK. It houses an impressively wide range of crocodile species. The zoo, situated in Brize Norton, a village in West Oxfordshire, also boasts other reptilian species. These include monitors, snakes, lizards and turtles. The zoo also houses mammalian species such as meerkats, otters, and tamarins.
Birds along with crocodilians are the only animal species alive of the group that included dinosaurs. No wonder the crocodile zoo is home to bird species as well. Currently, it houses kookaburras, Bengal eagle owls, and blue and gold macaws. Head over to this zoo for an exciting time viewing the diverse exhibits.
Crocodiles of the World
Address: Burford Road, Brize Norton Oxfordshire, OX18 3NX United Kingdom
Website: Crocodiles of the World
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12.71 USD (10.50 GBP)
10. Select some memorabilia at Alice's Shop
This iconic shop frequented by Alice Liddel, the real-life inspiration behind Alice, of Alice in Wonderland, is tucked neatly in a stone house built in the 15th century. Situated near the childhood home of Alice, the shop features heavily in Lewis Carrol’s novel, Alice Through the Looking- Glass, a sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Over time, this shop, originally a Victorian grocery and sweetshop fully embraced its heritage by transforming into a complete Alice memorabilia shop. It houses unique Alice-themed gifts, souvenirs, and accessories.
Alice's Shop
Address: 83 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1RA, United Kingdom
Website: Alice’s Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Have a unique experience at this historic county
Oxfordshire offers numerous attractions for all kinds of tourists. It boasts breathtaking surroundings, natural beauty, iconic towns, and unique experiences. While planning your vacation, do not forget to have a look at the above list of the best Oxfordshire has to offer.
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