Things to do in Oxford

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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.

Oxford Attractions

If you're after things to do in Oxford, prepare to be busy. This buzzing city knows how to have a good time. No matter what you're into, you'll be impressed by the wide variety of attractions to dive into here. Keep reading to learn about the best of them.

If you're ready to discover the best of Oxford, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly local show you the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top { fun activities in Oxford fun activities in Oxford} are also worth browsing through.

Things to do

Oxford: City and University Tour, including college entry

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry

$38
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

$35
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

$37
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

$22
per adult
Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
Luggage Storage in Oxford

Luggage Storage in Oxford

$10
per adult
Luggage Storage in Oxford
Picture 1 for Activity Oxford: Private Punting Tour on the River Cherwell

Oxford University: Punting Tour on River Cherwell

$68
per traveler
Oxford University: Punting Tour on River Cherwell
Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond

Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond

$129
per adult
Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond
Oxford: MINI Factory Tour – Go Behind the Scenes

Oxford: MINI Factory Tour – Go Behind the Scenes

$50
per adult
Oxford: MINI Factory Tour – Go Behind the Scenes
Harry Potter Oxford Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits

Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (Oxford)

$33
per adult
Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (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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A classical building with columns and a statue on top.

4. 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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An ornate stone archway with intricate carvings and a coat of arms above it.

5. 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.

Recommended things to do in Oxford

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Oxford

Free Things to Do in Oxford

Vacationing in Oxford on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

Museum of Oxford - Filled with intriguing objects and exhibits, this gallery is a wonderland for knowledge-hungry minds.

Headington Shark - Feed your passion for arts and culture here and see talent and creativity at work.

Shotover Country Park - Loads of fun and action is in store for you at this unmissable attraction.

St Cross College - Architecture lovers will certainly enjoy marveling at the modern design of this landmark.

Jesus College - Detour to this historic landmark and learn a bit about the region's cultural heritage.

Iffley Village - This is a lively location where you can absorb the ambiance and learn more about the local way of life.

Covered Market - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a great place to start.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin - Gain a deeper understanding of the local beliefs at this place of worship.

Christ Church Meadows - Prepare a picnic and enjoy a relaxing stroll around the interesting plants.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Oxford? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Oxford attractions

A historic building with a clock tower and a well-maintained lawn.

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
A historic building with a pointed tower and arched windows.

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 Ashmolean Museum and New Theatre Oxford.

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.

 

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.

 

 

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 red brick building with a clock tower, arched windows, and hanging flower baskets.

Thame

A sunset over a calm lake with reflections, surrounded by trees and a church tower.

Wallingford

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 rural road with a narrow drainage ditch beside it.

Horton-Cum-Studley

A snow-covered boat docked by a snowy riverbank.

Kidlington

Frequently asked questions

Is Oxford worth visiting?
Providing a mix of bars and pubs and distilleries and craft breweries, there's no shortage of things to do in Oxford. While you're here, check out Ashmolean Museum, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Oxford?
Ashmolean Museum and Waterperry Gardens are two great places to kick-start your adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Oxford while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oxford?
Don't go home without exploring Ashmolean Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Oxford.
Is three days enough to stay in Oxford?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Ashmolean Museum, Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral with a three-day break in Oxford. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Reading.
Is Oxford a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Oxford. Several top attractions, such as Ashmolean Museum and Sheldonian Theatre, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Oxford's best neighborhoods, Oxford City Centre is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Sandford-on-Thames is 3 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Oxford with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Oxford with kids.
What to do in Oxford for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Oxford, with entertainment 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 top ways to learn about free things to do in Oxford is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Ashmolean Museum is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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