The best things to do in Oxford take advantage of the friendly and lively atmosphere which pervades every nook and alley of the pedestrianised city centre. Oxford is among England’s most famous cities, with its ancient university, beautiful buildings and iconic 'Dreaming Spires'. The parks and surrounding countryside have inspired many great writers, not least of which is Lewis Carroll, creator of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Exploring the historical wonderland of Oxford is extremely easy as it's quite a compact, cycle-friendly place. Even in a relatively small space, there's a lot to see and do, from punting along the winding waterways to shopping in centuries-old markets. It’s a place of immense history and culture, all waiting to be discovered.

What are the best things to do in Oxford?

  • 1

    University of Oxford

    A collection of iconic and historic buildings

    University of Oxford
    • History
    • Photo

    One of the world’s oldest universities, the University of Oxford dominates about a quarter of the city. It’s made up of 38 colleges, attended by over 22,000 students. Many of the grand old buildings are attractions in their own right and give Oxford its nickname of 'the City of Dreaming Spires'. Standouts among the many include the Sheldonian Theatre and the Radcliffe Camera. Don’t forget to take a walk around the university’s botanic gardens and, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, be sure to visit the Bodleian Library, which starred in 3 of the films.

    Stay near the University of Oxford if this sounds like something you'd like to do during your visit.

    Location: Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD

    Phone: +44 (0)1865 270000

    Map
  • 2

    Punt along the River Cherwell

    Especially romantic at sunset

    Punt along the River Cherwell
    • Couples

    There is perhaps no more iconic sight in Oxford than a punt. It’s a flat-bottomed boat which is propelled with a long pole, and often painted in vibrant colours. You can find them available for rent by the Magdalen Bridge, at the eastern end of High Street, or from the Cherwell Boathouse. You can either hire a punter to do the hard work for you, or get a quick crash course and try it yourself.

    Head out onto the River Cherwell and you’ll get some unique views of many of the university buildings and grounds, as well as several of the city’s beautiful meadows and parks.

    Location: Magdalen Bridge, Oxford OX1 4AU, UK

  • 3

    Oxford Castle and Prison

    From the Saxon tower to the 900-year-old crypt

    Oxford Castle and Prison
    • History

    Oxford Castle has had a very lively history and parts of it are still in use today, though most were ruined by the English Civil War. St George’s Tower stands firm as one of the oldest structures in the city and still provides excellent views across the city centre. The crypt is a similar age and has a ghostly beauty to it.

    Several parts of the castle were formerly a prison, but have been redeveloped as a hotel. The whole area is something of a hodgepodge of English history and a guided tour of some of the remarkable events of the last 1,000 years is highly recommended.

    Location: Oxford Castle & Prison, 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0) 186 526 0663

    Map
  • 4

    Gloucester Green Town Square

    Central city hub known for its lively markets

    Gloucester Green Town Square
    • Shoppers

    Conveniently close to the long-distance bus station, Gloucester Green Town Square is a good introduction to Oxford’s famously pedestrian-friendly city centre. The tree-lined paved area is surrounded by an interesting selection of attractions, including a few of cafés, pubs and restaurants, an old fire station turned cultural centre and a cinema.

    Come on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday for the Gloucester Green market. It’s a traditional British market selling fresh produce and flowers, but what really makes it stand out is the vibrant artisan stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques and handmade jewellery, amongst many other treasures. Don’t miss the delicious street food stands, with a rotating selection of cuisines from around the world.

    Location: Gloucester Green, Oxford OX1 2DF, UK

    Map

    photo by Adam Hopkinson (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Ashmolean Museum

    Half a million years of art and archaeology

    Ashmolean Museum
    • Budget
    • History

    The Ashmolean Museum is among the oldest museums in the world, having first opened its doors around 1682. It started when antiques collector Elias Ashmole gave his collection to the University of Oxford, and it snowballed into multiple galleries and departments. The Ashmolean Museum is free and covers quite an eclectic range of subjects, including antiquities from across ancient Europe, Africa and the Near East, as well as classical artworks from around the globe and an impressive coin collection.

    You can stay closeby to the Ashmolean Museum, which is also minutes away from Oxford Station.

    Location: Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1865 278000

    Map

    photo by Remi Mathis (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 6

    Port Meadow

    Glorious countryside within a short walk of the city centre

    Port Meadow
    • Couples
    • Families

    Port Meadow is a 74-acre piece of wild English countryside barely outside Oxford city centre. Expect to see wild horses, a wide array of birds and plenty of locals enjoying a picnic there on a sunny day. It’s a great place to slow down and relax.

    If you haven’t already stocked up on picnic snacks at The Covered Market, you can pick your own fruits at Medley Manor Farm during the summer months. Alternately, take your pick of the cosy country pubs that surround the park.

    Location: Walton Well Road, Oxford OX2 6ED, UK

    Map
  • 7

    New Theatre Oxford

    Big-name performances in an Oxford institution

    New Theatre Oxford
    • Nightlife

    As you might expect of a town with centuries of culture behind it, Oxford has quite a busy theatre scene. Some venues specialise in contemporary drama and even student shows, for those seeking something a little different. However, the New Theatre is the main attraction.

    Formerly the Oxford Apollo, it has a packed schedule of major productions throughout the year, including drama, comedy, ballet, opera and concerts. Buying a ticket is money well spent for a splendid evening. Many popular hotels are situated near the New Theatre Oxford, too.

    Location: 24–26 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AG, UK

    Open: Show times vary

    Phone: +44 (0)844 871 3020

    Map

    photo by Paul Gillett (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Oxford's pub scene

    Literary haunts and yards of ale

    Oxford's pub scene
    • History
    • Nightlife

    Oxford has quite a mixed pub scene, with landlords and owners often clearly distinguishing between 'town and gown': catering either to locals or students, but rarely both. However, there are some standout venues, chief among them being rather oddly named Eagle and Child. It was said to be a favorite boozer of literary giants CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.

    If you’re looking for a wilder time, The Turf Tavern is said to be where former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke downed a yard of ale in a record-breaking 11 seconds, and where former US President Bill Clinton is said to have smoked marijuana, but “did not inhale”.

    photo by manray3 (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 9

    The Covered Market Oxford

    Home to delicious Oxford sausages

    The Covered Market Oxford
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    The Covered Market has been right at the heart of Oxford’s shopping scene since 1774, and is located between High Street, Market Street and Cornmarket Street, each also renowned for their shops. Nowadays, the grand, old structure houses over 40 stalls. It’s a great place to find gifts, souvenirs, fashion and food.

    Look out for local butchers selling Oxford sausages with their distinctive spicy kick. The market’s narrow halls get particularly packed on Saturday afternoons, so go early or pick another day for a more enjoyable experience.

    Location: Market Street, Oxford OX1 3DZ, UK

    Open: Monday–Wednesday from 8 am to 5.30 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)186 525 0133

    Map

    photo by Charlie (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 10

    Oxford University Museum of Natural History

    For dinosaurs, gemstones and more

    Oxford University Museum of Natural History
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    With spectacular Neo-Gothic architecture, featuring high arched ceilings and intricate carved stone, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is an impressive, free museum with a rich history.

    As a former scientific centre for the university, the building held many key debates on evolution, and its exhibits are now dedicated to the natural world, from dinosaur bones to gemstones. They even have some exhibits that say 'please touch' to encourage interactive experiences. Stroke a bear or an otter, or run your fingers down the grooves of a mammoth’s tooth.

    Location: Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1865 272950

    Map
Ben Reeves | Compulsive Traveller