Best Things to See and Do in Oxford, England

This guide covers historic landmarks, fun attractions, and hidden gems in the “City of Dreaming Spires.” From punting on the River Cherwell to discovering Harry Potter filming locations, here are the best things to do in Oxford, including the must-see attractions, that can be enjoyed with or without kids.

About Oxford

Oxford, known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” is one of the most historic and picturesque destinations in England. Famous for its world-renowned university and stunning medieval architecture, Oxford offers a blend of history, academia, and modern attractions.

Located just an hour from London, Oxford is a perfect weekend getaway or day trip. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the University’s colleges, many of which date back hundreds of years.

Whether you’re visiting with family, as a couple, or exploring solo, Oxford is packed with hidden gems and must-see attractions. Plus, with its excellent transport links and proximity to the Cotswolds, it’s the ideal base for exploring both city and countryside.

If you’re planning on visiting Oxford or you’ve found yourself in the city, here are our top picks of things to do and places to see.

Visit Oxford University’s Most Famous Colleges

The University of Oxford is made up of 38 independent colleges, and their historic buildings can be found all over the city.  During our visit to Oxford, some of our favourites were:

Christ Church College 

Not only is it one of the oldest and largest of the colleges in Oxford, its the only college with its own cathedral plus it also served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. The Tudor Great Dining Hall here, served as the main inspiration for the great hall in Hogwarts and its staircase was used to film the famous entrance scene where Professor McGonagall meets Harry, Ron and Hermione

  • Address: Christ Church College St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP
  • Entry Cost: £20–£22 – Child (5 – 17 yrs) £17-£19 (varies by season)
  • Website: www.chch.ox.ac.uk

Magdalen College

This was my personal favourite, featuring a deer park, gardens and beautiful riverside walks.

  • Address: High Street, Oxford OX1 4AU
  • Entry Cost: £10 adults, £9 concessions, Children under 7 free
  • Website: www.magd.ox.ac.uk

New College

Known for its medieval cloisters, used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire..

  • Address: Holywell Street, Oxford OX1 3BN
  • Entry Cost: Adults £8; seniors, under 16s and full time students £7
  • Website: www.new.ox.ac.uk

Tip: Many of the colleges charge an entry fee; check online before visiting.

Take a Guided Tour of the Bodleian Library

One of the world’s oldest libraries, the Bodleian Library is a dream for book lovers.   This is a magnificent library and make sure to walk around the central quad.  Inside the library also contains the Gough Map which is a medieval map of Great Britain, dating back 800 years.

The guided tours here also give access to another Harry Potter filming location at the Duke Humfrey’s Library and the   gothic vaulted ceiling of the Divinity School was used as Hogwarts Infirmary in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone.

Radcliffe Camera

You can’t go to Oxford and not see one its most iconic landmarks, the Radcliffe Camera.  I can see why its one of the most photographed buildings in Oxford. It’s a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture, with a dome resembling a smaller version of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and its one of the oldest examples of a grand almost semi-spherical library in England, built in the 1700’s.  You can’t go inside unless you are on a library guided tour, and its recommended to book these well in advance as they sell out quickly.

Go Punting on the River Cherwell

There are only a few cities in the UK where you can do this and this is a classic Oxford experience.   The river is set in meadows, parks and woodland, so punting is a great way to enjoy the green spaces surrounding the city.

They are notoriously difficult to steer until you get the hang of using the long pole, but for the most relaxing way to glide along the river while enjoying scenic views is to take a chaffuered punt.

Alternatively just watch the tourists from Magdalen Bridge as they tentatively leave the safety of the boathouse, keep an eye out for the boats who feel they didn’t think they needed a chauffeur!

  • Address:  Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, High Street, Oxford OX1 4AU
  • Entry Cost: £32 per hour (self-hire), £50 for chauffeured punting
  • Website: www.oxfordpunting.co.uk

Explore the Ashmolean Museum

Oxford’s has so many world class museums, and the Ashmolean is one of these.  The Ashmolean Museum is one of the oldest public museums in the country, housing collections from all over the world including ancient documents to incredible artwork from Picasso, Michelangelo, Raphael and da Vinci.

Some of the other highlights will be its world famous artefacts from a sprawling collection of ancient statues to a fascinating section on Egyptian mummies which will be popular with kids.  There is so much to see and do here across its five floors you could spend a full day here and still not see everything.

Don’t miss the rooftop café, you have some of the best views of the Oxford from here.  The Ashmolean is free and tickets no longer need to be booked in advance.

  • Address:  Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH
  • Entry Cost: Free
  • Website: www.ashmolean.org

Climb a Tower

Carfax Tower – The Best City Views

At 74 feet high, Carfax Tower is the tallest building in central Oxford. Climbing the narrow 99 steps is worth the effort for panoramic views over the city’s spires and rooftops from this rooftop vantage point.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Another option for stunning views of Oxford is climbing the medieval tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. The 127-step climb rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Oxford’s spires, rooftops, and landmarks, including the Radcliffe Camera, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Bridge of Sighs.

The Varsity Club

For a more relaxed way to enjoy Oxford’s skyline, visit The Varsity Club, a rooftop bar offering 360-degree views of the city. This is a popular spot, so it can get busy, especially in the evenings.

Walk Under the Bridge of Sighs

A visit to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of its most iconic landmarks, the Bridge of Sighs. Officially called Hertford Bridge, this beautiful stone bridge connects two sections of Hertford College and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

The bridge earned its name due to the sighing students who pass through during exams. Marvel fans may also recognise it, as it appeared in X-Men: First Class.

After taking photos here, walk under the bridge and explore Oxford’s charming meandering streets, passing historic colleges and hidden alleyways—this city is truly one of a kind to explore!

Visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

This is a must-visit museum, and in my opinion, the best in Oxford for families. The Victorian Gothic architecture of the building is incredible, and the exhibits inside are even more impressive.

The museum is home to over 5 million specimens, featuring interactive displays and the famous Oxford dodo—the only surviving soft tissue remains of a dodo in the world.

For dinosaur fans, don’t miss the towering T-Rex skeleton. Outside of the Natural History Museum in London, no other museum in the UK comes close in terms of collection and atmosphere.

One of my favourite parts is the first-floor balcony in the main exhibition hall. From here, you can admire stunning neo-Gothic architecture and get a bird’s-eye view of the exhibits below. There’s also a lovely café where you can relax with a drink and cake.

Discover Oddities at the Pitt Rivers Museum

Hidden behind the Natural History Museum, the Pitt Rivers Museum is a treasure trove of quirky artefacts from around the world. In fact, it houses over half a million objects, all displayed in its signature darkened glass cases, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

Some of the most unusual exhibits include:

  • Ancient tribal masks
  • Magical artefacts
  • A gigantic totem pole from Graham Island, British Columbia, Canada

If you love mystery, history, or anthropology, this museum is a must-see.

  • Address: Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW (inside the Natural History Museum)
  • Entry Cost: Free
  • Website: www.prm.ox.ac.uk

Visit The Story Museum

The Story Museum is a unique, interactive attraction dedicated to storytelling in all forms—from comic books and novels to TV and film. It’s perfect for families with younger children.

There are two bookable experiences:

  • Small Worlds (recommended for ages 0-5)
  • The Galleries (recommended for ages 5+)

Inside, you can explore four themed areas:

  • The Portal
  • The Whispering Wood
  • The Enchanted Library
  • The Treasure Chamber

One of the highlights is actually walking through a wardrobe into Narnia! Kids can also create comics, enter the Hundred Acre Wood to watch Winnie the Pooh play Pooh Sticks, or visit Alice in Wonderland.

  • Address: 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP
  • Entry Cost: Prices vary depending on experiences booked

Alice’s Shop

If you are a fan of Alice in Wonderland which was written by Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll), a lecturer at Christ Church Oxford  then visit the Alice’s shop.  It’s a small 15th-century building and inside you can find a wide variety of Wonderland-themed items from umbrellas and plates to postcards and books.

  • Address: 83 St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1RA

Relax in the University Parks or Botanic Garden

Oxford’s Botanic Garden was the UK’s first botanic garden and contains over 5,000 plant species, making it one of the most diverse plant collections in the world. Located opposite Magdalen College and next to the River Cherwell, the entrance is through the impressive Danby Gateway. Once inside, don’t miss its walled gardens and heated glasshouses, which feature plants from tropical jungles, deserts, and alpine environments.

The green spaces of the University Parks are another great recommendation for a relaxing walk or to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

  • Address: Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4AZ
  • Entry Cost: £7.20 adults, free for children under 16 with an accompanying paying adult
  • Website: www.obga.ox.ac.uk

Shop & Eat at Oxford’s Covered Market

This historic market is housed in a beautiful Victorian building with an ornate roof and decorative features and has been here for almost 250 years. Inside, you’ll find 50 independent retailers, ranging from butchers and grocery stalls to unique shops selling clothing, jewellery, gifts, flowers, and more. One of our favourites was the Jellycat toy stall.

It’s also home to some great food and drink options, including Ben’s Cookies—one of our favourites and, in our opinion, home to some of the best cookies in the country!

Go Shopping at Westgate Oxford

If you enjoy a bit of retail therapy when visiting a city, Westgate Oxford is a must. It’s a stunning shopping destination and the largest shopping centre in Oxford, featuring over 100 stores and 20 restaurants and bars.

Westgate is also home to a Junkyard Golf Club, which is great fun for kids, as well as an escape room and a Curzon cinema. One of my favourite parts of Westgate was its rooftop terrace, packed with restaurants offering choices for all the family and boasting great views over Oxford’s rooftops.

Visit Oxford Castle and Prison

A 1,000-year-old castle with medieval crypts, prison cells, and ghost stories! Inside, you can join a costumed guided tour and climb Saxon St George’s Tower to enjoy 360° panoramic views of the city’s dreaming spires.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also book a ghost hunt at one of the UK’s most haunted buildings!

Browse Blackwell’s Bookshop

Oxford’s legendary bookstore on Broad Street has been here for over 140 years. This shop is a booklover’s dream, and it’s so big you can easily get lost among the aisles.

The Norrington Room in the basement houses over 160,000 books across nearly three miles of bookshelves and was, for many years, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest single room selling books. In addition to books, Blackwell’s also offers a huge selection of posters, music, and specialist rare books.

There is another Blackwell’s store in the new Westgate Shopping Centre, which is a lovely modern shop, but it’s the unique charm and history of the Broad Street store that makes it a must-visit.

  • Address: 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BQ

Have Afternoon Tea at England’s Oldest Coffee Shop

You can’t visit a quintessential English city like Oxford without enjoying some afternoon tea. One of the most popular spots in the city is The Grand Café on the High Street.

It’s the oldest coffee house in England, dating back to 1650, and offers everything from scones with jam and cream to a full afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes, and champagne.

See the Sheldonian Theatre

Built in the 1660s, the Sheldonian Theatre is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Oxford, known for its distinctive semi-circular design. It’s such a beautiful building that it has become a popular spot for photographers and Instagrammers.

You can book tickets for a tour, which offers a detailed look at the building’s architecture and stunning painted ceiling, as well as a walk through its fascinating history.

If you’ve already made it as far as Oxford, these recommendations just outside the city are also worth considering:

Shop at Bicester Village

Located just outside Oxford, Bicester Village is a must-visit for anyone who loves shopping at outlet prices. This open-air shopping destination features over 160 luxury brands, including:

  • High-end fashion: Gucci, Prada & Balenciaga
  • Sportswear: Nike, Adidas, Gymshark & Under Armour

Beyond shopping, Bicester Village is beautifully designed to resemble a quaint village, with tree-lined walkways, boutique storefronts, and plenty of seating areas. It also offers a great selection of restaurants and cafés—I highly recommend Cecconi’s for lunch. Other favourites of ours include Ladurée for French macarons and Ralph’s Coffee for a hot drink stop.

It’s around a 20-minute drive from central Oxford. We visited before heading into the city, and I’d recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, as it gets particularly busy on weekends and during holiday periods.

Explore the beautiful Blenheim Palace

Close to Oxford, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an incredible place to visit. It features stunning Baroque architecture and over 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland to explore—including the Harry Potter Tree, famous for its role in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007).

Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Highlights not to miss:

  • The Palace State Rooms, filled with priceless artwork, chandeliers, and tapestries
  • The formal gardens, featuring Italian-style terraces, a rose garden, and a stunning water terrace
  • For families, the maze, adventure playground, and land train are also worth checking out
  • Address: Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL
  • Entry Cost: £35 adults, £20 children
  • Website: www.blenheimpalace.com

Mini Plant Oxford Tour

This hidden gem offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour for motor enthusiasts and families with older children (10+).

At the MINI car factory in Oxford, you’ll see how these iconic cars are designed and built. The nearly two-hour guided tour takes you through the entire manufacturing process, with a fascinating glimpse into the future of electric vehicles.

Visit Burford – The Gateway to the Cotswolds

Just 30 minutes from Oxford, Burford is one of the most charming Cotswold villages and a must-visit. It’s best known for its honey-coloured stone cottages, independent shops, and picturesque high street, which is lined with antique shops, pubs, and cafés.

Close by is Burford Garden Centre, often referred to as the “Harrods of the Cotswolds”—definitely worth a visit!

If you have extra time, drive to the nearby Cotswold Wildlife Park, home to giraffes, lions, and penguins—making it a great stop for families.

  • Address: Burford, Oxfordshire OX18

Where to Stay in Oxford: Best Hotels for Every Budget

For a city as popular as Oxford, it’s surprising that there isn’t a huge choice of hotels—but these are some of our favourites.

  1. Old Bank Hotel

A stylish boutique hotel centrally located on Oxford’s famous High Street, Old Bank Hotel offers 43 luxury rooms with stunning views of the city’s world-famous landmarks. The rooms are beautifully designed, featuring handmade Epoc beds and Carrara marble-clad bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy Nespresso machines, sumptuous Wildsmith toiletries, and Egyptian cotton bedding.

  1. The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels

Oxford’s most famous five-star hotel, The Randolph, is a landmark building in a prime location opposite the Ashmolean Museum—perfect for exploring the city. This boutique hotel draws inspiration from Oxford University, with nods to college architecture and notable alumni.

If you have Hilton status or points, this is a great option to consider. Although the hotel is part of the Hilton family, it offers a unique boutique experience that feels more like an independent stay than a typical Hilton property.

Inside, you’ll find 151 elegant rooms (including 10 interconnecting rooms for families), a spa, and the Alice restaurant, known for its pink-tinged decor—a nod to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865). The hotel’s lobby bar might also be recognisable, as it was home to the famous Morse Bar, inspired by the Inspector Morse TV series.

  1. Malmaison Oxford

For a truly unique stay, how about sleeping in a former prison? Malmaison Oxford is set in a converted Victorian jail, offering quirky yet luxurious rooms—many of which are in original prison cells. The hotel is located in Oxford Castle Quarter, within walking distance of the city’s major attractions.

  1. Voco Oxford Spires

Located on the outskirts of Oxford, Voco Oxford Spires is a great choice if you’re arriving by car. This four-star riverside hotel offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and a spa—ideal for families or those looking for a peaceful retreat while staying close to the city.

  1. Holiday Inn Oxford

If you’re looking for a comfortable and budget-friendly stay, Holiday Inn Oxford is a solid option—especially if you’re travelling by car. It features modern rooms (I’d recommend booking their newer wing), free parking, and easy access to Oxford city centre via the Park & Ride service.

This hotel is also well-positioned for visiting Blenheim Palace and Bicester Village, both just a short drive away.

  1. The Store Oxford

One of the newest luxury hotels in Oxford, The Store Oxford is located on Broad Street in the historic Boswells department store building. This stylish hotel features 101 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a rooftop bar offering unparalleled views over Oxford’s iconic spires.

Rooms here are luxurious, inspired by the building’s former life as a department store, with plush velvet headboards, comfortable king-size beds, and elegant bathrooms.

Overall -: Why Oxford is the Perfect Destination for Families & Teens

Oxford is more than just a historic city with a university—it’s packed with fun activities for all ages. Whether you’re  climbing medieval towers,  exploring incredible museums, punting on the river or exploring Harry Potter locations there’s something for everyone.

I hope my post on the top things to do in Oxford will inspire you to book a trip there soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, attractions, prices and services. are subject to change.

Planning a visit to Oxford? Let us know your favourite spots in the comments!

 

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