Are you planning a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford? Perhaps you’re ready to start University. Or you like Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, and ghost stories. Or you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area. On this site, you can explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible city.
Must-See Oxford Attractions
Oxford Castle & Prison
Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996.
The Sheldonian Theatre
The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon.
Old library (Duke Humfrey’s)
Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, founded the Duke Humfrey’s Library in 1447 after donating 281 books to the library.
Christ Church College
Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.
Top Free Oxford Attractions
Curated by Yisela A.
Free Self-Guided Walking Tours
If you prefer to explore at your own pace and delve into the charm of Oxford independently, consider embarking on a free self-guided walking tour. I’ve created a few options based on places I enjoy visiting!
Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace
If you’re visiting Oxford just for the day, you might want to explore the city and its colleges and museums at your own pace. Here’s how.
Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Archaeology
The Ashmolean is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological museums. Plan your visit, what to see, best treasures, and when to go.
Oxford Free Self-Guided Museums Waking Tour (+ Map)
If you’re visiting Oxford just for the day, you might want to explore the city and its colleges and museums at your own pace. Here’s how.
Oxford Neighbourhoods Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map
If you’re moving to Oxford (or within it) and you’re feeling adventurous, here are some walking tours to get familiar with the neighbourhoods.
Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Explore at Your Own Pace
This Oxford City Centre walking tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights. An ideal self-guided tour if you’re in Oxford for just a few hours.
Other Tours and Experiences
If you enjoy a pre-planned wander, though, you will probably prefer some of these experiences offered by various reliable companies in Oxford. For instance:
Other experiences:
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Harry Potter in Oxford
If you love the Harry Potter books or movies, you’re probably well aware a lot of the latter were actually filmed in Oxford. And there’s little doubt Hogwarts takes enormous inspiration from the University, too. So, if you’re visiting and you like the series, you should definitely check these out:
All of Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations and How To Visit Them
A lot of Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Oxford. Explore the exact locations, what they were used for, and how to visit them.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ The Great Hall
A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s The Great Hall in Christ Church, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Hospital Wing
A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Hospital Wing or Infirmary, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Staircase
A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Staircase in Christ Church, Oxford. Tickets, opening times, and all the must-see details.
Oxford Ghost Stories
Latest Stories & Articles About Oxford
We LOVE Oxford and everything it has to offer. People come to the city for different reasons, though, so we’ve created a few guides that can give you ideas to plan your visit. For example, you can explore Oxford Harry Potter filming locations or places that are ideal for a date. Or you can do a deep dive into the University and its traditions – some of which will probably surprise you (turtle racing? Yep. That’s a thing!). Take a look at some of our articles below.
Oxford’s Top 5 Modern Buildings for Architecture Enthusiasts
Oxford is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, but it also boasts several modern buildings that are worth seeing.
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Blenheim Palace From Oxford
Located just a short distance from Oxford, Blenheim Palace stands as one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. Here’s how to visit!
In the Footsteps of Genius: Oscar Wilde’s Oxford Journey
The celebrated playwright, poet, and novelist attended Oxford University. Explore the historic sites that shaped Wilde’s academic years.
Free Self-Guided Tour: Tolkien’s Oxford
Explore Oxford as J.R.R Tolkien did and discover all the places that inspired him to write The Lord of Rings and The Hobbit.
Things to Do this 2024 Easter in Oxford
Looking for activities and events for Easter 2024 in Oxford and the surrounding area? Here’s an overview of everything available.
The Inklings: Celebrating Oxford’s Fantasy Literature Trailblazers
From J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis, explore the rich literary legacy of Oxford’s famed Inklings group in this detailed article.
The University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the leading academic institutions in the world – and the home of many unique traditions. If you want to learn more about the University, its different colleges, fun facts, ceremonies, terms, and much more – follow the links below!
Oxford Quadrangles: What Are They and Why Are So Popular in Colleges?
Most Oxford University Colleges are built around one or more quadrangles. But what are they, exactly? And how did they become so popular?
What is the Oxford University Tortoise Race and Fair?
The Tortoise Race is the chance for Oxford University Colleges pets to prove their mettle against rival schools. Facts, history, how to see one.
What is it Like to Study at Oxford University (and Live in Oxford)?
Living and studying in Oxford is quite the experience. The city has a vibrant social life and endless activities and things to explore. Take a look!
J. R. R. Tolkien at Oxford – Hobbits, the Inklings, and the University
Tolkien, creator of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, taught English Language at Merton College in Oxford.
How Do You Get Into Oxford University? Is It Hard? What Grades Do You Need?
A detailed guide to help you get into Oxford. The grades you need, how hard it really is, and everything you need to apply to the University.
Oxford University Formal and Informal Halls. What and When Do They Take Place
Traditional collegiate colleges like Oxford and Cambridge hold formal and informal dinners many times a year. Learn more about this tradition.
Oxford Colleges
The University of Oxford has 39 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and six permanent private halls. Some of them include:
St Hugh’s College
One of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, St Hugh’s College is situated on St Margaret’s Road, north of the city centre.
Worcester College
A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Worcester College was founded in 1714 by Sir Thomas Cookes.
Nuffield College
Nuffield College is an English graduate college that specializes in the social sciences, especially economics, politics, and sociology.
Hertford College
Hertford College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England located on Catte Street in the centre of Oxford.
Wadham College
Wadham College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. It is located in the centre of Oxford.
Bored and looking for something to do in Oxford? These are some of our suggestions and ideas for unique activities you can try:
Antiques on High
Antiques on High is an antiques and art shop from Oxford founded in 1997 and open seven days a week. It has won several awards.
The Torpids Rowing Races
The Torpids is a series of bumping races held at Oxford University yearly. There are six men’s and five women’s divisions.
The Turl Street Mitre Hotel
The Turl Street Mitre Hotel offers both 17th-century charm and modern comfort for those visiting Oxford.
Junk Yard Golf Club Oxford
Junk Yard Golf Club has three mashed-up golf courses in their awesome Oxford venue.
The King’s Arms
The King’s Arms is one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. It first opened its doors in 1607!