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.
Visiting The Uffington White Horse from Oxford – Full Guide
If you’re visiting Oxford and like history, you should definitely consider visiting this 3,000-year-old white horse hill figure in Uffington!
Are Oxford Students Allowed To Work? Guidelines & Restrictions
Oxford students are generally allowed to work, but there are some restrictions and guidelines they must follow. Here’s what they say.
All of Oxford’s Michelin Star Guide Restaurants (Ranked!)
Oxford boasts several restaurants recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, offering a diverse array of cuisines and fine ingredients.
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.
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 Cross College
The College of St Cross is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1965, it is an all-graduate college.
Wolfson College
Wolfson College is an all-graduate college affiliated with the University of Oxford in England, located near the River Cherwell.
Exeter College
A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.
St Edmund Hall
St Edmund Hall (or Teddy Hall) is a constituent college of the University of Oxford and claims to be “the oldest surviving academic society”.
Trinity College
Trinity College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope.
Bored and looking for something to do in Oxford? These are some of our suggestions and ideas for unique activities you can try:
The Randolph Hotel
The Randolph Hotel, situated in the heart of Oxford, stands as a distinguished landmark of the city, attracting guests from around the world.
The Lamb & Flag
The Lamb & Flag is a bit of an Oxford oddity; it’s owned by a college! Its profits actually help with scholarships.
The Shop of Secrets
The Shop of Secrets is Oxford’s chamber of Harry Potter collectibles and merch. A shopping must-to in the city, this is why you should visit.
The Oxford Old Bank Hotel
The Oxford Old Bank Hotel is a five-star hotel built on a Georgian site and located within minutes of the main Oxford attractions.
Junk Yard Golf Club Oxford
Junk Yard Golf Club has three mashed-up golf courses in their awesome Oxford venue.