Are you planning a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford? Perhaps you’re ready to start University. Or you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area. Explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible city. We have divided all of Oxford’s attractions into four main categories: Visiting (with ideas for things to do and see), History (from medieval times to the present), Oxford University (its colleges, libraries and museums), and Gift Ideas (where you will find posters, merch and books about Oxford). You can use these buttons to get started:
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.
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 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 For Introverts: Quietest Places To Relax or Study
Oxford can feel like the busiest place on earth, sometimes. So, here are some of my favourite quiet secret corners to relax or study.
Oxford Park & Ride: A Comprehensive Guide For Visitors
Oxford’s Park & Ride system is a convenient and efficient way to visit the charming university town. But is it free? Here’s how it works.
A Discovery of Witches in Oxford: The Complete Guide for Visitors
Discover all the Oxford places mentioned in the Discovery of Witches books, as well as filming locations used for the hit TV series.
Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Alice in Wonderland
The Ashmolean is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological museums. Plan your visit, what to see, best treasures, and when to go.
Lewis Carroll’s Oxford: A Thorough Guide to Alice In Wonderland
The ultimate guide about Alice in Wonderland locations at Oxford, including Lewis Carroll’s favourite spots and the places that inspired him.
Famous Oxford Landmarks
& What to See
If you don’t have much time, you might want to select places in Oxford that can give you a great idea of what the city is like. Popular attractions include Oxford Castle, the Ashmolean Museum, and some of the oldest colleges in the world. These are our main recommendations and must-sees:
Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate
The Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate was once by the North Gate in the walls of Oxford city. Today, you can visit this cultural landmark every
Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is Great Britain’s oldest botanic garden and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. The Oxford Botanic Garden was founded in 1621
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. What’s the History of Oxford Castle?
Oxford University University Museum of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History or OUMNH displays many of the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens. It also contains a lecture theatre that is still used by the
The Sheldonian Theatre
The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon, chancellor of the University at the time. Elegant and strong
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. What’s the History of Oxford’s
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?
One of Oxford University‘s most popular events, the Tortoise Fair takes place in late May and early July at Corpus Christi College. And what’s its main event, you ask? Well,
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, endless activities and things to explore, and some of the most beautiful architecture in
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
St Cross College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1965, St Cross is
St Hilda’s College
St Hilda’s College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, named after Hilda of Whitby, an
Merton College
As one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, Merton College dates back to the 1260s
Wadham College
Wadham College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. It is located in the center of
Oriel College
Located in Oriel Square, Oriel College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England.
Bored and looking for something to do in Oxford? These are some of our suggestions and ideas for unique activities you can try:
Botley Farmer’s Market
Botley Farmer’s Market in Oxford is held on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm. You will be able to find produce, cakes, and nibbles.
Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford has more than 100 stores featuring prestigious luxury brands and beloved high-street choices.
Aidan Meller Gallery
Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.
Afternoon Tea at Oxford’s Grand Cafe
The Oxford Grand Café is placed on the site of the first coffee house in England. Today, it’s considered an Oxford institution.
The King’s Arms
The King’s Arms is one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. It first opened its doors in 1607!