What to do in Oxford

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic university campus with a prominent dome and Gothic architecture.
A historic building with a dome and columns, surrounded by a cobblestone street and other historic architecture.
A traditional half-timbered building with a 'Change' sign, a street with pedestrians, and a church in the background.
A street with a pub named "Three Goats Heads" and a church in the background.
A church interior with wooden pews, a patterned floor, and a large organ at the front.

Oxford Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Oxford has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Oxford, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Oxford with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Oxford

Oxford is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Oxford, and make it a breeze to explore Oxford and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Oxford to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Oxford, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Oxford.

Oxford attractions

Oxford has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Oxford to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Oxford.

Looking for things to do in Oxford can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Oxford or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Oxford attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Oxford: City and University Tour, including college entry

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry

£27
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

£26
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford
Luggage Storage in Oxford

Luggage Storage in Oxford

£7
per adult
Luggage Storage in Oxford
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

£27
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

£35
per adult
Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College
Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise

£16
per adult
Oxford: River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
Harry Potter Oxford Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits

Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (Oxford)

£24
per adult
Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (Oxford)
Picture 1 for Activity Oxford: Private Punting Tour on the River Cherwell

Oxford University: Punting Tour on River Cherwell

£25
per adult
Oxford University: Punting Tour on River Cherwell
Oxford: Sunset Cruise with a Glass of Prosecco

Oxford: Sunset Cruise with a Glass of Prosecco

£20
per adult
Oxford: Sunset Cruise with a Glass of Prosecco
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Top places to visit

1. Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle Unlocked is a fun attraction, where you learn about the intriguing history of the city’s castle. Costumed characters take groups on tours around the castle, sharing anecdotes about the mysterious and dark figures that once roamed these halls. Ascend the Saxon St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the charming city and colleges spread out below.
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A historic building with a large arched entrance, a tower with battlements, and multiple flags.

2. Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is a distinguished collection of fascinating art and archeological relics. From Egyptian mummies to English silverware, the museum's pieces are wide in scope and include internationally important collections, such as the modern and contemporary Chinese art collection.
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A classical building with columns and a statue on top.

3. Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is the home of the academic institute’s collection of fossils, skeletons and other natural specimens. The exhibits are housed in a glorious neo-Gothic structure from the 1800s. Peruse the various displays and learn about the world’s rich natural past.
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A historic building with arched windows and a stone facade.

4. Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library has an enormous collection of books on every conceivable matter. It is the principal research library of the University of Oxford, where students use it as a reference for learning.
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An ornate stone archway with intricate carvings and a coat of arms above it.

5. Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower is the only remaining ruin of a 12th-century church that once stood right in the center of Oxford. It reaches a height of 74 feet (23 meters). Ascend the 99 steps to get to the tower’s peak and look out over the rest of the city.
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A historic stone tower with a clock, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.

Recommended things to do in Oxford

Number of things to do
214
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover Oxford And The Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Tour: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Oxford

Stay near popular Oxford attractions

A historic building with a clock tower and a well-maintained lawn.

University of Oxford

9.4/10 (1,690 reviews)
This prestigious 12th-century institution houses 39 autonomous colleges with distinct architecture. Explore the Bodleian Library, stroll through picturesque quadrangles, or join a guided tour of Oxford's rich academic history.
See properties

Where to stay in Oxford

Find the best Oxford areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oxford
Learn more about Oxford
A historic building with a pointed tower and arched windows.

Oxford City Centre

Museums, historical sites and theatres are some highlights of Oxford City Centre. Make a stop by Covered Market or New Theatre Oxford while you're exploring.

A historic building with a green dome and a clock tower.

Jericho

Jericho might not have many top sights, but Ashmolean Museum and New Theatre Oxford are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A row of red brick houses with bay windows and a red car parked on the street.

Summertown

Bars and gardens are just a few things travellers like about Summertown. A stop by The North Wall Arts Centre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

A large whale sculpture on a building roof.
Photo by Georgia Johnson
Open Photo by Georgia Johnson

Headington

Travellers enjoy Headington for its bars and live music. Consider checking out Headington Shark while you're in the area.

A historic cityscape with prominent Gothic architecture, including a cathedral with spires and a large dome.

Cowley

While visiting Cowley, you might make a stop by sights like Southfield Golf Club and Shotover Country Park.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Oxford

A stone archway with a metal gate, leading to a garden with flowers and a building in the background.

Abingdon

A grand historic building with ornate architecture, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens with vibrant flower beds.

Aylesbury

A historic red brick building with a clock tower, arched windows, and hanging flower baskets.

Thame

A sunset over a calm lake with reflections, surrounded by trees and a church tower.

Wallingford

A historic building with arched windows and a stone roof.

Witney

A calm river with reflections of trees and a power line tower in the distance.

Kennington

A rural road with a narrow drainage ditch beside it.

Horton-Cum-Studley

A snow-covered boat docked by a snowy riverbank.

Kidlington

Frequently asked questions

Is Oxford worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Oxford is explore Ashmolean Museum. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and distilleries and craft breweries.
How do I spend a day in Oxford?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ashmolean Museum and Waterperry Gardens. Then, tour different parts of Oxford for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oxford?
Ashmolean Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Oxford and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Oxford?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as Ashmolean Museum, Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral. The average stay in Oxford is two days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Reading isn't far away.
Is Oxford a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Oxford is a great destination to explore on foot. Wander between Ashmolean Museum and Sheldonian Theatre. Then take a stroll through Oxford City Centre, located 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) from the centre, and Sandford-on-Thames, which is about 5 kms (3 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Oxford with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all the family, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Oxford with kids.

What to do in Oxford for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Oxford, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Oxford Town Hall or War Memorial Garden.
Are there free things to do in Oxford?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Oxford is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Ashmolean Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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