Things to do in Oxford
Published on: 23/04/24
Oxford, set along the banks of the River Thames, is a city renowned for its prestigious university, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the "City of Dreaming Spires," Oxford invites visitors to explore iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library, and Christ Church College, where centuries of academic excellence are intertwined with architectural beauty. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s deep intellectual and cultural history.
A visit to Oxford isn’t complete without experiencing its vibrant atmosphere. The bustling Covered Market is filled with unique shops and local eateries, while the lively streets of Jericho and Cowley Road are known for their trendy cafés and eclectic restaurants. Visitors can also take a peaceful punt along the river or stroll through the picturesque University Parks. Whether you're exploring historic colleges, enjoying local flavors, or taking in the charm of this storied city, Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for all.
What's included for Things to do in Oxford
- Great Days Out
- Escape Rooms and VR
- Motorsports
- Combat Zone
- On The Water
- Aerial Adventures
- Culture and Tours
- Wildlife and Sealife
- Adventure and Theme Parks
- Free Things to do and Days Out
- Local Events & Festivals
- Eating Out and Places to Stay
Fun Activities
Oxford is probably the best city in Britain to explore on a bike. It’s relatively flat and easy to navigate, and a lot of the buses will allow you to bring your bikes on board if you run out of pedal power! Cycling is part of day-to-day life here. You’ll even see the rowing coaches pedalling alongside the boats and shouting directions to the crew. There’s loads of routes to be found online, or you can hire a bike and join a guided tour around the sites. As well as cycling around Oxford you also have a huge selection of activities and days out, which include Laser Tag at Laser Kombat, Paintball, Racing Simulator at the Race Hut, or even drive a Dennis Fire Engine at SWB Motorsport, plus much more
Eating Out
As you’d expect from such a diverse city, the choice of cuisine in Oxford is extremely varied. To avoid the chain restaurants and find the independent eateries, you should head to the East, especially around Cowley Road. Choose from Indian, Lebanese Bangladeshi, Italian, Nepalese and even Slovakian delights. There’s also plenty of places to find a suitably traditional and civilised high tea to match your cultured surroundings. If you’ve still got room for dessert, G&D’s is an Oxford legend, serving freshly-made ice-cream in ever-changing flavours.
Oxford River Cruises
The Pitt Rivers Museum is home to over half a million archaeological and ethnographic objects, including some items collected by Captain Cook himself. If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the next Indiana Jones or Lara Croft this is the place to get some serious inspiration! If anything, you could experience a bit of culture overload in Oxford, with its many stunning university buildings and museums. The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest in Europe, and has an extraordinary collection of books, maps, manuscripts and art which is well worth a visit.
After Dark
Did you know that some of the colleges in Oxford had breweries on site? The brewery trade was massive in this area in the 19th Century, and you’ll find that a devotion to well-brewed pint still exists in most of the pubs and bars. Oxford isn’t really a place to go clubbing, but Lord of the Rings creator JRR Tolkien was said to sip his pints in the Eagle and Child pub on St. Giles’ Street, and if it’s good enough for him it’s good enough for us!
Eating Out and Places to Stay in Oxford
For a memorable stay in Oxford, Hotels.com offers a diverse selection of comfortable accommodations, perfect for exploring the city’s world-renowned academic heritage and stunning architecture. Whether you’re looking for a charming hotel near the historic colleges or a modern boutique guesthouse in the city center, Hotels.com has options to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.
Savor a delightful culinary scene, from quaint cafés to fine dining establishments, and don’t miss iconic attractions like the Ashmolean Museum, the Bodleian Library, and the picturesque University Parks. With its captivating blend of history and culture, Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor!
Something a bit different…
If you’re the competitive type that loves nothing better than a game of Monopoly, you’ll be in heaven in Thirsty Meeples Board Game Cafe. This unusual café has a collection of over 2000 board games for you to leisurely play while you order something to eat. You simple pay a small charge then you can play for up to three hours, and it’s open until midnight to plenty of time to make a dent in that impressive collection!
These are our top picks for Things to do in Oxford, let us know what you get up to with your visit to Oxford, also don't forget to Like us on Facebook, and also share your activity picture.