Things to do in Oxford

Oxford, nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste. History enthusiasts can explore the impressive Oxford Cathedral, a magnificent example of medieval architecture, or wander through the historic ruins of Oxford Castle.

Art aficionados will delight in the city's vibrant cultural scene, with must-visit spots like the Ashmolean Museum showcasing both contemporary and ancient artwork. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the nearby Cotswolds provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring charming English villages. Foodies will relish the eclectic culinary scene, from traditional British pubs serving hearty meals to elegant restaurants offering gourmet cuisine.

And no visit to Oxford would be complete without experiencing its renowned academic atmosphere; explore the historic colleges of Oxford University, including Christ Church and Magdalen College. Whether exploring its rich history, enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in its prestigious academic culture, Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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 19^th 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!

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.