Oxford, England is rich in history and culture, oozing with many art forms, and distinctive and noteworthy in its literary offerings, making it a place that has lots to be experienced. The famed Oxford University is located here, but it is also a major centre for the greatest shopping, typical English pubs, and historically significant buildings. There’s so much you can do and be a part of here, right from sipping on some classic whiskey at the Oxford Artisan Distillery to attending a heartfelt service at St Mary’s Church. Here are some of the absolute best things to do in Oxford England that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
The 12 Ultimate Things To Do In Oxford, England
The Radcliffe Camera
The Radcliffe Camera is a stunning structure in the centre of Oxford. It was constructed in the 18th century and presently serves as a reading room for the nearby Bodleian Library. The circular form and outstanding neoclassical architecture of the structure make it one of Oxford’s most identifiable monuments. A guided tour of the Radcliffe Camera is available to learn about its history and view the magnificent reading room.
The Story Museum
The Oxford Story Museum is a must-see for families and children. Dedicated to the art of storytelling, this museum will transport you and your kids to a whole other world where they get to feel like they’re actually in a story. It has interactive displays that would help you learn about the history of storytelling as well as try your own hand at actually creating a story. The museum also conducts monthly seminars and activities that your children will love and make them feel like they’re in a fantasy!
Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a museum in Oxford, England that displays the University of Oxford’s archaeological and anthropological collections from throughout the world. The museum’s distinctive arrangement helps people learn about the various communities that its collection represents, and the museum now welcomes over 500,000 visitors every year and also conducts creative outreach programs. A visit to this museum might be depressing because it requires you to examine Britain’s colonial past, but it is still an important part of history that should be understood and examined, and here is the ideal venue to do it.
Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle, located in Central Oxford, was erected in the 11th century and has served as a penitentiary for about 900 years. You can take a guided tour of the castle and jail to learn about its history and even explore the prison cells, as well as see the castle’s outstanding architecture. A walking tour will also take you straight past William Shakespeare’s birthplace, which is extremely remarkable!
The Oxford Botanic Garden
The Oxford Botanic Garden is a true oasis in the heart of the city, offering much-needed tranquillity and calm in this location. This is renowned to be UK’s oldest botanic garden founded in 1621 and is home to over 5,000 different plant species. When you’re visiting this garden, you must also visit the Harcourt Arboretum attached to it. Stroll through the garden’s many unique areas including the rock garden, alpine house, and tropical glasshouse, as well as the many other plants and flowers on display. The garden also offers guided tours, which are a great way to learn about the park’s history and botany.
Museum of Natural History
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a fantastic place to learn about scientific research on the natural world. The museum contains a wide selection of exhibits, the majority of which focus on the development of fauna across the world. This is where the world’s first scientific description of a dinosaur was written. And, of course, the world-famous Oxford Dodo, which is the world’s only surviving tissue of the extinct Dodo bird, cannot be overlooked.
Weston Library
The special collections of the Bodleian Libraries are housed at the Weston Library. For book enthusiasts, the Weston Library is a must-see, with its three reading rooms, as well as a number of seminar rooms and other study areas, as well as a public event and exhibition space, in the library.
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a well-known tourist site in Oxford. The bridge joins two colleges of the University of Oxford and is located in the centre of the city. The bridge is a one-of-a-kind and gorgeous structure noted for its amazing architecture. You may wander across the bridge and appreciate the city views, or you can join a guided tour to learn more about the bridge’s history and architecture.
The Oxford Colleges
Exploring the colleges of Oxford University is an excellent opportunity to learn about the city’s heritage and culture. Oxford has 38 colleges, each with its distinct history and architecture. You may also go around the colleges and observe the stunning architecture, gardens, and courtyards. Christ Church, Magdalen College, and Balliol College are among the most well-known colleges.
Go On A Harry Potter Tour
For Harry Potter fans, taking a Harry Potter tour of Oxford is a must-do. The city was used as a filming location for several of the Harry Potter movies, and visitors can take a tour of the locations where the movies were filmed. Some of the famous locations include Christ Church College, which was used as the filming location for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with the great hall of Christ Church being the inspiration behind Hogwarts’ great hall, and the Bodleian Library, which was used as the filming location for the Hogwarts Library and the Divinity School.
Experience Contemporary Art at Modern Art Oxford
Modern Art Oxford is another great destination for art lovers. The gallery is home to a wide variety of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Admire the art on display and also take part in workshops and events that are organized by the gallery. You can truly experience a wide variety of both national and international art here.
Shop at Bicester Village
For shoppers, Bicester Village is the perfect destination. The village is home to over 160 designer boutiques, where visitors can find luxury fashion and accessories at discounted prices. It’s similar to an outlet mall in the form of a shopping village. The village is also home to many restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend a day shopping, relaxing, and grabbing a delicious bite to eat!
FAQ
Is Oxford England worth visiting?
Oxford, England, is certainly worth a visit when you’re in the UK. With gorgeous architecture, both historic and modern, the gorgeous university church, buildings, and gardens, and some of the best places to go shopping. You would leave feeling thoroughly charmed by this town.
How do I spend a day in Oxford?
If you’re going to spend a day in Oxford, we recommend engaging in the following activities:
- Visit The Story Museum
- Relax at the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens
- Take a short tour of locations where the Harry Potter films were shot
- Go shopping at Bicester Village if you have the time of it
What can you do in Oxford for 3 hours?
If you only have 3 hours in Oxford, England, we recommend the following activities:
- Relax at the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens
- Go shopping at Bicester Village
- Go to the Oxford Castle
- Visit Christ Church Meadow
Is 1 day enough for Oxford?
We would recommend a good 3 days in Oxford, England as that would be the perfect amount of time to get a good feel of what this beautiful city has to offer.
CuddlyNest provides all accommodations to all travelers at the best price. Find unlimited travel inspiration on our blogs and social media channels Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
You May Also Like:
The Ultimate Guide To Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
The 6 Best Edinburgh Hotels
The Ultimate Guide To The National Museum Of Scotland
How To Get From Glasgow to Edinburgh: 3 Easy Ways
How To Travel From London to Edinburgh, Scotland: 4 Easy Ways
11 Bucket-List Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
