Exploring Things to Do in Oxford: A Comprehensive Guide

Oxford is a city of historical importance and breathtaking beauty. Located in the South East of England, it is the county town of Oxfordshire and is renowned for its stunning architecture, culture, and educational opportunities. With its illustrious history and exciting attractions, Oxford is a top destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend away, this guide will provide you with the best things to do in the city of Oxford.

Visit Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is a 900-year-old fortification located in the heart of Oxford. This ancient monument is one of the most popular attractions in the city and is well worth visiting. It is home to the Oxford Castle Unlocked experience, where you can explore the castle’s history and discover its secrets. You will be able to explore the castle keep, prison cells, and museum, as well as take part in a guided tour. It’s an exciting experience that will give you a true insight into Oxford’s past.

Oxford Castle is also home to the Oxford Castle Quarter, a vibrant area full of bars, restaurants and shops. Here you can enjoy a range of activities, from drinking at one of the pubs, to shopping in the boutique stores. It’s the perfect place to explore and have some fun.

The castle is open to visitors all year round, and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a full day of sightseeing, or just want to pay a visit for an hour or two, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Explore the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest and most prestigious libraries in the world. It is a sight to behold, with its stunning architecture and vast collection of books. It is also home to the world-famous Radcliffe Camera, which is a circular library building that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford.

The library offers a range of tours and events that will give you an insight into its history and fascinating collections. You can take a guided tour of the library, explore the permanent exhibitions, or even join a literary tour. It’s a great way to learn more about Oxford’s literary heritage.

The Bodleian Library is open to visitors all year round, and there are a range of ticket options available to suit all budgets. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply want to explore the library’s beauty, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Go Punting on the River Cherwell

One of the most popular things to do in Oxford is to go punting on the River Cherwell. This tranquil river is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery, and it’s a great way to explore the city. Punting is a popular activity in Oxford and you can hire boats from a range of companies in the city. There are also guided tours available, where you can learn about the history of the river and the city.

Punting on the River Cherwell is a great way to explore Oxford and it’s a perfect activity for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a fun day out with the family, it’s an activity that all will enjoy.

There are a range of companies offering punting trips in Oxford, so be sure to do some research before you book. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around £20 for a one-hour trip.

Visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for any visitor to Oxford. This museum is home to some of the world’s most important scientific specimens and it’s a great place to learn about the natural world. There are a range of permanent exhibitions, as well as temporary exhibitions that cover a range of topics. You can also explore the museum’s gardens and take part in a range of activities for both adults and children.

The museum is open all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a family day out or a chance to delve into the natural world, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Walk the Oxford Canal

The Oxford Canal is a historical waterway that runs through the city. It is a great place to explore on foot and is the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a range of walking trails along the canal, as well as cycle paths, so you can explore the area at your own pace.

The canal is also home to a range of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for ducks and other animals. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air.

The Oxford Canal is open to visitors all year round and there are a range of activities available. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventure, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Explore the Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is one of the oldest and most important museums in the world. It is home to a vast collection of art and artefacts, and is a great place to explore the history of the city. There are a range of permanent exhibitions, as well as temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something to see.

The museum also offers a range of activities, from guided tours to workshops. It’s a great way to explore the city’s culture and history in more depth.

The Ashmolean Museum is open to visitors all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a chance to explore the city’s history, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Visit the Oxford Botanic Garden

The Oxford Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. It is home to a range of plants and flowers, and is a great place to explore the natural world. The garden also offers a range of activities, from guided tours to workshops. It’s a great way to learn more about the plants and flowers that grow in the garden.

The Botanic Garden is open to visitors all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a chance to explore the natural world, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Explore the Covered Market

The Covered Market is a vibrant and bustling market located in the heart of Oxford. It is home to a range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. It’s a great place to explore and is filled with character and charm. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two.

The market is open all year round and there are a range of activities available. Whether you’re looking for some shopping or just want to explore the area, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Discover Oxford’s Parks and Gardens

Oxford is home to a range of parks and gardens that are perfect for exploring. From the tranquil Botanic Garden to the bustling University Parks, there’s something for everyone. These parks and gardens are great for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, and there are a range of activities available too. You can even take part in a guided tour to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Oxford’s parks and gardens are open to visitors all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a chance to explore the city’s beauty, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Visit the Oxford University Parks

The Oxford University Parks are a great place to explore the city. This vast area of parkland is home to a range of activities, from walking trails to sports pitches. It’s a great place to explore the city and get some fresh air.

The parks are open to visitors all year round and there are a range of activities available. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventure, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Explore the Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum is a fascinating museum that is home to a range of artefacts from all over the world. It is a great place to explore the history and culture of the city, and it’s a must-visit for any visitor to Oxford. There are a range of permanent exhibitions, as well as temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something to see.

The museum is open to visitors all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a chance to explore the city’s history, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Visit the Oxford Town Hall

The Oxford Town Hall is a stunning building located in the heart of the city. It is home to a range of events, from concerts to comedy nights, and it’s a great place to explore the city’s culture and history. The building is also home to a number of shops and restaurants, so it’s the perfect place to explore and have some fun.

The Town Hall is open to visitors all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a chance to explore the city’s history, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Visit the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It is a sight to behold, with its stunning architecture and vast collection of books. It’s a great place to explore the city’s history and culture, and it’s a must-visit for any visitor to Oxford.

The university offers a range of tours and events that will give you an insight into its history and fascinating collections. You can take a guided tour of the college, explore the permanent exhibitions, or even join a literary tour. It’s a great way to learn more about Oxford’s literary heritage.

The University of Oxford is open to visitors all year round and there are a range of ticket options available. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply want to explore the university’s beauty, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Summary

Oxford is a city of incredible history and beauty, and there is plenty to explore and discover. From historical sites such as the Oxford Castle and the Bodleian Library, to vibrant markets and stunning parks and gardens, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend away, this guide will provide you with the best things to do in the city of Oxford.