Top 22 Things to Do in Oxford: Explore the City of Dreaming Spires

About this experience

Oxford is a city of history, culture and beauty, often called "The City of Dreaming Spires" by the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold. If you are looking for things to do in Oxford today, you will find plenty of options to suit your interests and budget.

You can explore the historic and prestigious Oxford University, which is the oldest English-speaking university in the world. You can visit some of the famous colleges, such as Christ Church, Magdalen and Trinity, and see where legends like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Stephen Hawking and Bill Clinton studied and taught. You can also see where Oxford inspired the magical scenes of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and the Hobbit.

You can also enjoy the stunning architecture and collections of the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. You can marvel at the treasures of the Ashmolean Museum, the first public museum in the world. You can relax in the beautiful parks and gardens, such as Christ Church Meadow, University Parks and Botanic Garden. You can also taste some traditional English food, such as fish and chips, scones and cream tea.

If you want to experience the best of Oxford with a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you can join our tours of Oxford University and city. We offer a 1-hour Oxford tour from £13 that will take you inside the magnificent dining hall of Christ Church College (click here for more information). You can also watch this video to see what our customers have to say about our tour.

You can also join our tours to learn about the many unknown traditions and secrets of Oxford University and its student life. You can see how students dress up in their academic gowns, how they celebrate their exams, and how they row on the river Thames. You can also watch this video to see a unique glimpse of Oxford University student life.

Don't miss this opportunity to discover the top things to do in Oxford today with us. Book your tour now and enjoy the best of Oxford with us.

(1) Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time.

What is it? Britain's oldest public museum, home to a collection that spans continents, cultures and creative genres.

Please watch the below video to experience the beautiful Ashmolean Museum that visitors can visit for free.

Open every day. Admission is free.

Address - Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH

For General Enquiries please contact +44 (0)1865 278000

(2) Visit & Experience Oxford University 

Oxford is a unique and historic institution. As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, it can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence.

Please watch the below tour review video of visitor who joined our tour and see the beautiful Radcliffe Camera.

Oxford is a world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research and its roots are steeped into history. 

Oxford University is one of the most visited sites by tourists in UK.

Going inside Oxford University buildings is very difficult because this is a working university. Students live and study inside the historic buildings. Oxford University buildings can be visited from inside by joining tours listed on Best Price Oxford Tours.

Oxford University has 7 most important sites that can be visited by join walking tours. 

Oxford University buildings are very beautiful and full of rich history. By joining a walking tour visitors are allowed to go inside the 3 oldest lecture halls of Oxford University used from 1260, 1488, 1610. Two oldest graduation halls, examination venues and two oldest libraries. Go indside Historic Dining Halls & Chapels of oldest colleges with the tours listed on Best Price Walking Tours.

The easiest way to go inside the buildings is by joining a walking tour. Historic buildings are not always accessible to visitors. However, tour operators lisited on (please click on the link for more information about the best price Oxford tours) www.bestpriceoxfordtours.com have special permission to take visitors behind the closed door and high walls of Oxford University. 

Click on the image to see list of Best Price Oxford Tours and get a £12 Oxford Souvenir Gift for Free when you book a tour. 

Tour guide will take responsibility to take visitors inside the historic buildings where students live and eat. 

(3) Historic Chapels Of Oxford University 

Historic Colleges of Oxford University has beautiful chapels that can be visited by joining our Premium Small Group Oxford University Walking Tour.

Your university educated tour guide can take small group of visitors inside the Oxford University colleges where students are allowed and where college choir practice.

(4) Oxford University Museum of Natural History and its collections

Founded in 1860 as the centre for scientific study at the University of Oxford. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences and Archaeology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Zoological, entomological, palaeontological, petrological and mineral specimens, Designated Collection, Dinosaurs, The Dodo and Swifts.

Open every day. Admission is free. Parks Road, Address - Oxford OX1 3PW

(5) University of Oxford Botanic Garden

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. The garden was founded in 1621 as a garden growing plants for medicinal research. Today it contains over 5,000 different plants. 

Booking is strongly recommended this website for booking www.obga.ox.ac.uk

Admission Fee - £6.30   -   Opening Timings - 10 am to 5 pm (Last Entry - 4 pm)

Ticket Office (telephone 01865 610 300). 

(6) The Bodleain Libraries

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and in Britain is second in size only to the British Library. The Bodleian Library is the third oldest library in Oxford University and it was opened after 1602. University of Oxford had their first library in 1302 and second oldest library after 1488. 

The Bodleian Library is a working library which is used by the students everyday. The Bodleian Library cannot be visited by the visitors without a expert tour guide who has more access to Oxford University buildings. 

The best way to learn about the Bodleian Library is to join a Walking Tour of Oxford University & Bodleian Library Tour. This tour will take visitors inside 3 lecture halls, 3 old librarires, 2 exam halls and graduation venue and oldest colleges with historic dining halls. 

This tour will take visitors inside the oldest colleges, oldest lecture hall,  second oldest lecture School of Divinity and third oldest lecture hall, oldest graduatation, oldest exam hall and historic Chapels. Walking Tour of Oxford University & Old Bodleian Library. Please click here for more information.

(7) Punting in Oxford 

What is a Punt?

A punt is: “A long, narrow flat-bottomed boat, square at both ends and propelled with a long pole, used on inland waters chiefly for recreation.” 

Punting is an Oxford tradition - Punting in Oxford has long been a tradition of locals and tourists alike. Oxford University students go on punting when they want to relax and go away from all the nosies of the world. 

Oxford has beautiful waterways and punting is only for those tourists who wants to relax and chat in quiet place. There are not much historic buildings that can be seen during punting. 

Punting can be booked with www.oxfordpunting.co.uk or with  www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk/punting

You can also book a Oxford University Walking Tour with https://www.bestpriceoxfordtours.com/ to see the historic buildings from inside and learn about Oxford's iconic past, present and future. Walking tour will also take visitors inside the Great Dining Hall and historic Lecture Halls where students were first taught. 

(8) The Oxford Covered Market -

The building dates back to the 1770’s and has a long, varied and interesting heritage. The Market has always been an attraction for visiting tourists, providing a unique showcase for the very best in local crafts, food and drink.

Centred in the middle of the City, accessed either from the High Street, Market Street or through the Golden Cross in Cornmarket Street, the Covered Market welcomes its visitors with an array of colours and aromas.

Normal opening hours to the public are from 8 am – 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am – 4 pm on Sundays.

(9) Oxford Castle -

Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined medieval castle on the western side of central Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. Most of the original moated, wooden motte and bailey castle was replaced in stone in the late 12th or early 13th century and the castle played an important role in the conflict of the Anarchy.

Address - 44 – 46 OXFORD CASTLE , OX1 1AY. Timings - 10 am - 5 pm

(10) Oxford River Cruise

What is it? A river trip past Oxford’s boathouses and meadows into bucolic English countryside. The same scenery, as it happens, that inspired ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

www.oxfordrivercruises.com The River Experience Cruise is available from just £16 per person and £10 for children under 12. The cruise departs from our moorings at The Folly, 1 Folly Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4JU. The cruise lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Please click on the below image to see Best Price Oxford Tours and get a £12 free Oxford Souvenir with every one booking.

Book a Oxford University Walking Tour & Oxford River Cruise. Oxford University can be visited with university educated tour guide who will take you inside the historic quads, Great Dining Hall, Old Lectures Halls and beautiful Chapels. Your expert tour guide will share with you all the secrets, anecdotes, Oxford University traditions, student life and also visit Harry Potter filming locations. 

(11) Afternoon Tea 

Treat yourself and a loved one to special afternoon tea. Take part in the most traditional English pastime of afternoon tea in Oxford. 

The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels is a landmark building, in the heart of the world-famous University City of Oxford. Afternoon Tea at The Randolph is served Wednesday to Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm, and costs £39.50 per person.

Location - The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels
Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN

(12) Visit a Pub

Oxford has many historic old pubs; the perfect spot for a cosy pint. But it’s not just beer on offer at these historic inns, there are countless stories worth digging for too. A pub lunch and an ale is of course and alternative to a traditional meal. All the oldest pubs in Oxford has beautiful low ceilings, tiny rooms, beamed ceilings, worn wooden floors.

The Bear - Serving Oxford since 1242- The Bear is Oxford students favourite pub. The Bear Inn is one of the oldest public houses in Oxford located at the corner of Alfred Street and Boar Street. 

Turf Tavern - A popular 13^th century pub with a random mix of indoor and outdoor seating. It is quite hard to find accessed either a narrow alley off Holywell Street or a narrow passageway off New College Lane. 

The Eagale & Child Pub - The Eagle & Child pub dates from the sixteenth century and is Grade II listed. It is popularly known as the “Bird & the Baby”. Address -  49 St Giles', Oxford OX1 3LU. 

(13) Visit Cotswold -

Cotswolds, a very special, very beautiful place which is also known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A short break or even an extended holiday in the Cotswolds will leave you wanting more. 

Tourists from all around the world feel the delights of visiting the Cotswolds and exploring the different areas, each with its own identity, yet all with those defining Cotswold features: golden stone and rolling hills, the ‘wolds’.

Oxford is the best place for visiting The Cotswold. Private Oxford Day Trip will take visitors on a Private tour Oxford and Fairy tale villages of Burford & Bibury. 

Getaway Day Trip to Oxford, Birbury, Burton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold birbury-burton-on-the-water-stow-on-the-wold-day-trip will take you to hidden villages amongst the stunning English Countryside. Visitors staying in London or Oxford can easily take a day trip to the Cotswolds -the largest area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country. Click here for more information.

(14) Climb A Tower

Oxford is known as the "City of Dreaming Spires". There are many places to climb up and see the skyline of university city of Oxford. North gate is one of the oldest buildings in Oxford city and the prison cell for three very famous people who are also known as Oxford Martyrs. 

(15) Join A Free Tour of Oxford University

Join Premium Free Oxford University, Bodleian Library & City Walking Tour with university educated guides. Click here for more information or on the image below.

Visit a historic college, lecture halls and discover how Oxford University has become one of the most famous universities of the world for Free. 

(16) Picnic At Port Meadow

What is it? Port Meadow is known to be Oxford’s oldest monument, this huge meadow is edged by the Thames and a popular outdoor haunt.

Why Go? Open skys at Port Meadow - Go for Port Meadow, an ancient grassland grazed by ponies and cattle and loved by walkers, picnickers, fishing and photographers. Pick up a picnic in Jericho along the way, bring a blanket and sit back and relax.
Walks - You can have a good walk without leaving the common or you can cross the river onto the Thames towpath or explore the 35 ha of the neighbouring Burgess Field.

Get A Free £12 Oxford Souvenir Gift With Oxford Tour Bookings 

Please click here for more information

(17) Oxford River Cruises

Cruising the tranquil Thames in Oxford offers a taste of a slower life, where cares drift away with the gentle flow of the water and life's pleasure can be enjoyed to their utmost.

Address - OXFORD RIVER CRUISES, 1 FOLLY BRIDGE, OXFORD, OX1 4JU.

Contact -01865 987147 info@oxfordrivercruises.com

(18) Book A Private Walking Tour of Oxford University & Treat Yourself

Book a private tour for your freinds, family and make your dream trip to Oxford by taking memorable pictures in exclusive sites of Oxford University.

Click here to see our list to Book A Best Price Private Oxford Tour

Private tour can be tailored according to what you want to see and topics can be discussed around your interests and set your own itinerary according to your own liking and no shoulder rubbing with strangers.

Premium Private Walking Tour of Oxford means that you are the boss and it will ensure that your valuable time is spent wisely in Oxford.

(19) Harry Potter Tour of Oxford

Join a light hearted Harry Potter Oxford Tour to see Oxford University as a Harry Potter Fan. This tour includes visiting actual Harry Potter filming location. 

Our Harry Potter Tour of Oxford has unlimited fun. Oxford University has many sites which inspirred in the making of Hogwarts.

Please click here for more information

Our famous tour includes Oxford Univeristy inspiration of Hogwarts - like Gringotts, Forbiden parts where no one is allowed to go, Diagon Alley, Piertotum Locomotor,  Parseltongue and much more.

(20) Blenheim Palace

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, landscaped Parkland and stunning Formal Gardens, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

Blenheim Palace, near Oxford, stands in a romantic park created by the famous landscape gardener 'Capability' Brown.

It was presented by the English nation to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory in 1704 over French and Bavarian troops. Built between 1705 and 1722 and characterized by an eclectic style and a return to national roots, it is a perfect example of an 18th-century princely dwelling.

Address - Woodstock OX20 1PP

(21) Discover Unique Traditions of Oxford University

Oxford University surely has more quaint traditions per square mile than any other university. 

The Oxford University’s fascinating historic customs are loved and followed by all the members – which range from the sublime to the ridiculous – are one of the aspects of this ancient seat of learning that most captivates tourists and most compels students to become a student at Oxford. Some traditons and customs date from the university’s founding many centuries ago. Some traditions are the more recent invention of imaginative undergraduates. 

Students wear a Sub-Fusc gown to gve examinations as shown in the below image. 

By joining our tour you will not only get historic information but also the academic view with many anecdotes of famous alumni and unique Oxford University student life with quirky traditions. 

Below image was taken on the Oxford University Graduation Day.

Students follow many quirqly traditions which contribute to the university’s unique atmosphere and make for some great anecdots for anyone who’s fortunate enough to encounter them. 

(22) Museum of History of Science

The History of Science Museum houses an unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building. The museum’s collections of astrolabes and sundials are the largest in the world and include instruments once owned by Queen Elizabeth I, Cardinal Wolsey, and Nostradamus.

The Islamic world is particularly strongly represented, from the 9th to the 19th century. Other highlights include the Marconi collection, the Einstein blackboard, some of the earliest experimental photographs and collections telling the story of the development of antibiotic medicines.

Address - Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ

www.www.hsm.ox.ac.uk