The Best Things to Do in Oxford, England: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems

Looking for the best things to do in Oxford, UK? From visiting the Bodleian Library and seeing Harry Potter filming locations to punting on the River Cherwell, climbing St Mary’s Tower and trying some of my favourite Oxford food stops, here’s everything I’d make time for in Oxford after several trips to the city.

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When I moved to London in 2016, Oxford was one of the first places I wanted to see.

I’d already associated the city with English academic life (cue honey-coloured colleges, old libraries, cloisters, historic university buildings and, of course, Harry Potter).

But it didn’t take too long to realise this scholarly city goes far beyond that.

Admittedly, my first trip was mostly about the major sights. Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, the view from St Mary’s Tower.

But the more I’ve enjoyed Oxford on repeat visits, the more the real best things to do in the city have come to light—a sandwich from Taylors Oxford, coffee in Jericho, bookshops, pubs and all the incredible quieter streets around the university.

On that note, here’s the best touristy and everything-in-between things to do in Oxford—from someone who just can’t stop coming back.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: The Best Things to Do in Oxford, UK

Short on time? Here’s the best bits to do in Oxford in a nutshell (in my opinion).

Why Is Oxford So Famous?

Before I visit anywhere I’m always keen to learn about its history, but in Oxford that gets a bit tricky…

That’s because Oxford’s university history is so old that it’s not fully confirmed when it came to be. What is known is that teaching existed here in some form by 1096 at the University of Oxford, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Unlike a university built around one separate campus, Oxford’s colleges, libraries, churches and academic buildings are spread throughout the city centre, so a visit here will instantly give you a glimpse of university life here too.

How Many Days Do You Need in Oxford?

One full day works well for a first trip in my opinion, especially if you stay around the historic centre and stick to exploring just a few interiors vs. trying to visit every college.

I’ve done Oxford as a day trip myself, and my What to Do in Oxford in a Day guide is the route I’d personally use if you’re coming from London.

Then again, I do prefer Oxford with two days if you have the time. It’ll give you room for Jericho, Port Meadow, another museum or college, dinner and an evening in the city. Use my weekend in Oxford itinerary if you can spend the night.

Is Oxford Walkable?

Very. For a first trip, I’d walk almost everywhere!

Oxford station is roughly a 10–15 minute walk from the city centre and Covered Market area. Christ Church, Radcliffe Square, the Bodleian, Broad Street, the Ashmolean and most of the central colleges are all close together.

Jericho and Port Meadow are slightly further out, so best for a second day or repeat visit.

26 Best Things to Do in Oxford, UK

1. Tour the Bodleian Library

On one of my earliest Oxford visits, I mostly saw the Bodleian Library from outside. Looking back, I wish I’d made time to go inside from the beginning!

The Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, with guided tours giving you access to rooms usually not open to the public. Depending on the tour, this can include the medieval Divinity School, Convocation House and Duke Humfrey’s Library, the oldest reading room in the Bodleian.

Bodleian Library

There are also several Harry Potter filming connections inside the Bodleian buildings, so it works particularly well if you’re interested in both university history and the films.

If you’d rather see more of the city with a guide, my Oxford walking tours guide has the ones I’d compare first.

2. Visit Radcliffe Square

In terms of views (and pictures) it’s hard to compete with Radcliffe Square.

Here you’ll find the circular Radcliffe Camera sitting beautifully in the centre, surrounded by Bodleian buildings, All Souls College and the University Church.

If you’re staying overnight, I’d also come back later in the day when the area is less busy. It’s like walking through a movie!

3. Visit Christ Church

Christ Church was the highlight of my first Oxford trip, and I still think it’s worth prioritising.

The visit includes the college, cathedral, cloisters, Bodley Staircase, Great Hall and access towards the Meadow.

The keen may also recognise the staircase for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, while the Great Hall helped influence the look associated with Hogwarts. (The actual Hogwarts Great Hall scenes weren’t filmed inside Christ Church’s Great Hall.)

Be sure to book ahead and check current access before your visit. Christ Church is a working college and place of worship, so opening times constantly change.

4. Climb St Mary’s Tower

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin sits beside Radcliffe Square, and its tower will instantly give you one of the best central views over Oxford.

From the top you can see Radcliffe Camera, the surrounding college roofs, spires and The High all before noon.

But word to the wise, there are 127 steps on a narrow staircase to the top and no lift. Worth it though!

5. Visit Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum was one of my favourite stops on my first Oxford trip.

Established in 1621, it’s the oldest botanic garden in the UK and has more than 5,000 plant species.

I’d spend time in the glasshouses and walled garden, then continue towards Magdalen Bridge or Christ Church Meadow. A good break from a day otherwise spent gawking around colleges and historic buildings (not a bad day either, though).

6. Visit the Ashmolean Museum

If the weather turns or you want to spend part of the day in a museum, I’d absolutely pay a visit to the Ashmolean Museum.

Founded in 1683, it’s the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology with free admission year-round.

It’s quite a large museum, so I’d kill your darling here and stick to the galleries you’re most interested in.

7. Visit the Natural History Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum

If you have longer than one day, or museums are a priority, I’d pair the Oxford University Museum of Natural History with the Pitt Rivers Museum.

The Natural History Museum has a lovely Victorian Gothic interior alongside dinosaur and natural-history collections. Nearby, you can also access Pitt Rivers for more anthropology and archaeology bits.

Both are free!

8. See Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

If Harry Potter is one of the reasons you’re visiting Oxford, there are also several filming locations worth popping into outside of the Christ Church circuit.

The Divinity School was used as Hogwarts’ infirmary, Duke Humfrey’s Library became the Hogwarts library, New College appears in Goblet of Fire, and Christ Church has several film connections.

If you want to visit the locations with a guide, use my Harry Potter tours in Oxford guide.

9. Visit New College

New College is one I’d add if you’ve already visited Christ Church or want to see another substantial Oxford college.

Despite the name, it was founded in 1379, with the main highlights being its medieval cloisters, courtyards, stunning college architecture and, of course, its Harry Potter filming connection.

(Afterwards, I’d walk along New College Lane and Holywell Street—both close by!)

10. Go Punting on the River Cherwell

Despite being Cambridge’s claim to fame, Oxford has a strong punting tradition in its own right, particularly around the River Cherwell.

From Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, you can take a punt right onto the River Cherwell, passing the Botanic Garden and some of the best greenery Oxford has to offer.

Here’s the Oxford punting tour I’d personally recommend, but word to the wise, save it for fair weather…

11. Visit Oxford Covered Market

Once you need a break between university sights, consider a pit stop at Oxford Covered Market.

The market opened in 1774 and is now bursting with more than 50 independent shops, cafés, bars and traders under one roof.

It works especially well for an easy lunch, coffee, shopping or a break from the weather whilst you’re exploring, but for the full shebang, check out my Oxford restaurants guide.

12. Visit Blackwell’s Bookshop

Given Oxford is such a literary city, a visit to Blackwell’s should be in order.

They’ve been trading on Broad Street since 1879, but the bit I’d definitely make time to see is the Norrington Room downstairs, a large basement filled with books since 1966.

Worth visiting even if you only want to browse…(or so you say).

13. Walk The High, Turl Street, Holywell Street and New College Lane

Some of my favourite Oxford views are tucked between the streets and ‘main attractions’ you’ll see on your trip.

Walk The High past the colleges and historic shopfronts, continue through Turl Street, then spend time around Holywell Street and New College Lane.

From New College Lane you’ll also be privy to unfiltered views of the Bridge of Sighs at Hertford College, so a camera may be needed…

14. Walk Through Christ Church Meadow

After visiting Christ Church, I’d continue into Christ Church Meadow rather than heading straight back into the centre.

Here you’ll find a lovely meadow with riverside paths and views back towards Christ Church and the Oxford skyline.

An easy place for a little Oxford jaunt without veering too far from the city centre.

15. Visit Magdalen College

If you’re already near the Botanic Garden and Magdalen Bridge, Magdalen College is another college I’d consider visiting.

The college is known for its tower, cloisters, riverside setting and larger green spaces. Just beware: like the others, you’ll need to mind opening hours before your visit.

16. Get Lunch From Taylors Oxford

Taylors Oxford

For a bit of lunch whilst you’re Oxford’ing, I’m going to have to insist you go to Taylors Oxford.

It’s been a local favourite since 1991, serving all sorts to hungry Oxford students and professors, from sandwiches and baguettes to deli food, with a chicken and chorizo baguette that’ll do you right in.

17. Have Tea at The Grand Café

On the touristy route you’re bound to slip past The Grand Café, serving cream teas and afternoon teas in an ornate gold-and-marble room.

Fair warning that this isn’t the most local experience you can have in Oxford, but its location is well placed for people watching (alongside the other recommendations in my Oxford cafés guide).

18. Spend Time in Jericho

For an Oxford neighbourhood that never gets old, it’s time to explore Jericho.

It’ll give you a much more local side of Oxford away from the bustle of the tourist sights whilst being surprisingly close to it.

My take—do like the students do and start with coffee from Jericho Coffee Traders, walk along Walton Street and Little Clarendon Street, then browse The Last Bookshop.

19. Have a Pint at the Lamb & Flag

For a historic pub stop, I wouldn’t think twice before choosing the Lamb & Flag.

It has long-standing links with Oxford students and writers and is finally open after years of refurbishment.

The Eagle & Child is another incredibly historic pub in the area but is still under restoration, unfortunately. I’d still see it from the outside if you can!

20. Have a Drink at Oxford Wine Cellar

If you’re staying in Oxford into the evening and want something other than a ‘historic pub you should definitely know about’, try Oxford Wine Cellar.

There’s a ground-floor bar looking onto High Street and a French-style cellar downstairs. It works impossibly well for a weekend trip stop in the city.

21. Visit Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle & Prison

For Oxford history beyond the university, I’m sending you to Oxford Castle & Prison.

The site covers around 1,000 years of local history, from its Saxon tower through to the prison, which closed in 1996.

A very useful addition if you want to learn more about Oxford as a city rather than focusing entirely on the university.

22. Visit the Oxford University Press Museum

For something a bit more niche, the Oxford University Press Museum is a good one if you’re interested in Oxford’s academic and publishing history.

The museum is at the Press offices on Great Clarendon Street, covering Oxford publishing from early printing through to the Oxford English Dictionary and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Tours are free but need to be booked in advance, with limited runs throughout the week.

23. Visit Thirsty Meeples

Thirsty Meeples

For a rainy evening or group trip, I’d tuck into Thirsty Meeples.

The Oxford café opened in 2012 with a ridiculously large board-game library alongside plenty of food and drinks.

A fabulous (and casual) alternative to Oxford’s restaurant scene.

24. Walk Through Port Meadow

Port Meadow is better suited to a weekend or repeat visit than a tightly planned first day, but if you have the time, it’s absolutely worth going.

The meadow runs beside the Thames, with cattle and horses still grazing across the common like they have for centuries.

I’d combine a walk here with Jericho, particularly if you want to see more of Oxford beyond the historic centre.

25. Visit The Story Museum With Kids

If you’re visiting Oxford with children, I’d definitely include something beyond libraries and colleges.

The Story Museum focuses on storytelling and literature, with immersive spaces inspired by everything from picture books to Narnia.

A particularly nice one for families!

26. Take an Oxford Walking Tour

Of course, Oxford is easy enough to explore independently, but a walking tour can definitely add some useful context to a first visit.

A guide can explain how the university and college system works, point out literary and historical details and give more context to buildings you might snap a quick picture of as you pass.

My recommendations? The Bodleian runs a City of Oxford walking tour or you can check out my best Oxford walking tours guide for recommendations.

How to Get to Oxford From London

From London, I’d definitely take the train.

The fastest London–Oxford journeys take around 45 minutes, with direct trains leaving from London Paddington and London Marylebone.

Once you’re there, Oxford station is close enough to walk into the centre, so you won’t need much public transport once you arrive.

P.S. – You can compare London to Oxford train tickets here, or use my What to Do in Oxford in a Day guide for the route I’d follow on your trip.

Where to Stay in Oxford

Old Bank Hotel

If you’re staying overnight in the city, I’d most importantly keep it central enough that you can walk back after dinner and wake up near the university sights.

For a first trip, my pick is Old Bank Hotel. It’s right on The High opposite Radcliffe Square, so the Bodleian, Covered Market, Christ Church and most of the places in this guide are all an easy walk away. You’ve also got Quod Restaurant & Bar downstairs if you don’t fancy making another plan after a full day out.

For all my recommendations, check out my Oxford city-centre hotels guide.

Where I’d Spend More Time on a Second Oxford Trip

Once you’ve visited Christ Church, the Bodleian and Radcliffe Square, I’d definitely spend more time beyond the main university sights.

Explore Jericho, go into East Oxford for food, walk around Port Meadow, check the programme at Oxford Playhouse and stay for dinner.

If you have longer, my day trips from Oxford guide covers Blenheim Palace, Woodstock and wider Oxfordshire too.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Oxford, UK

The best things to do in Oxford will always depend on what you’re after.

For a first trip, I’d still make time for Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian, Christ Church and the view from St Mary’s Tower.

But the more I’ve come back, the more I’ve liked the bits in between too—sandwiches from Taylors, coffee in Jericho, bookshops, wine bars, parks and simply having time to wander without another timed university hall queue.

If you’re still deciding between England’s two famous university cities, use my Oxford or Cambridge guide to help you choose. But if you ask me, Oxford is very much worth the visit…

Happy travels,
Candace x

FAQ: The Best Things to Do in Oxford, UK

What Should You Not Miss in Oxford, UK?

For a first visit, I’d prioritise the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square, Christ Church, the view from St Mary’s Tower and one food or pub stop outside the main university sights.

How Many Days in Oxford Is Enough?

One full day is enough for Oxford’s major central sights. I prefer two days if you want colleges, museums, Jericho, dinner and some river or meadow time without rushing. Use my weekend in Oxford itinerary for the full rundown!

What to Do in Oxford for a Day?

I’d build a first day around the Botanic Garden or Ashmolean, Radcliffe Square and the Bodleian, Christ Church, St Mary’s Tower and a late lunch or Covered Market stop. Use my one-day Oxford itinerary for the full route.

Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?

Yes. Oxford Harry Potter filming locations include the Bodleian’s Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library, New College and parts of Christ Church. If Potter is a major reason for your trip, use my Oxford Harry Potter tours guide.

What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Oxford?

I’d start with the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Pitt Rivers Museum, Christ Church Meadow and walking around Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and New College Lane.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Oxford for Young Adults?

I’d mix the university sights with punting on the River Cherwell, coffee in Jericho, Oxford Covered Market, Thirsty Meeples, a pint at the Lamb & Flag and whatever is on at Oxford Playhouse.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Oxford for Couples?

For a couple’s Oxford day, I’d choose the Botanic Garden, a walk through Christ Church Meadow, punting if the weather is good, dinner from my Oxford restaurants guide and a glass at Oxford Wine Cellar.

What to Do in Oxford at Night?

See a show at the Oxford Playhouse, play board games at Thirsty Meeples, have a drink at the Lamb & Flag or Oxford Wine Cellar, or walk The High and Radcliffe Square after the daytime crowds have left.

Is Oxford Worth Visiting?

Yes. Oxford is especially worth visiting if you like history, architecture, books, museums, university culture or Harry Potter. Repeat visits are also what made me appreciate its food, neighbourhoods and everyday city life beyond the famous colleges. I’ve written more about that in my is Oxford worth visiting guide.

Plan the Rest of Your Oxford Trip

Still planning? Here’s the rest of my Oxford guides for what to do, where to eat and stay, tours and what else to see nearby.

Oxford Itineraries & Things to Do

• The Best Things to Do in Oxford, England: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• What to Do in Oxford in a Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
• How to Spend a Weekend in Oxford: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Where to Eat & Stay

• The Best Restaurants in Oxford, UK: My Favourite Places to Recommend
• The Best Cafés in Oxford, UK: My Favourite Places for Coffee & Brunch
• The Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre: My Favourite Places to Stay

Oxford Tours

• The Best Oxford Walking Tours: University, History & More
• The Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford: Filming Locations, Colleges & More

More Oxford Trip Planning

• The Best Day Trips from Oxford: My Favourite Easy Escapes by Train & Car
• Oxford or Cambridge: Which Is Better to Visit? An Honest Comparison for Tourists
• Is Oxford Worth Visiting? My Honest Take for Your UK Trip