Location: Oxford
Top Things to do in Oxford
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10 Things to Do in Oxford That You Shouldn't Miss
In the "city of dreaming spires," academia takes center stage. Gaze out at Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower before heading into the city's pedestrian-friendly streets. Follow your nose to the Covered Market for the makings of a picnic to enjoy at Headington Hill Park. Mix the historic and modern with visits to the 12th-century village church of Iffley and trendy Cowley's ethnic shops and music venues.
Restaurants in Oxford
1. The Oxford Artisan Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 76 reviews
The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) welcomes visitors to its distillery, in the heart of Oxford, for a behind-the-scenes experience where you can discover our approach to craft distilling using sustainably farmed populations of heritage grain and bespoke hand-built copper stills. You’ll see what goes into our spirits and truly understand what grain to glass craft distillery is all about. In addition we have a distillery shop open to the public daily for no charge.
Reviewed By Sarah H - Reading, United Kingdom
My husband and I visited TOAD yesterday. We were picked up by minibus from the city centre by Graham (?).
I wasn't really sure what to expect but we had an interesting and humorous talk and tour by Justin. We learnt about the botanicals and saw every part of the process. Their CEO, Tom, joined in and added some more fact. All the staff were very welcoming and generous when it came to sampling the spirits.
You could try Oxford dry gin, Oxford Physic gin, Oxford Rye Vodka and Oxford Rye spirit, several if you wished!
You could also buy a bottle, which we did.
As a relatively new set up, it was quite small but very informative and a very nice way to spend a couple of hours on a wet afternoon.
Would definitely recommend a visit to TOAD.
2. Creation Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 451 reviews
Think about those books, the ones that you'll always go back to, those moments in life where you think 'that's a bit like that chapter' or 'you're just like that character', those are the stories we love. We don't just want to leave those books on the shelf though, we take them down, hand them around, share them out and bring them to life. All over Oxford we find unusual spaces - these stories aren't set in theatres so we don't put them there. Castles, antique mirror tents, college Gardens, bookshops and factories... we'll go wherever the stories take us, and so far we've taken over 500,000 people with us. From the thousands of children who've told classic stories in new ways through our education programme, to our professional actors and directors, you're always most likely to find us lost in a good book. 18 years, 54 shows, half a million audience members aged 5-95...we are Oxford's own Creation Theatre Company.
Reviewed By 49Marilyn - Oxford, United Kingdom
Truly amazing performance from excellent actors with great scenery at The North Wall. My friends from Denver had a wonderful experience at this fab show. Thank you Creation for giving them a night to remember. Go and see this show you will not be disappointed.
3. Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Museum of Natural History houses the University's scientific collections of geological and zoological specimens. The Museum itself is a Grade 1 listed building, renowned for its spectacular neo-Gothic architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in the tower.
Reviewed By sjoh0317 - Oxford, United Kingdom
The Museum of Natural History is a must visit when in Oxford. Accessible to the public and packed full of superlative exhibits (including dinosaurs!) ... make sure you also visit the Pitt Rivers Museum which is at the back of the Natural History Museum: full of bizarre and wonderful curios!
4. Worcester College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By BosworthBattlers130 - Leicester, United Kingdom
From the outside, on the corner of Walton Street/Beaumont Street, this appears quite an unassuming building, however once inside, the buildings and ample grounds are very impressive. As with many of the colleges in Oxford, once you enter through the lodge gates, it is a bit like being in a tardis, there is so much to see, and lots of buildings and grounds to view.
During our recent second visit to this college, we met a couple of the college groundsmen/gardeners whilst viewing the sports field section. They were very obliging, and were happy to talk about the new lecture theatre building (which had been built since our previous visit), after which they showed us the best route back to the main quad area via the orchard section. The chapel, whilst not obvious from the outside, is highly decorative inside. A gentleman from the front lodge was able to explain the dates displayed on the WW1 commemorative plaque.
Would recommend this college to anyone looking to visit a college when in Oxford, and it has the added benefit of being free.
5. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Oxford University's Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, established in 1683, is Britain’s oldest public museum and one of the oldest museums in the world.
Reviewed By Lesley S - Farnborough, United Kingdom
This is a lovely museum to pop into when you are in the city centre. It contains some of the original items that were collected by the Tradescant family (father and son) and left to Elias Ashmole in the 17th century. This includes a fantastic beaded ceremonial cloak, that was used by Pocahantha's family during ceremonial occasions. They also have a good collection of old coins, Renaissance paintings and furniture. There is also a café on the premises and a restaurant that is open in the evenings after the museum is closed.
6. University of Oxford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Starting as early as 1096 with some form of teaching, Oxford is the oldest English-speaking university in the world.
Reviewed By rayrest
Oxford university is made up of 38 colleges that are concentrated around the city centre amongst other historic buildings. The colleges themselves all have their history, breathtaking architecture, beauty and grandness. One certain thing is that you will need time to see all of the magnificent colleges around Oxford. Don't miss the Bodleian Library, founded in 1320.
7. Pitt Rivers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s most popular attractions, famous for its period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many cultures around the world, past and present.
Reviewed By CherryClift - Christchurch, United Kingdom
This is at least our third visit, today we concentrated on the Netuske with our torches. Unbelievable interesting variety. There is always something fascinating to see. The new pop up cafe was friendly for a good cup of tea.
8. Bodleian Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge. Different ticket options allow you to visit the interior of some of the buildings, such as the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, The Divinity School (built 1427-88). Here you will discover more of the University’s fascinating history. Our guided tours go behind the scenes in the Library, including its oldest research library, dating from 1602-20.
Reviewed By Sus1952 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
This is such an amazing library that it is worth entering just to be in a library that has over 12 million books. I particularly liked the wonderful tapestry map of Worcestershire that was on display. It really gives you a sense of the history and academic nature of Oxford University.
9. Christ Church Meadow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 893 reviews
This scenic park offers a delightful two-mile walk through meadows and along river banks, offering picturesque views and ideal spots for picnics, sitting or just relaxing.
Reviewed By rayrest
Christ Church meadow is a real oasis of open green space open to the public all year round. It has the river Cherwell and the river Thames flowing around it and the meadow can be prone to flooding. This was a place of early balloon flights from 1784, now more known for the summer eights regatta. A great walk on a dry day.
10. Oxford University Parks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By ddobson - Oxford, United Kingdom
Plenty of open space to wander, a lot of seasonal changes in the plants, so worth visiting throughout the year. The river walk is not to be missed - especially in punting season.
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