Location: Oxford
Top Things to do in Oxford
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Things to do in Oxford, England: The Best Specialty Museums
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. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,850 reviews
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. The Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm. Admission is free.
Reviewed By alisonccooper - London, United Kingdom
The artefacts in the Ashmolean have survived the rise and fall of several Empires, and the museum has adapted to change, moving from its original venue to the current site a decade ago. Undeterred by the corona virus pandemic it has reopened its doors. Climbing the stairs from the buried urns of Ancient Egypt and Greece towards modern European Art, the spotlight trail mobile phone download takes the visit right up to the present day. Lower visitor numbers mean it is quiet and still with ample opportunity to get up close to the objects. Staff maintain a discreet distance and the status provide plenty of company.
2. Bate Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
For music-lovers everywhere: this specialty museum houses a fine collection of historical woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, plus more than one dozen historical keyboard instruments and a complete bow-maker's workshop.
Reviewed By HappyChappy2b - Winchester, United Kingdom
Fascinating collection of musical instruments It's free, it's fascinating its great you can hear some of instruments via the supplied audio devices...brought it to life. There are plenty of different instruments to try on the central area, crumhorn, flutes, feramin (no idea if i spelled it correctly.. probably not ..sorry!) And a harpsichord. Amazing displays of a huge variety of woodwind, brass and harpsichords. There aren't any 'modern' instruments but plenty older and classical to enjoy. Very friendly and very helpful mean on the desk. The directions will get you to the access door but you will need to press the button to request access... No issue but you need to know (there is a sign but it isn't what you might expect) Toilets available.
3. Pitt Rivers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,827 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 livbundy89 - Truro, United Kingdom
I have a confession...I came here just to see the shrunken heads. While it would have been worth the walk just for that (a staff member was giving a talk on them just as we got here!) we actually thought the entire museum was wonderful. There is so much to see, and it is all tightly packed in like some kind of Indiana Jones treasure trove. The items on display really fire up the imagination and a sense of appreciation for the beauty of other cultures. We were only in Oxford for the day so couldn't spend more than an hour here, but we could have easily spent half a day walking around and really taking it all in. Highly recommend.
4. C. S. Lewis House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 952carye
Amazing house and tour. Students studying CS Lewis at one of the nearby universities guided the tour we attended. Truly enjoyable to see how Mr. Lewis and his brother lived before and after Ms Davidman joined with her two boys. The insight they shared with us made this a delightful trip. Be sure to visit the grounds that surround the kilns with woods and nature preserve close behind the home make for a great spot to reflect to visit before your tour or after you finish. You are free to walk around the beautiful pond.
5. Weston Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
The Weston Library offers free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, a unique gift shop and a lovely café set against the backdrop of the floating book stacks in its atrium, Blackwell Hall. Formerly known as the New Bodleian, the recently refurbished building is the home of the Bodleian Libraries special collections, it is also a busy working library that houses several reading rooms, a research centre, a conservation studio and much more.
Reviewed By l0ve2travel93 - London, United Kingdom
This was a great discovery after walking round some of the beautiful buildings as it has free toilets, a cafe and some free exhibitions. It's also quite nice and spacious inside. I was surprisingly impressed and was a great find to get out of the cold.
6. The Story Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 170 reviews
The Story Museum is a most unusual museum located in the heart of Oxford celebrating the power of stories to teach and delight. Highlights include a Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, City of Stories film experience and Small Worlds gallery for younger children. The Museum is now open with limited capacity for pre-booked visitors. Please visit our website for details of prices and opening times.
Reviewed By MaikeKi
Due to Coronarestrictions and remodeling of the museum you now have to book different parts separately. I visited the Galleries (recommended for 5+) with my 4 and 7 year old and they absolutely loved it. The team has been very creative in this part to allow the children to explore without touching things with their hands. The audiotour through the whispering woods ensures that people keep moving - very clever to avoid larger groups of people building up. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Can't wait for the entire museum to re-open without Corona!
