Location: Oxford
Top Things to do in Oxford
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Oxford, England
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
5.0 based on 248 reviews
The Oxford Artisan Distillery 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 SharonH262 - Wantage, United Kingdom
What a lovely surprise to find we have such an amazing distillery in Oxford. Was bought this as my Mother’s Day present from my youngest son, hubby came to. We got the bus from central oxford to within a 3 minute walk. Easy, no hassle and at the top of South Park looking across beautiful views of Oxford. We could have been collected by minibus free of charge if we wanted. Greeted by Edward and Ruth who made us one of our first of many G&T’s all made at TOAD Great tour, nice to see how it all started and where it’s going, funny, witty and the 2 hours passed by too quickly Taken back into Oxford by minibus with lots of goodies we tasted throughout the tour. Not just gin but vodka and whiskey ???? Would definitely go back again ????
2. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,479 reviews
Reviewed By PeteD60 - Ware, United Kingdom
This was an Tuesday afternoon visit in November – highlights – the Dining Hall – Custodian Sue was very informative and helpful – the tables were laid against a background of history with its Founder Cardinal Wolsey and after his fall Henry 8 and Elizabeth 1 looking down on the diners alongside portraits of Deans - past and present – different dining times for the students – early smart casual – later more formal with gowns – a different world – and then out into the quadrangle dominated by the Wren designed tower and then into the cathedral with its choir stalls running through the centre – guides on hand to provide additional information to the free guide – it is a visit of history and tradition in spades – well worth a visit – thank you
3. Christ Church Picture Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Art gallery based at Christ Church College, Oxford University, contains an impressive collection of Old Masters paintings and drawing, with an emphasis on Italian art from the 14th to the 18th century.The internationally renowned drawings collection in the Picture Gallery at Christ Church is regarded as one of the most important private collections of Old Master drawings in the country and includes work by the masters; Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dürer, Raphael and Rubens. For reasons of conservation the entire drawings collection cannot be permanently on show, but a selection of drawings is always on view. These small in-house exhibitions are changed about every three months to enable the public to see a varied selection from this part of the collection. Please refer to website for opening hours.
4. 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.
5. Bodleian Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,263 reviews
The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. It founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.
Reviewed By SCagray - Santa Cruz, United States
This was a wonderful way to experience the library! We took the 90 minute tour which including going inside Radcliff Camera, highly recommend!! Our guide was very knowledgeable and she was witty as week. We thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much more than we would have without the tour.
6. Sheldonian Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
The Sheldonian Theatre, an exquisite Grade I listed building situated in Oxford's city centre, is the official ceremonial hall of Oxford University. The Theatre is a popular tourist attraction particular because it offers one of the best indoor panoramic views of Oxford's famous skyline from its Cupola. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1664 and 1669. The Theatre offers self-guided tours or guided tours. On a one hour guided tour, learn about how the University was formed, how long it's been in existence and the secrets of its past. For availability, booking and opening hours information, please visit our website. Opening hours vary depending on University events and concerts, so please do check our website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Reviewed By Onleaveagain - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
This building is situated in the centre of the city where all of the main university buildings are located. This mainly circular structure was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was originally built as a theatre and to house The Oxford Press University. It is now primarily used for graduation ceremonies and some theatre activities. Inside is interesting and worth a visit if you have the time.
7. University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
Considered one of the oldest university buildings in the world, this is a superb example of Church Architecture from the 13th century.
Reviewed By Onleaveagain - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Located directly opposite the Radcliffe Camera building this originally formed part of the university. It is a lovely church which is well worth a visit. Access can be gained to the top of the tower for a small fee and this provides great views across the city of Oxford which is also known as ‘The city of dreaming spires’.
8. 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.
9. Keble College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Founded in 1868, this Oxford college is constructed in brick rather than stone, and features a chapel with beautiful Venetian wall mosaics illustrating events from the old and new testaments.
Reviewed By miniman2804
When I was an undergraduate, there was a club (well an excuse to have a drink) dedicated to the demolition of Keble college, and in order to join you had to produce a lump of the edifice! That demonstrates the strong feeling that this red brick gothic monstrosity evoked among other colleges constructed with soft, yellow Cotswold stone. But it is magnificent! Towering spires and buttresses more like Gormenghast than Hogwarts, and a chapel that is impressive as anything (leaving aside Christ Church cathedral, which is not really the same thing).
10. Oriel College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Founded in 1326 by King Edward II, this is the fifth oldest college at Oxford University.
Reviewed By N8699PYpeterw - Oxford, United Kingdom
As with all these colleges the architecture is beautiful. Quiet on a sunny autumn afternoon after walking from the nearby meadow. Surrounded by small streets and alleyways
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