What to do in Oxford

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic university campus with a prominent dome and Gothic architecture.
A historic building with a dome and columns, surrounded by a cobblestone street and other historic architecture.
A traditional half-timbered building with a 'Change' sign, a street with pedestrians, and a church in the background.
A street with a pub named "Three Goats Heads" and a church in the background.
A church interior with wooden pews, a patterned floor, and a large organ at the front.

Places to Visit in Oxford

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Oxford, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Oxford attractions from NZ$8, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Oxford tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 214 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Oxford. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Oxford: City and University Tour, including college entry

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry

NZ$63
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with College entry
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford

NZ$60
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford
Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail

Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail

NZ$71
per adult
Oxford: Evening Sightseeing River Cruise with a Cocktail
Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

NZ$80
per adult
Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket

NZ$63
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket
Harry Potter Oxford Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits

Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (Oxford)

NZ$55
per adult
Harry Potter Walking Tour with Hogwarts Film Site Visits (Oxford)
Cruising through Oxford

Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise

NZ$182
per adult
Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
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Top places to visit

1. Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle Unlocked is a fun attraction, where you learn about the intriguing history of the city’s castle. Costumed characters take groups on tours around the castle, sharing anecdotes about the mysterious and dark figures that once roamed these halls. Ascend the Saxon St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the charming city and colleges spread out below.
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A historic building with a large arched entrance, a tower with battlements, and multiple flags.

2. Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is the home of the academic institute’s collection of fossils, skeletons and other natural specimens. The exhibits are housed in a glorious neo-Gothic structure from the 1800s. Peruse the various displays and learn about the world’s rich natural past.
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A historic building with arched windows and a stone facade.

3. Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is a distinguished collection of fascinating art and archeological relics. From Egyptian mummies to English silverware, the museum's pieces are wide in scope and include internationally important collections, such as the modern and contemporary Chinese art collection.
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A classical building with columns and a statue on top.

4. Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library has an enormous collection of books on every conceivable matter. It is the principal research library of the University of Oxford, where students use it as a reference for learning.
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An ornate stone archway with intricate carvings and a coat of arms above it.

5. Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower is the only remaining ruin of a 12th-century church that once stood right in the center of Oxford. It reaches a height of 74 feet (23 meters). Ascend the 99 steps to get to the tower’s peak and look out over the rest of the city.
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A historic stone tower with a clock, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.

Recommended things to do in Oxford

Number of things to do
214
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover Oxford And The Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Tour: NZ$8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Oxford

Stay near popular Oxford attractions

A historic building with a clock tower and a well-maintained lawn.

University of Oxford

9.4/10 (1,690 reviews)
This prestigious 12th-century institution houses 39 autonomous colleges with distinct architecture. Explore the Bodleian Library, stroll through picturesque quadrangles, or join a guided tour of Oxford's rich academic history.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Oxford

Find the best Oxford areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oxford
Learn more about Oxford
A historic building with a pointed tower and arched windows.

Oxford City Centre

Museums, historical sites and theatres are some highlights of Oxford City Centre. Make a stop by Covered Market or New Theatre Oxford while you're exploring.

A historic building with a green dome and a clock tower.

Jericho

Jericho might not have many top sights, but Ashmolean Museum and New Theatre Oxford are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A row of red brick houses with bay windows and a red car parked on the street.

Summertown

Bars and gardens are just a few things travellers like about Summertown. A stop by The North Wall Arts Centre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

A large whale sculpture on a building roof.
Photo by Georgia Johnson
Open Photo by Georgia Johnson

Headington

Travellers enjoy Headington for its bars and live music. Consider checking out Headington Shark while you're in the area.

A historic cityscape with prominent Gothic architecture, including a cathedral with spires and a large dome.

Cowley

While visiting Cowley, you might make a stop by sights like Southfield Golf Club and Shotover Country Park.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Oxford

A grand historic building with ornate architecture, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens with vibrant flower beds.

Aylesbury

A historic red brick building with a clock tower, arched windows, and hanging flower baskets.

Thame

A sunset over a calm lake with reflections, surrounded by trees and a church tower.

Wallingford

A historic building with arched windows and a stone roof.

Witney

A snow-covered boat docked by a snowy riverbank.

Kidlington

A narrow, winding country road flanked by a white fence and dense trees.

Sandford-on-Thames

A church with a clock tower, surrounded by a cemetery with gravestones and a grassy path.
Photo by John Salmon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Great Milton

A residential area with houses and a green field.
Photo by David Kemp (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Culham

Frequently asked questions

Is Oxford worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Oxford is explore Ashmolean Museum. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and distilleries and craft breweries.
How do I spend a day in Oxford?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ashmolean Museum and Waterperry Gardens. Then, tour different parts of Oxford for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oxford?
Ashmolean Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Oxford and should be high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Oxford?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as Ashmolean Museum, Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral. The average stay in Oxford is two days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Reading isn't far away.
Is Oxford a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Oxford is a great destination to explore on foot. Wander between Ashmolean Museum and Sheldonian Theatre. Then take a stroll through Oxford City Centre, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Sandford-on-Thames, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Oxford with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all the family, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Oxford with kids.

What to do in Oxford for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Oxford, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Oxford Town Hall or War Memorial Garden.
Are there free things to do in Oxford?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Oxford is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Ashmolean Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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