Things to do.....

Located in the heart of England, Oxfordshire is a county rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the beautiful iconic city of Oxford, wandering through picturesque villages, or enjoying the beautiful countryside, there’s something for everyone.

 

Here are some of our top things to do in Oxfordshire:

 

Explore the City of Oxford

Known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is home to the world-famous University of Oxford. Visit historic colleges like Christ Church and Magdalen, explore the Bodleian Library, and climb the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for breathtaking views. Don’t miss the Ashmolean Museum, the worlds oldest public museum, filled with fascinating art and artifacts, or the Museum of Natural History displaying the bones of dinosaurs such as the Megalosaurus  that lived in Oxfordshire 166 million years ago.

 

Walk through Christ Church Meadow and along the River Thames to Iffley and see the boat crews out practicing against the backdrop of cattle grazing in the city centre.

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It is no coincidence that Hollywood moviemakers have chosen Oxford as the backdrop for blockbuster movies such as the Harry Potter series, "X-Men: First Class", "Dr Strange", "102 Dalmatians" and the Oscar winning "The Favourite". You can visit all the places that you can see on the silver screen with lots of official tours available.

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You can visit the Eagle and Child where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met to talk about the Lord of The Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia over a pint of ale, or the Turf Tavern where Inspector Morse and Sgt Lewis discussed how to solve their latest case.

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The city has a sporting past and is home to Championship football club Oxford United along with Iffley Road Stadium where Sir Roger Bannister ran the first ever 4 minute mile.

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Oxford is by no means the biggest city, but it is crammed full of things to do, so make sure that you plan your visit and give yourself enough time to enjoy all this amazing city has to offer.

 

Visit Blenheim Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill (arguably the greatest Briton of all time), Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is a must-see. Explore its stunning Baroque architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and historical exhibitions.

The Palace and grounds have been used in countless films and TV shows and hosts some of the most prestigious events and exhibitions in the world (including the Blenheim Horse Trials and Countryfile Live) as well as the famous Nocturne concerts in the summer which have features such artists as Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Gladys Knight, Simple Minds and Lionel Richie.

The nearby town of Woodstock has some very good restaurants and traditional pubs to sit back and relax in after a day walking around the palace grounds.

 

Discover the Cotswolds Villages

Oxfordshire is home to some of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds. Wander through Bourton-on-the-Water (technically just over the border into Gloucestershire), Burford, and Minster Lovell, where you’ll find honey-colored cottages, cozy pubs, and scenic countryside walks. Walking around these villages is like taking a step back in time, and where traditional English communities still thrive among the houses and churches that reach back hundreds of years into the past. As you would expect, there are countless traditional country pubs and taverns that never disappoint and antique shops where you can purchase your own little bit of English history.

 

Take a Thames River Cruise

Enjoy Oxfordshire from the water with a relaxing cruise along the River Thames to Abingdon or Reading. Choose from sightseeing tours, afternoon tea cruises, or even a traditional punting experience in Oxford.

 

Walk the Ridgeway National Trail​

For outdoor lovers, the Ridgeway is one of the oldest paths in Britain, offering stunning views across the Chiltern Hills and the Vale of White Horse. The Uffington White Horse, a prehistoric chalk figure, is a highlight of the route.

 

Visit Bicester Village for Shopping​

For those who love shopping, Bicester Village is a luxury shopping destination with designer brands at discounted prices. It’s a great place to find high-end fashion, accessories, and homeware. In recent years, Bicester Village has been THE go to destination for those looking for a bargain, whether it is a Gucci handbag, Prada jacket, an Armani suit or Jimmy Choo heels! Visitors come from all over the world to do their designer shopping and with it's own dedicated train station with services to Oxford and London, it is a must visit destination for anyone coming to Oxfordshire. It is also worth mentioning that some of our accommodation is within walking distance of Bicester Village!

 

Enjoy the Food & Drink Scene

Oxfordshire boasts a fantastic selection of restaurants, traditional pubs, and local markets. Enjoy fine dining at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, visit a historic pub like The Turf Tavern, or sample local produce at the Oxford Covered Market. You can visit Clarkson's Farm (as featured on Amazon TV) or enjoy a pint of their Hawkstones Cider at their pub 'The Farmers Dog'. You might get lucky and bump into Oxfordshire resident David Beckham in the fish and chip shop as some of our guests have!

 

Experience Science and Innovation

 Visit the Science Oxford Centre, a hands-on science experience for families, or explore the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, a hub of cutting-edge research.