A skyline of dreaming spires, domed theatres and college gargoyles, Oxford inspires. Chain up your bike outside university colleges to peek past the porters onto quadrant lawns. The last time we counted there were 38. Pack up picnics for pauses in wonderful attractions including deer parks, meadow flood plains and exotic botanic gardens in this central-southern city. Be brave and try punting while you’re visiting for the weekend. It's the best way to see the River Isis in all its glory. After dark squeeze into side-street city pubs with rowdy students or master the arts at fringe theatres.
Places to visit in Oxford
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Best things to do on a city break in Oxford
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The medieval metropolis of Oxford revolves around its prestigious university, dating all the way back in the 12th century, though there’s so much more to Oxford than meets the eye.
Get close to nature at Oxford Botanic Garden
Pack your picnic and plan a day out at Oxford’s Botanic Garden where there is always something interesting to see in the gardens.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Eat and drink by the riverside, at The Trout pub, Wolvercote
Sample local Oxfordshire food at this famously good pub on the banks of the River Thames.
Location: Wolvercote, Oxford
Rainy Day Activities: Explore Oxford's Museum of Natural History
Delve into Oxford University’s scientific archives, housed inside one of the city's most beautiful neo-Gothic buildings.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Drink a beer at The Bear Inn – Oxford’s oldest pub
Sit back, relax and sample the cask ales and pub grub at Oxford’s oldest drinking hole.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Spend an afternoon in the gardens of The Fishes pub
Eat away the afternoon at the Fishes, a serious gastropub with beautiful views in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Location: North Hinksey, Oxford
Escape to a country cottage in picturesque Oxfordshire
Oxford Country Cottages are situated on Lower Farm in Noke in a stunning courtyard garden.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Discover heritage and luxury in the heart of Oxford
Uncover the history of Oxford Castle Quarter, and then relax at the luxurious Macdonald Randolph Hotel on a city break in historical Oxford.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Enjoy a romantic escape to Broughton Castle
Stroll hand in hand through the beautiful gardens and grand Elizabethan manor of Broughton Castle on a romantic break in Oxford.
Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire
July events: Alice's Day
Rediscover the charm of Wonderland with a fun-packed day of events on Oxford’s unique Alice’s Day.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Discover beautiful Oxfordshire on a cycling holiday
The Carter Company's tours are authentic travel experiences, giving you the chance to discover hidden gems and local secrets across Oxfordshire.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Enjoy elegant riverside dining at The Folly
Enjoy alfresco dining whilst taking in views of the river at The Folly in Oxford, followed by a cruise aboard one of the river boats moored outside.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Take a peek behind the ancient walls of Christ Church
Discover the fascinating history of Christ Church with an exploration of this majestic college, Great Tudor Hall and Cathedral.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire