With skylines pierced with spires and domes, palace estates and idyllic meadows, Oxfordshire has a dreamlike quality. Top things to do in Oxfordshire include a punt on the River Cherwell in Oxford for a student's-eye view of highbrow colleges, walks though rambling deer parks, botanic gardens and lush meadows, and jaunts to Henley-on-Thames to see varsity teams row in posh regattas. Walkers amble between stony Cotswold villages like Witney and Woodstock, and tread ridgeways over the Chiltern Hills as red kites swoop overhead. Meanwhile, shoppers spend happy days lost in Bicester’s designer outlets and old-school covered markets.
Places to visit in Oxfordshire
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Top things to do on a city break in Oxford
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Whether it’s punting on the River Cherwell or learning about the real Alice in Wonderland, there are heaps of things to do in Oxford.
Walking in the Cotswolds
Join a walking route from Bourton-on-the-Water to the Slaughters.
Location: Oxfordshire
July events: Henley Royal Regatta
Enjoy the excitement and action of a classic English pastime in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside.
Location: Henley, Oxfordshire
Romantic punting on the River Cherwell
Ever watched people punting and felt you’d like to have a go? Pick up a few tips at Cherwell Boathouse, grab the pole and off you go.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Rainy Day Activities: Visit the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford
All the great civilizations of the world are represented in the Ashmolean Museum’s collections; escape the rain for a whole day, or pop in for five minutes for a quick browse.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Explore the city with Oxford Official Walking Tours
The fantastic walking tours are the perfect way to explore and learn about the history, famous residents and odd traditions of this unique city.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Uncover history and heritage at Blenheim Palace
Home to the 12th Duke Marlborough & birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim is a super family day out.
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Fairytale Farm: a farm park with a difference
A sensory and learning wonderland, Fairytale Farm will delight the whole family.
Location: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Family fun at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
The appeal of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens goes way beyond its remarkable wildlife collection to breeding programmes and exuberant gardens.
Location: Burford, Oxfordshire
Ride on down to the Didcot Railway Centre
Enjoy a trip to Didcot Railway Centre, whose magnificent restored engines will take you steaming through most of the Oxfordshire countryside.
Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire
Explore the Midsomer Murders locations
Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Barnaby as you explore Causton, Midsomer Newton and more on the trail of the Midsomer Murders locations.
Location: Wallingford, Oxfordshire
Go on a tour of Oxford University
A host of famous alumni and one... Harry Potter?
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Plan a romantic escape to Malmaison Oxford
Enjoy chocolate dipped strawberries in a converted prison on a romantic break in Oxford.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison
Step back in time with costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Enjoy lavish shopping at Bicester Village
From Prada to the White Company, vintage to catwalk fashions, Bicester Village is the destination for shopaholics everywhere to head to.
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire
Enjoy a family day out at Batsford Arboretum
Experience the wild beauty of Batsford Arboretum in autumn and the splendid sight of rare birds of prey soaring above the surrounding Cotswolds Hills.
Location: Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Discover the UK's only crocodile zoo
Come face to face with some of the most feared predators on the planet - Nile crocodiles, American alligators, black caiman and more!
Location: Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
Try your hand at falconry at Millets Farm
Ever marvelled at a soaring bird of prey and wondered how they are trained? Find out on a special Advanced Entry visit to Millets Farm Falconry Centre.
Location: Frilford, Oxfordshire
Recreate the real Alice in Wonderland’s river trip
Take an Oxford River Cruise trip along the Thames just like the real Alice in Wonderland many years ago.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Join Bill Spectre on his award winning Ghost Trail
Dressed as a Victorian undertaker, Bill will lead you through the streets of this pretty city lifting the lid on this great seat of learning.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Meet Downton Abbey's farmyard animals at Cogges Manor Farm
A place of family fun and learning and one of the idyllic settings for ITV’s Downton Abbey, Cogges is a wonderful family attraction in Oxfordshire.
Location: Witney, Oxfordshire
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