Places to visit in Oxford and Oxfordshire

The first thing to do when visiting Oxford, is book onto a walking tour, to really get to know the historic city. Oxford Walking Tours takes you into the famous colleges and explains all the history and legends of the city, or you can take a low-cost self-guided tour.

Travelling the world has never been easier, thanks to Oxford’s museums, from the Ashmolean Museum, to the Museum of Oxford. Take your pick, or head inside the eclectic (and free) Pitt Rivers Museum, which houses half a million artefacts. Take a peek at shrunken heads, ceremonial masks and a even totem pole and pick up a memento in the gift shop.

If you like your meals with a view, book a riverfront table at Cherwell Boathouse, a family-owned restaurant housed in an authentic Victorian boathouse. Seasonal menus include the likes of crab cannelloni, beer-brined poussin and a 10-layered vegetable lasagne. *chef’s kiss* Work off your leisurely lunch afterwards by taking a punt on the river. The restaurant has their own fleet of boats for hire.

Round off a long day of exploring Oxford with a trip to The Bear Inn, which has been serving locals since 1242. Order a pint of ale and kick back in the heated garden or grab a table indoors in the colder months. The interiors of this old-school boozer are particularly distinctive, thanks to its collection of over 4,500 snippets of ties displayed on the walls and ceiling. The tradition started in 1952 by landlord Alan Course, when he offered punters a free half-pint of beer in exchange for clipping the ends of their ties.

Malmaison Oxford, just five minutes from the city’s best bars, restaurants and museums, is so unique it would be a crime not to book a room. Each of the 95 hotel rooms and suites was once your average prison cell, now reformed into luxurious places to lay your head. If you manage to pull yourself away from your uber-comfy bed and powerful rainforest shower – swing by the hotel’s Chez Mal Brasserie for a bite to eat or a cocktail. You can even dine outside in the old prisoner’s exercise yard! Alternatively, book a room in the city centre at The Randolph Hotel or The Store, both housed in historic buildings and both packed with character.

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, made up of 45 historic colleges, many known for their striking architecture and notable alumni. But you don’t have to be a student to wander the colleges – you can follow in the footsteps of many a famous figure and great mind on a themed tour. See the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in Christ Church College or learn about the student lives of some of the greatest authors in the world.

Don’t miss a trip to Oxford Castle and Prison, with its 1,000 years of history and another popular thing to do in the city. Climb St George’s Tower and look out over the dreaming spires, then descend into the 900-year-old crypt and marvel at the 18th century prison.

Next, head out of Oxford to nearby Woodstock and the baroque Blenheim Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Winston Churchill’s birthplace is now also famous as the location for the Harry Potter tree, James Bond’s Spectre and Queen Charlotte. Stop for lunch or afternoon tea, in its lovely Orangery Restaurant and explore pristine parklands and award-winning formal gardens.

From Blenheim, it’s a short hop to Bicester Village, Oxfordshire’s designer shopping outlet with big names and even bigger bargains – a must-do on any weekend away in the region. This open-air shopping outlet houses some of the world’s most famous designers, from Alexander McQueen and UGG to Balenciaga and Versace – all at reduced prices. Once you’re all shopped out, treat yourself to lunch. Choices include Café Wolseley’s scrummy chicken schnitzel and Maitre Choux’s decadent eclairs.

Back in Woodstock, check into the former 13th-century coaching inn, The Bear Hotel. One of the best hotels for a weekend away in Oxfordshire, relax in the Churchill Lounge, or enjoy catch of the day in the restaurant.

While it’s tempting to spend a weekend in Oxford just exploring the city and near surrounds, Oxfordshire also makes up part of the beautiful Cotswolds, which are a top thing to do in the region. Begin by exploring the village of Bampton, otherwise known as the real-life Downton Abbey.

From Bampton, it’s a short drive to Burford, a historic and picturesque town with a high street which tumbles downhill to the River Windrush and its medieval bridge. A popular thing to do is stop for a coffee and cake at its tea rooms, such as The Priory, in a 17th century building, with pretty gardens.

Next, head to Chipping Norton, another bustling market town, known as “Chippy” to locals. With lots of antique stores, clothes shops, restaurants and cafes, it’s also one of the highest points in the Northern Cotswolds, so another top thing to do there is take a scenic circular walk to soak in dramatic countryside views.

Just north of Chipping Norton, you’ll find Hook Norton Brewery, where they make cider, beer and ale. A fun thing to do is take a brewery tour to see how it’s done, or pop in for lunch at the Malthouse Kitchen and explore the museum.

Finish your weekend away in Oxfordshire, at Banbury, a town on the edge of the Cotswolds, with its bronze statue of the “Fine Lady” at Banbury Cross, from the nursery rhyme. Wander the lanes, visit Banbury Museum and Gallery, or nearby Broughton Castle.