OX Top 10 must see
1. Christ Church, University of Oxford
The University’s largest college, Christ Church sits between the heart of the city and tranquil meadow on the banks of the river. Stroll through Christ Church Meadow where Longhorn cattle graze and then enter the college’s elegant quadrangles, cloisters, hall staircase and libraries and soak up the atmosphere of this famous seat of learning, established in 1525. 13 British prime ministers studied here, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland was crafted here and numerous Harry Potter scenes were filmed here. University life carries on daily, so it’s a good idea to check their website before you visit to see which areas are open. The hall is closed most days from 12:00-14:00 so that the students can eat lunch.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
2. Ashmolean Museum of Art & Archaeology
A fascinating place to while away a few hours and experience famous collections representing the world’s greatest civilisations, ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. Don’t miss treasures including Guy Fawkes’ lantern - used that notorious night on the 5th November 1605; Raphael’s sketches; or the ancient Watlington Hoard, discovered by a metal detectorist in Oxfordshire a few years ago. The museum’s top floor restaurant is well worth a visit – simply for its lovely outdoor terrace with stunning views across Oxford’s rooftops.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
3. Blenheim Palace
Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site, the Blenheim Palace estate spans 2,000 acres and a history covering 300 years. The estate is truly vast so be prepared to do a lot of walking to get the most out of your visit. It’s well worth exploring, with a beautiful lake and bridge, a magnificent palace and spectacular gardens and woodland, creating an idyllic English landscape. A whole stack of events take place each year including fun runs, a triathlon, cycling days, food festivals, vintage car festivals, open air music events, a circus, Shakespearean theatre and even jousting tournaments. Check their website for full details of what’s on.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
4. Oxford Covered Market
Blink and you might just miss it! This historic building dates back to the ‘70s – not the 1970s, but the 1770s! The thriving market has always attracted locals and the city’s visitors and today is home to a community of more than 40 diverse and independent businesses, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses, fine foods, flowers, gifts, clothing, shoes, jewellery and much more. There are several tasty places to eat and drink too. Walk in the footsteps of royalty - in May 2017 Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit to this much-loved part of Oxford’s city centre. Plan your visit today!
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
5. Hook Norton Brewery
Founded by John Harris in 1856, this independent brewery is one of only 32 family-owned breweries in the country. It’s a fine example of a fully operational Victorian Tower brewery and produces a great range of award-winning beers. We think it’s well worth a visit, so drop into the visitor centre to see the free museum, buy some beer and eat/drink at the rustic Malthouse Kitchen. If you want to learn more about Hook Norton’s history and the traditional brewing process, then the two-hour brewery tour including 30 minutes beer tasting is for you! This must be booked in advance, more details are available on their website linked below. Evening tours can also be arranged by appointment for groups of 10 or more. Look out for the magnificent Shire horses in the stables that still deliver beer to the local pubs in the traditional way.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
6. Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford
Brace yourself for all things weird and wonderful at this bizarre treasure trove of more than 55,000 items from across all ages and from all corners of the globe. Artefacts are grouped by type rather than time or region, so you’ll find large glass cabinets brimming with a jaw-dropping range of themed displays from ‘Puppets’ to ‘Instruments of Divination’. Look out for the notorious and slightly controversial ‘Treatment of Dead Enemies’ display case if you’ve ever wondered what a shrunken head looks like.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
7. Broughton Castle, Banbury
A couple of miles from Banbury, this privately-owned fortified castle sits on its own island, completely surrounded by a wide moat. Accessed via a stone gatehouse and bridge, the castle, its grounds and formal gardens are popular settings for film shoots (Shakespeare in Love, Jane Ayre and Wolf Hall). The stately rooms have real wow factor and it’s also one of the most beautiful places to laze on the grass and have a picnic. A tearoom is also available.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
8. Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
The library, in its earliest form, dates back to approximately 1320, making it one of the oldest in Europe and today, the second largest library in Britain, containing over 13 million printed items. A regular programme of guided tours allows you to see inside its historic rooms including the 15th century Divinity School, medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library and the impressive Radcliffe Camera.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
9. BMW MINI Plant Oxford Tour & Cowley Road
This site has a long history of making cars. Since 2001, they've made almost three million cars according to each customer's preferences. The plant tours take about two hours and show how cars are made, from welding steel parts to customizing the interior. If you and 14 friends are into motor racing, you can try the MINI Racing Challenge. You'll race in high-tech simulators at famous tracks for an hour. If you're into shopping, restaurants, bars, and the arts, you can visit Cowley Road nearby. It's a lively area with lots to do, like catching new music acts at The Bullingdon and O2 Academy Oxford, or watching a movie at the Ultimate Picture Palace, which is the only independent cinema in Oxford.
Visit the Mini website for information on location, charges and opening times
10. People's Park, Banbury
Land was given to create this central Banbury park in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and it has retained much of its Victorian charm with impressive stone gate piers at the entrances, an ornamental rose garden, bandstand, bowling green and aviary. Take a leisurely stroll, play a game of tennis on the courts (free to use), or work out in the park’s fitness area with five exercise stations including a rower and mini ski. Whilst in the historic market town, take a photo of Banbury Cross and the Fine Lady Statue, epitomised in the children’s nursery rhyme ‘Ride a cock horse’ – and try a famous Banbury Cake in one of the town’s cafes. .
Visit the website for information on location, charges and opening times
OX Top 10 must do
1. Punting from The Cherwell Boathouse
Quintessentially Oxford, this has to be done. Pack your favourite nibbles and tipples and prepare to set adrift on the River Cherwell, with only a lengthy metal pole and one paddle to leisurely navigate your way upstream or downstream past the University. Yes, it’s slightly eccentric but a great way to entertain visiting friends! The Cherwell Boathouse restaurant is right next door to the punt station, offering creative menus and an extensive wine list. 80 punts are available and it’s six people per punt maximum. Get there early to avoid waiting at the weekends.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
2. Shopping at Bicester Village
Grab yourself a bargain from 160 boutiques featuring world-famous brands including Mulberry, Gucci, Versace, Ted Baker and Michael Kors. There are plenty of places to eat too if you have any money left for sustenance! For a more relaxed shopping experience try a midweek evening expedition to avoid the crowds.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
3. Bill Spectre’s Oxford Ghost Trail
Be prepared for giggles, screams and fascinating tales about Oxford’s darker side as your costumed guide entertains and horrifies you as you walk the streets of one of the most historic and haunted cities in Britain. This will get your weekend off to a frighteningly good start! The castle and prison are well worth a visit too – more information below - if you dare!.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
4. Day trip to Burford, Cotswolds
The view from the top of Burford High Street portrays an iconic Cotswolds’ scene. Sweet mellow stone houses with traditional mullioned windows, a number of inns steeped in history and a selection of quaint shops line the road as it sweeps down to the bridge over the Windrush River. Take a stroll to see the Tudor Market House, 15th century almshouses and England’s oldest pharmacy (founded in 1734). There are a couple of lovely circular walks along the river and rolling countryside, or enjoy afternoon tea at Huffkins on the High Street and at Burford Garden Centre, just outside the town. It’s a five-minute drive to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which takes the concept of a zoo to another dimension. Rhinos happily graze in front of the stately home, and you can observe a host of other creatures including lions, penguins and giraffes in natural enclosures.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
5. Choral Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral Choir was founded 500 years ago and is renowned globally for the youthfulness of its sound and adventurous musical programming. Sitting quietly and listening to them sing, combined with the cathedral’s magnificent architecture and fantastic acoustics, creates a truly remarkable and humbling experience. Did you know that the choir sung the TV theme tunes for Mr Bean and The Vicar of Dibley? And finally, this might be the only cathedral in the world to operate in its own special time zone. Called ‘Old Oxford Time’, it is five minutes later than GMT (or BST), so services that are listed to start at 18:00 actually start at 18:05 GMT/BST.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
6. Climb White Horse Hill, Uffington
On a clear day, you can admire the views stretching out over six counties from the top of this remarkable National Trust site, making the climb up worth it! The whole area is steeped in ancient history and folklore. See the beautiful form of the Bronze Age Uffington White Horse carved into the chalk escarpment of the Ridgeway, walk over the Iron Age hillfort crowning the hill, spot the Neolithic burial mounds and the Giant’s Steps on the steep sides of The Manger, carved during the last Ice Age. And in the shadow of White Horse Hill, did Saint George really slay his dragon with a sword on top of flat-topped Dragon Hill? It is said the dragon’s blood poisoned the ground, leaving a white scar. This question, and more, can be debated afterwards in the comfort of one of the nearby village pubs. Hop five miles away into Wiltshire and try the acclaimed Royal Oak at Bishopstone, serving generous organic food, with proper fires in winter and newspapers year round.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
7. The Oxford Artisan Distillery Tour & Tasting
Get the insider knowledge on grain to glass distilling at this unique artisan distillery where ancient heritage grains, sustainably grown on four local organic farms, are exclusively used in the production of vodka, gin, absinthe and rye whisky. The behind-the-scenes tour explains the journey from grain to bottle, with an opportunity to ask questions and taste a selection of the spirits, so it’s best not to drive there! Walk from the city centre in 30 minutes, or jump on a bus heading for the Oxford Brookes University campus.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
8. Henley-on-Thames
There are many ways to enjoy the River Thames as it flows through one of its most famous stretches at Henley. During the summer, take a scheduled trip with Hobbs of Henley or Salters Steamers, or if you are feeling adventurous, hire a powered boat or rowing boat from Hobbs. You can even take to the water in a canoe with Henley Canoe Hire. Upstream of Henley Bridge, enjoy a picnic or BBQ by the river at Mill and Marsh Meadows, or follow the Ale Trail and acquaint yourself with ten of the town’s traditional pubs. For a sporting spectacle combining world class rowing on the river with the best features of an English garden party, don’t miss the Henley Royal Regatta. Travel by coach on the X38 Service from St Aldates, Oxford - every 2 hrs and takes 1hr 8mins, full details below.
Visit the bus service website for information on location, charges and opening times
9. Visit Diddly Squat Farm Shop
Diddly Squat Farm Shop, located in the Cotswolds and established by Jeremy Clarkson, is known for its fresh produce, homemade goods, and locally sourced products. The shop emphasises sustainability and quality, offering a unique shopping experience amidst beautiful countryside views.
Visit their website for information on location, charges and opening times
10. Walk the Thames Path, Oxford – Abingdon
A designated National Trail, the 184-mile long Thames Path runs the length of the river, from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. The ten-mile section from Oxford to the historic town of Abingdon takes about four hours to walk and offers a unique perspective of the city and rural countryside. Pass the city’s famous boat houses and continue to Iffley Lock and its ornamental stone bridge. Stop off at the Isis Farmhouse (open Fri-Sun) for a pub lunch or cream tea. A few miles downstream is Sandford Lock, which has the greatest fall of water on the Thames, and an impressive weir, known as the Sandford Lasher. Pop into the Kings Arms (open every day) for refreshments. As you approach Abingdon, with its magnificent town hall and abbey, founded in 675AD, cross the river at Abingdon Lock and finish at Abingdon Bridge. The original bridge was built in 1422 with 14 arches and today’s bridge retains a medieval feel. Return to Oxford by bus, or seasonal cruise back along the river with Salters Steamers.
Visit the website for information on location, charges and opening times
