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Oxford

Cherwell Boathouse, Oxford

Oxford

Home to Britain’s oldest university and the City of Dreaming Spires, visit Oxford for its history and character.

Oxford at a glance

  • A visit to Oxford, which dates back to Saxon times, is a trip into the brains of a nation. Tour the hallowed halls of the university and follow in the footsteps of Prime Ministers, poets and the one and only Harry Potter.

  • Several scenes from the Harry Potter movies were shot here, some in locations you can visit. For instance, you can get a guided tour of Oxford University’s Bodleian Library – which will be familiar to fans as Hogwarts Library.

  • Take a tour of the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology - the first purpose-built museum in England, which opened in 1683. Or wonder at the anthropology collections at the incredible Pitt Rivers Museum.

  • Did you know? To the city’s east, you’ll find wooded wonderland, the Chilterns – a popular spot for a country getaway.  To the west lies the idyllic Cotswolds and to the north, the spectacular Blenheim Palace.

  • For leisurely sightseeing, take a trip on a punt (a traditional flat-bottomed boat) or if you prefer to stick to dry land, take a hop-on and off bus tour. If you're opting to travel by car, make sure to check out Park and ride which makes sightseeing a blast. 

  • Fashion lovers (and bargain hunters) flock to nearby Bicester Village, a designer shopping outlet selling big names brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike and UGG at discount prices.

  • Find out more about attractions, events and official tours at Experience Oxfordshire.

  • You can get there in a flash from London - it takes 1 hour by train.
Rooftops of Oxford city © VisitBritain/Guy Richardson
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Home to scholars for more than 800 years, Oxford is home to Britain’s oldest university and a wealth of other historic attractions. Explore culture, Egyptian mummies and contemporary art at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, delve into the past at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum, or step back in history among the Norman ruins of Oxford Castle. Admire the architecture of the City of Spires, wander beneath the Bridge of Sighs and bask in the wonders of the Bodleian Libraries before discovering its eclectic foodie scene, meandering waterways and lush green spaces.

Things to do in Oxford

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Where is Oxford?

Located at the heart of Oxfordshire, Oxford is 45 miles from Heathrow Airport (just over an hour by car) which has flights to more than 350 destinations around the world. Bus services from Heathrow take around one hour, with routes from London Victoria taking in the region of one hour 40 minutes. National Express services from Stansted Airport also serve Oxford, taking just under two hours.

Getting around Oxford

Oxford is easily accessible from every corner of Britain, with London to Oxford train services taking in the region of 60 minutes from London Paddington. Regardless of if you want to visit Oxford University or check out its shops and architecture, the city’s public transport network can help you to get around when you get there. Note that face coverings must be worn when using public transport. Direct bus and train services also serve Bicester Village station, providing access to its wealth of outlet stores and shopping opportunities.

  • Experience Oxfordshire has a range of maps and guides to help you plan your visit to Oxford
  • Hop-on hop-off Oxford Bus Tours from City Sightseeing Oxford provide an easy way to see the city’s main attractions, taking in 20 stops and supported by audio guides in 11 languages
  • Hire punts, pedalos and rowing boats to explore Oxford’s River Cherwell, available from the Magdalan Bridge Boathouse and Cherwell Boathouse, or relax with a chauffeured punting service

BY FOOT

The majority of the main things to do in Oxford are best explored on foot and walking from the station to the city centre takes just 15 minutes.

BY BUS

The Oxford Bus Company provides frequent and affordable travel across Oxford, with quick and convenient contactless and cash payment options. Stagecoach offers city centre services and runs routes to the stately home at Blenheim Palace to the north of Oxford, around 35 minutes away. Five Park and Ride locations at Seacourt, Redbridge, Peartree, Water Eaton Oxford Parkway and Thornhill also provide regular buses into the centre of Oxford.

BY BIKE

Oxford is home to several dockless bike hire operators, where you can access cycles via a free downloadable app by scanning a QR code. Bainton Bikes also provides cycle hire, as well as several self-guided and guided tours.