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Oxford, United Kingdom

Things to Do in Oxford

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

Most booked tours and tickets in Oxford

Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

4.97,649 reviews2h
1.5-hour Oxford City and University Walking Tour

1.5-hour Oxford City and University Walking Tour

4.71,513 reviews1h 30m
Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

5.01,392 reviews8h
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4.61,271 reviews1h
Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

4.81,236 reviews1h 30m
Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course

Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along The University Regatta Course

4.7799 reviews45m
Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

4.8656 reviews1h 30m

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Oxford's top sights, compared.

Top sights in Oxford

  1. 1Bodleian Library
  2. 2Christ Church College
  3. 3Radcliffe Camera
  4. 4Ashmolean Museum
  5. 5Covered Market
  6. 6Punting on the Cherwell
  • Walk Through Literary and Cinematic History: Stand in the Hogwarts-inspired Great Hall at Christ Church College, explore the Bodleian Library's Duke Humfrey's Library (used as the Hogwarts library), and visit the pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met. Follow in the footsteps of Inspector Morse and Lyra Belacqua from 'His Dark Materials'.
  • Experience World-Class Academia Firsthand: Tour individual colleges like Magdalen with its iconic tower and deer park, or New College with its ancient city wall. Attend a public lecture, evensong at Christ Church Cathedral, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the Radcliffe Camera, one of the world's most beautiful libraries.
  • Punt on the Historic Rivers: Glide along the River Cherwell or the Isis (the Thames) in a traditional flat-bottomed boat, passing college boathouses and the Botanic Garden. It's the quintessential Oxford summer activity, best enjoyed with a picnic from the Covered Market.

Tickets and passes in Oxford

Food and drink experiences in Oxford

River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant Dining

River Cruise with Three Course Riverside Restaurant Dining

4.8224 reviews2h
Gin Distillery Experience with Sky Wave Gin

Gin Distillery Experience with Sky Wave Gin

5.0218 reviews1h 15m
Oxford Private Day Trip from London: Lunch & Colleges Option

Oxford Private Day Trip from London: Lunch & Colleges Option

4.819 reviews7h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Oxford

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Oxford with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Oxford with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

4.9214 reviews2h 30m
Explore the Hidden Gems of Cotswolds Private Tour

Explore the Hidden Gems of Cotswolds Private Tour

4.976 reviews5h

Hidden gems in Oxford

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

The Perch Inn, Binsey

A thatched 17th-century pub nestled in a riverside meadow, a short walk or bike ride from the city centre.

The Story Museum

An immersive, interactive museum dedicated to stories and storytelling, located in a converted postal sorting office.

Port Meadow

A vast, ancient common grazing land north of the city, bordering the Thames and the Isis.

St Bartholomew's Chapel & Cemetery

A tiny, secluded 11th-century chapel and overgrown cemetery hidden behind the Westgate Centre.

The Sheldonian Theatre's Cupola

The ceremonial hall of the University, designed by Christopher Wren. Visitors can climb to the cupola (dome) for a view.

Day trips from Oxford

Blenheim Palace

20 min by bus (S3) or 15 min by taxi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This Baroque masterpiece is set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland, offering opulent state rooms, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating history.

The Cotswolds (Bourton-on-the-Water or Burford)

40-60 min by bus/coach

Experience the quintessential English countryside in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Picture-postcard villages built from honey-colored limestone, rolling hills, and charming tea rooms await.

Stratford-upon-Avon

1 hour by direct train

The birthplace of William Shakespeare. This charming market town on the River Avon is dedicated to the Bard's life and works, with several well-preserved Tudor buildings associated with his family.

Plan your Oxford trip

Things to do in Oxford: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Oxford?+

Top sights include Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum. Away from the crowds, try The Perch Inn, Binsey and The Story Museum.

What are the most popular tours in Oxford?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide (4.9 stars, 7,649 reviews); Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour (4.8 stars, 1,624 reviews); 1.5-hour Oxford City and University Walking Tour (4.7 stars, 1,513 reviews).

How much do tours in Oxford cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €17 and €543 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.