Things To Do In Oxford Today

Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, is one of the most iconic and historic places in the United Kingdom. This world-renowned university city is home to over 165,000 people and has a long and fascinating history. It is well-known for its iconic university buildings, its ancient cobbled streets, and its many cultural and historical attractions.

Oxford has been a major centre for learning since the 11th century. From the first college foundation in Oxford in the 1220s, to the first lecture in the Bodleian Library in 1602, to the world-famous Oxford University Press, Oxford has long been a centre of intellectual and academic excellence. The city has also been a major centre for publishing since the 18th century, and today is home to a thriving arts and culture scene.

Oxford is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom, attracting visitors from all around the world. There are so many things to do in Oxford today that it can be hard to decide where to start. From exploring the city’s beautiful architecture and visiting its many museums and galleries, to strolling through its picturesque parks and gardens, or taking part in one of its many events, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Oxford today.

Explore The University Of Oxford

Oxford University is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the world, and a visit to this historic institution is a must-do when in Oxford. There are many ways to explore the university’s buildings and grounds. You can join a guided tour of the university with an experienced guide who will take you around some of the most historic parts of the university such as the Bodleian Library, Divinity School, Christ Church College and Radcliffe Camera. Or you can take a self-guided tour using one of the many audio guides available at each college. Alternatively, you can take part in one of the many talks or lectures on offer at the university throughout the year.

Visit The Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is one of Oxford’s most famous attractions and is a must-visit when in the city. The museum is home to a vast collection of art, antiquities and archaeological artefacts spanning thousands of years of human history. From ancient Egyptian mummies to Renaissance paintings, there is something for everyone at the Ashmolean Museum. The museum also offers a range of tours and talks throughout the year, as well as family activities and workshops for children.

Stroll Through The University Parks

The University Parks are some of Oxford’s most beautiful parks and gardens. The parks are open to the public during the day and are a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. You can also take part in one of the many activities available in the parks such as boating on the lake, playing outdoor games or visiting the resident animals. During summer months, there are often open-air performances held in the parks and these are always popular with visitors and locals alike.

Visit Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is an iconic landmark in Oxford and one of its most popular attractions. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is still used as a place of worship today. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s beautiful interior which features stained glass windows, ancient frescoes and ornate tombs. There are also regular guided tours of the cathedral which provide visitors with an insight into its history and architecture.

Shop At The Covered Market

The Covered Market is one of Oxford’s oldest markets and has been running since 1774. The market is home to a wide range of independent retailers selling everything from fresh produce to local crafts and gifts. You can also find a number of food stalls selling hot food such as pizzas, Mexican cuisine or traditional English fish and chips. The market is open every day except Sundays and is a great place to pick up souvenirs or sample some local delicacies.

Take A River Cruise On The Thames

A river cruise on the Thames is one of the best ways to explore Oxford’s beautiful riverside scenery. You can take a leisurely cruise from Oxford to Dorchester or Henley-on-Thames or join one of the many guided tours on offer which will take you to some of Oxford’s most historic landmarks such as Christ Church College or Magdalen Bridge. The cruises are available all year round, so no matter when you visit Oxford you can still enjoy this unique experience.

Explore Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is an 18th century English country house located just 15 miles from Oxford city centre. The palace was built for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, as a reward for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. The palace is surrounded by over 2000 acres of parkland and gardens which are open to visitors every day. There are also a number of guided tours on offer which provide visitors with an insight into Blenheim’s history and architecture.

Book A Tour Of Oxford University Press

The Oxford University Press is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks and has been printing books since 1611. A tour of OUP is a great way to learn more about this iconic institution and its long history of book publishing. The tour lasts about an hour and will take you behind-the-scenes at OUP’s printing presses where you can see how books are printed from start to finish. There is also an on-site museum where visitors can learn more about OUP’s history and discover some interesting facts about book printing.

Visit The Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre is an iconic building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1664. The theatre was originally used for ceremonial occasions but today it serves as a venue for concerts, lectures and other events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the theatre’s interior which features an impressive ceiling painted by renowned artist Antonio Verrio as well as two large statues by famous sculptor Grinling Gibbons.

Visit Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle has stood on this site since 1071 and today it is an iconic landmark in the city centre. Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds which includes an 11th century motte-and-bailey castle, a Victorian prison and a chapel built in 1790. There are also several guided tours available which will take you around some of the castle’s main attractions such as St George’s Tower, Murder House and Crypt Chapel.

Take A Tour Of The City

One of the best ways to explore Oxford is by taking a guided tour of the city centre. There are several tour companies that offer guided walking tours which will take you around some of Oxford’s main sights such as University College, Christ Church College, Radcliffe Camera and Sheldonian Theatre. You can also take part in one of their themed tours such as their “Harry Potter’ or “Inspector Morse’ tours which will take you around some of the locations used as filming locations for these popular TV shows.

See A Show At The Oxford Playhouse

The Oxford Playhouse is one of Britain’s oldest theatres and has been staging plays since 1915. Today it is home to many different productions throughout the year including musicals, plays, comedy shows and even opera performances. The theatre also hosts regular performances by local theatres companies such as Oxford Theatre Group, Oxford Drama Society and Pegasus Theatre Company and these are always popular with visitors and locals alike.

Explore The Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets and is home to over 8,000 species of plants from around the world. The garden was founded in 1621 by Henry Danvers, 1st Earl of Danby, and today it is one of Britain’s oldest botanic gardens still in use. Visitors can explore the garden’s beautiful grounds which include an arboretum, ornamental glasshouses, rock gardens and even an alpine meadow full of wildflowers.

Enjoy A Spot Of Afternoon Tea

What better way to end your day in Oxford than with a spot of afternoon tea? Oxford has plenty of tea rooms throughout the city where you can enjoy delicious sandwiches, cakes and scones with lashings of tea or coffee. One popular spot for afternoon tea is Turl Street Kitchen which offers traditional English afternoon tea with homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches as well as lunch options for those who aren’t quite ready for tea yet!

Popular Tours To Book In Oxford Today

Oxford Walking Tour

Experience Oxford like never before with this unique walking tour that takes you around some of its most famous sites including Christ Church College, Radcliffe Camera and University College. This two hour tour will provide you with an insight into Oxford’s fascinating history and architecture as well as giving you plenty of chances to take pictures along the way! You will be provided with an audio guide so that you can learn more about each site that you visit along the way and your guide will be on hand to answer any questions that you may have throughout your tour. Book your Oxford walking tour here.

Oxford Castle Tour

Explore one of England’s oldest castles on this fascinating tour which takes you around some of its most iconic sites including St George’s Tower, Murder House and Crypt Chapel. Your experienced guide will provide you with an insight into its long history as well as giving you plenty of chances to take pictures along the way! At the end of your tour you will be taken up to St George’s Tower where you can enjoy spectacular views over Oxford city centre before returning back down to ground level again! Book your Oxford Castle tour here.

Oxford Punting Tour

Experience Oxford from a unique perspective on this two hour punting tour along the River Thames! Your experienced guide will provide you with an insight into some of Oxford’s most iconic sights such as Christ Church College, Magdalen Bridge and University Parks while you float along leisurely on your punt boat! At the end of your tour your guide will drop you off near Folly Bridge where you can enjoy views over beautiful Port Meadow before making your way back into town again! Book your Oxford Punting Tour here.

Whether you’re visiting for just a day or for an extended stay, there are lots of things to do in Oxford today that will make your visit truly memorable! From exploring its majestic university buildings to taking part in one of its many cultural events or just enjoying an afternoon stroll through its picturesque parks, there’s something for everyone in this historic city!