Day trip to Oxford

When you’re visiting the Cotswolds, and you’ve come by car, a little trip to Oxford will be a great addition to your holiday. Oxford is known around the world for its illustrious University, which is the oldest in the English-speaking world. Wander the cobblestone alleyways, take in the views of the river and castle, and, of course, see the beautiful University Buildings’ “dreaming spires.”

There’s so much to do in Oxford – here are some ideas for your day trip.

Blenheim Palace

The world-famous Blenheim Palace is a stately home in the English countryside. There’s a lot to see and do here, and it certainly lives up to its designation of ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace.’ This UNESCO World Heritage site is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough.

Walking tours, seasonal attractions such as Halloween entertainment, magnificent Christmas lights, and rotating art displays are all available.
Learn more about Blenheim’s history, including links to MI5 and Winston Churchill.
The Palace is nestled in almost 90 acres of formal gardens, featuring water terraces, the rose garden, and landscaped parkland.
Get lost in the Maze, meander around the Pleasure Gardens & Adventure Playground, or get all aflutter in the Butterfly House.
Many films have been filmed at the Palace, including Gulliver’s Travels and Harry Potter. It is necessary to make a reservation for your visit.

National Trust

The National Trust in Oxfordshire features beautiful mansions and buildings, as well as farmland and parkland. If you aren’t already a member, it definitely will be worth it to join for your trip to Oxford and the Cotswolds – there is so much to see.

Shop your hearts out

If you enjoy shopping, Bicester Village has over 160 designer labels with year-round discounts. Oxford is a fantastic place to shop with a plethora of quirky boutiques, independent shops, antique stalls, and marketplaces. If you enjoy strolling around a city centre, the labyrinth of streets and alleyways in this city will delight you. The Covered Market in Oxford has even more thrills where the conventional meets the strange, and Westgate Shopping Centre has all the standard High Street stores.

Oxford University

You will find the majestic university buildings throughout Oxford, which is made up of 38 distinct universities, including the wonderful Christ Church. Join an Oxford Official Walking Tour to learn more about the history of this fascinating city. 

Pick your museum of choice

Oxford has a diverse collection of museums. The majority are free; however, you will need a timed ticket, so you’re encouraged to make a reservation. The Ashmolean Museum, the world’s oldest public museum, houses important collections of antiquities ranging from Egyptian mummies to modern art. In the spectacular neo-Gothic building, the Museum of Natural History has an internationally noteworthy collection of natural history specimens and documents. The Pitt Rivers Museum, the History of Science Museum, the Botanic Garden & Arboretum, and the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries, are also worth seeing.

Go punting

Glide through Oxford’s famous rivers on a punt or a boat, or simply walk alongside them. The city may be seen from a different viewpoint thanks to the mighty Thames, the River Cherwell, and the old Oxford Canal. Take a punt, a cruise, or simply stroll down the riverbank and take in the sights.

The Prison and The Castle

Do you believe in ghosts? Visit Oxford Prison & Castle and hear the stories of prisoners and criminals held here to learn about 1,000 years of horrifying history. Costumed guided tours really bring this area to life, and if you’re courageous enough, you can see the stones where Oxford University first began, as well as stand at the birthplace of King Arthur, in the crypt of St George’s Chapel.

Well-known filming locations

Whether you’re a lover of Inspector Morse or Harry Potter, a themed two-hour ramble through Oxford’s beautiful streets will provide enough of film and television information. It’s an excellent approach to becoming acquainted with the area.