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Ultimate Oxford Day Trip: The Perfect One Day in Oxford (2024)

Table of Contents

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Oxford is many things, one being my hometown! Today I’m going to help you plan the perfect Oxford day trip from London (as well as other UK cities) with my lifetime supply of knowledge. While I’d recommend spending longer if you can, I understand time is limited. With one day in Oxford , you can still see the best of this charming, walkable city. There are plenty of things to do, see and eat, which is why I’ve mapped them out so you don’t miss a thing.

OXFORD DAY TRIP ESSENTIALS Oxford & Cotswolds Pocket Lonely Planet guidebook Accommodation: Booking.com Activities: GetYourGuide Must read: my UK budget travel guide Getting there: Train ( Trainline ) / Busbud

For more UK day trips , check out: – 10 Cotswolds day trips from London – A perfect Bright on day trip – How to visit Bath as a day trip – The ultimate London to Margate day trip – How to spend 1 day in Liverpool

Stops during this Oxford one day trip :

Day trip to Oxford from London – how to get there

There are many of advantages of spending one day in Oxford, for example that you don’t have to pay for accommodation. There’s a train and coach station within a 10-minute walk of the city centre. A one day trip to Oxford from London is the easiest option because of the transport connections between the two cities. Getting to Oxford by train: You can catch a train from many UK cities directly into Oxford. For an Oxford day trip from London, services run as often as every 30 minutes, going directly into Paddington. Book a ticket on the Trainline for as little as £12 per way. Alternatively, you can book an open return if you’re not sure what time you’ll be returning. It’s almost always cheaper to book a ticket in advance so I’d suggest doing this if possible. Browse trains from London Paddington to Oxford .

The Oxford Tube: If you’re taking a one day trip from London to Oxford, you’re particularly well connected by the Oxford Tube . This coach runs up to every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Catch it from Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate or Shepherd’s Bush in London. On the way back, board from Gloucester Green bus station or Oxford High Street. Tickets are as little as £13 each way and valid for three months. Local tip – when arriving into Gloucester Green, don’t miss the fantastic Gloucester Green Market just a few minutes away. There’s food from around the world, shopping and great coffee. Getting to Oxford by bus: The National Express, Megabus and Flixbus coaches are cheaper than the train although take a bit longer. Compare prices and book tickets to Oxford with Busbud .

Staying over in Oxford?

If you decide to stay over in Oxford, there are plenty of options. The city centre is optimal but if you’re on a budget, stay a twenty-minute walk away near the quirky Cowley Road or pretty St Clements Street. This is one of my favourite neighbourhoods of Oxford with lots of amazing Cowley Road restaurants , bars and live music venues. Hotel: For a lovely hotel just a moment’s walk from all the attractions, I would recommend George Street Hotel. Check availability from £97pn . Browse Oxford hotel s here .

Top activities in Oxford

• 2 hour Harry Potter walking tour inc Bodleian Libraries (£25)
• Sunset boat cruise & 3 course meal with Prosecco (£80)
• Sightseeing river cruise (daytime, £20)
• City and University tour with alumni guide (£25)

Oxford in one day

There are loads of amazing places to see, although you won’t have time for absolutely everything during one day in Oxford. Having spent many years living here, I’ve whittled down the top attractions that can’t be missed. Follow this Oxford day trip itinerary:

10am – arrive for coffee

Coffee is life, after all. There are plenty of cute cafes in Oxford serving expertly blended coffee from around the globe. After an early start, you’re probably in need of a boost before you start sightseeing.

Check out my Oxford cafe guide and my Oxford brunch guides!

I would recommend the Missing Bean , a cosy cafe on Turl Street always wafting out the smell of freshly-brewed coffee. This Oxford institution is always busy but don’t worry if you can’t get a table; the best seat in the house is along the window bar. Here you can watch Oxfordians wander and cycle by as you get a real feel for the city.

11am – self-guided walking tour

From Oxford city centre, you’ll be moments away from most of the key buildings and monuments. Follow this Oxford one day itinerary to see the best bits. Radcliffe Camera & Radcliffe Square: Dating back to 1737, the ‘Rad Cam’ belongs to Oxford University (like most things in Oxford) and students go inside to study and borrow books. The interior is stunning so it’s a shame tourists can’t go inside, but you can snap photos from the outside.

To see these sights with an Oxford alumni, take this city and University tour. University Church of St Mary the Virgin: A must for your Oxford day trip, this church offers unbeatable panoramic views from the tower. From one side you can look down over the Rad Cam and from the other, the colourful houses of the High Street. It’s £56to climb to the top; well worth it for photographers.

Have longer in Oxford? Read next: how to spend a weekend in Oxford

The Divinity School: Just off Radcliffe Square, you’ll find one of my favourite buildings in Oxford. It’s the oldest surviving structure built specifically for Oxford University, dating back to 1427. The gorgeous ceiling is a great addition to an Oxford day trip, especially since it was used in Harry Potter filming.

Sheldonian Theatre: Used for Oxford Uni events, this impressive building is worth passing by for the famous ‘Sheldonian Heads’ on the outside with different, characterful expressions. Bridge of Sighs: This beautifully bizarre bridge links up two parts Hertford College. Wikipedia describes it as a skywalk which sounds extremely glamourous and futuristic: it’s not. Over 100 years old, it’s another place only staff and students can go inside. Visit New College Lane to wander underneath it.

Local tip – take the tiny alleyway off New College Lane and you’ll come out in the garden of the Turf Tavern, a creaky old British pub where Bill Clinton allegedly smoked a spliff.

Related read: best Oxford pubs with gardens

Oxford day trip itinerary – lunch

My favourite market in Oxford is by far the Covered Market . This quirky collection of shops and cafes is a great place to browse, support local businesses and most importantly, eat lunch during your Oxford day trip. Don’t miss Sasi’s Thai , an authentic Thai cafe with daily changing dishes including pad Thai and red squid curry. You can eat lunch for £7.50 which is a bargain for Oxford. There are also plenty of cafes serving sandwiches and salads if you fancy something lighter.

Read next: What to eat & buy at Oxford Covered Market

Make sure to leave space for dessert because the flagship store of Ben’s Cookies is inside Oxford Covered Market. I dream about the dark chocolate and ginger cookies, freshly-baked and oozing warm chocolate. If you don’t have space after lunch, you can purchase a box to take home… I promise they’re not paying me to say this!

Want to eat outdoors? Here’s where to eat outside in Oxford this summer !

Day trip to Oxford from London – afternoon

To explore historic Oxford or just seek out Harry Potter spots during your Oxford day trip itinerary, there are plenty of options. You won’t have time for everything with one day in Oxford so this is what I would suggest:

2pm – Visit a college

There are no less than 45 Oxford colleges so you have plenty of choice. They vary in size so why not pop into a couple of the best ones? A must for Harry Potter fans spending one day in Oxford is Christ Church College . Here you can venture inside the Dining Hall which is thought to have inspired the movie location of Hogwart’s Great Hall. Better yet, you can wander the exact staircase that young Harry stood on while speaking to Professor McGonagall in the first film.

Read next: A self-guided tour of the Harry Potter Oxford locations

My only reservation about visiting Christ Church College during your one day Oxford itinerary? The entrance fee has tripled in recent years, probably because of the popularity of the Harry Potter movies. Nowadays it’s £16 to go inside. As an Oxford local, I can tell you about a few equally pretty but much cheaper colleges to explore while seeing Oxford in 1 day. These include: Balliol College: The gardens at Balliol are so beautiful with purple wisteria climbing over golden stone. This college has been around since the 12th century when it was a little fortress of protection because locals tried to kill the students. Balliol and Merton today quibble over who is oldest. Entrance is only £5. Magdalen College: This Oxford college can be found towards the end of High Street, far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Inside you’ll find enormous grounds, herds of deer, and flowers growing out of red English phone boxes. Entrance is £9.50.

Read next: a complete visitor’s guide to the Oxford colleges

3pm – Go punting

Well, you can’t take a day trip from London to Oxford and not go punting! Well, actually you can. It would be pretty miserable in bad weather. However if you’re visiting between May and November and the sun’s shining, there’s no better way activity for a one day Oxford itinerary than falling out (of the boat) with your loved ones, quibbling about who’s the worst at punting. You can also hire a guide, usually local students, to punt while you sit back and picnic or drink or an entire bottle of wine. I’m not judging! To add punting to your Oxford one day trip, factor in £25 per hour which can be split between up to five people. For a chaffered ride with a pro punter, it’s £35. Visit Magdalen Bridge Boathouse website for more details.

Rainy day option – The Pitt Rivers Museum

For some culture during your day trip to Oxford, explore one of the city’s museums. My favourite is the Pitt Rivers Museum , a 15-minute walk from central Oxford along Parks Road. Oxford University Museum of Natural History can be found within the same building. Entrance is free and you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm. View more than half a million items, including the world’s only tissue remains of a dodo. A fun fact is that the real Alice in Wonderland used to come here with her godfather, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (pen name, Lewis Caroll). Maybe some of the things they saw inspired his famous stories!

Alternative museum – The Ashmolean

Another of my favourite museums in Oxford is the Ashmolean . Rather than natural history, here you can explore art and archaeology including a particularly interesting Egyptian mummy exhibit. The Ashmolean is Oxford’s oldest museum opened in 1683 but today, it’s anything but stuffy, using modern technology to tell stories about days gone by. Another reason to visit the Ashmolean? Cocktails on the roof! What better way to finish your Oxford 1 day itinerary? I love The Ashmolean Cafe which is a light and bright spot on top of the museum, serving world cuisine. Menu highlights include chilli, garlic and lime calamari, portobello mushroom burgers, and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream.

If you’re visiting the Ashmolean at the end of your day trip to Oxford, it would make a lovely dinner spot before heading home. If you’re there mid-afternoon, they serve afternoon tea for two for £29 including sandwiches, cakes, macaroons and tea. Add £6 each for Prosecco. So worth it!

Relax in University Parks

If you find yourself with spare time during your Oxford day trip and have good weather, one of my personal favourite places in Oxford is University Parks. There are several entrances but I usually enter via Parks Road. This huge oasis of greenery is totally hidden away and many day visitors don’t even know it’s there. Inside, you’ll find a cricket ground, swimming area, duck pond and an exotic garden. Sitting by the river with an iced coffee makes for the perfect summer’s day.

Related read: Best walks near Oxford

Walk through Jericho

Although there isn’t a whole load to ‘do’ in Jericho, this pretty area of North Oxford is one of my favourites. If you have time, take a walk from Little Clarendon Street to Walton Street. There are boutique shops, cosy cafes (don’t miss Barefoot!), stylish bars like Raoul’s, lots of excellent restaurants and the beloved Phoenix Picturehouse, an arthouse cinema with 100 years of history. Jericho is a 10-minute walk from the largest green space in Oxford, Port Meadow. Use my Jericho Oxford area guide to get the best out of the neighbourhood!

Oxford day trip – dinner

With just 1 day in Oxford, you’ll be out of time after punting, visiting a college and a museum after lunch. But if you have time for dinner, there are so many spots I’d recommend. The White Rabbit serve tasty wood-fired pizza and f antastic local beers inside a cosy British pub. Zheng is a really fantastic Chinese and Malay restaurant in Jericho , even rated by Times food critic Giles Coren as the best in the country (and prices aren’t even too steep). Since it’s near Oxford Train Station, it’s the perfect end to your day trip to Oxford.

Read next: Complete Oxford food guide – 20 best restaurants

Banana Tree – head here for affordable Asian food. The laksa noodle soup is almost as good as the real deal in Singapore hawker markets. The rendang curry is so tasty too, as are the cocktails and Vietnamese coffees.

Costs for visiting Oxford in one day from London

You might be wondering how much one day in Oxford will cost you.

The pay-for attractions in this guide include St Mary’s Church (£6) and any Oxford Colleges you visit (prices included above). The museums are free but you might want to splash out £25 per hour for self-drive punting or £35 including someone to do the arm work! Then there’s any food and drink you choose to consume, as well as your train or bus ticket from London (or elsewhere).

Read next: 32 free things to do in Oxford

Getting around Oxford

It’s easy to see Oxford on foot and not pay a penny for transport, something that helps keep the costs down. The furthest you’ll need to walk is 15 minutes to Pitt Rivers Museum. The Train Station is less than 10 minutes from the city centre.

Best season for a day trip to Oxford

Well, that really depends on what the British weather feels like doing. Summer in Oxford can occasionally be hot and I’d also vouch for spring as a lovely time to visit Oxford in one day. Winter in Oxford can be cold but nothing a warm coat and scarf can’t deal with. England doesn’t have huge temperature extremes compared to countries like Canada so you can visit year-round, although prepare for it to be busy with coach parties in the summer months, especially at weekends.

Visiting the UK?  Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for reading my Oxford day trip itinerary!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Check out my (many) Oxford blogs:

• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• A self-guided Harry Potter Oxford tour
• A guide to the Oxford markets
• Best food in Oxford: 18 restaurants
• Cafes and coffee shops in Oxford
• Where to eat and drink outside in Oxford
• Visiting Oxford colleges
• 10 amazing Asian restaurants in Oxford
• My top 20 Instagrammable spots in Oxford
• Where to find the best brunch in Oxford
• Where to eat and drink in Jericho, Oxford
• The best walks in Oxfordshire
• AND my guide to backpacking the UK

See you next time,

Ps. Liked this day trip to Oxford? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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12 Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford From London! By Train or Bus!

Categories England , London , U.K

Oxford is a great city to spend the day in and due to the short journey time, it’s very possible to do a day trip to Oxford from London getting there by Bus or by Train.

There are so many things to do in Oxford in one day so in this list I have included things to see in Oxford like famous historical buildings that are must-visits in Oxford, especially if you are visiting for the first time!

But, I have also given you a few  different and unique Oxford Day Trip things to do that you can’t miss and that will make you feel like a local in Oxford!

Day Trip To Oxford From London

How to get to Oxford from London.

London to oxford by train., london to oxford by bus..

It’s possible to get a bus from London to Oxford too. It takes slightly longer at about 2 hours but it will more often than not be cheaper than the train with prices starting from £5.00 each way through The Train Line too .

I would definitely check both train and bus options though as the bus may actually be more expensive if you are looking to go within the next few days!

Oxford Day Tours From London.

If you’re short on time, you want to visit more than just Oxford in one day, or you want things organised for you, a  day tour from London to Oxford is a good idea:

This tour combines Oxford and the Harry Potter Studio!

This tour combines Oxford with the nearby Cotswolds from London ,

This tour visits Oxford and Cambridge in one day from London.

Oxford Day Trip Things To Do!

1. visit oxford castle first.

Oxford Castle is well located right next to Oxford Train Station, therefore if you want to visit, it’s a good idea to go when you get off the train to save you time because you only have one day in Oxford.

Oxford Castle is number one on my list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip to Oxford from London because if you start off here, you’ll get to witness some of Oxford’s oldest (and scariest) history!

2. Brunch at The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

After getting to Oxford by bus or train if you’re like me you’ll be very hungry, especially if you did visit Oxford Castle first, and it will be the perfect time for brunch or lunch, and The Handle Bar Cafe is a great place to head to.

Oxford train station is right in the centre of the city which is another reason why it’s easy to do a day trip to Oxford from London!

The Handle Bar Cafe is a 10-minute walk into the centre . It’s very deceiving as the downstairs entry is a bike shop, however upstairs is a beautifully decorated, light, quaint but modern cafe with a bike theme.

Their menu is amazing for brunch and lunch options. I had the Vegan Avocado on Toast but I did get food envy over the pancakes.

This is a great way to start your oxford day trip and get planning your route around Oxford.

3. Snap the Colourful Houses on Holywell Street

For one of the unique things to do in Oxford on your day trip from London, head Holywell Street which has a beautiful row of pastel-coloured terrace buildings.

It’s also home to many more beautiful houses and what I loved perhaps more, is that this street was so quiet compared to the busy main streets on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely visit Holywell Street if you need some colour and calm!

4. Visit the Famous Colleges and Universities

Oxford is known for its beautiful buildings and especially those of its colleges and universities!

Merton College is in the centre of Oxford which makes it easy to visit on a day trip to Oxford from London, it’s one of the oldest college’s in Oxford and is only £3.00 to enter!

Christ Church College is where you should head if you are a Harry Potter fan as it was used as a filming location!

Magdalen College is another beautiful building and college right in the centre of Oxford. It’s right near the river too which makes it a great place to go punting from. Keep reading for more information on that!

5. Check out a View of Oxford from the University Church of St Mary’s

I love visiting a viewpoint in a new city for a viewpoint in Oxford, going up the spire of the University Church of St Mary’s seems like the best way to see Oxford.

It’s right in the centre, opposite the very iconic and beautiful Radcliffe Camera (my next point) and best of all its pretty inexpensive at £4.00 , which is great considering Oxford is a popular city for tourists!

• More Day Trip from London Ideas:
• 25 Day Trip From London By Train Ideas!
• 10 Things To Do in Brighton on a Day Trip from London!
• 10 Things To Do in Bath on a Day Trip from London!
• Visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs on a Day Trip from London!
• Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover on a Day Trip from London!
• A Day Trip to Stonehenge & Bath from London!

6. Marvel at the Radcliffe Camera

Ok, this is a famous historic building in Oxford, not a hidden gem, but it has to be on my list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip, you can’t go on a day trip to Oxford from London and not see it!

I think the Radcliffe Camera is the most iconic building in Oxford and it’s not hard to see why as it’s really beautiful! It’s part of the University and was built in 1737–49 to house the Radcliffe Science Library.

It’s not possible to go inside but the outside makes up for it I think!

7. Explore the Historic Covered Markets

Oxford is all about the big beautiful buildings so I was surprised to come across the historic covered market full of indie shops and small alleys. It’s another nice break from the busy main streets and tourist attractions of Oxford.

For more ways to see Oxford, have a look at these walking tours, bus tours and boat tours which you can book online in advance so your day is planned out for you!

8. Drink on the Rooftop of The Varsity Club like a Local!

The Varsity Club is right next to the covered market so if you go to one, you should go to both!

It’s a buzzing bar and beautifully decorated but the real selling point, in my opinion, is the rooftop! Whether you’re in need of an alcoholic drink or not I would try to get up there for some kind of drink during your day trip to Oxford from London!

I went on a Saturday in Spring and the streets were busy however we got a table on the rooftop within 10 minutes at lunchtime and I would say it’s because The Varsity Club is more popular with locals rather than tourists so it’s perfect for your day in Oxford and one of the best things to do in Oxford on a day trip!

Once you get to Oxford, if you want a guide to show you around so you can learn more about the city, these would be really great tours to go on:

9. Afternoon Tea at Vaults and Garden Cafe

This is Oxford’s most unusual Cafe as it’s based inside the University’s Old Congregation House from 1320 amongst gravestones, and right opposite the Radcliffe Camera! Vaults and Garden Cafe offer’s breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using local and fresh products.

We had the afternoon tea which was really yummy and they were able to accommodate me with vegan alternatives. You do have to pre-book the afternoon tea but you can just turn up for breakfast or lunch. If the sun is shining try to sit outside too!

If you’d rather have Afternoon Tea on a Sightseeing River Cruise, you can book that here!

10. See an Alternative side of Oxford on Cowley Road

Cowley Roadmile-longe long street which runs South-East from Oxford’s Magdalene Bridge.

It’s gone from being a very poor area of the city to a very bohemian area of Oxford thanks to its young, international influence, and many international bars and restaurants.

I didn’t get to visit when I was there but I would try to if I was you as it sounds very interesting and it’s home to a lot of history, but in different ways than the rest of the city. It seems like the perfect place for dinner before heading back home and to London.

11. Get Green in the Botanical Gardens

The University of Oxford Botanical Gardens is the oldest Botanical Garden in England and it’s located right in the city centre so if you’re over the architecture and need some greenery then head here.

It costs £4.50 to enter and there are free tours available too. All of the plants are named so you know what you’re looking at. I didn’t go but after reading this post on the gardens I wish I had so add this to your Oxford day trip things to do.

12. Punting, because you’re in Oxford!

I couldn’t leave punting off of the list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip could I!

We didn’t go punting on my day trip to Oxford from London and I wouldn’t think it’s much fun if you’re on your own but if you’re in a group and it’s not too much of a wait for the boats (we saw some big queues) then its worth going as it is very English and very Oxford!

FAQ About Day Trips to Oxford from London

How do i spend a day in oxford.

There are so many things to do in Oxford for one day including visiting Oxford castle, visiting famous collages and universities, going punting on the river, visiting the markets and shops in Oxford and enjoying the good cafes and restaurants.

What is the best way to get from London to Oxford?

The best way to get from London to Oxford is via train as there is a quick and easy train route and Oxford train station is in the centre of the city. There is also a bus that runs from London to Oxford, or you can drive.

How much does it cost to travel from London to Oxford?

The bus from London to Oxford starts at £5.00 each way and train tickets start at £13.00 off peak.

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Yes! Oxford is one of the most famous cities in the UK so whether you live in the UK or you are visiting from abroad it is worth visiting this beautiful and charming city to see the famous sights and things to do in Oxford.

Is Oxford worth visiting for one day?

Yes! Oxford is a vert walkable city therefore it is possible to see a lot of Oxford in just one day. If you arrive to Oxford by train the train station is in the centre so it is easy to walk from the train station around the rest of the city and back again in one day.

I hope you’ve found this list useful and it gives you some ideas on what to do in Oxford!

To book your train ticket to Oxford check out The Train Line here.

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Tilly Jaye Horseman

Friday 15th of February 2019

Found your post on Pinterest when looking for things to do in Oxford - I'm going tomorrow. Not been to Oxford since 2011 so looking forward to it! Think I may head to the Handle Bar Cafe for breakfast - sounds like a great place to start. And would love to go up the church tower for the views! Fingers crossed the weather will be clear enough to make it worthwhile!

TheWanderingQuinn

Saturday 16th of February 2019

Hello Tilly, so glad you found my post, thank you for letting me know! That sounds like the perfect way to start the day! They do a great brunch! And I hope the weather does clear for you!! Enjoy it :)

Margie Miklas

Sunday 9th of September 2018

Love your posts, Ellie. So glad I came across your blog I'm hoping to visit the UK and Oxford soon

Ah thank you so much Margie. I’m so glad you came across my blog and I hope you get to the U.K. soon! :) If you have any other questions just let me know :)

Wednesday 20th of June 2018

I've never been to Oxford before but would love to visit. The coloured houses and stunning architecture are a big draw for me!

Savvy Travel Advice

Planning an Oxford Day Trip: A Guide to Visiting Oxford from London

Last updated: November 11, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 38 Comments

Oxford is a university city situated about 60 miles from London, making a Oxford day trip an ideal way to get out of the bustling capital for a day or weekend to explore this compact historical city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is best known as the home of England’s oldest university, the University of Oxford, which is still one of the most respected in the country.

A trip to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without touring a couple of university buildings, but Oxford has much else to offer. A visitor might go on a walking tour of the downtown, browse for souvenirs at the Covered Market, go punting on the River Cherwell, take a tour of a medieval castle, stroll in a pretty garden, enjoy a drink in a historical tavern, or even take a short drive to visit one of England’s most beautiful and famous country homes.

Laurence spent a lot of time in Oxford growing up and we’ve visited it a few times now over the past several years and really love this university city. We’ll share our advice and tips on planning a perfect Oxford day trip from London, and also offer plenty of things to do if you want to stay over and spend a few days in this history-filled city.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information about Oxford

Below we share all the planning information to help you get to Oxford from London, how to get around Oxford, where to stay if you decide to spend the night, and further travel resources.

Where is Oxford? 

Oxford is located within the county of Oxfordshire in southeast England. It is about 60 miles northwest of London and 73 miles east of Bristol. 

How to Get from London to Oxford?

You have a variety of options for getting to Oxford from London (or elsewhere in the UK), including by car, bus, or train. You can also visit Oxford via a guided tour or by booking a taxi or private transfer from London. 

Oxford by Car

If you have your own car, it is about a 1.5 hours drive from Oxford to central London. You can check and compare rental car prices across companies at Auto Europe  if interested in renting a car for the trip. We often find that Enterprise has the best car hire rates.

If you are driving, there  are a number of paid  public car parks in Oxford, just be sure to stay out of permit-only parking zones. 

Oxford by Bus

If you are interested in traveling by bus it is about a 1.5 journey and you can check prices at National Express as well as the Oxford Bus Company .

Oxford by Train

It is also convenient to get from London to Oxford by train and the journey takes about an hour, check National Rail for train schedules and prices. 

Oxford by Taxi

It is about a 1.5 hour taxi ride from London to Oxford. If you want to book a taxi during your time in the UK, we recommend comparing prices and booking via minicabit .

Taking a Guided Day Tour to Oxford from London

Another option if you don’t want to drive or take public transportation is to take a guided tour. These will include your transport to and from London, a guide, and many tour prices include some entrance fees.

Some day tours may also only go to Oxford, but most also include other attractions like Windsor Castle, the Cotswolds villages, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Cambridge, and/or Blenheim Palace.

Here are some options:

• This full day tour from London visits Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds.
• This tour includes Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Oxford.
• This guided tour visits both Oxford and Cambridge, England’s oldest and most prestigious university towns.
• This private tour by Oxford Alumni visits Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge and allows you to customize the itinerary as you wish.

Getting around Oxford?

The best way to get around central Oxford is on foot as most attractions are centrally located. But you can also take a public bus , drive, or taxi to get around the town or explore the wider Oxfordshire area.

Staying in Oxford? 

If our articles temps you to decide to spend the night in Oxford rather than visiting as a day trip, there are a number of lodging option in and around Oxford, from luxury hotels to comfortable  bed-and-breakfasts to budget-friendly  hostels . You can compare all the lodging options here .

If you are visiting by train or bus, you’ll want to choose something in central Oxford and within easy walking distance of most of the city’s main attractions.

Here is a list of suggested options for those exploring on foot for all budgets (lowest to highest):

• Central Backpackers – This well-rated hostel offers dormitory style beds and lives up to its name with a central location in Oxford. Located near the train station and a 8 minute walk from the center of Oxford. A great option for those on a tight budget.
• The Richmond – A good value hotel that offers budget-friendly rooms, breakfast, and a restaurant. A 15 minute walk from the center of Oxford.
• Museum Hotel Oxford – This popular midrange hotel offers one of the best locations in  Oxford in a building dating back to the 16th century. Centrally located; a 2 minute walk from Carfax Tower.
• Macdonald Randolph Hotel   – A  5-star hotel within a landmark city building. It is located across from the Ashmolean Museum and offers a restaurant, bar, and popular spa.
• Old Parsonage Hotel – A 5-star luxury boutique hotel set in a historical 17th century house, offering a garden library, bar, and restaurant. It is located within a short walk of the city center.

Those with a car can also choose from lodging outside the city center which is often a bit less expensive. Here are a few more options further away from the town center:

• Green & White House – A well-rated good value B&B that offers free bike hire, on-site parking, and breakfast. Located a bit outside the center. A 4 minute drive or a 25 minute walk to the city center.
• Noa Residence – A well-rated self-catering apartment hotel that offer well-equipped kitchens, free parking, and daily cleaning services. Located 1 mile from the city center.
• Swinford Manor Farm B&B – A beautiful countryside B&B set in a historical manor farmhouse located along the River Thames. Offers a free breakfast, extensive woodland views, and free parking. A 12 minute drive from central Oxford.
• Hawkbill House – A 4-star hotel made up of two 19th century manor houses in the nearby village of Iffey. Hotel offers a restaurant, bar, 24-hour room service, and free parking.  A 7 minute drive from the town center.

Further Information on Oxford? 

The local tourism office offers a variety of information and can help you make any bookings as needed. While you are in the city, stop by the Oxford Visitor Information Centre (telephone: 01865 252200), located at 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS in central Oxford for information, maps, public transit schedules, luggage storage, and tour bookings.

You can also visit the tourism website  Experience Oxfordshire  for planning your time in Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area.

If you have the time, we’d also recommend staying over and spending a couples of days in the city and then exploring the area further afield. Oxford also makes a great jumping off point to continue your exploration of this part of England to visits places such as Stonehenge , Bath, and the Cotswolds villages.  You can read our  one-week UK itinerary  and 2 week UK itinerary for even more recommendations.

Planning your Oxford Day Trip from London

We’ll share a number of great things to do in Oxford so you can put together an itinerary for your own Oxford day trip from London no matter what your interests.

Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is almost always a great way to get a good introduction to a new city. There are a number of walking tours, bike tours, and bus tours that you can take while in Oxford, including some that are free with a requested donation. 

We decided to take the 2-hour Oxford University and City Tour , which starts at the visitor center and is run by the tourism board . Another popular option is to take a tour of Oxford with a student , which will give you another perspective on living and learning in the city.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and guided us through part of the historical downtown, The Covered Market, Radcliffe Square, and two of the university buildings, including an optional stop at the beautiful Divinity School. Our guide was great at pointing out shops, university buildings, and museums along the way that might be of interest for us to visit which helped us better plan the rest of our time in the city.

In addition to these more general city tours, there are also other Oxford tours focused on the town’s history,  Inspector Morse , literature,  Harry Potter , architecture, etc.

Get a Bird Eye’s View of Oxford

Getting a good view of a city is always a great way to gain a better sense of its layout and to get some great cityscape photos. Some of the best city vantage points can be found by visiting the iconic St. Martin’s Tower, known to most residents as Carfax Tower (the only remaining part of the 12th century St. Martin’s church), the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and St. Michael Northgate.

We enjoyed an excellent view from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera. 

All of these vantage points charge small admission fees and require visitors to climb a number of stairs. There is also a decent city view from the tower during the Oxford Castle tour we did.

Feed Your Inner Scholar at the Museums

As you might suspect with a city best known for its university, there are a lot of museums to be found in the city, most associated with the university. They are numerous and range from the broad in focus to the very narrow, so you are sure to find at least one that is of interest. The best thing is that just about all the city’s museums offer free admission!

The Ashmolean Museum  was the first ever public university museum, starting as a small 17th century collection of curiosities and portraits and now containing a wide collection of paintings, coins, musical instruments, antiquities, and statues housed in a beautiful old building.

The  Museum of Oxford , located in the Town Hall, focuses on the history of Oxford and tells the story of the city’s development through a range of archaeological and social history objects. You can also book a tour of the Town Hall for a small fee. 

For modern art lovers there is the Modern Art Oxford museum and those who love drawings should check out the Christ Church Picture Gallery .  Oxford University Museum of Natural History includes the university’s collection of zoological, geological, entomological, paleontological, and mineralogical specimens and artifacts.

The  Pitt Rivers Museum , adjacent to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, is a museum devoted to ethnographic and archaeological objects from around the world.

Others include museums devoted to printing , musical instruments , and the history of science  ( housed in the original historical Ashmolean Museum building).

There are also regular exhibitions (often free and open to public) happening all over the city, both in and out of museums, so be sure to check to see what is on during your visit. T he Bodeleian Libraries in particular often seem to have public exhibitions, and while we were visiting one of the original Magna Carta copies (the library has 4!) and related objects were on display to commemorate the 800th anniversary of this important document. 

Get Locked up at Oxford Castle

On the western side of central Oxford, you’ll find the ruins of Oxford Castle dating back to the 2nd century. Much of the castle was destroyed during the 17th century English Civil War and in the 18th century, the building was turned into the city prison. It actually continued to serve as a prison until 1996!

Today, you can book guided tours of  Oxford Castle Unlocked of the remaining safe historical sections of the castle/prison, namely St. George’s Tower and the crypt. Costumed guides will take you around the castle and tell you about its history, with a focus on the castle’s role in two of England’s civil wars (The Anarchy and the Barons’ War) and you’ll hear tales about Empress Matilda, Robert D’Oyly the Younger, and King Stephen.

After the tour, you can explore the outdoor areas, mainly the Motte (a big earth mound), on your own. Even if you decide to forego the tour, the castle is worth a look from the outside if you are nearby.

Try Punting on the River Cherwell

Oxford sits at the confluence of two rivers, the mighty Thames and the Cherwell, and the city owes it early development to the presence of these two rivers. In the past, a male-only bathing spot (Parson’s Pleasure) and female-only nude bathing spot (Dame’s Delight) were to be found along the river although these have been closed in recent decades.

Today, visitors can still enjoy river boat trips as well as punting on the rivers. During our visit, Laurence decided to try to teach me about punting. We headed to the Cherwell Boathouse  to rent a punt, which looks a bit like a canoe except it is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow. One person sits down and the other stands on a section of the boat with a pole and pushes the pole against the river bed and sides with a pole. It turns out that a punt is more difficult to steer and navigate than a canoe, at least in our inexperienced cases!

A good thing about punting is that it is quite a slow-going process and you can easily stop off along the trip for a picnic, to take a walk, or to visit one of the local bars along the river. Just ask the boathouse for tips about where to go before you set off.  We had a female duck climbing in and out of our punt during part of the trip which kept me very amused while Laurence was doing the hard punting work!

Have a Drink

Like any university town, you won’t find a shortage of bars and pubs in Oxford. Laurence recommends The Eagle & Child (popular with Tolkien), The White Horse, the Lamb and Flag, and the King’s Arms (oldest pub in Oxford).

During my first trip to Oxford, we sought out The Turf Tavern   which is down a little alley called St Helen’s Passage (originally Hell’s passage), between Holywell Street and New College Lane, next to Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs. 

The Turf Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, and has a lovely outdoor beer garden as well as plentiful indoor seating and a wide selection of beers as well as food. It is something of a pilgrimage site with university students, famous visitors, and us average tourists all venturing into this back alley haunt. One of the more famous visitors was Bill Clinton who was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford.

If you are looking for something less alcoholic and a bit more civilized, a you might want to have a traditional afternoon tea experience at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel  (reservations strongly recommended) or   The Grand Cafe (served all day). Or grab a Tawainese bubble tea from the  Formosan Tea Bar.

Go Shopping 

Oxford is also a great place for some retail therapy. Along Oxford’s High Street you’ll find a number of local and independent boutiques, gift shops, and handicrafts that are popular with both students and visitors. Book lovers will want to make a stop at the famous Blackwell’s book store which has been selling books and textbooks in Oxford since 1879.

Most people make their way at some point to Oxford’s Covered Market which has been around since 1774. You’ll find everything from butchers to fishmongers ready to serve up fresh food and produce and bakers and baristas serving ready-to-eat treats and coffee. In addition to food, you’ll also find shops selling clothing, flowers, toys, souvenirs, jewelry, and pet supplies.

For those seeking discounted luxury goods, you might head a bit out of town to Bicester Village  which boasts over 100 retail shops. You can get to the shopping village by public bus (about 35 minutes), taxi, or by car (about a 20 minute drive) from Oxford.

Visit Blenheim Palace 

The English countryside is full of beautiful historical country homes, and just outside of Oxford you’ll find one of the most famous English homes, Blenheim Palace . Blenheim Palace is the official residence of the Duke of Marlborough and is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill .

This famous 18th century country house is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands in a romantic park created by the famous landscape gardener Lancelot “Capability'” Brown. Both self-guided and guided tours are available of different sections of the house.

There are also restaurants, cafés, a gift shop. There is a lot to see and do here so we’d recommend allotting at least a few hours for your visit. 

If Blenheim Place sounds interesting, you can read our separate post about our tips for visiting Blenheim Palace and on finding Winston Churchill’s grave located nearby.  

You can reach Blenheim Palace by car, public bus, or as part of  a guided tour from Oxford .

Explore the University Buildings

Although no one actually knows when the University of Oxford started, there is evidence of teaching here since 1096 and the university received an official charter in 1248. It is believed to be the oldest English-speaking university in the world and the second oldest university in the world still in operation!

The university buildings would give the city its nickname “City of Dreaming Spires” and the university still remains one of the most prominent features of the city.

Oxford University is made of thirty-eight colleges, each of which is independently governed, and a visit to at least one of the colleges is a must-do on a Oxford day trip. Many of the colleges allow visitors (usually for a small fee) to visit some of the buildings, such as the main square, gardens, chapel, and/or dining hall. But whether a college is admitting visitors depends a lot on the time of year and time of day and what is happening at the college at the time (e.g., exams, graduation, meals, summer break) and each college has its own schedule and policies.

During our time in Oxford, we specifically visited several colleges either as part of our city walking tour or later on our own including Wadham College, Jesus College, Exeter College, and Trinity College. We also visited the beautiful Divinity School which is a 15th century medieval building used for lectures and exams in theology, and today forms part of the Bodleian Libraries .

While the interior is normally closed to the public, visitors can get a good view of the interesting circular Radcliffe Camera (used as student library and reading rooms) from Radcliffe Square.

Harry Potter fans may be particularly interested in visiting both the Divinity School and Christ Church college which were both used as prominent film locations in the Harry Potter films. You can also book a specific Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford of course !

Before your visit, I would make a list of colleges you’d like to visit and then when in town you can stop at each college’s porter’s office (near the entrance of each college) and check to see if the college is allowing visits and check visiting hours.

You can also book a tour that includes university buildings on the tour as we did at the tourism office.

Note that you can even stay in one of the university residence halls which are rented out in some colleges during holiday and summer breaks – you can search for available rooms here .

Attend a Performance or Festival

There is almost always a play, concert, festival, recital, film, lecture, or art exhibition happening on any given day in Oxford. Many of those that are connected to the university are free or low-cost and make a perfect way to enhance an Oxford day trip. This is a great way to experience the wonderful cultural offerings of Oxford and see inside some of the lovely venues.

Going to the theater is a popular activity in Oxford, especially the outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays in the summer. You can check what is happening during your visit at the Oxfordshire Tourism Board and the Oxford City Guide websites or by stopping by the tourism board.

If you intend to see a show or performance while in town, you should check the listings at the individual theaters (such as the Oxford Playhouse and the Old Fire Station ) and buy your tickets in advance. 

Explore Oxford’s Gardens & Parks

Oxford has a number of lovely green spaces and gardens that can be explored when you need a break from museums, shopping, and the university buildings. For instance the 70-acre University Park offers a great place to walk and stretch your legs, watch a free cricket game, or spy on the ducks at the duck pond.

You’ll also find several other parks and meadows in the area, including the oldest botanical garden in England . The Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum was founded back in 1621!

We found some lovely flowers and views while walking along the River Cherwell and some of the University of Oxford colleges such as Trinity College have gardens that are open to the public. 

Which of these would be on your list if you were planning an Oxford day trip? Have you made an Oxford day trip from London? Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Oxford? As always, feel free to comment and we’re happy to answer any questions about Oxford day trip. 

Want to visit Oxford? PIN this article on Pinterest to read later:

**Disclosure: We’ve visited Oxford numerous times. On one of our trip to Oxford Visit Britain covered our accommodation, walking tour, punting trip, and Oxford Castle visit and Auto Europe provide a complimentary rental car during a separate visit to Oxford; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**

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shane sterling Post author

July 10, 2023 at 10:59 am

Hi what a great blog on a day trip from London to oxford. i am so glad you mentioned the covered market as so many people leave that hidden gem out. its a great place with some quirky shops. also the walking tours i have been on quite a few of the walking tours and thought they need something that bit extra.. i have come up with my own walking tour, oxford magic tours, which i am just launching. its a tour with live entertainment. if ever your back in oxford and would like to join the tour please let me know. it would be great if you could make it and maybe write about it. keep up the great work regards Shane

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

July 12, 2023 at 5:54 am

Yes, the covered market in oxford is definitely a place we recommend to those visiting Oxford. Glad you are starting your own tours company, we have done the Harry Potter magical tours, like this one , with Visit Oxford but haven’t done a live entertainment magic tour before so sounds like a new type of offering. Hope it goes well and we’ll definitely consider checking it out next time we are in Oxford.

Best, Jessica

Udita Post author

January 5, 2020 at 1:33 pm

Hi we would like to visit Oxford with our two kids aged 9 and 7 . James aged nine and a half is interested in the exploring the university so we would appreciate suggestions and will visit from London. We also need to decide if to do car or train as Stonehenge is also on the itinerary. Thanks Udita

January 6, 2020 at 1:46 pm

We’d recommend train as it is really easy to get from central London to Oxford by train and most things in Oxford can be reached on foot. If you are just going for a day trip, I’d definitely recommend train.

Some parts of the university are open to the public, those that are open often charge a fee for visitors to view a few of the public areas. It also depends on the academic year and school events if certain buildings are open to the public or not. So if there are specific colleges he is interested in seeing, you might want to check in advance if they allow visits and what you can see. But if you are just generally interested in the university, joining a walking tour is a great way to see some parts of the university and learn more about it and the city. We recommend 2 of them in the article above, both which are great for those specifically interested in the university. Or you can arrange a private tour if you want one that is just for your family and they can then adjust it to be a bit more kid friendly.

If there are a lot of things you want to do in Oxford, I’d recommend spending most of the day there as there is plenty to keep you busy for a day out. But if you are just interested in spending a few hours, then you can definitely combine it with a visit to Stonehenge on the same day if you want. Or you can do it on a separate day.

For Stonehenge, if you go by public transit, you can take the train from Oxford (or London) to Salisbury. Then there’s a shuttle bus that goes directly from Salisbury train station to Stonehenge, and it leaves about every 30 minutes. You can use it to just get to and from Stonehenge or you can buy a ticket that includes entry to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral and can also stop at Old Sarum if you have more time. You can see the shuttle bus timetable here . For more tips, this article about visiting Stonehenge as part of a day trip might be useful to you as well.

When visiting Stonehenge just make sure that if you are doing it as part of a day trip and plan to also stop elsewhere that you keep the schedules in mind as you want to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the visitor center and displays and the stones themselves. A lot of people end up rushing around.

Hope that helps and enjoy your trip to London! Jessica

Selina Post author

July 9, 2019 at 1:11 am

For a 1-day trip to Oxford, when do things generally close in Oxford? I’m trying to plan my return train trip. Would 8pm be too late?

July 9, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Hi Selina, It depends, but yes, most of the museums and tourist attractions close around 5pm or 6pm. But there will still be shops and other places open in Oxford and you can have a drink or dinner before heading back. So I think a 8pm train back would work fine if you want to spend the day in Oxford and end with a drink or meal. Otherwise, you could book your train a little earlier. Best, Jessica

Sophie Post author

September 22, 2018 at 8:10 am

Fantastic and informative post, guys – great work! I think some tourists who come to London have so many other things they want to see in the city that they might not get round to visiting Oxford. But Oxford is a fantastic place to visit! It’s so pretty and there’s so much history there. It’s a perfect place to go for a day trip if you’re an international student who is living in London, or someone who has come to stay in London for a few months rather than just a week! I’d definitely recommend to anyone if they have the time.

September 25, 2018 at 8:14 pm

Hi Sophie, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, we really love Oxford as well. Laurence used to live and go to school nearby when he was younger and likes to return to visit. It makes a great day trip from London for those interested in seeing a historic university town in England. We need to return again soon ourselves 😉 Best, Jessica

Vandana Post author

May 23, 2017 at 4:43 am

Hello dear,

such a apt write up with lovely pictures.

Me and my husband are planning to be in London next month. We will be in London / or around London for a week and then will be moving to Scotland post that. we plan to visit Oxford or cambridge or both, Stonehedge and York… Could you please suggest which of these places I can visit as day trip from london (i ll be staying with friends in paddington , london) and where I need to spend time overnight. we are young couple interested in architecture, fun, music and pubs

Appreciate your help! Vandana

May 25, 2017 at 3:38 am

Hi Vandana, If you have a week in London, I would probably not want to do more than two day trips from London if you also want to explore London since there is already so much to do there. We’re recommend getting a London Pass which covers most of the London attractions you’ll likely want to see and then consider a couple of the places you listed as day trips.

For the day trips, you can either drive yourself, take a local bus or train, or book a tour. Oxford and Cambridge are both fairly easy day trips from London (about 45 minutes to 1 hour on the train). Stonehenge is also a fairly easy day trip from London and best if you either have a car or book a bus tour – many of the bus tours also stop in the town of Bath as well. York is further away and you’ll need to take the train (2 hours each way) or bus and won’t have a lot of time to explore if you have to return so I’d recommend you stay overnight if you want to visit York or skip it on this trip.

Hope this helps. Best, Jessica

Leah Post author

May 14, 2017 at 1:52 am

Dear Jessica,

This is an excellent post!! We are planning our visit according to it, looking forward to get to Oxford, finally! 🙂 Just one technical question please- there’s a link to Oxford Tourism Board that doesn’t work. I looked it up and came up with this one: http://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/ It matches pretty much everything you mention, Is it indeed the same one..? Also, you mentioned the walking tour you took costs £9, but here the only tours i see start with £16. Not trying to scrimp or anything, just trying to find the one you recommended on 🙂 Would appreciate your advice.

Thanks a bunch!

May 14, 2017 at 2:18 am

Yes, thanks for pointing that out. It appears that one of the websites for Oxford tourism is now gone and whomever took it down did not do any redirects (frustrating for those who have linked to anything on their site!). I will update my links!

So yes, the Experience Oxfordshire is probably the best website in terms of official tourism info as it covers the entire region and I could not find an official one for just Oxford. In terms of the walk, the one we did is this one: Oxford University and City Walking Tour and appears to have risen in price a bit (this one is £14 if booked online). This one is sort of the “official” one and leaves from the visitor center. There are other Oxford city walks through companies such as Footprints , which offer paid and free walking tours in the city but I can’t speak to the quality as we haven’t taken any of them.

Hope this helps you book your tour in Oxford and do let us know if you have any other questions!

Mr. Mahmud Post author

April 19, 2017 at 10:00 am

Thank you for this thorough list about places to see in Oxford England! I’m going to London for the first period next weekend break. With one totally free day I now have various choices to pick for my day journey from London.

April 20, 2017 at 7:24 am

Hi Mr. Mahmud, You’re very welcome. If you only have one day, I would probably spend it in London but if you are there for 6 days or more, I would venture out to do some day trips and Oxford is a really great choice! Best, Jessica

budget jan Post author

May 21, 2016 at 3:56 pm

I’d like Trinity College Gardens, punting and antique shopping. Lovely photos of course 🙂

travelcats Post author

May 22, 2016 at 10:53 am

Hi Jan, those are all great places to visit while in Oxford!

Zaria Post author

May 8, 2016 at 3:21 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

What an amazing experience! I would love to take a tour at the castle, so enchanting! The antique shops along with the architecture are fantastic. I hope one day I will be able to visit Oxford. Great post, thank you!

May 12, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Hi Zaria! Thanks for taking the time to comment on our post. Yes, Oxford is a great place to do some shopping and has some great museums and architecture! I hope you have the opportunity to visit some day. Best, Jessica

Mathavan Post author

May 2, 2016 at 4:34 am

I am really like the London and its places for the architectural style and its heritage building. Your one day trip plan and advice is very useful for who planing to a visit to Oxford from London! Thanks!

May 3, 2016 at 6:46 am

Hello Mathavan, Glad you found our article helpful in helping you plan your time in London. If you have already enjoyed a lot of the attractions in London, then a day trip to Oxford is a perfect way to get out of the city and see something new! A great excursion for those who love history, literature, and architecture. ~ Jessica

eileen g Post author

April 21, 2016 at 6:42 am

A lot of these sites look familiar to me from watching Morse on the BBC. It seems the show made the most of its Oxford setting. It seems like a very charming small city to spend a day or two in!

April 21, 2016 at 12:41 pm

Hi Eileen, Yes, I bet you do. I have never seen Inspector Morse but a lot of the show takes place in Oxford and so you probably are familiar with many of the main sights from watching the show. You would probably enjoy some of the walking tours that are themed around Inspector Morse! Oxford is a great city to explore over a weekend! ~ Jessica

Marcia Post author

April 17, 2016 at 6:34 pm

I love the bird’s eye view of the city. Must have to do that next time. Oxford is such a beautiful city – there’s something to see and do around every corner.

April 18, 2016 at 2:50 am

Hi Marcia, Yes, climbing up towers and getting good views (and photos) is one of Laurence’s favorite things to do in a new place. Luckily, there are a few ways to get good city views in Oxford:) ~ Jessica

Ruth Post author

April 17, 2016 at 3:40 pm

I like all your suggestions. How many days did you spend on the city? I will like to try punting. Well, I will let somebody else do the “rowing” since I do not thing I will be able to maintain my balance ;0)

April 18, 2016 at 2:47 am

Hi Ruth, Laurence actually went to boarding school just outside Oxford so we have stayed in or near Oxford a few times. But in order to get a good overview of Oxford, I would recommend 2 full days or 3 nights. That would give you time to visit a few of the university buildings, climb a tower or two, go punting for a couple of hours, visit the castle if you wanted, see the Covered Market, and visit a couple of museums. Yes, I was nervous about punting as I was afraid of our punt would flip and get all our camera gear wet! But lucky we never tipped over:) ~ Jessica

Rob Post author

April 16, 2016 at 3:37 pm

Have not visited Oxford, but would love to! Particularly to see Trinity and Exeter Colleges. I did not know staying in one of the dorms was an option! That’s something we’ll definitely check into. Great photos – they are certainly adding to the wanderlust we’re feeling!

April 17, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Hi Rob, Yes, it is a great way to visit the city if you don’t mind staying in a dormitory style room (many don’t have kitchen facilities and have shared bathrooms down the hall) and a fairly well-priced option. We have never visited at the right times of year but we’d love to do this in the future as well! ~ Jessica

Jackie Post author

April 16, 2016 at 6:28 am

Thanks for this great post, I linked it up on my Facebook page. We haven’t been to Oxford since the 1990s and were just saying we need to go back.

April 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm

Hi Jackie, Thanks so much for sharing our article on your FB page! Yes, we keep returning to Oxford so I am sure you’d enjoy a return visit as well:) ~ Jessica

Lyn Post author

April 15, 2016 at 9:50 pm

I’ve never been to Oxford but after seeing this now want to go. I just love the photo inside the chapel. There looks like a lot to see and do in Oxford, sounds like maybe more than a daytrip if we want to see it at its best. Thank you for sharing with us!

April 17, 2016 at 1:53 pm

Hi Lyn, oh yes, the Exeter Chapel is fairly small but so beautiful! Many of the chapels, dining halls, and gardens of the university buildings are definitely worth exploring if they are open during a visit. It is amazing how old some of the university and museum buildings are in the city. Yes, I think many people visit Oxford as a day trip from London or elsewhere but I think you could easily spend 2-3 days exploring the city more in-depth. We’ve been a few times together and are planning to return again later this month actually to visit a couple more places. ~ Jessica

Kerri Post author

April 15, 2016 at 9:08 pm

A very comprehensive guide to all things Oxford. I would love to go punting. I’ve been to the UK many times now but have never managed to fit this in.

April 17, 2016 at 1:49 pm

Hi Kerri, Punting is a very good thing to do in the UK. Some of Laurence’s friends from Oxford are very skilled at it! We did OK but it definitely takes some getting used to the steering. I’d definitely advise trying it if you are in the Uk in the Spring or Summer and have a day of good weather – great way to see an area slowly and to spend the afternoon with a picnic. ~ Jessica

Michael Woods Post author

April 14, 2016 at 7:33 am

So jealous! I’ve wanted to tour around London for a looong time. Haven’t found the time yet though..

April 17, 2016 at 1:47 pm

Hi Michael, there are many great places around London that are wonderful places to go – we’ve done many day and weekend trips in the London area. Laurence spent a lot of time growing up around Oxford so we return to that area quite often. I hope you find the time to explore some of these places on future trips! ~ Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

April 13, 2016 at 5:39 am

I’ve never been to Oxford and would love to go. I need to stay long enough in London to allow for it. Such a beautiful city. I would try the punting just for the experience, but learning about the history of places is my favorite part. And climbing towers – I love a good view!

April 17, 2016 at 1:45 pm

Yes, there are so many things to do in London that a lot of people don’t leave the city, especially if time is short. But I think Oxford is a great city to explore if you have the time and want to see a great historical university city in the UK. Yes, there are a few places that you can get a great view of Oxford and some exercise climbing all those steps! 🙂

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The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London

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Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve spent time in the city before, an Oxford day trip from London is definitely a must-do! While the well-known and prestigious University of Oxford might intrigue you to visit, there’s so much more to explore in the city. 

Oxford is located only about 90km west of the heart of London and is easily accessible. The city is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in the UK. It is also a major city for innovation, arts, technology and science.

People visit from far and near, so to experience all the city has to offer here is the perfect Oxford itinerary for you.

Table of Contents

How to Get From London to Oxford

Getting to Oxford from London can be done through various modes of transportation and once there you can navigate the city with ease on foot.

London to Oxford by Organised Tour

Of course, you don’t have to explore Oxford all on your own, there are some organised Oxford tours that can lead the way if you’re in the need of some guidance. As an added bonus, all your transportation needs will be taken care of as well.

For instance, this guided tour of Oxford and Cotswolds Villages for your day trip. You’ll be able to see all that the English charm these areas have to offer, including Bibury, the Great Hall at Christ Church College and, of course, Oxford University. A similar tour is also available on Viator.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland , you might like this full-day tour. While you’ll get information about these books and movies, you’ll also learn the history surrounding the dreamy English Countryside.

Other options include this full-day tour that visits Oxford, Stonehedge and Windsor ( also available here on Viator) or this full-day tour that combines a trip to Oxford with a Harry Potter Studio Tour.

London to Oxford by Train

Travelling for your day trip from London to Oxford by train is probably the most convenient way to get there. You can catch a train from Paddington Station in West London, with trains usually passing every 30 minutes or if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can expect to get a train every 60 minutes.

The journey will last roughly an hour and from the station, you’re only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre. It is recommended that you purchase a ticket beforehand to save money. You can buy tickets and view schedules here.

The Oxford train station is located about a fifteen-minute walk from central Oxford. Make sure that you get off here rather than at the further out Oxford Parkway station.

London to Oxford by Bus

If you prefer getting to your day trip to Oxford from London by bus, your travel time will be a bit longer amounting to an hour and forty minutes. However, the bus frequency is better with only 10 to 15 minutes in between buses.

Buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and the main Oxford bus station is Gloucester Green, which is located in the centre of the city making is very convenient to get sightseeing. You can buy tickets and view schedules here.

Alternatively, you can also use the Oxford Tube that you can get at certain stations like Victoria, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Shepherd’s Bush.

London to Oxford by Car

If you wish to travel by car, your journey will take longer than by train or bus with the estimated time to be over two hours. You’re also going to have to account for parking while in Oxford – it’s better to find a car park to leave your car for the day and explore on foot.

One benefit of having a car when you visit Oxford is that you can make a few stops along the way. For instance, you have the flexibility to explore places like Windsor Castle or other attractions in this area of England .

If you’re thinking of renting a car for the trip you can browse options here.

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

You’ll start your London to Oxford day trip adventures in the city centre on High Street near the Carfax Tower, where you’ll be minutes away from most of the main sights. Here you’ll take in the city’s extraordinary beauty.

If you’ve travelled to Oxford independently and want to learn more about the history of the city and university, you can book a walking tour here on GetYourGuide or book it here on Viator.

Carfax Tower and Oxford Covered Market

The Carfax Tower is all that remains of the official Oxford church, St Martin’s Church, which dated back to 1122. The tower is the highest building in the city since others are prohibited from building anything higher than the Carfax Tower. So after you climb up 99 steps, you’ll be sure to have the most breathtaking view of the city. 

Near the tower you’ll see the Oxford Town Hall which hosts various events, you can admire the building from the outside then you’ll follow Cornmarket Street to Golden Cross and continue walking until you reach the Covered Market.

Here you’ll find so many delicious food, treats, clothes and more. The market itself is a beautiful sight to see and no matter how the weather is you’ll manage to stay dry while exploring the market.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Once you’re done at the market, you’ll go back to High Street heading east towards the University Church of St Mary the Virgin to continue your Oxford day trip from London.

The stunning church marks the beginning of the University of Oxford and has continued to thrive for more than seven hundred years. Next, you’ll continue passed the church on St Mary’s Passage until you reach Radcliffe Camera.

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera is both an impressive landmark and library, with its history dating back to 1737. The landmark is actually England’s first known circular library and is now part of the Bodleian Library on the university grounds, as a reading room.

You might be wondering where the “camera” comes from but the meaning of the word used is the Latin word for “room.” Close by, you can also view the Bridge of Sighs, which is a great way to experience the beauty of Oxford’s unique architecture.

After taking a look around, you’ll walk towards the University of Oxford.

University of Oxford

The famous University of Oxford is the world’s second-oldest university but the very first in regards to the English-speaking world, with its first teachings dating to 1096. As prestigious as it is, people from all over the world apply in hopes of joining one of its 39 colleges.

Although the colleges are not all in one place, which is why Oxford is such an interesting university city with the different colleges spread all throughout the city centre. The section of the university close to Radcliffe Camera is closest to resembling the main campus, which is a great stop in the Oxford day trip itinerary and is known as the Science Area.

As you walk south on Broad street, passing Clarendon Building, you’ll come across Sheldonian Theatre. The building that was built from 1664 to 1668 is not only used for lectures and university-related ceremonies but also for music concerts.

Next to the theatre, you’ll find the History of Science Museum also known as the Old Ashmolean which is the oldest museum in the UK and the oldest purpose-built museum in the world.

Some iconic and historical items you’ll see here include the blackboard Albert Einstein used while lecturing at Oxford and about 18,000 other objects that represent the history of science.

Blackwell’s

Just across the street from the museum, you’ll find the original Blackwell’s book shop which was founded in 1879. Now with 18 shops and owned by Waterstones, Blackwell is a chain that can be found all over the UK.

If you’re in need of a new book, music, art or just want to explore, you can roam the 144-year-old bookshop until you discover what you’re looking for.

University Parks

If you continue north on Parks Road, there is another charming part belonging to the university which is the University Parks. The massive grounds include many beautiful gardens like the Botanic Garden which is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and is located on High Street.

Additionally, the grounds are also home to the Wytham Woods which are used for research at the university, along with the Harcourt Arboretum, Bagley Wood and Christ Church Meadow.

You will end this part of your journey in the stunning Botanic Garden and once you’re done exploring you’ll continue to your last stop.

Christ Church

From the garden, you’ll back to the starting point on High Street near Carfax Tower and down A420 to end your London to Oxford day trip at the Christ Church. The church, or college, is often referred to as “The House” and the University of Oxford’s constituent college, as well as part of the Christ Church Cathedral.

King Henry VIII founded Christ Church in 1546 and today it’s both one of the wealthiest and largest colleges at Oxford.  Here you can visit the cloisters that were seen in many scenes of the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Christ Church is certainly one of the best things to do in Oxford and an unmissable stop when visiting the city.

Now that you’ve completed your one day in Oxford you can return to London with fond memories. However, if you still haven’t had enough and have more time to spend in Oxford, then continue to learn what else there is to do in the area.

Have more time?

If you’ve enjoyed your day trip to Oxford and have decided to stay longer, there are plenty of activities to fill up an extra day or two. Whether you prefer exploring outdoors or indoors, the city filled with history and beauty will have what you need.

Explore Oxford on the River

After exploring the city on foot on your first Oxford day trip from London, you can enjoy the sights and experience a different side of Oxford from the river with a river cruise.

There are many options you’ll have like an afternoon tea, picnic, evening cruise with a 3-course meal or even just a simple sightseeing cruise . Whatever you decide on, it’ll be a grand time!

Blenheim Palace

Just about 16km northwest of the city centre you’ll find the magnificent Blenheim Palace and its impressive gardens. The palace’s construction was completed in 1722, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

You can walk through the same rooms and grounds Sir Winston Churchill once walked through or get lost in the Marlborough Maze. The palace has activities for people of all ages.

Port Meadow

Travellers who want to see more of the city can leisurely walk around Port Meadow located right beside the Thames river. On a warm day, visitors can take a swim right where the Thames and Castle Mill Stream meet.

Ghost Trail and Museums

If you visit the prison and want to experience other spooky parts of Oxford, you can join one of the many ghost tours to discover all the city’s paranormal stories. If you would prefer to stay away from anything scary, the city has many fascinating museums for you to explore.

For example, at the unique Story Museum, you’ll jump into an enchanting storybook and can let your imagination run wild. The museum is perfect for families and visitors who are young at heart.

Oxford Castle and Prison

In the centre of the city, you can tour the ancient medieval castle and its prison. Visitors will learn about its significant history over the last 1000 years since the castle was built. Today, on its grounds you’ll also find a boutique hotel, apartments, bars, restaurants and even an education centre.

An additional day or two to your Oxford itinerary can help give you a better overview of the area and you can leave having seen all there is to see in the beautiful old city. No matter if you plan to see Oxford in one day or two or more, the city is definitely worth the visit.

Are you planning an Oxford day trip? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect Cambridge Day Trip from London Itinerary

About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

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A Day Trip to Oxford: The Perfect One Day Itinerary

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 13th June 2023  - Last updated: 10th February 2024

Categories Oxford , Travel , UK

Planning a day trip to Oxford and want to know what the very best things to do are that you simply cannot miss? This Oxford day trip itinerary shares what to do in Oxford in just 24 hours.

Oxford is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities and it’s the perfect city to visit as a day trip from London. One day in Oxford is just enough time to get a flavour of what this wonderful city has to offer. There’s a great food scene, stunning architecture, and lots of places to explore on an Oxford day trip.

Some things to do in Oxford include visiting the “Harry Potter” college, drinking at J R R Tolkien’s old haunt, exploring the Natural History Museum and more. If you’ve only got 24 hours in Oxford, make sure to check out these top Oxford attractions first.

I’ve also included advice on how to get to Oxford at the very end of this post so make sure to scroll to the bottom before planning your Oxford day trip.

Now let me tell you how to spend one day in Oxford!

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

How to get to oxford from london, best time to visit oxford, where to stay in oxford.

Breakfast at The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

The first thing to do on an Oxford day trip is grab a filling breakfast. If you’re coming to Oxford on a day trip from London then you’ll either be coming from Gloucester Green bus station or the train station.

The Handle Bar is in the centre of Oxford, just a few minutes away from the bus station and less than ten minutes from the train station. It’s on your way to all the good stuff so it’s the perfect place to start the day.

RELATED: The Best Brunch in Oxford

The Handle Bar is one of my favourite brunch locations in Oxford and where you’ll find the best avocado on toast in the city.

A slice of sourdough bread is topped with a healthy dollop of smashed avocado as well as feta cheese, paprika and chilli. It’s so damn good!

The name hints at this cafe’s unique decor and inside you’ll find a number of bikes hanging from the ceiling as decor. It’s located above a bike shop in a bright, airy space that is a lovely place to start the day.

RELATED: The Best Cafes in Oxford

Address : 28-32, St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2EB Opening Hours : 8am – 6pm Monday and Tuesday 8am – 11pm Wednesday to Friday 9am – 11pm Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday Website : www.handlebaroxford.co.uk

Climb University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Now that you’ve fuelled up, it’s time to see just what Oxford is all about. And what better place to see the dreaming spires of Oxford than from the skies?

No, unfortunately, you won’t be going up in a hot air balloon (though Virgin do offer hot air balloon rides over the city!), instead, you’ll be climbing the narrow, windy steps of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

That probably doesn’t sound quite so appealing but you’ll thank me when you get to the top and see the amazing view over Oxford. Given that the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is on one side of Radcliffe Square you’ll get a wonderful view of the iconic Radcliffe Camera and the city of dreaming spires from the top.

With only one day in Oxford, you sadly won’t manage to zip around the entire town so a trip up here is a great way to get a wide look at the city.

To your right, you’ll see right into All Souls College, one of Oxford University’s most elusive colleges with only around 10 post-graduate students each year.

Address : High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ Opening Hours : 9:30am – 5pm Monday to Saturday; 12pm – 5pm Sunday Price : £5 Website : www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk/content/opening-times

Admire the Radcliffe Camera

You’ve seen the Radcliffe Camera from the top, now it’s time to get up close and personal. From Radcliffe Square, you’ll be able to walk around this rotund library and appreciate the sheer size of this structure.

It was built in the middle of the eighteenth century and has a neo-classical design. This sandy-coloured stone is iconic of Oxford as most of the university’s buildings are this colour.

The square surrounding it is paved with cobblestones, another typical feature of Oxford, though it’s rather uncomfortable to walk across!

Inside, the library is usually packed with Oxford University students and there are a whopping 600,000 books inside. Impressive stuff!

The only way for tourists to visit the inside is on a 90-minute guided tour and it’s well worth adding this to your Oxford day trip itinerary. More on the Bodleian Library tours below.

This is probably the most popular photo spot in Oxford so make sure you get lots of good pics here!

RELATED: Where to Get the Best Views of the Radcliffe Camera

Address : Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 3BG

Take pictures of the Bridge of Sighs

Less than a minute from the Radcliffe Camera is another iconic Oxford landmark – The Bridge of Sighs. This is a floating passage joining two parts of Hertford College and is named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

Whilst it looks like something from times gone by, this structure is actually much newer than a lot of other parts of Oxford as it was completed in 1914.

Taking pictures of the Bridge of Sighs is an absolute must on any Oxford day trip and if you’re really lucky you might snap a shot of a student cycling through underneath too!

Address : Bridge of Sighs, New College Ln, Oxford OX1 3BL

Go on a tour of the Bodleian Library

Not only are the libraries of Oxford stunning on the outside, but they’re also all stunning on the inside. Whilst the Radcliffe Camera is the iconic symbol of Oxford, the Bodleian Library is actually a group of libraries that are spread across the city.

For a glimpse inside some of the historic reading rooms, you’ll need to book yourself a guided tour. These are very popular and sell out quick so make sure to book this in advance of your day trip to Oxford!

RELATED: Inside 8 of Oxford University’s Most Beautiful Libraries

There are a number of different options available with a 30, 60 and 90-minute tour.

As a book lover, I will, of course, recommend the full 90-minute tour. This includes Radcliffe Camera, Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellors Court and Duke Humfrey’s Library.

If you’re only here for Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations then the 30-minute tour will suffice.

This consists of just the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library. The former served as the hospital wing at Hogwarts and the latter was the restricted section of Hogwarts library.

RELATED: A Guide to Harry Potter in Oxford

Address : Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG Price: £6-15 Website : https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours/tours-for-individuals

Grab a Bite to Eat

If you’re visiting Oxford in the summer then the Vaults & Garden is the perfect place for lunch as they have outdoor seating with amazing views of the Radcliffe Camera. You can order your food inside then bring it out on a cute, floral tray to enjoy your meal in the sunshine.

The menu is short and sweet and varies on a day-to-day basis since the ingredients are delivered fresh each day. There’s slow-roasted lamb shoulder or Oxford cheese rarebit, for example. It’s also vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Check out the menu for yourself here .

RELATED: Things to Do in Oxford in the Summer

Address : University Church, 1 Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 4AH Opening Hours : 8am – 6pm every day Website : www.thevaultsandgarden.com

If you’re visiting in the winter then I’d recommend visiting Quod instead. It’s just a few minutes away on the main high street and is one of Oxford’s more luxurious restaurants.

However, on weekdays you can enjoy a set course at this wonderful restaurant for just £19.95 for 2 courses or £23.95 for 3 courses.

No 1 Ship Street is also close by with a lunch set menu from Monday to Saturday.

For something more casual, pop back to the Covered Market for a variety of different sit-down and takeaway food options.

RELATED: Best Cafes in Oxford

It’s quite a large space but it is also very popular with students and locals alike so you may find that it’s quite busy at lunchtime. Fortunately, you can easily book a table online via Open Table .

Address : 16-17 Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DH Opening Hours : 8am – 4pm every day

Browse the Covered Market

After lunch, have a wander through Oxford’s covered market. It’s full of small, independent shops and you may find a cool souvenir or two. It’s a labyrinth of shops and you never know what you might find so just explore!

With a local florist, butchers, fruitmongers and more, the Oxford Covered Market feels like a slice of time gone by. You’ll also find leather crafts, homemade cakes and other trinkets worth browsing.

And if you’ve still got room after lunch, pick up a gloriously gooey cookie from Ben’s Cookies or a super sweet milkshake from MooMoo’s Milkshake, also in the covered market.

Address : Market Street, Oxford, OX1 3DZ Opening Hours : 8am-5:30pm Monday to Friday; 8am-6pm Saturday; 10am-5pm Sunday Website : oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk

Visit Christ Church, Oxford

Now it’s time to go on a tour of one of the best Oxford colleges . Christ Church is one of the most famous colleges and is very popular with tourists because it’s home to a number of Harry Potter filming locations. The Great Hall in the Harry Potter films was modelled on the Great Hall at Christ Church, where students dine every evening.

What’s more, the steps leading up to said dining hall were used in the first Harry Potter film. You may remember that McGonagall stands tapping her fingers at the top of a flight of stone stairs whilst she awaits the arrival of the new students. That’s these very stairs!

Check out my free self-guided Harry Potter Oxford tour for more information on these filming locations.

However, there’s more to Christ Church than Harry Potter. For book lovers, this college is also where Lewis Carroll first met the real-life Alice in Wonderland.

There’s also Oxford’s (only) cathedral hidden away in this college. The front quad is one of the largest quadrangles in Europe. You’ll have to visit to find out all the secrets of Christ Church!

RELATED: The Best and Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges

If you’ve got time, check out Christ Church Meadow too. It’s a huge patch of green taking you all the way down to the river and makes for a wonderful walk. If you’re lucky, you may even see some Oxford rowers out on the water!

Address : St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP Price : £15 Opening Hours : 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, 2pm – 5pm Sundays Website : https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/

Explore the Museum of Natural History

The Ashmolean is an amazing museum, no doubt about it. But if you’re only in Oxford for one day, then my personal recommendation would be to visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History instead. It’s much smaller but full of intriguing exhibits.

It’s a beautiful neo-gothic building but if you think the outside is impressive, just wait until you step inside!

The skeleton parade is eerily beautiful and one of my favourite photo spots in Oxford. This a small but fascinating collection of animal skeletons which are displayed along the length of the museum.

Another one of my favourite things to see here is the Dodo. Yes, that mythical bird from Alice in Wonderland was once real.

In fact, the specimen here supposedly has just enough matter on it for scientists to be able to one day recreate the Dodo and maybe bring it back from extinction! Pretty cool, huh?

RELATED: A Guide to Alice in Wonderland in Oxford

If you head towards the back of the museum, you’ll find that there’s actually another museum hidden inside the museum.

This is the Pitt Rivers Museum, which has to be one of the unique places to see in Oxford. There are over 600,000 objects in this space, which come from just about every corner of the world! Look out for the shrunken heads.

Yes, the shrunken heads.

RELATED: The Best Free Things to Do in Oxford

Address: Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW Price: FREE Opening hours : 10am-5pm every day Website : www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk

Have Dinner at The Rickety Press

The Rickety Press is one of my favourite places to eat in Oxford and I always try to pop in for either brunch, lunch or dinner when I’m in this city. It’s the place to go for pizzas and burgers in Oxford.

The burgers are oh so juicy and you can get an enormous portion of fries on the side. As for the pizzas, the dough is just amazing. I always buy the dip for £1 extra just for the dough.

There’s a range of seating from intimate booths to tables for two or even a large table for groups. No matter who you’re dining with, the Rickety Press is a great option in Oxford.

There’s usually a great atmosphere inside in the evenings with lots of drinks on offer and the staff are great too.

What’s more, there are some great offers here throughout the week. On Mondays, there are half-price burgers all day and the pizzas are half price at lunchtime from Tuesday to Friday! Dreamy.

Looking for something a little fancier? Head to Gee’s instead.

Address : 67 Cranham St, Oxford, OX2 6DE Opening Hours : 9am – 11pm every day (12am Friday/Saturday) Website : dodopubs.com/locations/the-rickety-press

Grab a pint at a traditional Oxford pub

Normally I’d recommend the historic Eagle & Child pub without reservation. But unfortunately, that pub is temporarily closed as it seeks to raise funds for a refurbishment.

Instead, check out The Bear, a tiny, cosy little pub nestled behind Christ Church, Turf Tavern, a favourite amongst film crews who have graced Oxford, or the King’s Arms, for both indoor and outdoor seating. If cocktails are more your thing, I’d recommend House Bar behind Christ Church.

More about the Eagle & Child:

There are so many wonderful pubs in Oxford. Almost as many as there are cafes in Oxford . However, one of my favourites will always be the Eagle & Child on St Giles’ because of its literary history.

You may have heard of authors Lewis Caroll and J R R Tolkien. They were part of a literary circle called “The Inklings” where they would share their work with like-minded individuals and critique each others’ writing.  

In fact, it was at one of these meetings that C S Lewis first handed out the proofs for  The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe !

The Inklings used to gather at the Eagle & Child on Tuesdays at midday but I’d recommend saving this stop for the end of your Oxford day trip. You deserve a pint after all that exploring and can really sit back and relax!

This pub is only a 7-minute walk from Gloucester Green bus station and a 14-minute walk from Oxford train station so you’re well placed to make the journey home after a jam-packed day trip to Oxford!

RELATED: Things to do in Oxford in the Evening

Address : 49 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU Opening Hours : 11am – 11pm every day (closes 10:30pm Sundays) Website : www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

I hope you find my Oxford day trip itinerary helpful and you have a wonderful day in the city of dreaming spires! If you’d prefer to explore the city on a guided tour then you can go on a walking tour of Oxford, such as one of the below.

Getting from London to Oxford couldn’t be easier and either the train, bus or car are all very convenient routes.

By Train 

There are regular trains from London Paddington to Oxford. The station is a little way out of the city centre but you can then take a bus or walk into town. Book via the Trainline  for the cheapest tickets.

The Oxford Tube is a super convenient and cheap bus service that’ll take you from the centre of London straight into the heart of Oxford. If you’re taking this route, I’d recommend getting off at the High Street so that you can walk to Radcliffe Square in just 3 minutes. 

Oxford is only an hour / hour and a half drive from the centre of London. It’s a very easy drive down via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

Oxford is a university town and is therefore much busier during term times. Oxford University terms are very short and only last eight weeks.

The autumn term, known as Michaelmas, usually stretches from early October to early December. The spring term, known as Hilary, usually stretches from mid-January to mid-March. The summer term, known as Trinity, usually stretches from the end of April to mid-June.

If you want to visit Oxford when it is quieter, you may wish to avoid going on an Oxford day trip during Oxford University term times. You may also find that more things are open whilst the students aren’t there as some sites may have restricted hours for tourists during term time.

That said, if you are keen to catch glimpses of Oxford University student life, you may prefer to visit whilst the city is filled with students. If you manage to figure out what dates matriculation or graduation are on, you may even spot the students wandering around in their big black gowns.

Personally, I would visit when the students aren’t around, but it’s really up to you!

In terms of which season to visit Oxford in, as with most of England, the summers are much, much more pleasant. Summers in Oxford are glorious with freshly mown lawns, sunny outdoor spaces and the option to go punting.

If you liked this post, check out these: Best Brunch in Oxford Coffeeshops and Cafes in Oxford Free Things to Do in Oxford Things to Do in Summer in Oxford Things to Do in the Evening in Oxford Bookshops in Oxford Best Oxford Colleges to Visit Harry Potter in Oxford Alice in Wonderland in Oxford Saltburn Filming Locations in Oxford

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Editor of What’s Hot?

Friday 11th of December 2020

As someone who has been living in Oxford since 2014 and who is a newbie blogger, I cannot tell you how excited I am to find you and this post! Love this! -Elizabeth xx

Catherine Marie

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

This makes me miss Oxford! Can't wait to be back there!

One Day In Oxford England Itinerary, What To See and Do In A Day

Oxford is a beautiful and bustling university town. It’s a 1,000 year old scholarly city with film set grandeur and ambience.

Oxford is home to the world’s oldest English-speaking university. The town is nicknamed the “Town of Dreaming Spires.” It’s full of creamy honey-toned architecture, neat lawns, and the feel of cloistered academia.

Oxford is located just 56 miles from London, making it an easy day trip from the UK’s capital.

Here’s my recommended one day itinerary for visiting Oxford. It covers all the top attractions and and best things to do in the city. I also give you sightseeing and day trip options if you have more time in Oxford.

Oxford is renowned for the 39 separate colleges that constitute Oxford University. They are sub-communities where the students live and eat in their own worlds, developing their own history and customs.

There is no official date when Oxford University was founded.

The earliest Oxford colleges were founded in the mid 1200s. By the mid 16th century, the whole collection was complete.

Together, the colleges form an incredible square mile warren of old world stone architecture and bristling spires, all made of pretty Cotswold limestone. Bells chime all the time, as if the city is celebrating.

You definitely can’t see all the colleges with just one day in Oxford. You’ll have to pick and choose.

But you can glimpse many of them just by strolling the city center, as you take in the bookstores, pubs, and punting.

What To Do In One Day In Oxford Itinerary

Here are my picks for the top attractions and best things to do with one day in Oxford.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this one day in Oxford itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

I also give you tips for visiting and options for other things to see near Oxford if you have more than a day.

One Day In Oxford Morning

1. breakfast.

If you haven’t had breakfast when you arrive in Oxford, pop into the Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen on St. Micheal’s Street for some avocado toast or a smoothie.

You can also grab a specialty coffee at Society Cafe . It’s a pretty bright white cafe with passionate baristas and nummy baked goods.

2. Walking Tour

You may want to start your one day in Oxford with a guided talking tour to get the lay of the land.

You can book a small group tour with a university alumnus or a private 2 hour guided walking tour . You can also book a 3 hour tour that combines walking and biking .

A guided tour will be efficient and make sure you see things or details you might otherwise miss. Then you can figure out what you specifically want to go back and see.

Some walking tours have special themes you may enjoy. For example, you could book a Tolkien and CS Lewis walking tou r or a Harry Potter tour . There’s also a hidden histories tour , which is one of the all in vogue “uncomfortable” tours.

3. Ashmolean Museum

If you didn’t book a guided walking tour, start with the venerable Ashmolean Museum . Established in 1683, the Ashmolean is one of Britain’s oldest public museums. Plus, it’s completely free to visit.

Housed in an early Victorian building, the Ashmolean has an international art and archaeology collection spread out over six floors. There’s also a fairly new rooftop terrace and restaurant where you have stunning views over the city.

The museum’s “Ancient World” galleries house collections of Islamic art, Egyptian mummies, Indian textiles, ancient documents, and even Oliver Cromwell’s death mask.

There’s an extraordinary collection of artifacts from Minoan Crete. It came courtesy of Arthur Evans, the archaeologist who excavated Knossos Palace .

Upstairs in the Italian Renaissance area, you’ll find sketches by Michelangelo and Raphael . There are also masterpieces by Uccello, Mantegna, and Bellini. The museum’s acknowledged masterpiece is Uccello’s The Hunt in the Forest .

At the Ashmolean, you can also get your Pre-Raphaelite fix.

The museum holds preparatory sketches for William Holman Hunt’s  The Light of the World , a famous painting on display in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral .

You can also find sketches and watercolors. One of the museum’s most remarkable works is a painted wardrobe by Edward Burne-Jones.

After your museum visit, head east down Broad Street to see some of Oxford’s attractions.

4 . Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s is Oxford’s famous bookstore. It’s located on Broad Street, which some think is (yet another) location that inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Founded in 1879 by Benjamin Henry Blackwell, it’s one of the world’s largest academic and specialty bookstores. It’s a book lover’s paradise. If you’re not careful, you could be sucked in for hours.

You’ll find almost 3 miles of books on every imaginable topic. Don’t forget to take a peak in the Norrington Room downstairs.

It’s not uncommon to see famous authors in here reading from a recent novel or delivering a lecture.

5. Sheldonian Theater

Broad Street ends at the Sheldonian Theater . This is a little architectural jewel that was one of architect Sir Christopher Wren’s first big commissions. He was then a professor of astronomy at Oxford.

The theater was built from 1663 onward to serve as a setting for Oxford’s degree ceremonies.

The theater is modeled on the Theater of Marcellus in Rome . It has a distinctive white cupola, from which you’ll have panoramic views.

The theater is surrounded by 12 busts of Roman emperors who all look rather startled and sport different style beards. They were commissioned by Wren and carved by Christopher Bird. The busts have been nicknamed “the Philosophers” and “the 12 Apostles.”

Inside the theater are 17th century murals depicting the triumph of truth over ignorance. They were painted during the reign of Charles II.

Click here for prices and tours for the theater.

7. Radcliffe Camera

The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s top attractions and its most photographed landmark.

The “Rad Cam” was built as an addition to the Bodleian Library in 1737. Funds were donated by Dr. John Radcliffe, a physician to King William and Queen Mary.

Camera is a Latin word for chamber or room. The Rad Cam has a towering 140 foot rotunda that wouldn’t seem out of place in Rome . It’s the third largest dome in the U.K.

Inside, you’ll find a light-filled, circular, and columned library. It was the first of its kind in Britain and perfectly exemplifies Palladian principles, using a symmetrical, repeating pattern.

Read : Guide To the Palladian Vicenza Italy

Today, the Rad Cam serves as a reading room for the Bodelian Library. You can only go inside the Rad Cam by joining the 90 minute tour of Bodleian library.

8. Bodleian Library

The venerable Bodleian Library is Oxford’s spiritual core. It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

In the UK, it is second in size only to the British Library in London . It receives a copy of every book published in the UK.

The Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items in three reading rooms. Book worms will be in seventh heaven.

The library houses many rare books and maps. One of its most famous items is the Gough Map , which is a medieval map of Great Britain.

Other famous items include manuscripts of 18 plays by Shakespeare, a copy of Handel’s Messiah, and four 13th century original manuscripts of the Magna Carta.

The Bodleian is not a lending library though. No book every leaves the space.

Students who enter have to make the “Bodley Oath,” whereby they swear not to bring fire or flames into the library.

The Bodleian Library complex also includes the Weston Library, the Divinity School, and Duke Humphrey’s Library.

Weston Library

The Weston Library initially opened in 1946 as the New Bodleian Library. In 2015, it was given a major renovation and re-christained as the Weston Library by Prince William.

The Weston has an ornamental 17th century Ascott Gate salvaged from an estate. It reads “If you are good, enter. If wicked, by no means.”

The Weston Library is free to visit. It also has miles of books and some precious treasures. You’ll find a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, manuscripts from famous authors, and the Oscar Wild’s infamous court summons. Wild was the novelist who was put on trial for “gross indecency” in 1895.

Divinity School

The Oxford Divinity School is a sublime space with a beautiful and intricate vaulted ceiling.

This medieval building was built in the 1400s to be used for lectures, oral examinations, and discussions on theology. This makes it the oldest surviving purpose-built part of  any  university.

Entry to the Divinity School is £2.50 per person. This room doubled as the infirmary in the Harry Potter movies. Click here for a Harry Potter tour with a divinity school entry.

Duke Humphrey’s Library

The Duke Humphrey’s Library is upstairs above the Divinity School. Completed in 1488, the sumptuously decorated library takes its name from the youngest brother of Henry V, of Agincourt and Shakespeare fame. It’s lined with portraits of Oxford founders.

Even on a tour, you can’t enter the the magnificent medieval room or pick up the ancient tombs. But you can peer into the library from an extension on one end.

In the Harry Potter films, Duke Humphrey’s was the Hogwarts Library.

9. Tours of Bodleian Library

To visit the Bodleian Library, you have to pre-arrange a guided tour. You can book a 30, 60, or 90 minute tour of the library on its website . Here’s what you can see:

• 30 minute tour: € 9, covers the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library
• 60 minute tour: € 12, covers the Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court, and Duke Humphrey’s Library
• 90 minute tour: € 18, covers everything on the 60 minute tour plus the Gladstone Link (underground library and passageway) and Radcliffe Camera.

If you have time, I recommend the 90 minute tour. It’s the only one where you can go inside the Radcliffe Camera.

You can book tours online up to 30 days in advance. A few tickets are reserved for same day visitors.

10. New College

New College isn’t really new, as its name implies. The college was established in 1379 as an Oxford undergraduate college.

The college buildings were built in the Perpendicular Gothic style. The college is also renowned for its beautiful 15th century cloisters. The medieval dining hall is the oldest in Oxford.

You may also remember New College from the Harry Potter movie, Goblet of Fire . Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret in the cloisters.

One Day In Oxford Afternoon

For lunch, you can join the queue at Vaults and Garden Cafe , which serves up a changing menu of salads, curries, and stews under vaulted ceilings. If it’s nice out, you can dine in the garden and admire the Rad Cam up close.

You can also settle in at The Grand Cafe . It’s an Oxford institution on High Street and the site of the oldest coffee shop in England.

Alternatively, if you’re a market person, head to Oxford’s Covered Market on Market Street. This is Oxford’s answer to the bazaar.

It’s the go to place in Oxford for fresh produce, meat, flowers, and baked goods. You can sidle up to a sandwich counter or sit down at one of the cafes.

12. Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge is part of Hertford College on Queen’s Lane. It dates from 1874. The mini-bridge links two buildings of the college.

It’s a photogenic bridge nicknamed the “Bridge of Sighs” because of its similarity to the more famous bridge in Venice .

While it’s small like the Bridge of Sighs, stylistically, it looks more like the Rialto Bridge.

13. All Souls College

Then at least dip into All Soul’s College . The college was founded as a center of prayer and learning in 1438.

It has a beautiful Gothic facade, with eye catching towers on the north quad. Inside, the chapel has a 15th century fan vaulting in the vestibule and and a medieval hammer beam roof.

14. University Church of St. Mary The Virgin

Right next door to All Souls College is the University Church of St. Mary . Some think it’s the dreamiest of Oxford’s “dreaming spires.”

From the tower, you have the best bird’s eye view of Oxford and the facade of the Radcliffe Camera. You can also snap a photo of the Bridge of Sighs.

The climb isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s 127 steps up a medieval spiral staircase. There is no elevator.

Tickets may be purchased from the shop at the Radcliffe Square entrance. They’re £5.

15. Christ Church College

If there’s only one college you visit, make it Christ Church College . It’s an absolute must visit attraction with one day in Oxford.

The grand college simply oozes history. It’s the largest and most prestigious of Oxford’s colleges.

The college was founded in 1525 by Henry VIII’s chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey. The college is the alma mater of 13 British prime ministers, Albert Einstein, and Lewis Carroll.

Established in 1525, the college comes complete with its own cathedral and art gallery.

The main entrance to Christ Church is the 17th century Tom Tower, which was designed by Christopher Wren. The 6 ton bell, dubbed “Great Tom,” rings 101 times every night at 9:05 pm.

It seems nonsensical, but there’s a reason for the madness.

In 1663, Oxford had only 101 students. Curfew was at 9:00 pm.

“Oxford Time” was then 5 minutes behind the now used GMT time. Hence, the bells tolled at 5 minutes after 9:00 pm.

The Great Hall in Christ Church College is a spectacular Renaissance space. It once served as Charles I’s parliamentary seat during the English civil war.

The hammer beam roof hovers above. Around the room are portraits of bygone scholars and prime ministers.

The Christ College Picture Gallery features an exceptional collection of works from the 14th to 18th centuries. It’s behind the college cathedral.

It boasts paintings and drawings by Italian Renaissance painters Filippino Lippi, Tintoretto, and Michelangelo .

Christ Church served as the filming inspiration for the Harry Potter movies. It doubled as the Great Hall of Hogwarts, though the producers built a studio replica to use for filming.

Apart from the Harry Potter films, Christ’s Church College may be best known for its association with Alice and Wonderland. It was here that Lewis Carroll began conjuring the story about a girl who follows a rabbit down a hole and ends up at a mad tea party.

To book a tour of the college, head to the Meadow Gate entrance.

16. Christ Church Cathedral

The lovely Christ Church Cathedral serves a dual purpose. It’s both the Christ Church College chapel and the cathedral of Oxford.

The cathedral is the world’s smallest cathedral and is a gorgeous treasure house of architecture. It began life as a simple priory church. During the Reformation, Henry VIII decreed it a cathedral.

Like practically every building in Oxford, the church has an elegant fan vaulted ceiling. There are beautiful stained glass windows. And you’ll find a lovely painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist and Oxford student Edward Burnes-Jones.

This is a wonderful place to go to Choral Evensong. It happens daily at 6:00 pm.

One Day In Oxford Evening

17. sample the oxford ale.

In the evening on your one day in Oxford, do what the Oxfordians do — settle in at one of the city’s many boozers. Strong ale is Oxford’s signature drink and a long standing tradition.

You can have a pint at the creaking timbers of the Eagle and Child . (Please note the pub is under renovation at the moment and is expected to re-open late in 2022.)

The historic pub is the place where C.S.Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein once slacked their thirst. They met there for almost 30 some years. They nicknamed the pub the “Bird and Baby” and called their literary group “the Inklings.”

The pair later moved their conversions to the 500 year old Lamb & Flag in Oxford’s Jericho neighborhood (which is also being renovated).

Many an Oxford scholar took a liquid break at the King’s Arms . Turf’s Tavern is a 13th century hole in the wall pub that was frequented by Bill Clinton.

You can also take a historic pub tour with a student guide .

18. Dinner In Oxford

Where to eat dinner in Oxford?

If you’re staying for dinner, you can try: Gees Restaurant (Mediterranean in a twinkly light-filled conservatory) or The Punter (modern vegetarian and vegan).

For a splurge, you can check out Pompette (French) or Arbequina (Spanish tapas).

19. Harry Potter In Oxford

Are you a Harry Potter fan traveling to Oxford?

As I mentioned above, scenes in the films were inspired by or filmed at Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, the Divinity School, and New College.

Click  here  to book a tour of Harry Potter-themed tour of Christ Church College. Click  here  for a Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford that includes Christ Church.

From London, you can book a guided tour that includes Oxford and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio . Or, you can book a private tour from London to Oxford .

READ : Guide To Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

Tips For Spending One Day In Oxford

Here are some tips and things to know about visiting Oxford.

1. Plan In Advance

You’ll have a more efficient visit to Oxford if you plan in advance. Decide whether you want to do a DIY one day tour or book some guided tours.

If you opt to fly solo, be sure to consult a map and plan your itinerary in advance, so you aren’t wasting time figuring out which places you need to visit and where they are. 

You should also determine your mode of transportation in advance and book any necessary tickets online.

1. How To Get To Oxford

Leave as early as possible so that you can make the most of your one day in Oxford, from wherever you are arriving from in the UK.

Oxford is 62 miles northwest of London. It takes about an hour and a half to drive.

Once there, you can book a  walking tour with a university guide  to get oriented.

Traveling by train is probably the fastest way to get to Oxford. Trains leave from London’s Paddington Staton for Oxford every 5-10 minutes.

The journey takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive at the Oxford train station, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the city center.

By Guided Day Tour :

If you want someone else to take care of the logistics and transportation, you can easily visit Oxford on a guided day trip tour from London.

Here are some tour options to consider:

•   a 10 hour day tour that visits Oxford, Straford-Upon-Avon & the Cotswolds
• a 10 hour tour of historic colleges in Oxford & Cambridge
•   7 hour day trip tour of Oxford
• a 7 hour private day trip from London

2. How To Get Around Oxford

Oxford is a very walkabout pocket sized city. It’s really more like a small town.

The main attractions are all clustered in the city center, which makes it possible to see much of Oxford in one day.

But you can also take the hop on hop off tourist bus or take a city bike tour . Cycling is a popular activity in Oxford. Watch out for cyclists as you walk around.

3. Where To Stay In Oxford

For a splurge, try the Old Parsonage Hotel . The charming hotel is a country-esque crash pad. It’s housed in an 17th century building built of Cotswold stone covered with ivy. It has creaking floors, a private garden, sweet library, and an exceptional breakfast.

The Old Bank Hotel is in a Georgian townhouse with rooftop gargoyles. It has luxury bedrooms, an art collection, and a prime location with views of Oxford landmarks.

The Randolph Hotel has been give a makeover and is now colorful, with Oscar Wild prints.

More Than One Day In Oxford?

If you have more than one day in Oxford, there are some other amazing things to do in the city.

1. Magdalen College

Magdalen College (pronounced maud-lin) is in the southeast section of Oxford. It has a pristine green quad, 15th century cloister, and flowery water meadow.

The Great Tower is 145 feet tall. This is where the college choir sings to launch May Day festivities .

Magdalen College is where C.S. Lewis lived and taught. The cloister’s grotesque carvings appeared in Chronicles of Narnia novel.

Next to Magdalen are the Oxford Botanical Gardens.

There are over 5,000 different types of plants. It’s lovely, but mostly used for research.

2. Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum is a quirky Victoria-era museum housed in a Neo-Gothic brick building. It focuses on anthropology and archaeology.

The museum is a dimly-lit maze. It houses a madcap array of curiosities from the farthest reaches of the British empire.

You’ll find a witch trapped in a bottle, shrunken heads, monkey skulls, totem poles, weapons, and witching paraphernalia. Canoes of every kind hang from the ceiling.

3. Oxford Castle & Prison

With more than one day in Oxford, history buffs will want to tour Oxford Castle .

You can learn all about the history of this castle, climb St. George’s Tower for views, descend to the 900 year old crypt, and explore the 18th Century prison. The prison remained in use until 1996.

4. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is a castle-like Gothic pile built in the 1850s. It was financed through the sale of bibles.

You’ll see dinosaur skeletons and a stuffed dodo that was immortalized in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland .

The museum was famously the site of a great debate over evolution between Bishop Samuel Wilberforce and Thomas Huxley. Huxley was a student of Charles Darwin.

Floating down one of Oxford’s canals is a time honored tradition in Oxford. You can rent a flat bottomed boat, called a punt, under Magdalen Bridge.

But believe me; it isn’t easy to drive one. Mastering the long wood pole takes practice.

If you want someone else to do the rowing, you can book a tour with an Oxford student .

Day Trips From Oxford

There are also some wonderful destinations that are just a stone’s throw away from Oxford: the Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, Straford-upon-Avon, and Blenheim Castle.

1. Cotswolds

In the Cotswolds, little has changed since the middle ages. The Cotswolds is where you go to experience tumbling hills, chocolate box villages, and admire authentic thatched cottages.

You can book a guided Cotswolds tour just for your group . You can also book a day tour from London that combines Oxford and the Cotswolds .

2. Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque market town. It’s best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and for its beautifully preserved Tudor buildings. 

The main attraction, naturally, is the timber-framed house where Shakespeare was born. It was passed down to various Shakespeare descendants.

Then, in 1847, the Shakespeare Trust purchased it. Visitors can explore the original house and garden.

The best way to get to Straford is by car, train, or guided tour. It’s less than an hour from Oxford.

This  guided day tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon from London  is led by a Shakespearean actor. Here is a  guided tour option that includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds .

3. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a stunning Baroque Palace in Woodstock, about 25 minutes from Oxford. It’s a UNESCO heritage site that was built between 1705-22.

The palace is the seat of the dukes of Marlborough. It’s also the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

You can admire the opulent interior, which is stuffed with tapestries, statues, and fine period furniture. You’ll can also enjoy displays on Winston Churchill and stroll in the superbly landscaped gardens.

Click here to book an entry ticket the the palace. If you’re staying in Oxford, you can book a guided tour of Blenheim Palace from Oxfor d .

If you’re staying in London, there are many permutations. You might consider:

• a 10 hour Blenheim + Cotswolds tour
• a 6 hour private tour from London
• a 10 hour tour with the palace and Downton Abbey filming locations

4. Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle  is the country house home of the Earl of Carnarvon. It’s most famous, though, as the filming location for  Downton Abbey , the hit British period TV series. 

The castle is open seasonally so check opening dates on the website before planning a visit.

The best way to get to the castle is by car or by joining a tour.

This guided tour option includes a  visit to Highclere Castle and other  Downton Abbey  filming locations . You can also book a guided tour that combines  Highclere and Stonehenge .

5. Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is one of my favorite castles in England. It’s about 2 hours northwest of London. Once inside, grab a map because the castle grounds are vast.

The castle’s origins go back to William the Conqueror, the first king of England. But it was mostly built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The castle was the seat of the dukes of Warwick. The castle’s most famous resident was Richard Neville , known as “the Kingmaker.” It featured in many battles in the historic War of the Roses, the clash between the Lancaster and York families.

The must see things to see inside are the Great Hall, the exhibit of the Weekend Party, and the Warwick the Kingmaker Exhibit. You can also stroll the medieval castle walls and climb several towers.

Click here to book an entrance ticket to Warwick Castle.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Oxford itinerary. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Best Museums in London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the National Gallery of Art
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Guide to the Tate Britain
• Guide to Wesminster Abbey
• London Tourist Traps To Avoid
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

If you’d like to spend one day in Oxford, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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Oxford day trip: top things to do + travel tips.

Oxford really is the perfect day trip material… especially from London!

Chock full of historical sights, cultural gems, quaint watering holes and more than a snippet of quintessential English countryside, the compactness and cosyness of Oxford means you really can condense this all down into a day.

Indeed this city has more than enough going on to occupy you, but is also small enough to render seeing the best of it comfortable within 24 hours.

And given Oxford’s proximity to Bristol, Bath, Reading as well as London, it’s good to know that getting there is also quick and easy, only adding to the day trip dreaminess!

So if you’re considering a top UK excursion that packs in some of England’s best qualities, look no further than an Oxford day trip – here’s the only guide you’ll ever need, which includes the top things to do in the city!

Related Posts

• Day Trip to Bath : Your Perfect Guide
• The Best London Day Trips on a Budget
• Top 10 Things to Do in Bristol, UK

My walking tour in Oxford was sponsored by I Love Oxford Waking Tours but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Why Enjoy an Oxford Day Trip?

I mean, the real question here is why not, because seriously Oxford might be small, but it crams a heck of a lot in!

First up, it’s a city, so you get to tick the Cathedral box. Plus there’s a castle and a heck of a lot of other churches to boot!

Next, this city is so jammed full of epic history that it’s really hard to top the UK over.

From classic colleges to the students that frequented them, Oxford connections lie so close to the heart of many of England’s greatest historical, scientific and political accounts and achievements, that it’s pretty impressive. And, of course, such connections continue to this day.

After all, this city is home to one of the country’s finest universities and some the world’s greatest minds have been educated here.

And this links nicely into the cultural aspect, especially the literary connections of Oxford, from C.S. Lewis to J.R.R. Tolkein, J.K Rowling to Lewis Carroll, means this city is home to some of the most iconic writers the UK can lay claim to.

And with all this history and culture scattered around the place, there’s also a heck of a lot of tours you can take, which make accessing the city’s best bits as part of a day trip incredibly easy.

Add in the great restaurants, pubs and cafes this city has, not to mention the wonderful bookstores and lively arts venues, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a good old day!

And that’s before you get the chance to lounge by the river, roll out a picnic mat on a college green or experience a famous Oxford river punt too.

I mean really, what isn’t to love about an Oxford day trip? Especially if you’re looking for something that screams classic oldy-worldly England!

How to Travel to Oxford?

Now that I’ve hopefully convinced you why you should make an Oxford day trip, the next thing to tell you about is how to do that.

I’m going to give these options from London, as I think that’s simply the place most people are looking to day trip from, but really the advice could apply to wherever in the UK you’re trying to get to Oxford from.

The first option is the train – usually the quickest, easiest, greenest and fastest route to Oxford from across the UK.

Ok, it’s not always the cheapest, but booked in advance you can certainly pick up some bargains.

Direct trains from London take just over an hour.

As always, I use Trainline to book all my train travel in the UK – they make comparing prices, times and schedules so easy, Plus I love how you can save all your eTickets in their handy app.

For those with smaller pockets, comme moi, it’s good to know that if you are booking last minute, there is a cheaper option than the train if you’re looking to enjoy an Oxford day trip.

A little bit longer than the rail option, but not by much, catching a bus to Oxford can be a great option for us budget travellers.

National Express (also bookable through Trainline) run direct services to Oxford from London, as well as various other cities across the UK and prices start from £9.

From London, National Express buses depart from Victoria Coach Station.

Otherwise, if you are in London, the Oxford Tube , a super regular and direct service, with prices that also start from £9, runs from London Victoria station too. This is a very efficient and cost-effective bus option as well.

Of course, you can also drive to Oxford for your day trip too of course.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, check out Discover Cars who I highly recommend.

Travelling by car to Oxford can be cost-effective if you’re travelling in a group, and is especially useful if you’re heading on after your Oxford day trip, perhaps to the Cotswolds or another more rural destination.

Just don’t forget you’ll need to pay for parking in Oxford too!

If you’re looking for the cheapest parking near the city, then your best bet is the Park and Ride scheme , which will cost you less than £5 for the parking space and the bus into the centre.

Best Time to Visit Oxford?

The better weather from June to August will allow you to explore the glorious streets and historic sights of this famous city to the max.

That said, Christmas is also a magical time to visit this atmospheric place.

How to Get Around Oxford?

As discussed, Oxford is super small for a city and the centre where most visitors tend to congregate is super compact.

Walking Around Oxford

As such, getting around using your own 2 feet is ideal.

You can use Google maps and easily navigate yourself around Oxford, but to be honest, I really recommend a good walking tour if you truly want to learn about the history of this city and to know more about all the small, quirky bits and pieces.

And I highly recommend Visit Oxford Tours , as I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon walking tour of the city I experienced with them.

Led by a former student, I learnt so much in these few hours and covered almost all the city, that I really felt it was the perfect way to enjoy an Oxford day trip to the max.

Cycling Around Oxford

The other main way to enjoy getting around Oxford is via 2 wheels.

Yes this the cycle capital of the UK and everywhere you go you will see people on bikes.

Bike hire is available across the city 24/7 care of Bainton Bikes , or you can even enjoy a cycling tour of the city too if you prefer.

Getting around a bit faster on 2 wheels will also give you the chance to get out of the city a little more and explore some of the countryside around if that’s what you’re into.

Thankfully, Oxfordshire is very flat!

Busing Around Oxford

You can also use the local bus service to scoot around Oxford.

Or there is an Oxford Bus Sightseeing Tour , care of a classic open-deck bus, you can try if you think you’re not up to the walking or cycling!

Top 15 Things to Do in Oxford

Well, where do I begin!

We’ve already talked about some of the things I suggest you do, namely experience a walking or cycling half day tour – both these are great ways to get acquainted and up to speed with the city if you only have a day there.

Honestly, you’ll learn and see so much during one of these that you’ll really feel you got your money’s worth!

After that, if you still have time, or if you’re the sort of person who isn’t into tours, you can explore the city independently!

Here’s my pick of the bunch….

#1 Hit up the Colleges

Hitting up some of the famous university colleges is definitely one of the best things to do in Oxford.

There’s so many pretty ones to choose and, from wandering the college greens to exploring the iconic rooms they have, you can easily spend an afternoon getting absorbed by them.

If you’re looking for some ideas about which Colleges to check out, then it pays to know Magdalen College is largely regarded as one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful colleges to visit in Oxford.

Christ Church is another prestigious college and is popular to visit thanks to its role in the Harry Potter films.

However, the Colleges can be pricey.

Indeed each college has its own entrance fee, and some of them can be quite hefty, so do your research if your budget is small!

In this vein, it’s good to know that Worcester College and Lincoln College are free to enter!

Christchurch Meadow is another great free college space to head for if you;’re on a budget day trip to Oxford. There’s plenty of duck to feed there too!

If you want to combine the colleges with some Harry Potter action, then this top Oxford tour , led by a student and lasting 1.5 hours, is packed full of HP info and even includes the chance to roam through the magical New College which inspired various scenes of the movie.

#2 Check out Radcliffe Camera

A great free thing to do on your Oxford day trip, the Radcliffe Camera is something of the heart of historic Oxford.

Essentially a historic library and archive, the recognisable architectural structure of this building, with its 360 degree properties, makes it hard to miss,

You can get some stunning snaps here (and of the colleges and the stunning Medieval buildings around) even if you’re not allowed in.

Also nearby is St Mary’s, the tower of which you can and should climb.

#3 Snap Bodleian Library

Another library that you can and should snap in Oxford to keep up with the classic historic vibes, is the Bodleian Library.

Something of an Oxford icon too, this place should not be missed on your day trip itinerary.

#4 Try Punting

An absolute Oxbridge classic, there’s no way you can come on an Oxford day trip and not experience a spot of punting!

Whether you choose to hire a boat and give it a go yourself (FYI, it’s not as easy as it looks), or pay for your own experienced punter, the choice is yours.

Alternatively, hiring a pedalo and cruising the river that way can be a good middle ground.

#5 Visit the Botanical Gardens

One of Oxford’s top sights, there’s no doubt a stroll through these beautiful gardens is well worth an hour of your day trip.

#6 Go in Oxford Castle

Ditto with Oxford Castle!

While this is a short walk out of the main centre of the College action, and certainly not as grand as some of England’s big old other castles, it’s still a must-see during your time here.

#7 Climb the Saxon Tower

And carrying on the historical vibes, another great landmark to check out during your time in Oxford is the area around the old North Gate to the city.

Here, along Ship Street, the original Medieval buildings are incredible.

Don’t miss a trip inside St Mary’s Church too (free and boasting some amazing stained glass windows), but best of all, is the climb up the Saxon Tower for a great lookout over this part of Oxford.

It’s over 1000 years old!

#8 Learn about the Bridge of Sighs

You don’t have to head to the iconic Bridge of Sighs to learn why a strange bridge came to be positioned over a street in Oxford.

The answer is because some College students who went to Venice loved it so much they wanted to replicate one of the bridges between 2 halves of their College back in Oxford.

The 2 halves just happened to have a road between them!

But besides the tale, you should go to the Bridge of Sighs anyway – it’s def worth a visit (and a snap!)!

#9 Enjoy the Ashmolean Museum

There a stack of museums to visit in Oxford and with all the colleges and libraries and churches too, you can quickly overdo it!

So why not just pick one?

I recommend the Ashmolean Museum – centrally located, it’s free to enter and has not only a historic backstory (it was founded in 1683) but contains some great art and archaeological collections.

#10 Peruse the Bookshops

And if you’re into museums, you can’t miss the bookshops too!

There’s so many in Oxford, especially independent ones which date back many years, that you could get lost in there for ages… or at least I could.

Founded in 1879, Blackwells of Oxford is the largest academic and specialist bookseller in the UK and is a must for book-lovers everywhere!

#11 Enjoy a Good Pint

And right next door to Blackwells (as the above photo testifies) is a pub.

In fact, this sentence could be translated to pretty much anywhere in Oxford.

There’s so many pubs in this city, you’re always pretty much next door to one!

As such, hitting up at least one of them is definitely one of the best things to do in Oxford.

My personal recommendation would be the Turf Tavern, with so many past famous punters, it’s hard to beat!

#12 Relax in a Cute Café

And while we’re on the food and drink combo, you’ve definitely got to try a few lovely cafes while you’re in Oxford too… they’re almost as plentiful as the pubs!

My favourite has to be Café in the Vaults – set in a historic building with a view of the Radcliffe Camera and offering oat-milk flat whites, it’s hard to beat!

#13 Eat at the Covered Market

Oxford’s Covered Market is another great spot to grab a bite – with lots of independent traders in a charming setting, it’s a great spot to enjoy Oxford’s ambience and local foodie scene.

#14 Explore Cowley Road

And yet another great spot to get food in Oxford, as well as pick up the younger, slightly more alternative vibes this city has to offer, is to head to the Cowley Road area.

Just slightly out of Oxford’s city centre, this place has a real local feel and a lot of fun shops and eateries to explore.

#15 Take a Stroll

And finally, one of the best things to do in Oxford, especially if you do plan to extend your time here beyond a day trip, is to enjoy a stroll in the gorgeous countryside surrounding the city.

But you don’t have to go far and can easily squeeze this into a day trip too if you have a full day too.

Top picks include the walk along the Thames Tow Path from Oxford to Abingdon (which is the setting for Wind in the Willows ) as well as the lovely stroll you can enjoy in Port Meadow.

With a bit longer, the nearby Chiltern Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) means it’s very possible to enjoy a stretch of the Thames Path.

I can highly recommend the Goring to Pangbourne section which is near Oxford.

Otherwise, the area around the historic market town of Berkhamsted is also lovely with ancient castle ruins, great walks, a vibrant modern community and some lovely pubs set along the canal!

Alternatively, you can nip the other way into the Cotswolds (another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and check out the quaint villages of Chipping North, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh as well as the walks around them too.

Get some great ideas in this ideal Cotswold itinerary I wrote.

What to Pack for an Oxford Day Trip?

A key part in any good day trip recipe is packing right, so here’s my list of the top 5 packing essentials you shouldn’t head to this city without.

#1 A Good Camera – No doubt you’re going to be snapping like crazy in this amazing city and need to ensure you have a good camera to do the place justice. I love my Sony A6000 , which is light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes – No point coming this far and not being able to enjoy a walking or cycling around the lanes and colleges of Oxford. Get prepared therefore and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes – these cross trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket – Whatever the time of year, you have to remember this is England after all – a country in which the heavens can open at any point! Don’t get caught out therefore and ensure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you. This North Face one is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack – I never go on any day trip without a sturdy backpack to ensure I’ve got room to take everything I need and that the weight is equally distributed across my back and shoulders. This super featherweight one from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant.

#5 Picnic Rug – And finally, I would never head off on an Oxford day trip without a good picnic blanket! Perfect for spreading out across any College Green, or along the banks of the river, this one is great because it has a waterproof bottom and rolls up nicely so you can easily carry it.

Are Oxford Day Trips Expensive?

The main costs you have to factor into your Oxford day trip are:

• Price for return travel
• Costs of any tours
• Expense of any College entrance fees

Obviously all 5 of these variables will alter depending how you choose to structure your Oxford day trip and where you’re travelling from.

The last 3 will depend greatly on your much you want to indulgence!

As a budget travel baseline however, I’d allow for the following minimum costs:

• Return Bus Tickets from London = £18
• Half Day Walking Tour with I Love Oxford Walking Tour = £20
• Entrance to one Iconic College = £12
• Coffee & Cake = £5

The minimum total for a budget Oxford day trip is therefore around £55.

Not bad for a day in one of England’s most iconic cities!

You can obviously keep costs low by bringing your own snacks and by not taking a tour or paying to get into a single college. But in this instance, I’d question if you’re really going to get the value of a day trip at all!

Is One Day Enough for Oxford?

A day trip is a really good amount of time to enjoy in Oxford city centre, as it’s really not that big.

However I definitely recommend staying for 2-3 days in this city if you can as there’s so much to explore around, including my top pick Bleinham Palace.

Where to Stay in Oxford?

If you are extending your Oxford day trip, then rest assured there’s plenty of places to stay overnight in this city, whatever your budget.

Here’s my pick of the bunch…

Budget: Central Backpackers Oxford

Mid-Range: Royal Oxford Hotel

Luxury: The George Street Hotel

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So there you have it, the only Oxford day trip guide you’ll ever need!

Did I miss anything out?

Do let me know in the comments box below so we can help fellow Oxford day trippers out!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ Oxford Day Trip: Top Things to Do + Travel Tips ”

This is so helpful. I’ve only been to Oxford once for a festival, and I didn’t get to explore at all. I only live in Bristol so it’s easy to get to but it’s just one of those places I’ve never been to! I’m definitely going to visit soon though.

Ha ha Becky, it was totally one of those places I shamefully hadn’t been to either – despite having spent many a year in London! Feels good to have ticked it off the list now! Hope you can get there soon, it really is a delightful day trip and so easy from Bristol as you know. Happy exploring, Steph 🙂

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Day Trip To Oxford: Things to Do in Oxford for a Day

Last updated: May 17, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 15 Comments

I spent a good deal of my childhood in Oxford, and it has long been one of my favourite cities in the UK. As you can imagine, we’ve explored the city in great detail! In today’s post, I want to help you plan your own day trip to Oxford, with a guide to all our favourite things to do in Oxford.

Being so close to London, Oxford makes for a popular day trip from the English capital. I t’s only an hour by rail from central London, with trains running regularly. So it’s easy enough to stay in London and just visit Oxford for the day. Oxford is also very compact and easy to get around, so you’ll be able to take in a good many highlights in a day.

Of course, there’s plenty to do for more than just a day if you’d prefer to spend longer in Oxford, so I’ve also included some tips on accommodation for a longer stay as well.

Here are some ideas for things to do on an Oxford day trip, based on both our recent visit and my previous experience living there. There’s also a section on how to get to Oxford from London to help you plan.

Things to do in Oxford on a Day Trip

Here’s a list of all our favourite things to do in Oxford which you should be able to do in a day trip from London, or other nearby location.

1. Take a walking tour

One thing Jess and I did this time round that was different to my previous visits was to take an official walking tour. This was an excellent way to get oriented (I always get lost in Oxford, the place is a maze!), learn about some of the history of the city, as well as see some University Colleges, of which there are many!

We took the Official University and City Tour , which started at the visitor centre and which is run by the official Oxford Tourism Board. Tours run a number of times a day, and are led by  licensed blue badge guides, which means they really know their stuff.

The tour lasted a couple of hours, with our guide taking us to some of the highlights of Oxford, including the covered market, the high street, the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and of course, a number of the university colleges.

It was excellent value for money, and a wonderful way to quickly get a handle on the layout of Oxford, the history of the town, and to learn more about the university colleges. We also went in to a number of the universities, and were given advice and tips as to which ones we should come back to to visit independently.

Finally, our last port of call was the optional Divinity School, a stunning building which also doubled up as the location for the Hogwarts Sanatorium in the Harry Potter movies.

Film buffs will know that Oxford was featured in many of the Harry Potter films – see our guide to Harry Potter filming locations for more of these. Plus you can take a specific Harry Potter walking tour if that’s what you are interested in.

All in all, a very worthwhile couple of hours of exploration! If you’re interested in doing a walking tour of Oxford, this is a link to the tour we took  so you can book in advance now.

Alternatively, you can also take a tour of Oxford which is led by an Oxford student , which is a fun way to get more of an insight into what life here is like as a student. These tours cover similar ground and last around the same amount of time – you can see the reviews and book online here .

2. Visit the University Colleges

We visited a number of the colleges on our walking tour, and they are just stunning. Our guide had given us some ideas as to which we could visit by ourselves, including some of his personal favourites, and I would very much recommend setting aside a bit of time to explore the colleges by yourself.

A little bit about Oxford University. One of the oldest Universities in the world, Oxford University is made up of thirty eight colleges, each of which is independently governed. There’s no campus, with all the colleges, halls, faculties and departments set throughout the city centre.

Visiting the colleges is a bit hit and miss depending on the time of year. In addition, some of the colleges (notably Christchurch), do charge an entry fee. Since opening times vary depending on the time of year and the exam schedule, your best bet is to draw up a shortlist of colleges you would like to visit, and pop into the porter’s office for each college to see if it’s open. The porter’s office is pretty much always at the entrance, and we found that they were always more than happy to help us out.

We visited a number of the colleges, including David’s College, Exeter College and Trinity College. I particularly liked the chapel at Exeter College, arguably one of the most picturesque of all the college chapels, and the gardens at Trinity College was also gorgeous to walk in.

Christchurch, which is generally regarded as one of the more spectacular colleges, was unfortunately closed on the day we visited, but if it’s open when you’re in town, I’d highly recommend popping by.

3. Go Punting

Punting is a classic pastime in Oxford, and one that is best enjoyed over a lengthy period of time, where you can learn how to actually do it, and maybe even reach a pub somewhere on your journey.

I’ve punted a few times before, but usually in the company of a competent punting friend. On this visit, it was just Jess and I, so I was given the task of figuring out how to make the boat move along the river in the direction I wanted it to go.

After a slightly confusing start where I confused the front and back of the punt, and following some helpful advice from the punt house as to my technique, we set off upstream, with the theory being that this would make for an easier return journey. I settled into a vaguely efficient rhythm, managing to avoid both the riverbanks and other punters, and we had a lovely time, even if we didn’t get quite far enough to find a pub.

For punting, I’ve always gone with the Cherwell Boathouse . It’s a great location, there are pubs in both directions, and they have a lovely bar and restaurant on-site if you don’t quite make it the half hour upstream that’s required to find a pub. We went this time, and were thankful for the friendly service and helpful punting advice! Punts are hired either by the hour, or the day, with the most up to date prices on their website.

4. Imbibe a Beverage

If you struggle to punt your way to a pub, don’t worry. Oxford has no shortage of fantastic watering holes, with some personal favourites including The Eagle & Child (popular with Tolkien), The White Horse, the Lamb and Flag, and the King’s Arms.

At the top of my list though is The Turf Tavern . A little tricky to find, being as it is down a tiny alley just next to the Bridge of Sighs, if you’re struggling just find a local to give you directions. This is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, and has a lovely outdoor beer garden as well as plentiful indoor seating and a wide selection of beers as well as food.

It’s popular with University students, and has had it’s fair share of famous faces over the years, including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who downed a yard of ale in 11 seconds. Not as easy as it sounds. Other famous visitors include Bill Clinton, and legend has it that it was at the Turf Tavern that he “did not inhale”. Whatever you think of that story, you’re bound to love this venue.

5. Visit Oxford Castle

If you are travelling with children, they’ll likely love a visit to Oxford Castle . Originally built in the 10th century, the castle served first as the main defensive centre of the town, back when castles were genuinely useful for that, before being used as a prison from around the 14th century.

Whilst much of the original castle was destroyed in the English Civil War, the parts that survived were incorporated into Oxford’s official prison, and stayed that way until 1996, when it was concluded that it probably wasn’t the most modern of prison constructions, and decommissioned.

Now, the surviving castle complex serves a number of functions, with part of it being a hotel. As a visitor wanting to learn more about the history though, you’ll want to take an Oxford Castle Unlocked tour, which gives you access to the Motte (a big earth mound), St George’s Tower, the crypt and parts of the prison.

The tour, which ran for around half an hour, largely comprised St George’s tower, and was performed by a character actor who assumed the role of King Stephen. From him, we learnt all about the history of the tower and it’s various uses, as well as some notable characters who had been held here.

We also got to go up on the roof of the tower itself, which had great views over the city. After the tour was complete, we were able to explore the prison, where we got a bit of an insight into prison life over the years, which looked pretty miserable! You can buy tickets online here .

6. Climb the University Church

Regular readers will know that one of my favourite ways to see a city is from above, usually by finding a nice tower and climbing to the top of it. It turns out that even in all my years living around Oxford I had never found a suitable tower, which was a bit of a failing as it turns out there’s an excellent view to be had from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera.

It’s a bit of a climb to the top, and there’s an entry fee of £4, but the view is more than worth both the effort and expense.

Practicalities for Visiting Oxford

Where to stay in oxford.

If you want to stay in Oxford for longer than a day, there are plenty of options in Oxford for accommodation to suit the majority of budgets.

We stayed a little way outside of the city centre at the peaceful Hawkwell House Hotel , found in Iffley Village. This is just a short taxi ride from Oxford City centre, or a ten minute bus ride. It’s also walkable via a lovely riverside footpath.

Our room was very comfortable, and the included English breakfast was of course appreciated. Other details like free wi-fi and luggage storage rounded out a solid offering.

If you’d prefer to be more central, there are lots of options for city centre accommodation in Oxford – check out the booking.com listings for Oxford here to get yourself started.

How to Get To Oxford from London

Oxford is very easy to get to, being served by trains and buses, and of course by car. There are direct trains from London Paddington to Oxford multiple times an hour – if you get one of the fast trains the journey time is around an hour.

Avoid the local trains which stop at more than four stations on the route, as this can make the journey more like two hours! We recommend the  Trainline   website for advanced booking reservations – we’ve tried most of the train booking sites in the UK and the Trainline is our favourite for ease of use.

Always book train tickets in advance of your travel for the best prices in the UK, and opt to either have them delivered to your mobile device, or to pick them up from the station, to save on postage fees.

There are also buses to Oxford from the centre of London, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Stanstead Airport, as well as many other destinations around the UK.

Buses (also known as coaches) in the UK are usually a little bit cheaper than the train, although they do take a bit longer. We recommend Megabus for bus travel, see their prices and book in advance for the best deals here .

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, Oxford is between 60 and 90 minutes drive from London. If you’re visiting Oxford as part of my detailed two week UK itinerary , then you’ll know that a hire car is my preferred method of getting around the country, giving you more flexibility and control over your trip. Check here for a competitive car hire quote , sourced from some of the most popular rental providers in the UK.

Finally, if you want to just visit Oxford as part of a tour and let someone else handle all the logistics, there are a number of tours you can take from London. Here are a few options to choose from:

• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . This is a full day out, and means you’ll see a number of popular English attractions
• A tour of Oxford, Stonehenge & Windsor   – another full day of some of the most popular attractions you can visit from London
• A tour of Oxford and the Harry Potter Studios – two popular destinations that you can visit in a day from London
• A tour of Oxford and some of the stone villages of the Cotswolds

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to options for visiting Oxford as a day trip from London, as well as trips incorporating some other popular destinations.

Further reading

We’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you’re planning a trip around the UK, I have both a one week itinerary of the UK and a two week UK Itinerary for you to check out.
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge , another popular day trip from London
• A two day Edinburgh Itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• A 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• Looking for an epic Scottish road trip? Take a look at our guide to the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• Essential Sight-Seeing in London
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds as a day trip from London
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then we suggest the Oxford Insight Guide

So you know: we partnered with Visit Britain for our trip to Oxford, who covered our accommodation, walking tour, punting trip and Oxford Castle visit. As always, opinions remain our own – check out our code of ethics for our disclosure policy.

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There are 15 comments on this post

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SITI MAHINA BINTI ABDUL MANAP says

7th September 2023 at 9:01 am

Tq for the post.Really helpful.Will fly over to London mid December 2023.Any tips on how it’s like in winter?

Laurence Norah says

8th September 2023 at 8:13 am

My pleasure. So in December the UK in general is relatively cold, although this will depend on where you are coming from. Expect temperature to be between freezing and around 10C, with rain likely. The days will also be quite short at this time of year, sunrise in mid-December is around 8am, and sunset is just before 4pm.

As long as you dress appropriately though, with warm layers and a waterproof coat or umbrella, you will be fine. Most cities and towns will have nice Christmas lights and other festivities going on at this time of year, like CHristmas markets, so it can be a lovely time to visit.

I’d suggest reading our UK packing list guide for some tips on what to bring 🙂

Have a great trip!

Isabelle Martinez says

5th November 2019 at 3:44 pm

Very interesting post. Exactly what I need to plan a day trip to Oxford on my next stay in London.

6th November 2019 at 9:02 am

Thanks very much – have a great trip!

Tania Fonseca says

4th April 2019 at 12:37 pm

Thank you for such a helpful guide full of great ideas! Can’t wait to visit Oxford next month and follow your tips. Wish you all the best!

4th April 2019 at 1:13 pm

Our pleasure Tania! Have a great trip – let us know if you have any questions!

6th February 2019 at 1:27 am

I am planning my first trip to the UK (not London- done that). Came upon your blog and really enjoy the frankness and especially the beautiful photos.

6th February 2019 at 10:31 am

Thanks Linda 🙂 Have a great trip and do let us know if you have any questions!

23rd January 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thankyou for a lovely reminder of my home city of Oxford. I have not been home for 23 years ( it’s still home to all of my family, I’m the only one who moved more than 3 miles away) I miss my home city , even though I love my adopted country (USA) it doesn’t have the grandeur and rich history of England.

23rd January 2019 at 9:08 pm

Our pleasure Marie! We hope you get to make it “home” at some point soon 😀

27th November 2018 at 5:34 pm

I tried punting in Oxford and it’s so much harder than it looks >< You need to have a good core and strong arms for that! Well done for finding the front and back of the punt Laurence!

27th November 2018 at 6:19 pm

Thanks Alice! It is definitely a lot harder than it looks, and I have to say we didn’t go in an exactly straight line for most of our voyage 😉

Divya Nelson says

23rd March 2018 at 5:50 am

Thank you for such a lovely, picturesque guide to Oxford . I loved it thoroughly.

23rd March 2018 at 3:10 pm

My pleasure Divya – thanks for your kind comment!

curtis lau says

29th October 2016 at 8:59 am

Thanks for the introduction of the Oxford. Good insight.

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9 Best Day Tours to Oxford from London in 2024 (ranked!)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

People from all over the world know London, but how many have heard of the beautiful city of Oxford in the south of England?

If you’re staying in London and want to tour the gorgeous city of Oxford, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re going to explore the nine best day tours that depart from London – led by guides who are experts in their field.

These tour guides will take you to beauty spots, interesting sights, and cultural landmarks. 

Our favorite tour is the Downton Abbey and Oxford Tour from London including Highclere Castle because of the range of activities available.

With over 400 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars – you’re guaranteed a high-quality tour.

Discover more about the tour, and eight other fantastic day trips to Oxford from London, by reading on.

Let’s dive in and remember to book in advance to avoid missing out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Oxford day trip from London is this Downtown Abbey and Oxford day tour.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Oxford Day Trips from London

1. downton abbey and oxford tour from london including highclere castle.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 470+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• A free copy of Lady Carnarvon’s autobiography
• Walking tour of Oxford
• A professional guide
• Air-conditioned bus travel

This tour is perfect for fans of the hit TV series Downton Abbey and is one of the best Oxford tours from London.

It’s a full-day tour of the main sets in the show, including Highclere Castle and Matthew Crawley’s mother’s house.

Explore the grounds and walk through rooms that have starred in many of your favorite scenes.

You’ll feel like English royalty in no time!

Even if you’ve not seen the series, this is a perfect chance to see some quintessential English stately homes.

Everyone on the tour gets a free copy of Lady Carnarvon’s autobiography.

If you don’t know who she is, you will by the end of the tour.

She’s the real-life owner of Highclere Castle.

Outside of the Downton Abbey experience, you’ll tour the magical city of Oxford – taking in the remarkable architecture of the university buildings.

2. Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 1,600+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert guide
• Optional entry to Warwick Castle
• Photo opportunities in the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon
• Optional entry to Shakespeare’s birthplace

Looking to visit three beautiful English locations in a single day?

This tour allows you to do exactly that – a one day tour of Oxford from London plus other sites!

While there’s plenty to do in London, it can sometimes be wise to get out of the hustle-and-bustle of the capital for a day and go somewhere quieter.

Breaking up your London trip is easy with this three-part trip that includes Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle .

In Oxford, you’ll walk the university campus and see where the likes of Albert Einstein and Bill Clinton studied.

During another part of the day, you’ll tour the grounds of Warwick Castle with your expert guide. 

Arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll notice that things start to get very Shakespearean.

That’s because this is where the Bard was born and raised.

You can see how the beautiful buildings, calming river, and rural countryside created such an immensely imaginative individual who would go on to write the best plays of all time.

At 10 hours and 30 minutes in total, don’t forget to pack some lunch with you.

3. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London : best Oxford day tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1,700+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Tick Stonehenge off your bucket list
• High-quality coach with Wi-Fi and USB charging
• Optional interior visits to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge

England is unique for its rich history and architectural wonders.

The Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London is a fantastic pick if you want to tick Stonehenge off your bucket list, but also want to sample the culinary delights of Oxford.

In Oxford, you’ll explore winding roads full of pubs, restaurants, and university buildings and admire the historic architecture from different time periods.

At Windsor Castle, you’ll learn about royalty and English traditions.

Arriving at Stonehenge, you’ll step back in time 4,000 years to experience life as our ancient ancestors did. 

The day is designed to be relaxing, which involves not having to think too much.

Fortunately, there’s an expert guide traveling with you who is available to answer questions and provide information about the incredible British landmarks you’ll see.

If you’re traveling with those who prefer shopping to historic sites, this tour has you covered.

Oxford is a buzzing town with lots of opportunities to shop.

4. Small Group Cotswolds Villages, Stratford and Oxford Day Tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 140+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Round-trip transportation from London
• Walking tours in Stratford and Oxford
• Free bottled water
• Optional entry to the house where Shakespeare was born

The Small Group Cotswolds Villages, Stratford and Oxford Day Tour from London is one of the best options for small groups looking for a quiet excursion to beautiful English towns and cities and an Oxford day tour from London

If you’re into the Cotswolds for the peace and quiet, but also want the roaring bustle of Oxford city, this tour is for you. 

You’ll spend almost equal parts of the day in Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford – which is great because both deserve ample time for exploring and taking pictures for your Instagram page.

You’ll be provided with free bottled water onboard the luxury Mercedes minibus, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities for a glass of wine in Oxford’s fascinating streets.

This trip is perfect for small groups of friends or small families who want to get the most out of their visit to England.

5. Bath & Oxford Day Trip from London – Self-Guided Audio Tours

✔️  BOOK NOW

• Access to a self-guided audio tour
• Audio tour presented by local historians
• Ability to listen to audio offline 
• Opportunity to take photos for Instagram

This tour has a twist.

Unlike the others on our list, this one doesn’t have a tour guide.

Instead, you purchase an audio tour and explore Bath and Oxford at your own pace. 

The advantage of this kind of experience is that there’s no pressure to stick to a particular timeframe.

You can stay at landmarks you love for as long as you like without being rushed to the next sight. 

Walk through the charming cities of Oxford and Bath with information from your audio guide.

The guides on the audio are local historians and so you can trust that you’re hearing accurate facts.

On the tour, you’ll visit Bath Abbey, Exeter and Jesus Colleges, the Bodleian Library, and filming locations from the Netflix series Bridgerton.

You’ll also visit the Roman baths that gave the city of Bath its name.

6. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London : bus tour to Oxford from London

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 400+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Small group tour with no more than 16 people
• Transport in a Mercedes mini-coach
• Sights including the Bridge of Sighs and Christchurch Cathedral
• Luggage allowance

A large coach full of people isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time.

Fortunately, the Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London offers an option for smaller traveling parties.

With no more than 15 additional people joining you on the trip, you’ll have lots of opportunities to get to know your fellow travelers and make friends.

You’ll marvel at the Bridge of Sighs (not the Italian one), watching the river punters mimic their Venician counterparts. 

The best part of this trip is that there is a generous luggage allowance, meaning you can treat yourself to some souvenirs from the many quaint shops that line the streets of Oxford.

Still not sure?

Don’t just take our word for it.

408 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars prove this is a journey that lives up to the hype. 

7. Oxford by Rail Overnight Tour from London with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 days | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Return train tickets from London to Oxford
• Overnight stay in an Oxford hotel
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus in the city

Oxford has such a wealth of interesting cultural experiences, restaurants, and shops that a day probably isn’t enough.

Enter – the Oxford by Rail Overnight Tour from London with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus . 

The only tour promising two days of adventure, you’ll get to dance the night away in the city’s clubs and bars without having to rush to the train station.

With this experience, you’ll get a return train ticket from London to Oxford, as well as hotel accommodation in the center of the city.

Breakfast is included and you’ll also have access to the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus – perfect for getting around the city and finding the best local attractions.

Everything’s covered with this booking – train journeys, hotel accommodation, breakfast, and bus travel around the city.

This’ll save you lots of time organizing each individual element.

8. Oxford and Cambridge Universities Day Tour from London

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Walking tour of Cambridge
• Personal audio headset with interesting facts and information
• Coach travel with Wi-Fi and USB charging

What do Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, A.A. Milne, and Thandiwe Newton all have in common?

They all studied at the University of Cambridge.

Okay, that was a tricky one.

How about Rishi Sunak, Robert Peel, Harold Wilson, Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair?

Well done if you said they’re all British Prime Ministers, but did you know they were all taught at the University of Oxford?

In fact, an incredible 30 British Prime Ministers were educated there.

On this tour , you’ll explore the campuses that have generated more influential politicians, actors, authors, and scientists than anywhere else in the world. 

You’ll be taken to Oxford and Cambridge in style in a high-end coach with Wi-Fi access and USB charging.

The Wi-Fi will come in handy when you want to show off your snaps of the amazing architecture in both cities.

9. Private Shopping Transfer from London to Oxford Bicester Village

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 10 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Explore the shopping opportunities at Oxford Bicester Village
• Chauffeur-driven luxury car
• Air-conditioned transport
• Trunk space for shopping bags

Most trips from London to Oxford focus on the history and architecture.

But surely there must be a trip for the shoppers among you?

There is – the Private Shopping Transfer from London to Oxford Bicester Village. 

You’ll be picked up from your location in London in a luxury air-conditioned car with your very own chauffeur.

Driving to Oxford, you’ll see the parts of London often missed by tourists. 

You can explore the shopping opportunities at Oxford Bicester Village at your own pace.

There are dozens of designer outlets here full of bargains.

To break up the shopping, why not visit one of the restaurants onsite and sample some delicious food?

With plenty of trunk space, you can literally shop until you drop.

Don’t forget your passport to claim your tax return and avoid any issues at the airport.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 7 Best Stonehenge Tours from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 5 Best Tours of York, England
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 21 Best London Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best Beatles Tours in London
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system.

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Beautiful Guide to a Day Trip to Oxford

Do you ever end up traveling somewhere a million times in a short period, then not at all for a long time? That happened to me with Oxford. When I first moved to London I was there a lot, but now it’s been years since my last trip. I’ve been itching to get back, though, so I bought a train ticket and planned an Oxford day trip.

Oxford Day Trip

The nice thing about Oxford is that it’s an easy day trip from London by train . It’s only an hour away from the capital and trains leave Paddington station all the time.

My particular train leaves on a sunny morning and whisks me off through the countryside to get to the university city .

Oxford Restaurants

The station is right next to the city center, and I walk in ready to start my Oxford day trip. Well, ready to start eating anyway.

I pop over to The Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen for a brunch of avocado on toast with feta, hummus, and a poached egg.

This restaurant in Oxford is hidden above a bike shop and I would have missed it if I hadn’t done some research before my trip. I’m glad I did because it’s a gem of a place.

There are vintage bicycles and penny-farthings on the walls, mismatched wooden furniture, and windows letting lots of natural light in.

The prices are a bit steep, but the service is friendly, the food good, and the ambiance perfect for sitting all day. I have sightseeing to do, though, and it isn’t going to do itself.

Oxford Day Trip: Sightseeing

Leaving the restaurant, I continue my Oxford day trip with a walk around the city center .

It’s compact enough that it doesn’t take long, but beautiful enough that I can’t put my camera down. It’s pretty much my perfect sightseeing scenario.

Radcliffe Camera and Bodlean Library

I start at the Radcliffe Camera and Bodlean Library, two of the university’s most famous landmarks. The former is one of the most photographed buildings in Oxford, and for good reason.

This rotund beauty was designed by James Gibbs and built between 1737 and 1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library.

Students stroll in and out and I wait for crowds to clear so I can get a photo. It looks stunning in the sunshine, and I don’t mind the wait.

Afterwards I head to the Bodleian Library. It’s the university’s main research library and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. I love the courtyard at the entrance, where the golden stone welcomes visitors to the haven of books.

Oxford Colleges

When I finish with the library, I continue my Oxford day trip by heading out onto the high street.

I duck into and around some of the colleges as I go, getting glimpses of the courtyard of Queen’s College and the Bridge of Sighs along the way.

They’re stunning to see in person, and make me feel like I’m in my own personal Harry Potter film.

And speaking of Harry Potter films, I head to Christ Church Meadow next. Some of the most famous Oxford filming locations for the Harry Potter movies are located in Christ Church College.

I’ve seen the interiors on previous trips to Oxford , though, so I focus my time on the meadow. It’s beautiful with the summer flowers and fall foliage out at the same time, and I still can’t get enough of the sunshine.

Oxford Castle

When I’m done wandering around the green space, I head back into the streets. My path soon takes me to Oxford Castle, a medieval fortress that’s now a hotel and visitor attraction.

I take a walk around it to soak up the history, marveling at how something that was constructed in Norman times is still (partly) standing.

Ashmolean Museum

And speaking of ancient treasures, the next stop on my Oxford day trip is the Ashmolean Museum.

I’m particularly excited to be here because in all my trips to the city I’ve never visited. Everyone raves about it and compares it to the British Museum, so I can’t wait to explore.

It lives up to its reputation. The modern building houses everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to Italian Renaissance paintings, Asian ceramics to Gainsborough portraits, musical instruments to antique coins.

I get lost in the treasure trove just like I do at the British Museum, and the staff practically has to kick me out at closing time.

Oxford Shopping

But Oxford isn’t just about the colleges and museums. It’s a city in its own right, and there’s a lot to do on an Oxford day trip beyond the historic highlights. Like shopping.

One of my favorite places to shop in Oxford is the Covered Market. This historic hall and its 50 stalls have been running since the 1770s.

Inside I find everything from flowers to cakes, and as I walk through, my senses are greeted with the smell of cheese and sight of hand-made jewelry.

Outside the Covered Market, the streets have plenty more shops. My favorite has always been Alice’s Shop, the Alice in Wonderland shop in Oxford.

It pays homage to the city where Lewis Carroll created the girl and her adventures, and has lots of Alice-themed gifts and wares.

I can’t resist popping in to see what’s on offer every time I visit, as I love all the Alice in Wonderland Oxford connections.

Oxford Coffee Shops

All my Oxford sightseeing and shopping has made me hungry. Jericho Coffee Traders has come highly recommended, so I beat a path to it for a latte and banana bread.

The former is every bit as good as I hoped. The latter makes me wonder when I will learn that the food at coffee shops is never as good as the coffee.

In any case, I have a great view of the university buildings from my window seat and I welcome the chance to put my feet up and take a break after a long day.

Oxford Day Trip and Beyond

Speaking of which, my Oxford day trip is coming to a close and it’s time to catch my train back to London. It’s been a great visit, and I’m glad I made the effort to return after such a long absence.

It reminds me that if life doesn’t keep taking me back to a place, I should make it happen myself. Now I just need to think of the next place to go back to. Any suggestions?

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10 Comments on Lady’s Beautiful Guide to a Day Trip to Oxford

Beautiful town 😉

I fell in love with Oxford when I was 13 and saw pictures of it in a book. It took me almost 15 years after that to get there but I did! And it was everything I hoped it would be and then some! Recently, this past summer, I was in London on vacation and I so desperately wanted to get back to Oxford since it has been nearly 20 years since I’ve been back. Alas, my trip was short and I could not visit. I shall remedy this slight when I return to London again.. hopefully very soon! Thank you for the lovely pictures!

I hope you can! It’s such a beautiful city.

Thank you for your blog! I get to visit England on a regular basis when I read it.

You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoy it.

I spent 10 of my favorite weeks studying abroad in Oxford back in ‘09. The city will always hold a special place in my heart and it’s so nice to see it again in photos. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome! I’m glad it brought back good memories.

You are so right! It’s been so long since I was last in Oxford (2011 I think) so I think it’s about time I MADE it happen again! ?

Thanks! I hope you can soon.

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Cafes and Getaways

Ultimate london to oxford day trip itinerary.

Last updated on August 5th, 2023

Oxford is a remarkable city best known as being home to Oxford University. Located around 60 miles from London , Oxford is a popular day trip activity with much to do.

It is not only a magnificently beautiful campus with centuries of history but former home to some of the most famous writers of all time, including Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, and JRR Tolkien, to name a few. Walking down the same corridors of some of the greatest writers of all time is one of the most memorable experiences any literary lover can have. 

No London to Oxford day trip is complete without visiting the historic campus. Oxford University is open to the public for both self-guided and guided tours, and there are many other things to do in the area. 

From lush gardens, medieval castles, and old shops, the charming city is full of spectacular attractions. And since the city center is walkable, you can fit a lot into your one-day itinerary.

Whether you want to visit Oxford for the day or prefer a quiet weekend getaway, this guide covers all the top things to do in and around the area for first-time visitors. 

How to Get to Oxford from London

Oxford is located around 60 miles from London in the county of Oxfordshire. Due to its proximity to the city, Oxford is one of the top day trips from London. Here are the best ways to get from London to Oxford.

If you feel comfortable driving in and around London, a car can get you to Oxford in about an hour and a half. Once in Oxford, there are several different paid parking areas for you to use. Unless you are planning to leave the city center, you will not need a car once you are there. 

Check Rates & Availability

London to Oxford Tour

Another option for visiting Oxford for a day is by joining a guided tour. Tours take the guesswork out of travel, including transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes lunch. You also have the added knowledge of a guide throughout the entire journey. 

Guided Tours also make sense if you want to visit multiple locations in one day. In addition, you can visit other famous places such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds villages nearby. 

London to Oxford Day-Trip Tours

• Cotswolds and Oxford Guided Day-Trip
• Harry Potter Studies and Oxford Day Trip from London
• Warwick Castle, Oxford, and Stratford Full-Day Tour
• Oxford and Windsor Castle Day Trip

Take the Bus

Another popular way to get to Oxford is by bus. Buses take a little longer than driving but are a much cheap alternative. Oxford Bus Company is the main bus company in the city. You can also purchase tickets through Omio , an excellent resource for finding inexpensive tickets. Buses run every 20 minutes with routes available from early morning to late at night.

Ride the Train

The train is the quickest option if you are traveling from London. It takes about an hour to reach Oxford this way. The easiest route from the city is from Paddington Station, which offers direct train access to the university, with trains running every 30 minutes. 

The Oxford train and bus stations are just a 10-minute walk from the city center. To save money on tickets, purchase yours in advance. The prices will be much higher if you wait until the day off to buy them. For example, a one-way ticket costs £14 if you purchase ahead of time, and £32 with a return ticket. 

Getting Around Oxford

Walking is the best way to get around the central section of Oxford. Most things to do are around the university; if you stay at a hotel nearby, you can walk to almost anything. In addition, you can take a public bus to further out attractions like Blenheim Palace or join a hop on hop off bus tour. 

Another way to get around is by bike, as many students do. Bainton Bikes is the leading bike rental company that offers pick-up locations throughout the city. Download their app to find bike rental locations, unlock your bike, and return it to another nearby location when you’re done.

Where to Stay in London

Are you deciding on staying in Oxford for more than one day? There are several accommodations available within walking distance of Oxford University. Depending on the time of year, you can also stay in campus lodging for a convenient budget option. 

Here are some great places to stay in Oxford for all budgets. These accommodations are within 1 mile of the city center, making getting around by foot or bus easy. 

Old Bank Hotel

The Old Bank Hotel is in an old Georgian-styled home adorned with gargoyles and intricate stonework that reflects the architecture of Oxford University. With modernly decorated rooms, complimentary bikes, a restaurant, and a garden terrace, The Old Bank Hotel is the perfect retreat for your stay in Oxford. 

Luxury Hotel | Check Rates

Cotswold Lodge Hotel

Stay in a charming Victorian mansion with cozy rooms, elegant period features, and an award-winning restaurant. The Cotswold Lodge Hotel is a short 12-minute walk to the city center, making it the perfect place for those looking for a quiet stay. 

Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates

Royal Oxford Hotel

The Royal Oxford Hotel is close to the top city attractions and within walking distance of restaurants and pubs. It is the perfect budget option for a relaxing weekend in Oxford. 

Budget Hotel | Check Rates

London to Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

The following itinerary takes you to all the main sites that anyone should see during their first time in Oxford. I will also highlight other things to do if you decide to stay longer, which I recommend you do! To start your day, you can join a guided tour or visit the sites on your own.

Oxford Day Trip – Morning

Take a guided or self-guided tour.

The best way to start your day is with a walking tour around the city center. You can either join a guided tour or take a self-guided one instead. There are a variety available, including bus and guided walking tours that take you around the city if you are interested in learning the history of the city and its main sites. 

These tours take you to many of the city’s and university’s main sites. Depending on which you choose, the time may vary. However, most begin at 11:00 am, with additional availabilities in the afternoon. 

Another option is to take a self-guided city tour and join a college tour instead. Some of the most popular colleges, such as Christ Church and Divinity School, have their own guided tours led by Oxford students. 

The Oxford: University and City Walking Tour is a great tour to join if you want to learn about the university’s history. Your guide will take you to several iconic spots on campus, including the Radcliffe Camera, Church of St. Mary, Trinity College, and Bodleian Library. 

Oxford Walking Tours is another terrific tour company. The City Walking Tour will take you past some of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs. You will also gain access to several university buildings, such as New College and the library. 

For Harry Potter fans, this themed tour focuses on all the film locations throughout Oxford. Your guide will take you to the three main filming areas, the Divinity School, New College, and Christ Church College.

The Harry Potter Oxford Tour even grants you access to the Bodleian Library, used as the Hogwarts library in the movies. As a bonus, you will learn how Oxford inspired another famous author, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.  

Prefer to explore the city while relaxing on the water? The Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise takes you on the Thames River past several points of interest. The cruise includes drinks and a picnic lunch in addition to a guide.

Stop by the Radcliffe Camera

If you decide to join a tour, chances are the Radcliffe Camera will be one of your stops. On the other hand, if you prefer exploring on your own, you’ll start your day here. Once you reach Oxford, it will be a short walk to the city center, where you will find Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera. 

The Radcliffe Camera is one of the most well-known buildings in Oxford. It is absolutely gorgeous and located in the city center. It was designed in a dome shape with a 140-foot rotunda, one of the largest in England. 

The university added the building in 1737 specifically for the Radcliffe Science Library, which is still housed there today. The building can only be visited as part of the 90-minute Bodleian Library tour.

The Bodleian Library is another top thing to do in Oxford, which I will talk about later. If you decide to join the longer library tours, you can visit the Radcliffe Camera later in the day.

Climb up to St. Mary the Virgin Tower

Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sunday.

St. Mary, the Virgin Tower, is one of the best viewpoints in Oxford. It is not precisely known when the original church was built, but St. Mary’s was constructed in the 12th century and has been an essential part of the university ever since.  

The old Gothic tower is the only thing that remains of the original church, having been constructed in the late 1200s. The medieval tower allows you to take in the city’s spectacular architecture from above, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera.

For just £5, you can climb the 127 steps to the top. Once you’ve explored the church, purchase your tickets to the gift shop. 

Visit the Oxford University Colleges

Oxford University was officially opened in 1248, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is made up of 38 colleges scattered around the campus. Most of these colleges are open to visitors who allow specific areas to be accessed for a small fee.

Entrances times and dates change throughout the year depending on the college’s events, and each building has its own specific calendar. For up-to-date information, check the college’s website for admittance guidelines and availabilities. 

The university does have some guided tours available if you’d like to explore inside the university since most city tours do not grant you access. You can also access several buildings on your own. 

Christ Church College, Trinity College, New College, and Magdalen College are open to visitors and are three of the most beautiful buildings on campus. If you are only visiting Oxford for one day, these would be the ones to visit.

Christ Church College

Christ Church College is the top on the list to visit while in Oxford. It is the most prestigious of all the colleges, which says something, and was founded in 1525. It is also where some of the top prime ministers went to school as well as Albert Einstein and Lewis Carol.

It is one of the prominent filming locations of the Harry Potter films. The dining hall is mainly famous as it was recreated as Hogwarts Great Hall.  In addition to Harry Potter, Christ Church College has close ties with Alice in Wonderland. It was here that Lewis Carroll came up with the idea while he was a student.

He wrote the fictional character after Alice Liddell, the Dean of Christ Church’s daughter. There are several elements in the novels that Alice and the city inspired. 

You can access Christ College for a small fee, giving visitors access to several locations. Since this site is popular, the college also offers several guided tours. Tickets are available every Friday at 9:00 am for the previous week online. 

Due to the number of available tickets, I recommend purchasing yours in advance . In addition, buying your tickets online will save you a few dollars and allow you to see if specific areas will be closed on the day you plan to visit.

Self-guided tours range from £16-19 for adults depending on the time of year. Family passes are also available from £50-59 and come with four admission tickets.

Multimedia Guides are included in the self-guided tour and come in 12 different languages, with the option of a family multimedia tour that includes interactive activities for children. 

Multimedia Tour Sites: Meadow Quad, Hall Staircase, Great Hall, Tom Quad, Peck Quad, Cathedral, Cloisters, Picture Gallery (separate ticket required)

Some of the above sites may be closed to the public for specific dates and times, depending on events. These closures should be indicated at the time of booking.

Guided Tours:

• 30-Minute Highlights Tour – Visit the Hall Stairs, Great Hall, Tom Quad, and Cloister ( £10 online/ £12 at the door)
• 60 Minute Past and Present Tour – Includes the same locations as the 30-minute tour, but your guide will go into the history of the college ( £20 online/ £22 at the door)
• 30-Minute Cathedral Guided Tour – Cathedral and Cloister ( £10 online/ £12 at the door)
• 60 Minute Past and Present Tour – Includes the same locations as the 30-minute tour, but your guide will go into the history of the Cathedral ( £20 online/ £22 at the door)

Private Tours: If you are interested in a private tour, email the college at [email protected] for more information. Private tours can accommodate up to 16 people and start at £100 per person for a 30-minute tour and £200 for a 60-minute tour.

Trinity College

Trinity College is known for its extensive, lush grounds and gardens. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope on land which Durham College had previously stood. There were only just over a dozen scholars who’s lived at Trinity College in its early days.

Over the next few centuries, the campus and student population grew with each new president, each adding their own touches to the college. Now, Trinity College is not just one of the most beautiful in Oxford, but offers a large number of undergraduate classes, many associated with the sciences. 

A few of the main areas are open to the public for just £4 including the Dining Hall, gardens, and Chapel. Trinity College has some of the prettiest gardens and outdoor spaces in all of Oxford and I highly recommend you see them.  

New College

The name can be misleading as the college was established in 1379. However, it is another exquisite example of a Gothic style art picture of the time. One of the most recognizable areas of the college is the cloisters which featured a cameo in the Goblet of Fire as one of the school’s outdoor courtyards. 

In addition to the cloisters, the New College chapel is a beautiful area to visit as it has one of the most intricately decorated interiors in all the colleges. 

Magdalen College

Magdalen College is another beautiful building with some of the prettiest cloisters on campus as well as the large Magdalen Tower. The tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford and part of the college’s traditional “May Day” celebration.

Every year on May 1st, locals and students meet in front of Magdalen College to listen to the college choir sing from the tower at 6:00 am that morning. May Day was initially used to celebrate the start of spring over 500 years ago and has continued to be an ongoing tradition in the city.

Although the building itself is exquisite, another significant part of Magdalen is its deer park. For over 300 years, a herd of fallow deer has lived here and is easy to spot during the warmer months. 

Several notable figures went to Magdalen, including Oscar Wilde and Thomas Wolsey. C.S. Lewis even taught there for over 24 years. 

The college is open from 10:00 am to either 7:00 pm or dusk throughout the year, except for the Christmas holiday and special events. 

Check the college website for updated times and availability before your visit. Standards tickets are £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, visitors over 65, and students. Many visitors may also be eligible for free admission.

Oxford Day Trip – Afternoon

There are lots of different options around Oxford for lunch. One of the most popular places to eat in Oxford for lunch is the Vaults and Garden Cafe.

They have a variety of tasty breakfast and lunch items and afternoon tea . If you can, grab a seat outside with views of the Radcliffe Camera. Another popular cafe is the Grand Cafe.

For something quick, head over to the Oxford Covered Market. The market has been around since 1774, filled with more than 40 food stalls and shops. You can find anything from fresh produce to jewelry and souvenirs here. 

There are several coffee shops and cafes in the market, as well as gelato, sandwich shops, and pizza. So grab something tasty and spend some time exploring the unique boutiques.

Buy a Book a Blackwell’s

Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday.

Blackwell’s is a city staple, supplying books to students since 1879. There is literally every type of book available here in the store’s labyrinth of rooms and nooks. The Norrington Room, in particular, is so vast it has been named one of the largest bookselling rooms in the world. 

The iconic bookshop is located on Broad Street in the center of town, making it the perfect stop on your way to lunch. For you book lovers, you could spend hours inside looking through the assortment of volumes to purchase.

Stop by the Bridge of Sighs

The Hertford Bridge was first built to connect two sections of Hertford College. Due to its stunning architecture, it has become one of the top things to see in Oxford. Sir Thomas Jackson designed the bridge in 1914, a prominent architect who designed Hertford College, Trinity College, and several other buildings in Oxford. 

It has been nicknamed the “Bridge of Sighs” due to its similarity to the one in Venice, although Jackson never attended for the resemblance. Nevertheless, the bridge has become one of the top photo spots in Oxford. 

Take a Tour of the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is a collection of libraries, some of which are the oldest in Europe. Over 13 million books and artifacts are available here, including rare maps and manuscripts. 

Although there are several must-see sites for book lovers, the Bodleian Library should be top of your itinerary. Built in 1602, the Bodleian Library is an architectural marvel, but its fantastic assortment of preserved books and documents overshadow its beauty. 

It is the second-largest library in Britain, housing over 13 million manuscripts and one of the most valuable books in the world, the Gutenberg Bible. Some documents, including various Egyptian scrolls, are over 3,000 years old. Due to the value of items within the library, visitors are only allowed access through a guided tour. 

I had the opportunity to tour the library during a weekend trip to Oxford and was at a loss for words being surrounded by such priceless and important artifacts. Not to mention continuing to other important literary locations such as the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library. 

The Duke Humphrey’s Library is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library. It is one of the most beautiful libraries you will ever see and yet another filming location for the Harry Potter movies. As the main Hogwarts library, many will already be familiar with its beauty.

There are three different guided tours available for the library complex that range from 30-90 minutes in length and take place at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm each day (except for the 90-minute tour) and are open for visitors 11 years of age and above. 

Although you can purchase tickets the day of, it is best to book them in advance as they tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Here is a detailed look at the different tours available:

• 30-Minute Tour: Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library (£10 per ticket)
• 60-Minute Tour: Divinity School, Duke Humphrey’s Library, Convocation House, and the Chancellor’s Court (£15 per ticket)
• The 90-minute tour is available Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays

Divinity School

If you join the Bodleian Library Guided Tour, you will be taken around the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library. The medieval building dates back to the 15th century and is another of the university’s buildings with a cameo in the Harry Potter movies. 

The Divinity School can also be accessed on its own for just £2.50, with online reservations available. The college is open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Visiting hours may change depending on exams and special events at the college, which will be posted on the college’s website. Parts of the college, such as the Bodleian Library, can only be accessed through a guided tour. 

Oxford Day Trip – Evening

Punt along the river cherwell.

Punting is a popular pass time at Oxford, but it is much more complicated than it looks! A punt is a flat-bottom boat with a square-shaped bow. The punter stands at the bow and uses a pole to push the boat along the riverbed. It is both a fun and scenic way to see Oxford. 

You can rent a boat or pay someone to do the work for you! You can rent a punt for £30 per hour or the entire day. Since there are many pubs and restaurants along the way, you can easily spend half the day punting down the river with stops for a refreshing pint.

If you’d rather relax, you can hire a guide to take you down there river instead. A chauffeured punt ride costs £40 for 30 minutes and can also be rented for the day. Head over to Magdalen Bridge for either a rental or a guide.

The Ashmolean Museum

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Ashmolean is one of the top university museums to visit and one of the oldest public museums in Britain, having been founded in 1683. The museum can be found in an old Victorian building that spans six floors and even has a rooftop restaurant. Best of all, the Ashmolean is free to visit, but donations are always appreciated. 

You can get free admission tickets at the door or reserve them online . To skip the lines and ensure entry, I recommend booking them online in advance through the museum website. 

The museum contains many artifacts, including paintings, antiquities, and musical instruments. They even have an incredible Egyptian exhibit and works from famous artists like Michelangelo. You will also want to see the famous Alfred Jewel, owned by King Alfred the Great. 

Once you are done visiting the exhibits, head up to the rooftop for lunch at the cafe. The cafe has an extensive menu, including afternoon tea. The Ashmolean is hands down a must-see attraction while in Oxford.

Other Oxford Museums

If you have time, here are two other exciting museums to visit in Oxford.  The Museum of Oxford focuses on the history of the city. Here you can find various items, including archaeological finds and donated items from families who called the city home. 

The museum is a great place to learn about the story of the development of the influential city and the people who have lived there since its beginning. If you are interested in stopping by, the museum is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm every day except Sundays. 

The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 after General Pitt-Rivers donated his extensive archaeologic and ethnographic collection to the university. The former general hoped to give the public access to these valuable finds through a new museum. 

Here you can find an assortment of unique and interesting artifacts which have been added over the years. In addition to the 26,000 given to the university by General Pitt River, there are now over 500,00 objects on display from around the world.

Find a Cozy Pub

England is known for its pub scene, and Oxford is no exception. There are plenty of cozy pubs to stop into for a pint, many of which were popular social spots for some of the most famous writers of all time. 

Two that I recommend are the Kings Arms and Turf Tavern . The Kings Arms  is the oldest pub in Oxford, dating back to 1607. It boasted of having “the highest IQ per square foot in the world” and has been a popular place for scholars and alumni. Make a reservation if you plan on eating dinner here as they get busy. 

Turf Tavern is tucked away in one of Oxford’s old alleys. It is one of the coziest pubs in Oxford and where several famous guests used to go for drinks, including Elizabeth Taylor, Margaret Thatcher, and Ernest Hemingway. Turf Tavern is exactly what you’d expect of a historic English pub, with small rooms, passageways, and a courtyard. 

Eagle & Child is another historic pub. J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carol loved spending much of their time here with a small literary circle called “the Inklings” to discuss their writing. Unfortunately, Eagle and Child are currently closed for renovations, but there are plenty of equally historic pubs around the city center.

Other Things to Do in Oxford

Take a trip to blenheim palace.

Hours: The place is open daily from 10:30 am – 4:45 pm

The beautiful English country estate is located just 25 minutes from Oxford and is one of the best day tours. It is famous for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to many influential people. It is also one of England’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The palace and gardens are open year-round and offer guided and self-guided tours. Tickets must be purchased in advance and with various options available depending on what parts of the palace you’d like to see. The property also has a cafe, restaurant, pizzeria, and visitor gift shop. 

Tickets for the park and garden cost £22.50, while purchasing the palace, park, and gardens pass costs £35. If you plan on buying items at the gift shop or eating at one of the palace restaurants, the privilege pass gives you a 15% discount on your purchases for just eight more. 

Getting to Blenheim Palace from Oxford

If you do not have a car, the easiest way to get there is by bus. The Stagecoach Bus S3 and Bus 7 will pick you up from Oxford City Center or Magdalen Street and take you to the palace entrance. From there, it is a scenic stroll through the park to the palace entrance. 

TRAVEL TIP: If you purchase a bus ticket, you will receive 30% off admission for traveling green.

Visit Oxford Castle

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Oxford Castle was constructed in the 11th century to defend the city from intruders. However, the castle was mainly used as a city prison for the last few centuries. Parts of the castle remain open to visitors , including the prison area, St Georgie’s Tower, and the crypt. 

The tours are extremely engaging and take you back to the castle’s and the city’s interesting past. Your guide will teach you about England’s Civil Wars and the influential people who once called Oxford Castle home. It is the perfect way to learn about the city’s darker history. 

Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens

Oxford University is home to the oldest Botanical Garden in England. There are more than 5,000 different plants here which are housed throughout the gardens and greenhouses. The walled garden is the oldest section, dating back to 1621. 

They are just £6.30 to enter and offer free tours to visitors between 10:00 and 3:00 pm.

London to Oxford Day Trip FAQs

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Absolutely! Oxford University is one of the most prestigious in the world, and the city is just as charming. There is plenty of great things to do there, especially for those who love history. In addition, Oxford is the perfect day trip from London if you want a break from the busy city.

How many days do you need in Oxford?

You can visit most of the main sites in one day, but if you’d like to experience all the city has to offer, then two days is plenty. One draw of staying in Oxford is its location to other famous destinations such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. 

Can you tour Oxford University?

You can tour a large majority of the colleges. Popular ones like Christ Church College offer both guided and self-guided tours with the ability to purchase tickets online. Others will grant access for a small entrance fee. Other sites such as the Radcliffe Camera and Humphrey’s Library can only be accessed by guided tour my non-students. 

Can you walk around Oxford in a day?

Oxford is a small city making it easily walkable. The university and main city attractions are all located in the city center making it easy to see a large number of attractions in one day. Oxford also offers bus tours and bike rentals if you prefer an alternative way to get around. 

I’ve included some of the best things to do in Oxford to help you pick and choose how you’d like to spend your day trip. If you’d like to explore more of the city and surrounding area, I recommend spending 1-2 days there. Know of any other attractions or day trips from Oxford ? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it.

Enjoyed this post? Here are some other UK destinations!

• Simple Tips for Visiting London on a Budget
• 100+ London Captions to Inspire You
• The Most Charming Towns in the Cotswolds
• Guide to Game of Thrones Ireland Locations
• 25 Best Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel Planning Resources

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. 

VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.

PLAN TRANSPORTATION

• Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
• Trains: Trainline is the best choice if you are traveling throughout England. They work with 270 companies for 45 countries in Europe and the UK. 
• Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals. 

SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies.  It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens. 

Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.

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Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Cafes and Getaways

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The Complete Day Trip Guide to Visiting Oxford

Spend a day in Oxford, the ‘city of dreaming spires’, to live out your literary, wizardry or historical fantasies (or your academic ones, if your exams didn’t quite go to plan).

Established in the 12th century, Oxford is one of the UK’s most well-known cities, and a pure daytrippers paradise when it comes to sights (and snacks). The university colleges, the libraries, the rivers—it’s a chocolate-box, coming-of-age-film dream. In a city with this much history, planning pays off. We’ve got Shakespeare’s favourite pub, numerous Harry Potter sets, Inspector Morse spots, and the UK’s oldest museum. Be sure to leave time in your Oxford day trip itinerary to wander down some winding streets or imagine what four As and a suspicious number of extracurricular activities could have gotten you…

Join a walking tour

• Exploring Oxford University
• Oxford’s historic pubs
• Visiting Blenheim Palace
• Oxford Castle and Prison

Best food spots in Oxford

Getting to oxford.

Top tip: Hate planning? Take the easy route—join a London to Oxford and Cambridge full-day tour that includes round-trip transportation, and walking tours of both cities. There’s also an Oxford/Harry Potter Studio tour .

A city with this much to see has a steady supply of walking tours to choose from , covering the city’s landmark buildings, movie monuments and TV drama hotspots. Choose from evening ghost tours, literary history tours and student life tours, along with options to learn about the city’s German history.

• Get Your Guide offers a very reasonably priced ( £ 14.95 ) 1.5 hour walking tour that will take you Oxford University’s oldest colleges, locations from the Harry Potter movies and the Brideshead Revisited and Inspector Morse TV shows, and to architectural sights to admire the city’s spires and bridges.
• Oxford Walking Tours have been guiding visitors for 30 years and have a general walking tour as well as more specialised options. If you’re concerned about joining large groups, there are options for ‘Bubble’ tours for up to five people, or entirely private tours.
• Footprints Tours offer free tours guided by Oxford students, with all tips welcome of course.
• You can also book a spot online for the Oxford University and City Walking Tour , which includes famous architecture spots as well as those granted fame through Harry Potter and Inspector Morse .

Of course, you can walk around the city for free using a city map, but you won’t get all the fun facts and horrible histories of the streets. Be sure to check out the most popular sights, like climbing the tower at University Church of St Mary the Virgin and visiting the Radcliffe Camera .

Take a punt on Oxford’s waterways

Some clichés are best avoided and some are best fully embraced, and punting in Oxford is certainly the latter. A popular pastime since the 1880s, the small boats are propelled along the water with the use of a pole rather than oars.

The Magdalen College Boathouse rents out punts for £ 25.00 per hour, with up to five people per boat. From here you can follow the River Cherwell behind St Hilda’s College and towards Christ Church Meadow, stopping for a picnic if you have the time (and the sandwiches). If you’re looking to skip the crowds, the Cherwell Boathouse is a little farther north with more open surroundings, while routes along the Thames are available from Salter’s Steamers at Folly Bridge.

Exploring Oxford’s famous university

While many of the University of Oxford buildings will be included in walking tours, those with a particular interest in the world-famous institution can dive a little deeper. There are (in regular times) many events held here as well as opportunities to enter some of the colleges, museums, parks, churches and libraries.

The colleges

Fun for that Harry Potter feel, the 38 university colleges are truly beautiful and wandering through them is a pretty impressive introduction to the city and its history. Be sure to check opening times for colleges as they are open only a few hours per day, with some accepting appointments only (such as Queens, St Cross and St Hilda’s).

Entrance fees

• Many are free: All Souls, Corpus Christi, Exeter, Harris Manchester, Hertford, Keble, Kellog, Lady Margaret, Lincoln, Mansfield, Nuffield, Queens, Reuben, Somerville, St Anne’s, St Catherine’s, St Edmund Hall, St Hugh’s, St John’s, St Peter’s, St Stephen’s, Wadham, Wolfson and Worcester.
• Some have small fees (less than £ 5.00 ): Balliol, Brasenose, Jesus, Merton, New College, Oriel and Trinity
• Just the rather impressive Christ Church College has a higher entrance fee of between £ 7.00 and £ 10.00 . It is free for university members and alumni (plus one guest), locals, and kids aged five and under.

The four free museums at Oxford

The university has four museums, which are all free to enter, with some additional charges for special exhibitions or events. One of the highlights is the Ashmolean Museum , which is the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world, having opened in 1683 and showcasing antiquities and art held by the university. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History and History of Science do largely what they say on the tin, while the Pitt Rivers Museum focuses on anthropology and archaeology.

The Christ Church Picture Gallery

For some art, you can visit the Christ Church Picture Gallery for £ 5.00 ( £ 3.00 concessions), with a 50% reduction for those who have paid to enter the grounds.

Gardens and parks

There are a couple of famous gardens also owned by the university, including the country’s oldest botanical garden, located on High Street. Just outside the city, the Harcourt Arboretum is home to a diverse forest with one of the most beautiful bluebell woods in the UK. Both are £ 4.00 for concessions; £ 5.45 for adults; and free for children in full-time education, university employees and students.

For some free greenery, you can enjoy the University Parks , bordering the River Cherwell, and Christ Church Meadow are great spots for picnics.

The glorious Bodleian Library

You don’t have to be a bookworm to see the beauty of the Bodleian , the University of Oxford’s primary research library. The library is one of the oldest working examples in Europe, with countless priceless manuscripts and texts safely stored and cared for across multiple sites. Shakespeare’s first folio, the letters of Percy Shelley and the Vernon Manuscript are just a few of the institution’s prized pieces, but the architecture itself is enough to wow even the most unconvinced visitors.

The university’s library history began with a single room back in 1320 and expanded over the centuries, with Thomas Bodley responsible for a significant development to the collections and buildings in the 16th century. Today the Bodleian is part of a network of libraries, but tours are available for some of the most historic buildings, including the Divinity School, Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Chancellor’s Court. Tours are available for either 30 or 60 minutes, at a cost of £ 9.00 and £ 12.00 respectively.

Have a pint at Oxford’s historic pubs

Whether it’s a 13th century drinking spot or had once served Shakespeare, there’s a pub for everyone in Oxford—and what better excuse for a pub crawl than historical sightseeing? One of the oldest is The Bear Inn , serving in its current form since the 17th century and believed to have a drinking establishment on the site since 1242. It also has a slightly bizarre collection of over 4,000 tie clippings that were once traded for drinks, if that adds to your intrigue at all.

Another ancient alehouse is the Turf Tavern , which has been pulling pints since the 14th century and was frequented by Inspector Morse himself. For a more literary (and less certifiable) guest list, head to the The Crown , said to be the pub of choice of none other than William Shakespeare, on Cornmarket Street.

Unfortunately, fans of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and Charles Williams eager for a swift one at the famous Lamb and Flag are out of luck. The pub, which was a regular meeting spot for the literary group the Inklings , permanently closed in January 2021 after more than 400 years.

Escape to the country at Blenheim Palace

A day trip from the day trip, Blenheim Palace is a particularly glorious UNESCO World Heritage Site about 20 minutes from Oxford. Built in the early 18th century, the palace was once the home of the Churchills and is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough. Having almost fallen into ruin in the 19th century, it was saved by a fortunate marriage between the 9th Duke of Marlborough to an American railroad heiress called Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsan. If that’s not the making of a period drama, we don’t know what is.

The grounds are home to formal and walled gardens, a giant hedge maze, a miniature train, and family-friendly trails—and seasonal talks are the icing on the cake. Inside, you can view state rooms, stables and the Churchill exhibition with extra tours for those wishing to see the Marlborough family’s private apartments (including secret corridors—this drama has to happen). They also host exhibitions and have a seasonal drive-in cinema (depending on restrictions), so check what’s on their events list to see if you can double up your day.

Tickets can be quite pricey ( £ 29.50 for adult palace, park and garden access), but if you spend a full day here it’s easily worthwhile. If you’re happy to see the grounds and gardens, it drops down to £ 18.50 . There are, of course, reductions across ages and concessions.

Go dark at Oxford Castle and Prison

For a darker side to this pretty city, the Oxford Castle and Prison takes you back to the days of battles, debtor’s prison and gallows. Selected as a castle site by the Normans following the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was later replaced with stone at the start of the 13th century. As military value in the site faded, it was used as a prison, going on the be largely destroyed in the civil war and rebuilt as a prison, not closing until 1996.

With a 900-year-old crypt, a debtor’s tower, unique displays, stunning views from St George’s Tower, and relics of the original castle, there’s plenty going on. Tickets include a guided tour and cost £ 14.45 for adults, with reductions available.

Thanks to a bustling combination (previously, at least) of students, locals and visitors, Oxford has a plethora of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. If you’re visiting for the day, then you may find it hard to choose between them, but all that walking demands a coffee break or two!

Brunch and lunch options in Oxford

The city staples are often busy but worth the wait, so grab a coffee or a seat for brunch at The Missing Bean or Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen . Both serve excellent (and ethically produced) coffee, brunch options and delicious cakes and that certain Oxford hipster charm.

Jericho Coffee Traders are of a similar lovely vein, and has grown from a moped coffee cart to a dedicated espresso bar with am impossible array of cakes to choose from.

A little out of the way, family-run Bannister’s is a great brunch spot that’s a little less crowded but does a smashing full English, pancakes and the ever-popular avocado on toast.

Picnics for sunny days

If you’d rather stay outside and enjoy the city, Oxford was basically made for picnics by the river. Head to a local bakery or cafe like Barefoot or Gatineau (or the brunch spots above) to pick up your supplies and grab a shady spot in Christ Church Meadow to relax.

For a half-in/half-out option head to Vaults and Garden , which offers picnic blankets to diners and fabulous views of the Radcliffe Camera.

Evening options: Dinner, cocktails and bars

If the pubs mentioned above don’t float your boat, rest assured that Oxford has more than its fair share of bars (almost as many as we do clichéd phrases). The bright lights of Kazbar on Cowley Road draw you in for cocktails and tapas. The Varsity Club has a rooftop bar you’ll not want to leave. And the Oxford Artisan Distillery in South Park is a winner for gin lovers.

Over in Botley, the Tap Social Movement serve criminally good beer (and help those recently released from prison too), with a second and more centrally located venue called The White Horse serving as a community cafe, bar and kitchen.

Oli’s Thai is tricky to get into but worth the reservation attempts, while Arbequina (same owners) has tapas that’s comes on doctor’s orders (well, the chemist’s at least, according to their shopfront).

From London, Oxford is an easy option thanks to direct trains and buses that run frequently and are surprisingly affordable. Trains can be as low as £ 5.00 when booked in advance , with the return 1-hour journey costing up to £ 28.80 full price. Check out our guide to railcards if you like the sound of a 1/3 discount though!

If you prefer a coach (or balked at the full-price train ticket like me), then National Express has your back. Tickets are around £ 11.00 each way, and the journey takes two hours. These tickets are currently flexible and refundable, which is especially handy in the current world of restrictions and dream-dashing weather forecasts.

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9 Things to Do in Oxford on a Day Trip from London

There are plenty of things to do in Oxford on a day trip, and it’s quite easy to get to the city from London even when traveling on your own (no need for an expensive tour!) Oxford is VERY quintessentially British, with, of course, the world-famous University of Oxford present around the entirety of it, making it a very relaxed, student-focused city to explore.

Before we get into the list of cool things to do in Oxford on a day trip from London, here’s some important info to know beforehand…

*Some of the links in this article will earn a very small commission if you click them and then purchase something.

How to Get from London to Oxford

I personally do not recommend taking one of those expensive day tours that take you to, like, five cities in one day. Oxford warrants an entire day and it’s super easy to get to from London, so save your money and take one of these public transportation options to get from London to Oxford.

Buses to Oxford from London  

You can take the X90 bus from London to Oxford, which has free wifi, a toilet and goes direct to and from the cities, with multiple pick up spots in London. Tickets for adults are £14 roundtrip. You can compare train and bus options easily (and book tickets) on The Trainline .

Trains to Oxford from London  

If you want to take a train to Oxford for the day (my preferred method), you’ll be taking a train from London Paddington station or London Marylebone station. Use The Trainline to search for train times on the day you want to travel, and try to book yourself onto a direct train if available. You’ll want to book in advance as you’ll be more likely to find very cheap tickets.

The train ride is about an hour long, and you’ll be brought right into the centre of Oxford, an easy walk away from pretty much anything you’ll want to see there.

If you plan to take three or more day trips while in London then you might want to get a BritRail London Plus Pass  to save some money.

Taking a car to Oxford from London

I don’t ever recommend anyone who is visiting London to rent a car, and to rent a car for a day trip to Oxford is way more hassle and money than its worth.

It’s possible to get a taxi to take you there but you can expect to pay £150+ each way, only if there’s no traffic…

What day of the week should you visit Oxford?

If you can avoid weekends, especially during the summer, there will be less crowds, plus sometimes the trains get packed on the weekends — standing room only, occasionally. Don’t worry, if you’re handicapped, someone will need to give up their “priority” seat.

The upside of visiting on a weekend, however, is that students around the city will be a little more relaxed, and if you visit on Sunday, you can enjoy a Sunday Roast (keep reading for more info on this.)

Transportation Options While in Oxford

The city is very walkable so you probably won’t need to take public transportation while you’re there. If you need a taxi, Uber is not available but you can call a taxi via Royal Cars .

9 Cool Things to Do in Oxford:

1. go on an oxford walking tour.

Footprints Tours does a great free walking tour of the city, run by university students. Make sure you give a tip to your guide at the end of the tour, they survive off tips!

2. Go for a pub lunch

Oxford has lots of great pubs where you can either just have a drink or can have a proper pub lunch or dinner (either on your own or with the family.)

If you’ve found yourself with nice weather while on your day trip to Oxford, pop to Head of the River for a yummy pub lunch outside, on the river (duh.) Even if the weather doesn’t let you sit outside comfortably, eat inside, and if it’s Sunday, definitely get their Sunday Roast (even the veggie option is great.) If you have a big group, definitely book ahead on the weekends.

That’s the pub that I would definitely recommend but there are some other nice options around the city centre that you could easily try too.

3. Have a drink at Turf Tavern

Of all of the pubs in Oxford, the Turf Tavern is the most famous, for reasons that your tour guide will tell you if you do the free walking tour I mentioned earlier. It’s also one of the most popular pubs with the university students, so you’ll feel a bit like a local if you hang out and have yourself a pint (unless it’s school holidays and the students aren’t in town!)

In terms of things to do in Oxford on a day trip, this is the most chill, in my opinion…

4. Visit Modern Art Oxford

If you like modern art, this free museum is a great stop for you. The exhibitions change somewhat frequently so check the Modern Art Oxford website to see what’s on at the time you’ll be in having your day trip.

On the ground floor of the museum is a kid-friendly cafe so if you need to rest your feet for a bit you can do that before checking out the art.

5. Visit the History of Science Museum

At the History of Science Museum , you’ll find the “world’s finest collection of early scientific instruments from Europe and the Islamic World, including sundials and astrolabes of extraordinary beauty.” Its claim to fame, however, is a blackboard that has calculations on it that were done by Albert Einstein himself.

6. Browse The Covered Market

The Covered Market is exactly what the name says– it’s an indoor market featuring small shops that sell food, drinks, clothing and gifts. Pop in and grab a snack, or find something to take back home with you that will help you remember your day trip to Oxford.

7. Check out Oxford’s green areas

You’ll see that Oxford has lots of green spaces, but not all of them can be walked on or sat on because they’re part of the university and need to be preserved. But if you find yourself with a nice day then do take advantage of the green spaces that you ARE allowed to visit.

The free-for-all green areas can be found easily throughout your day of exploring (or head to the river to find them more easily) or you could opt to get tickets to see the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens , which are just £5.45 for adults and free for kids under 16.

8. Go punting on the river (or just watch)

“Punting” is famous in both Oxford and Cambridge, and it’s essentially a method of boating that’s similar to gondolas in Venice. Someone stands in the boat and uses a pole to push it along the bottom of the river. If you have nice weather while in Oxford, punting is a lovely experience.

How to go punting in Oxford

There are a few places you can rent punting boats from in Oxford but the one with the most convenient location is Magdalen Bridge Boathouse . It’s a bit of a tricky thing to learn, you can be given basic training when you rent a boat or if you book a private tour guide via Footprints Tours you guide can do the punting while you relax and maybe even enjoy some champagne along the way…

If you don’t want to actually go on a boat, you can join the locals who, on a nice day, will always be found sitting on the banks of the river watching the punters go by.

9. Visit the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum holds artifacts spanning zoology, entomology and geology, in an absolutely beautiful building. It’s free to visit and is a popular place for families as it’s quite kid-friendly, they often have activities for young kids to learn and be entertained.

You should now be sufficiently covered with things to do in Oxford on a day trip, and if you need some ideas for other places to visit while in London, check out my article on Great Day Trips from London .

More London Tips:

• 5 Day Trips To Take While Visiting London
• 3 Great Areas to Stay in London For A Local Experience
• How to Prepare For Your First 3 Days in London

Jessica Dante

Jess is the founder of Love and London, an online travel guide that helps London tourists to visit London like they live there. She's been featured in Refinery29, Forbes, BBC Radio 2, HuffPost, and more. Jess is also a sustainable and ethical travel advocate.

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Day trips to Oxford from London

There’s lots to do and see in this historic Thameside town – and you needn’t be enrolled on a degree...

Day trips to Oxford from London grant you access to one of the UK’s most scenic, quaint and haphazardly beautiful cities. It’s obviously best known for being – along with its rival Cambridge – home to one of the two great universities in the country, but you don’t have to be a student to enjoy yourself in this most English of English cities. If you plan a day trip out of London soon, there’s plenty to see and explore.

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A fantastic Oxford day trip from London

Last updated on November 22nd, 2023 at 04:36 pm

On our every trip abroad, we try to experience as many new places as possible. Ideally, we like to overnight in all our destinations. Unfortunately, we don’t always have enough time to do so. That’s why we love day trips. They give us the chance to get a taste of someplace new in just a few hours. So, during our recent trip to England, we took a delightful Oxford day trip on our way from Bristol to London .

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Oxford is famous for being home to the oldest English-speaking university in the world. For that alone, it’s well worth a visit. It is also well-known for the fascinating stories narrating its legendary rivalry with Cambridge University.

Last but not least, Oxford serves as the perfect backdrop for many of Harry Potter’s adventures. The university city is heaven on earth for famous wizard enthusiasts as they can visit many of the Harry Potter film locations.

Book the most amazing Harry Potter Film Locations Tour now!

We were taken aback by Oxford’s beauty and old-fashioned ambience. The city centre is very compact and mostly pedestrianised, with all major attractions within walking distance from one another. Therefore, walking around Oxford is extremely pleasant. Equally popular, or even more so, is cycling. All in all, even though our Oxford day trip was very short, it was really delightful.

Our Oxford day trip itinerary

We entered the city from Quaking Bridge. Therefore, the first thing we saw was Oxford Castle and its impressive Mound. We then walked along New Road taking a glimpse of the modern side of the city before reaching Carfax Tower on Queen Street. The tower is considered the centre of Oxford city and it offers great views from its top. As soon as we were on High Street, the city’s main road, we were enchanted by the old-fashioned, colourful houses.

Starting the day the right way: A superb English breakfast

At this point, I would like to mention that we started our Oxford day trip very early in the morning. I mean really early, at least by our standards. We were in Oxford at about 08:00 am. So, what better way to start the day than with a full English breakfast?

From High Street, we turned left towards Radcliffe Square and we stopped at The Vaults & Garden Café . The building alone is worth a visit, as the café is housed in Oxford University’s premises which date back to 1320. Both the vaulted ceiling interior and the garden with magnificent views of Radcliffe Camera are marvellous spots to enjoy a drink or meal.

Regarding our breakfast, for me it was scones, jam and clotted cream. It always is. I never ever miss a chance to indulge in this masterpiece of a treat whenever I am in the UK. Katerina, however, enjoyed the full English breakfast for £9.5 and it was worth every penny. Freshly made with the best organic ingredients, she literally considers it the best meal she had during our week-long trip to England.

Free walking tour with Wander Oxford

Given that we only had very few hours to spend in Oxford, we decided to join a free walking tour of the city so as to see and learn more in less time. There are many walking tours on offer in Oxford, both free and paid ones. We chose the one offered by Wander Oxford . So, after our wonderful breakfast, we walked along quaint Turl Street and then got to our meeting point in Cornmarket Street.

There we met Lisa, our extremely knowledgeable and always smiling tour guide. After a brief overview of the city’s history and a comprehensive account of how the University is made up, she took us inside Balliol College, one of the University’s oldest ones. As we marvelled at the College’s fine architecture, she shared with us the most interesting stories. Most of all we enjoyed the ones related to Balliol’s rivalry with neighbouring Trinity College.

We visited the College’s beautiful Chapel, as well as the peaceful gardens. There, we learnt about a peculiar Balliol College Boat Club tradition. Every time they win a rowing race, they are allowed to mark their victory on the College’s walls. They can only use chalk for this graffiti of sorts, though. Our favourite room in Balliol was the College’s Dining Hall. It seems as if it has sprung straight out of a Harry Potter film. I swear, we could almost see Harry, Ron, Hermione and all the other teenage wizards storming hungrily inside for dinner.

Leaving Balliol College behind, we resumed our walk, during which we saw some of Oxford’s major sights. We learnt a lot about the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Radcliffe Camera, St Mary’s Church, the Bridge of Sighs and many more. Lisa was kind enough to inform us about all the free museums’ opening times.

She also went so far as to reserve for us tickets for the exhibitions available at Weston Library. The free walking tour lasted about two hours and it was a great way to get a taste of the city and see its main attractions.

More things to do in Oxford

Realising that we had some time left before taking the bus to London, we opted for the Museum of the History of Science. A visit to its rich collection of old scientific instruments is free of charge. The most fascinating object on display is a blackboard with Einstein’s own handwriting. He used it during a Cosmology lecture he gave in Oxford back in 1931.

Afterwards, we walked along the wonderfully picturesque Merton Street. Before heading to Gloucester Green bus station to catch our coach to London, we visited the beautiful Oxford Covered Market with its cute little shops where one can sit and have something to eat or drink.

We can say that we saw most of the city’s highlights during our Oxford day trip. However, we feel that we would like to have spent more time there. A stroll along the river, a river cruise or even the traditional Oxford punting should be part of everyone’s itinerary to Oxford.

Join a spectacular river cruise and see Oxford in the most relaxing way!

Furthermore, all visitors should make time for a meal and a pint at the Turf Tavern , the 12th-century historic pub tucked at the end of St Helen’s Passage near the Bridge of Sighs. Most of all, though, we would love to see the city at night. We imagine that Oxford’s magnificent architecture dimly lit under a starry night must be a sight for sore eyes. So, we’re not done with you charming Oxford. Till we meet again!

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom? Read all you need to know about our favourite South Bank walk in London here!

How to get to Oxford from London

Oxford is a super easy day trip from London. National Express , Megabus and Oxford Tube operate frequent coach and bus services every day. A one-way trip takes about an hour and a half. You can also get from London to Oxford by train. The journey lasts about one hour but it’s usually more expensive than the bus. There are also many day tours that arrange to take you from London to Oxford and back and they also include guided tours. The options are endless. It’s just a question of budget, and, perhaps most importantly, time.

Explore Oxford and the Cotswolds on a guided tour from London!

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Nicely Explain the beauty of this city. I love this place.

Hi, thanks for your comment! We really liked Oxford too and we’d love to be back for more 🙂

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Sadly I’ve never visited Oxford but I sure want to now, especially now I know exactly what to explore there! Super impressive amount of activities all in one day I love it!

Hey Anna, thank you very much! Our day trips are usually packed with things to see and do but we always have a great time! When you visit Oxford, do let us know if you liked it as much as we did!

What a lovely blog and so glad you enjoyed my tour. People can book through our website at https://www.wanderoxford.co.uk

Thank you Lisa! We hope to join you again in one of your tours!

I’ve been there once but in the evening. It was indeed a really beautiful city with the sunset over it.

Oh lucky you! It must have been really beautiful!

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An Oxford Day Trip from London: One Day in Oxford

Oxford is a place many know of by name. It’s a world class university that has produced greats like C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien and Stephen Hawking. Many of the same university buildings are still standing and open to visitors from across the world. Imagine being able to walk in the same footsteps as Lewis and Tolkien? It’s a bucket list destination for many people and visiting from London on an Oxford Day Trip is one of best way to experience all that there is to do in Oxford. On a quick glance it appears the town is pretty much just the university but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While the colleges are definitely a must see on your one day in Oxford there’s plenty of other things to see and do so read on for everything you’ll need to know in order to plan the best Oxford day trip.

Table of Contents

How to get to Oxford from London

Oxford is located about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of London. There are a number of ways to get to Oxford from London. The most time efficient way is a train but the cheapest is bus. If you’re driving you of course have more freedom with your schedule and if you’re road tripping around England it may be your only option but Oxford comes with some limitations in regards to parking.

The Oxford Tube is the easiest way to get from London to Oxford and vice versa. The bus does pick up from a number of locations in London, runs incredibly often and you can buy your tickets both online and on the bus itself. My round trip bus ticket purchased on the bus was 15 pounds. A totally reasonable price for the trip!

X90 was a service you could previously take between London and Oxford but as of January 4, 2020 this bus service has been discontinued.

National Express provides service between Victoria Bus Station in London and the Oxford Bus station. Tickets start at 5 pounds each way but again will vary with when you take you trip.

The train ride from London to Oxford takes approximately 1 hour. It departs from both Paddington Station (more frequently) and Marylebone Station (less frequently). Make sure to not take the local trains as these will stop more frequently and result in a much longer trip. You can find tickets and schedules on Trainline . You can price compare to Rail Europe as well.

I’d recommend pre buying your tickets and having them downloaded to your mobile. You can often save a little money if you buy a return trip but this may vary across different routes. Remember that travelling in off peak hours is also cheaper.

Walking from the Oxford Train Station into the main parts of town takes about 15 minutes so it’s not too out of the way.

It takes about 60-90 minutes to drive to Oxford from London but once you get into town you’ll have to figure out parking.

Oxford Town has 5 park and ride sites from which buses run to the city center. I would recommend checking out Oxford’s official website on this but note that even they advise against parking in the core of the town as it’s difficult and expensive.

If you’re planning on doing any England Road Trips than driving would make sense as you could fit Oxford into those itineraries.

If you opt to take a tour (more on that later) then transportation to and from London may be a part of your tour. It’s a worthy option if you’re going the tour route anyways.

Things to Do in Oxford on an Oxford Day Trip

As a rough guide for this Oxford Day trip itinerary, I got into Oxford around 9:15 am and headed back to London around 6 pm. I spent majority of the day there but you can of course lengthen/shorten the day depending on your preference. The order of the below things to do in Oxford is the order in which I spent my day but if you book tickets for a college tour or want to see a specific one then this order can obviously be adjusted.

Oxford Covered Market

Oxford’s Covered Market can be found at Market St, Oxford OX1 3DZ, United Kingdom. It’s a historic market with permanent stalls and stores and is a covered market (as opposed to an outside one). The market is open to the general public between 8am and 5:30 pm Mondays through Fridays, between 8am and 6pm on Saturdays and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays. It’s important to note however that individual stores/sellers set their own hours so some of them will be closed on Sundays. You can check out the hours of each trader here .

The market has been in place since 1774 and is popular with both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to grab some souvenirs from local vendors or to grab yourself a treat since there are multiple bakeries.

Radcliffe Camera

The building was built between 1737 and 1749 and has been standing ever since.It’s open to the public only for tours and can be visited in combination with the other parts of the Bodleian Library (more on that later).

Because I knew the tours for Bodleian Library were limited and popular I headed straight there to reserve my tickets for the 12:30 pm 30-minute tour (again, more on that later).

There are two ways to view the building from the outside. The first is just to walk up to it and walk around the exterior and take some pictures.

The one that’s going to get you more of a head on picture (and sort of a shot from above) is from St. Marys Tower in University Church (also more on that later)

Bridge of Sighs

The bridge got its name after the bridge in Italy but it’s not meant to look like the famous Bridge of Sighs and was actually designed to look like the Rialto Bridge in Venice.

If you arrive here early enough in the morning you can usually get a decently empty shot!

Christ Church College & Meadow

If you’re a Harry Potter fan then this is the college for you. Founded in 1525 Chris Church College is one of the oldest and largest colleges that are part of Oxford but more importantly (to me at least) it served as inspiration for many of the Harry Potter film locations. In addition to that this is also the college where Alice in Wonderland was written by Lewis Carroll!

Great Harry Potter spots include the Great Dining Hall which doubled as the Great Hall in the film series. The Bodley Tower Staircase and the cloisters were both used in the movie as well.

While the highlights may be the Harry Potter spots, the college as a whole is beautiful and has a lot of history. Don’t skip the chapel, the quad or Tom Tower as they’re all important to the college. The chapel is also the burial site of John Locke the famous philosopher. Tom Quad is actually the largest quad of the entire university so it’s definitely worth checking out!

The college is open to visits Monday-Saturday between 10 am and 4:15 pm and on Sundays between 2 pm and 4:15 pm. The visit costs 8 pounds between January and June and 10 pounds between July and December.

The audio tour/guide is part of the ticket price. I would estimate it took about 1 hour total to walk through the college and following the guide. You may want to add a little extra time for pictures

Located right next to the college is a large meadow where you can find some cows resting. It’s a really nice spot for nature in the middle of the busy town and university.

Alice’s Shop

Given the importance of Oxford in the history of the story of Alice in Wonderland, a souvenir from Alice’s Shop is a great item to take home!

The store is open from 10:30 am to 5 pm every day. In July and August the hours extend so the store is open between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. The store is closed on December 25th and 26th.

If you end up liking a ton of items in the store and don’t want to weight your luggage down, you can actually order items online and have them shipped to yourself.

Lunch at G&D’s Ice Cream Shop

I had a bagel sandwich and a cup of tea (obviously) and was ready to keep going with my itinerary!

You can see the locations on their website our just pop down the map below to see where they are in relation to the other itinerary spots.

Carfax Tower

You’re able to climb to the top of the tower, which stands at 74 feet tall, and since no other building is allowed to be built bigger than the tower you can get a really decent view of the city. Climbing to the top involves 99 steps. I was already booked in on a 12:30 pm tour so I thought it would be cutting it a little too close and decided to skip it (plus I got a great view from University Church later on in the day).

If you are interested in climbing the tower it’ll cost you 3 pounds. It’s open daily between 10 am and 5 pm between April and September, between 10 am and 4 pm in March and October and between 10 am and 3 pm between November and February. It’s closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Bodleian Library & Divinity School Tour

There are a number of different tours you can take of the various parts of the Bodleian Library. Overall I’m not a huge tour person but the part of the library I was most interested in, the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library (both featured in Harry Potter) were part of a 30 minute tour so that is what I opted to do. I was partially interested in seeing the Radcliffe Camera but since that was only included in the 90 minute tour I didn’t think that I had enough time in the day to dedicate it towards that.

The tour starts in the Divinity School which was used as the infirmary in the Harry Potter films and then continues on towards the Duke Humfrey’s Library which was the restricted section in the Harry Potter films. You can take pictures of the Divinity School but not of the library.

The rules within the library are quite strict to the point when many years ago a king was staying on the campus he was not allowed to take any books out. This also meant that when they filmed the Harry Potter scenes they weren’t allowed to use real candles so the shots you see in the movies have the actual fire edited in!

The hours, durations and prices of the tour vary depending on the one you opt for so take a look at the different ones before going.

Sheldonian Theater

If you wish to visit without a tour it’ll only cost you 3.80 pounds but a tour would cost 8 pounds.

The theater normally opens to the public at 10 am but as it is still operational it’s worth looking into the hours ahead of time.

Weston Library

It’s worth a quick walk through the lobby to see some of these details.

You can find the hours online as well as a list of all the past and ongoing exhibitions .

Oxford Natural History Museum

The Oxford Natural History Museum is located on Parks Road. There’s plenty of signage around town to direct you between the buildings and towards the museums so you’ll easily find it. It’s approximately a 5 minute walk from the Bodleian Library buildings. Admission to the museum is free but they do appreciate donations. They’re open between 10 am and 5 pm daily.

The museum is housed on two floors. It’s probably a little smaller than other Natural History Museums but it’s got some stunning skeletons and the large open space makes for excellent photographs. There’s also a display case with some information on the real Alice in Wonderland and her visits to the museum which is quite interesting.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Like the Oxford Natural History Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum is also free to visit but they also appreciate donations. The museum is open between 12 pm and 4:30 pm on Mondays and between 10 am and 4:30 pm on Tuesdays through Sundays.

Holywell Street

If you consider it a detour or you’re not into that sort of thing you could easily skip this.

New College

Unfortunately I did not take my own advice (and hence I’m recommending it here), and I did not look up the hours of all colleges before my visit and I missed that New College was closed on Mondays and so unfortunately I wasn’t able to visit! Easily the biggest letdown of the day but I saw and experienced so, so, so many great things in the town that it ended up okay anyways.

To do better than me, make sure to check out the h ours and cost on the New College website.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Visiting the church is completely free and worth doing but you’re really here for the view. 5 pounds will get you access to climbing to the top of the tower.

It’s 127 steps to the top and it does get quite narrow in the actual tower portion.

Once you’re on top the walkway is also incredibly narrow and you’ll have to squeeze past other people. Highly recommend not taking bags up here if you don’t have to!

The view from the tower is incredible and it’s worth noting that it’s the best spot to get great shots of the Radcliffe Camera. The church is open Monday-Saturday between 9:30am and 5pm and on Sundays between 12pm and 5pm. In July and August they close at 6pm. The Tower (and gift shop) are open during the same times as the church but the last admission to the tower is 30 minutes before closing.

Visit the Narnia Door & Lamppost 

C. S. Lewis was a student at Oxford and after finishing his studies he returned to Magdalen College at Oxford where he taught English for 29 years. He had served in World War I and when World War II broke out he tried to re-enlist but wasn’t accepted. He opened his home to children who were evacuated from London and if you’re familiar the Chronicles of Narnia stories then you know that this is reflected in the stories he wrote.

C. S. Lewis is said to have gotten a lot of inspiration for the Chronicles of Narnia from his time at Oxford and there’s a specific door and lamp-post that fits a lot of aspects of the stories.

The door and lamp-post can be found along St Mary’s Passage between Radcliffe Camera and High Street. If you’re walking towards Radcliffe Camera then the door will be on your left and University Church will be on the right.

The door is quite extravagant and has several elements that tie into Narnia and it’s stories. The giant lion in the middle of the door certainly brings to mind the Great Aslan just like the golden fawns on either side of the door brings to mind Mr. Tumnus.

There are multiple locations in Oxford that are meant to be the inspiration for the lamppost in Narnia. The one that marks the beginning of Narnia. The one where Lucy Pevensie first meets Mr. Tumnus. One of the lampposts is right by the door so it’s easy to see why this one in particular would have been the inspiration for Mr. Lewis.

Magdalen College

Magdalen College is home to a number of famous alumni including C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde. The college is one I would recommend more for the grounds than the buildings themselves. While the architecture and Grand Hall are stunning, it opens on to a great meadow which you can walk around on.

One of the great nature spots on the meadow is to walk Addison’s Walk where you can walk in the same footsteps where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien walked.

Magdalen College is open between 10am and 7pm or dusk (whichever comes earlier) all year round but closed on the following days: June 25th to June 28th, July 19th, September 25th, October 4th and December 23rd to December 31st. Admission costs 8 pounds and closes 30 minutes before closing time.

Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum

The Harcourt Arboretum was acquired by the University of Oxford in 1947 and became a part of the Oxford Botanic Garden in 1963. It has one of the best collection of trees including some of the world’s rarest species.

Admission to the Botanical Garden and Arboretum is open to the public for a fee. Admission costs 5.45 pounds per adult and can be purchased online .

Opening hours vary by season but are as follows:

• November to February: Daily, 9am to 4pm (last admission 3.15pm) and closed on December 25th and 26th
• March to April: Daily, 9am to 5pm (last admission 4.15pm)
• May to August: Daily, 9am to 6pm (last admission 5.15pm)
• September and October: Daily, 9am to 5pm. (Last admission 4.15pm)

If you’ve somehow sped through the above Oxford Day Trip itinerary then there’s definitely plenty of other options for you to explore. These are some other suggestions on things to do/see but they’re not definitely not an exhaustive list:

• Other colleges: I’ve only touched on Christ Church College, New College and Magdalen College but Oxford has 39 colleges in total and you could easily spend a few days exploring the rest of them.
• Ashmolean Museum:  The Ashmolean Museum is not only free to enter but is also Britain’s first public museum and the world’s oldest university museum. With 5 different floors you’ll certainly have much to explore.
• History of Science Museum : The History of Science Museum is pretty much what you think it is. It’s a museum dedicated to some of the different science branches but houses some pretty cool items like Einstein’s blackboard.
• University Parks : In the middle of town you can find this huge park with plants, trees, water and lots of different walking paths.
• Modern Art Oxford : If you’re interested in art then Modern Art Oxford is a great place to check out some contemporary art.
• Oxford Castle & Prison : This is one of the oldest parts of Oxford (at almost 1000 years old) and you can still explore the prison wing and you can see where Legends of King Arthur was written.
• The Story Museum : As the name may tell you, the Story Museum focuses on all kinds of stories through interactive exhibitions.
• Punting : Punting (which is essentially going down the river in a boat) is a super popular activity in Oxford and if you’re visiting in the summer (or if you’ve brave in bad weather) you’ll want to take advantage of this. You can hire a punt at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse .
• Visit Tolkien’s Grave : Located just north of town in Wolvercote Cemetery you can find J. R. R. Tolkien’s grave which is almost a must do if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan.
• Visit C. S. Lewis’ Grave : Located just east of town in Holy Trinity Headington Quarry you can find C. S. Lewis’ grave.

Tips for a Day Trip to Oxford

• If you’re looking to visit a specific college I highly recommend looking up the hours ahead of time. Some colleges are only open specific days/hours and some require tours that sometimes sell out. You can see the hours (and costs) of the colleges on the official website .
• In addition to the colleges having specific hours, the may shut down parts of it without notice due to regular school operations.
• When you visit will make a big difference on crowds – I visited on a weekday in October when school was on and there was way less tourists/visitors then I would have expected.
• While there are local buses that run throughout the town, if you’re sticking to the above itinerary and/or the major sights then you won’t really need it. The core of the town is incredibly walkable and you’ll be able to take in so much more while walking around.

Map of all the things to do in Oxford

To make your planning slightly easier I’ve put together a map of all of the above points of interest for you to use for your planning:

Tour or no Tour?

So, personally I opted against a tour just because I in general prefer not to do tours but there are plenty of short and long tours out there. I spent a full 3 weeks in London on what was my 6th visit so I wasn’t exactly short on time but if you are then doing a combined tour may be the best option. There’s many, many options out there and Oxford can be combined with anything from Cotswold, Downtown Abbey or Stratford-Upon Avon. I’d highly recommend reading the reviews in addition to what the tour includes. If you have your heart set on a specific landmark do make sure that the tour includes that.

There you have it! Everything you need to spend one day in Oxford whether it’s on a daytrip from London or not.As always, please pin this post for your own upcoming trip and let me know if you have any questions and I will gladly assist in any way I can.

Love this post! Oxford makes for a great day trip from London; we love visiting whenever we can. The coffee shops are the best and we love walking around and seeing the architecture. We once visited at Chrismas and they had a colorful Christmas market – the best!

Some great ideas here! Whilst Oxford is relatively local for me, I don’t visit as often as I should. Your post is a much-needed reminder that there are so many things to see and do here. I love the Ashmoleum and would hugely recommend if you’ve not visited before. I’d also really recommend the covered market for coffee – there are some great coffee roasters and independent coffee shops here and nearby. Any excuse for coffee and cake 🙂

So fun to read about where they’ve placed the Harry Potter movies and the C.S. Lewis books. Loved reading the books and seeing the movies, so definitly have to visit Oxford.

Great itinerary. We live half an hour from Oxford and there’s plenty on your list we haven’t done! We love the Museum of Natural History, but also the Story Museum to visit with our kids. It’s such a special place.

Oxford looks awesome! Thanks for sharing this post 🙂

Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.

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Visiting Oxford City

What to expect on a visit to the university city of oxford.

The big draw for most visitors to Oxford is of course the world famous University of Oxford and its colleges, the largest and most famous being Christ Church .

Situated only 55 miles west of Central London, Oxford is an easy day trip independently with frequent bus and coach services.

The River Thames runs through Oxford in the early stages of its flow down to London through the Thames valley. At Oxford, for a distance of some 10 miles, it is known as the Isis.

Today, Oxford is also famously known for its Harry Potter and other literary connections .

Oxford City attractions   Blenheim Palace   Getting to Oxford from London   Oxford and Cambridge Tour  

Oxford City attractions

Most things to see are directly or indirectly associated with the University. Once you have arrived in Oxford the only practical way to get around is to walk, though many of the locals prefer bicycles.

Everything you will want to see is in a compact, well sign-posted central area and it's also easy to pick up a street map to find your way.

Oxford University

As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford University is an historic institution and the single main draw for visitors to Oxford.

The 38 colleges are spread throughout the city but the oldest and most historic are clustered together in the ancient centre of Oxford.

Christ Church is the largest college and is the single most popular destination with its connections to  Harry Potter  and Lewis Carroll.

BOOK: OXFORD OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY AND CITY TOUR

BOOK: OXFORD HARRY POTTER WALKING TOUR

Bodleian Library

One of the great libraries of the world since the 17th century with every new book published in the UK here. A total of nearly 6 million books clearly needs a great storage area, much of it spreading underground.

Radcliffe Camera

Camera is the medieval name for a room. The earliest example of a round reading room and still in use today as the reading room of the Bodleian Library. Over 600,000 books are stored alone in its underground store. Can be visited by prior arrangement.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Historically this is at the heart of the start of the University. Built in the 14th Century, the early colleges started up within and all around this church. The earliest library for example was within the church.

Today the most popular attraction is climbing to the Tower for panoramic views of the City of Oxford.

Museum of History of Science

Home to an unrivaled collection of scientific instruments from medieval times to the 17th century. Its collection of 18th and 19th-century instruments is also substantial. It is the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building. Notable exhibits include Einstein's blackboard.

Sheldonian Theatre

The Theatre, built in 1664-9, was the very first work of Sir Christopher Wren. The Theatre is much used today for University occasions, including degree ceremonies.

Oxford covered market

Today Oxford is a regional shopping centre meeting the every day needs of the local population. It is little different to other similar sized cities with the usual chains and mix of retail outlets.

The Covered Market takes you back in time and is worthwhile even if shops aren't your scene. The Covered Market was opened in 1774 and is very atmospheric with a thriving community of stall holders covering a wide range of subjects.

Blackwell’s book shop

Blackwell's main bookshop is comprised of four old shops in Broad Street: Nos. 48, 49, 50, and 51. All four are Grade II listed buildings. The resulting retail shop is a maze to negotiate.

Stocking more than 200,000 titles this is Oxford's largest bookshop. It includes as part of its basement the Norrington room which gained a place in the Guinness Books of Records with the largest single display of books for sale in the world.

Alice's Shop

In Oxford a popular place to visit is the world famous 'Alice's Shop', selling all sorts of Alice related souvenirs. Located just opposite Alice’s childhood home, just across the road from Christ Church College , Alice's Shop is in fact the actual shop where the real life Alice would have gone for her sweets and groceries.

Lewis Carrol wrote the shop into his story Through the Looking-Glass, (the little dark shop run by an old sheep?), and it soon became a place for tourists on the 'Alice trail' to visit. At some point it moved on from being an ordinary grocers to a shop specialising in all things Alice related.

A real gem of a place.

Blenheim Palace

Just a few miles north of Oxford is Blenheim Palace , a World Heritage Site, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Frequent public buses run out to Blenheim from Oxford City Centre. Be warned, you can easily spend most of the day here.

Getting to Oxford from London

For a day trip to Oxford from London, its a choice between cheap and frequent bus services operating a 24x7 service or taking the train from London's Paddington Station.

Trains leave broadly every 30 minutes (60 minutes Sunday) and take approximately 60 minutes to perform the journey. The alternative is by the Oxford Tube or Oxford Express coaches from Victoria Coach Station. Scheduled time by bus is 100 minutes, but clearly you are at the mercy of London's traffic. Frequencies are very high, every 10-15 minutes for much of the day and the service is 24 x 7.

Oxford by train

Oxford Station is about ten minutes walk to the west of the city centre. It is on the line for express trains from London Paddington to Hereford via Worcester. It also has local trains to Reading, Worcester and Bicester Town.

For fares and timetables use ' The Trainline ' website where you can also order tickets for delivery to your home address or collection from a self-service ticket machine on the day of travel.

The Oxford Tube bus service from London Victoria

The most popular bus service between Oxford and London is the Oxford Tube bus service. The Oxford Tube buses are large double decker buses that run a 24x7 service from London's Victoria Coach Station.

The buses also pickup at Marble Arch and Notting Hill Gate. In Oxford, the bus terminates at Gloucester Green Bus Station, 5 minutes walk west of the centre. The buses also pick up and drop off in the High Street at Oxford. The buses are air conditioned, have reclining seats and have washrooms on board. The service is true 24x7, with hourly services in the very early hours and frequencies every 10-15 minutes much of the day.

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Oxford & Cambridge Tour

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITIES

Full day tour of Oxford and Cambridge Universities from London

Adult from £97

MOST POPULAR TOURS FROM LONDON 2024

Visiting stonehenge and/or windsor and/or bath, visiting cotswolds and/or oxford and/or stratford and/or warwick, visiting canterbury, leeds castle & dover, special theme tours, day tours by train to liverpool, paris & scotland, 2 to 12 day tours covering great britain, ireland, paris & amsterdam.

How to Plan a Day Trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London

I f you are spending a week in London , you will have time to take at least one or more day trips to see more of England. There are many destination options such as Bath , the Cotswolds , Stonehenge, and Oxford. Some are easily accessible by train, such as Bath or Oxford, but to combine destinations, you can either rent a car, take a coach bus tour, or hire a private driver guide.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to take a day trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London, and what to do while you are there.

Since we had our hearts set on seeing both Stonehenge and Oxford on our day trip, a bus trip was out of the question. Not that I would recommend a bus trip with a family anyway, but they are cost-effective. Unfortunately all the bus trips usually add in another spot like Windsor Castle — nothing was exactly what we wanted.

Also, after driving on the left in Ireland , I wasn’t excited about the prospect of driving through the English countryside on this trip. And there was no way I wanted to attempt to drive within London.

I scoured the Internet for hours looking for an option until we eventually decided it would be worth it to book a private tour to provide us with exactly the trip we were looking for. I wanted to make sure we included a Harry Potter tour on our Oxford day trip, since we were planning the ultimate London trip for Harry Potter fans .

But I also wanted someone that could explain Stonehenge’s rich history to us, versus just exploring the world’s most famous stone circle on our own. I found just what I was looking for with British Tours .

StoneHenge and Oxford Day Trip from London

British Tours offered me a media rate for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Day Trip to Stonehenge Tour

Located about 1.5 hours from London, a Stonehenge day trip is one of the most popular for families. There is just something about those mysterious prehistoric stones that fascinates kids and adults alike — especially families like ours that have a special interest in sci-fi and fantasy. After all, isn’t it fun to imagine that those stones were placed there by aliens? (But don’t worry, they weren’t.)

If you are visiting Stonehenge on your own, you will want to spend some time in the visitor center to understand its history. You will park at the visitor center up the road and then take a shuttle over to the stone circle. You can no longer walk right up and touch the stones, as barriers have been erected to preserve this historical site.

Our driver-guide Michael from British Tours filled us in on the history of Stonehenge on the ride up from London. We don’t really know the purpose of the stones, since they are 5100 years old (built around the same time as the pyramids) and pre-date written history.

We don’t know what is special about the area, but we have to assume that the whole area was considered sacred as there is also another mini Stonehenge nearby. The smaller stones are 5,000 lbs. and they came from Wales 125 miles away. It is mind-boggling to consider how the ancient Druids crafted and moved these stones when the wheel hadn’t even been invented yet and there was no metal yet to use to shape the stones. The larger stones came from only 25 miles away but they are tens of thousands of pounds!

They even rounded the stones slightly to make them fit the circular shape of Stonehenge (henge meaning circle.) In the middle is what they call the Slaughter Stone. There is no real evidence of ritual sacrifice at Stonehenge but it does make for a good story. You see, when it rains, the stone looks reddish. But it isn’t blood, just iron in the stone that causes the coloration.

Our Stonehenge private tour just happened to fall on one of the most popular days to visit — the Winter Solstice. The longest and shortest days of the year are popular to visit and if you get there early on the longest day of the year, you can see the sun rise above the Heel Stone (a stone that actually predates Stonehenge that the Druids may have thought was put their by the Gods.) Even though there were plenty of pagans and other visitors camping out to see the sunrise and sunset over the stones, overall it really wasn’t very crowded for our Stonehenge tour.

Day Trip to Oxford Tour

Oxford is another great London day trip pick for families. There is enough to see that you could spend a weekend in Oxford . This university town is both quaint and rich in history. In warmer weather, families can enjoy taking a punting boat out on the river.

But one of the main draws for us (and other families) is that it was the filming site for many scenes in the Harry Potter movies. If you visit on your own, you can join a Harry Potter walking tour. But since I told British Tours that this was important to us, our driver guide Michael was able to focus much of our visit on seeing these sites.

Oxford used to be called Oxenford (where oxen crossed or forded the Thames to be brought to market), but it became a place for study after students were thrown out of the Sorbonne in France because of a war in the 1200s. They came to Oxford to study and it grew until it was granted status as a University. Today, the University of Oxford has 38 individual colleges.

There is so much to see in Oxford you can really spend at least a full day but our Oxford tour started off at New College, where Michael pointed out the Cloisters, which were used for many hallway scenes in the Harry Potter movies. You can also see the tree where Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret.

After lunch at the Turf Tavern, which has fed any number of famous people from Bill Clinton in the 1960s to Elizabeth Taylor, Ben Kingsley, and the cast and crew of the Harry Potter movies,  we moved on to Christchurch College.

The Great Hall at Christchurch College was where they filmed scenes for the dining hall at Hogwarts. And the staircase was where McGonagall greeted all the first year students in the first movie. Something about it just makes you want to put on a robe, head into the library and start studying (magic or something else!)

Oxford is such a wonderful place to visit for those with a literary bent. Famous authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, Lewis Carroll and others have spent time in Oxford and it is fun to follow in their footsteps.

Visiting both places was a full day, departing at 8am and returning to our central London hotel by 6pm. In the summer, it would be light longer and attractions would stay open later. If that was the case, we would have included a stop in the village of Lacock in the Cotswolds, another Harry Potter filming site.

This day tour with British Tours was exactly what we had hoped for with a warm and informative guide that was as comfortable explaining ancient history as describing filming sites for Harry Potter movies. Michael was able to connect with our teen and she was so enchanted with Oxford, that she wanted to apply to go to college in Oxford. We would definitely recommend working with British Tours for a group trip or, even better, hiring a private driver guide for your own custom trip from London.

British Tours offers all types of day tours from London including private and group tours to Windsor Castle, Bath, Stratford Upon Avon, Blenheim Castle, and Highclere Castle (the real Downton Abbey.) SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave

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The post How to Plan a Day Trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London appeared first on We3Travel .

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Geriatric Medicine Refresher Day Conference 2024 | London Convention Centre

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8 replies to this topic

If you want flexibility and choice of travel at the last minute then you will have to buy the tickets on the day which are the normal price (highest)

If you can plan ahead, even a few days days/weeks in advance, then you can take advantage of the cheaper “ADVANCE” tickets, which commit you to the booked train and return, no flexibility!

So it comes down to do you want to save money or do you want spontaneity.

Who is 'we'. and how many adults aged 16 and over and any children and their ages?

You can buy on line beforehand, on the day or in the days before at the ticket office at railway stations.

Only the cheaper Advance ticket fares increase the nearer to the travel date you get but they don't allow for any flexibility on the day.

For Oxford you travel from Paddington or Marylebone stations, the latter takes longer.

For Windsor from Paddington To Windsor & Eton Central station with a change of train at Slough. You can also travel direct from Waterloo station to Windsor & Eton Riverside station.

It's from Waterloo to get to Salisbury for the tour bus from outside the station - you pay separately for the bus.

It all depends on your starting point in London, you can check how to get to the stations using the map linked below which shows the underground (aka the tube) and rail routes out of London

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/london-rail-and-tube-services-map.pdf

And Windsor is a commuter route so that is the same price no matter how you book the tickets.

You can model the others at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk and see the difference between fixed (called ‘“advance” tickets) or flexible

BTW tickets are generally valid only for the date shown on them for the type of trips you are planning on making.

And no reserved seating on them so turn up, board the train and find seats.

Stonehenge is very exposed. Buying rail tickets in advance is cheaper but runs the risk of the day being very wet and your visit unpleasant. UK weather in the autumn, winter and spring so far has been very wet. I want to cut my lawn but the ground is too waterlogged. I live about 25 miles from Stonehenge.

Check the train schedules and ticket prices on the National Rail website and you can see that ticket prices for some routes do increase.

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

For what its worth and others will correct...

But when i was looking at train tickets in/out of london...if it was a WEEKEND also made a difference on price.

What i gather by the pricing and times and day of the week is that they really dont want you (tourist or?) on the trains during thise commuter rush? Hours and or days.

So if you can work around those roadblocks you would be better off, unless you can plan way in advance.

For relatively short journeys like that I would simply decide which trip on the evening before and go to the station and buy a ticket. Then you can be as flexible as you like.

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Where to buy solar eclipse glasses near me? Some locations may still have glasses for last-minute eclipse watchers

Today's the day when the moon's shadow will (partially) blot out the sun for millions of Floridians, and some of them may still be scrambling for eclipse glasses so they can safely look at it without frying their eyes. Where can you still find them?

You may have to call around, or do some driving. Many retail locations have been selling solar eclipse glasses this year and some places have been giving them away, but availability is "while supplies last" and that will be different for every place.

There's an eclipse today? The procrastinator's guide to viewing the solar eclipse in Florida

Where can I find eclipse glasses?

Here are some places to check. Remember, some may have sold out, and not all locations may have been carrying them. Make sure any eclipse glasses you buy are legitimate and include an ISO rating, an ISO number and an address, avoid any that say "NASA Approved," and test them before you look up .

7-Eleven, Buc-ee's, Circle K and more

You may not have to go farther than the end of your street. Many convenience stores and gas stations have been carrying eclipse glasses and may still have some in stock.

Eclipse glasses have been spotted at 7-Eleven , Circle K, and Buc-ee's locations and many individual stores may have jumped on the opportunity.

Fake eclipse glases on sale online: Are yours safe? How to test before the April solar eclipse

Big chain stores such as Walmart, Lowes

Walmart has offered a wide variety of eclipse glasses in different styles, so has Target . However, all of the glasses on their websites are shipping only which will be a little late, so check your local store for availability.

Some other places where eclipse glasses have been spotted:

• Ace Hardware
• Cracker Barrel

Does Publix have eclipse glasses?

No, Publix did not carry eclipse glasses this year, according to a local customer service rep.

Warby Parker, Sonic offering free eclipse glasses

Prescription eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker began handing out free eclipse glasses at their locations on April 1 so definitely call first.

Sonic Drive-in locations are offering free eclipse glasses with the purchase of their new Blackout Sonic Float.

Does Amazon offer same-day delivery of eclipse glasses?

Online stores are great for fast service, but you may want to give it a miss this time. The   American Astronomical Society (AAS) does not recommend buying eclipse glasses online due to the number of counterfeit, unsafe glasses that have hit the market this year.

Shooting the eclipse with your phone: Can I take a photo of the eclipse with my phone? Yes, but take these steps so you don't fry it

Do I need to wear solar eclipse glasses?

If you plan to look directly at the sun, yes. Even a brief glance may cause temporary or permanent damage to your eyes and eyesight.

"Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer," NASA advises . "The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."

How can I tell if my eclipse glasses are legitimate?

If you didn't buy your eclipse glasses directly from one of the vetted venders on the AAS list or a trusted source, check the text on the glasses for the  ISO 12312-2 standard listing and the address of the company. But these can be copied.

Don't trust any glasses that say they are NASA Approved . NASA doesn't do that.

Test your glasses first by putting them on inside and looking at a strong light source. You shouldn't be able to see anything, according to the AAS, although very bright lights may show up but would be very faint.

Go outside, put them on, and look at sunlight reflections or glance at the sun very quickly. You shouldn't see anything around you and the sun should appear to be a "sharp-edged, round disk" that's comfortably bright.

Can I watch the eclipse without looking at it?

Yes! If you don't manage to get glasses in time, there are several ways to see the eclipse that won't risk your eyes with items you probably have around the home.

Anything with a round hole in it can be held up to cast an image of the eclipse onto the ground or a sheet of white paper. Pinhole projectors, colanders, a slotted spoon, a Ritz cracker, even lacing your fingers together.

Or you can look under a tree. The sun shining through tree leaves and branches creates its own pinhole projector, casting lots of little crescent-moon shapes on the ground.

What time is the eclipse in Florida?

The eclipse will last roughly 2½ hours in Florida, starting around 1:40 p.m. EDT and ending around 4:17 EDT. The time of maximum coverage will be just before 3 p.m. EDT for most of the state.

You can find eclipse times for your ZIP code on the map below, just tap your location:

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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