one day trip oxford

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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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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

One Day in Oxford Itinerary — How to Spend a Perfect Day in Oxford, United Kingdom

Just 75 miles to London’s west sits Oxford, home to the world-renowned Oxford University and known as “The City of Dreaming Spires.” Many people may be unfamiliar with what the city has to offer, but Oxford’s historic heritage, beautiful architecture, and abounding opportunities for learning are sure to appeal to anyone! Oxford is the perfect escape from the bustling London lifestyle, so why not book a quaint B&B, find a good book, and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the West’s most historically rich city centers?

What’s the Best Time to Visit Oxford?

Like much of England, it’s best to visit Oxford in summer. The winter months are fantastic for people looking to avoid the crowds that tourist seasons bring, but temperatures stay around 4-10 degrees Celsius (for American visitors, that’s 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit), and are prone to dip. Snowfall varies, but rain is year-round in Oxford. In fact, Oxford has never gone a full month without at least a drizzle! That said, October is traditionally the wettest month.

May, June, and July are the best months to visit Oxford for those looking for sunshine and warmth. The summer months usually sport temperatures ranging from 15 and 22 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and days in June offer around five more hours of sunshine than days in December. July and August are peak visiting times for tourists, but the earlier months of April and May host over six festivals, including the Chocolate Festival and the English Music Festival . Between late spring and early summer, any visitor to Oxford is sure to find what they want.

A Few Facts About Oxford

Oxford is a small city with roots deep in English history. Formal education began in Oxford sometime around the 11 th century, making Oxford University the oldest English-speaking university in the world and the second oldest university overall. Oxford’s reputation for great scholars and thinkers is worldwide. Albert Einstein, Adam Smith, J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, and John Locke all spent time studying at Oxford, just to name a few. Of the city’s estimated 155,000 residents, 25,000 attend one of Oxford’s thirty-nine colleges.

Oxford is wonderfully easy to navigate, and Carfax Tower is a great place to get your bearings. Visitors can climb to the top and take in a bird’s-eye view of Oxford’s city center. The River Thames and the River Cherwell both run through Oxford, providing great waterside walks and green areas for picnics and lazy afternoons. The city center is a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, museums, and libraries, all scattered among Oxford University’s college buildings.

Due to the colleges being built at separate times in Oxford’s history, the buildings all display different styles of Western architecture. Wary visitors should glance up every once in a while—the gargoyles hide secrets! If they look closely, tourists might even catch a gargoyle picking its nose…

One Day in Oxford Itinerary

If you have just one day in Oxford, this guide is a great resource to guarantee you see the best of what this great city has to offer!

Tour the Colleges

No trip to Oxford would be complete without taking a look at some of its historic college buildings. But, with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! Here are a few of the must-visits when it comes to Oxford’s college scene.

Christ Church College

There’s no denying that Christ Church College is exceptionally beautiful. Something about this college captures people’s imaginations and sends them to worlds of magic, mystery, and intrigue. In fact, Christ Church was the inspiration for Hogwarts’s Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies! A glance into the college’s dining hall will explain why.

The college’s beautiful spires and grounds also influenced a man named Charles Dodgson—more commonly known by his pseudonym, Lewis Carroll—to write the story of a girl named Alice, who follows a white rabbit into a world filled to the brim with adventure. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland teems with allusions to Christ Church, and Alice was actually named after the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church, Alice Liddell! The college costs fifteen pounds to enter, but the cost is well worth it.

Exeter College

Unlike Christ Church, Exeter College is free to enter! You can find it on Turl Street, less than a five-minute walk from Carfax Tower.

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , was a student at Exeter, and it isn’t hard to see how the college influenced his worlds of magic and lore. Dating from 1314, Exeter is Oxford’s fourth oldest established college and was originally meant to educate clergy. Now, the college’s chapel and Fellow’s Garden are beautiful pieces of Oxford’s landscape and are a must-see for tourists!

New College

“New” is a relative term; New College was actually founded in 1379! Like Christ Church, New College requires an entrance fee, but the five-pound donation pays for itself quickly. The cloisters, chapel, and gardens found in New College are incredible sites for visitors to see, and New College is truly a wonderful place for anyone visiting Oxford to experience.

Harry Potter fans might even recognize some more parts of Hogwarts! All Oxford University tours are self-guided, but the brochures provided are informative and allow visitors to go at their own pace.

Head to Oxford’s Covered Market for Lunch

Walking around Oxford’s colleges is sure to work up an appetite. A stroll to Oxford’s Covered Market is a great chance to appease your hunger and see another one of Oxford’s top attractions! The market was established in the late 1700s and continues its tradition of providing Oxonians and visitors with the freshest, most delicious food in the city. Bakeries, cafes, delicatessens, produce stalls, and a variety of other restaurants and vendors fill the market every day. It’s open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and is particularly busy on Saturdays. It’s conveniently located on Market Street, just between Carfax Tower and Exeter College.

Visit The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Consistent with the city’s historical dedication to knowledge and learning, Oxford is home to the world’s oldest university museum : The Ashmolean. Inside, visitors can see a broad range of art and cultural artifacts.

The museum has everything from Egyptian mummies to art made completely from gunpowder! Located on Beaumont Street, the museum’s entrance is only a five-minute walk from the markets, making it a great place to saunter to after lunch!

Sit down for a drink

Even though Oxford’s academic tradition emits an air of importance, every college town has its collection of bars and pubs. After an entire day of walking around and taking in the history and beauty of Oxford, there’s nothing more relaxing than finding a nice pub to enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine along with some traditional English fare. The city center is riddled with great eating establishments, but The Bear Inn (Oxford’s oldest pub), The Eagle and the Child , The Jam Factory , and The Old Bookbinder are all great options.

Where to Stay in Oxford, England

The Old Bank

91-94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

Situated in the heart of Oxford’s historic city center, The Old Bank offers beautiful amenities and views of the city. Right across the street from All Souls College, The Old Bank boasts incredible reviews and is one of the best places to stay in Oxford.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Bear and Ragged Staff

28 Appleton Road, Oxford, OX2 9QH

The Bear and Ragged Staff is an inn located five miles outside the city proper. It offers visitors great food, king-sized beds, a cozy atmosphere, and the building itself dates back hundreds of years. This inn is another fantastic option for anyone visiting Oxford.

Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge

11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, OX2 6UJ

Within walking distance from the city center, Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge offers a great stay for your money. The staff is very helpful, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and the breakfast is quite filling. Everything for a nice stay is readily available.

Central Backpackers

13 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH

No university city is complete without a good hostel, and Central Backpackers fulfills that role nicely. The hostel is located conveniently close to the main railway station and the city centre, plus it has a nice rooftop terrace. Great for those visiting Oxford on a budget.

Day Trips from Oxford

Blenheim palace.

Located thirty minutes from the city, Blenheim Palace is a spectacular world heritage site that all travelers to Oxford should check off their list. It was Winston Churchill’s ancestral home , and the estate’s extensive wings, gardens, and halls are straight from the likes of Downton Abbey . Tours of the estate, tickets to historical exhibits, and events are available for purchase to interested visitors. Truly, words can’t describe the atmosphere of the palace. It’s something you’ll need to see for yourself!

As mentioned, Oxford is not far from the capital city, so if you have the time, why not go and spend one day in London ? This city and its sights really don’t need too big of an introduction – Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower Bridge… so many incredible architectural feats, so many places with incredible amounts of history. Not to mention the incredible museums. If you haven’t been to London, a day trip from Oxford is your golden opportunity.

Cotswolds is an incredibly picturesque area full of quaint little villages you can visit and simply let all the stress ooze out of you. Thatched roofs and incredible scenery will make you stand in awe of the nature around here. It’s like a fairy tale. Head to Great Tew or Bourton on the Water to see the English countryside at its very best, and sit down in a pub to get that genuine feel of the places. Or just go for romantic walks with your significant other – you can’t go wrong with that, either.

Stonehenge & Bath

Stonehenge is probably well known to all tourists who come to the city and a great day trip from Oxford. Less than an hour and a half by car, this magnificent structure is fairly easy to reach. See for yourself the famous stone circles that have withstood the test of time and within which a centuries-old secret still lies hidden.

After that, head to the famous town of Bath whose Roman heritage and magnificent architecture will provide plenty of great photo opportunities. Both locations are listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Extra Tips for Visiting Oxford

University Closings

During the school year—and even sometimes in summer—it’s not uncommon for Oxford colleges to “close” to visitors. Before planning your trip, be sure to check if your top colleges have any upcoming events or exams that might prevent you from entering!

While it’s fairly easy to walk around the Oxford city center, there are multiple bus services that also help make traveling in Oxford easy! Oxfordshire Stagecoach is responsible for must local services, and a Dayrider pass allows unlimited travel for one day. Oxford Bus Company handles most inter-city travel in the Oxford region. 

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Oxford Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Andy Earle is a researcher who studies parent-teen communication and adolescent risk behaviors. He is the co-founder of talkingtoteens.com, ghostwriter at WriteItGreat.com , and host of the Talking to Teens podcast , a free weekly talk show for parents of teenagers.

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The Perfect Day Trip to Oxford Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Oxford

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).

Looking for an easy day trip from London? Consider taking a day trip to Oxford!

Visiting the University of Oxford is probably every super nerd’s dream. It’s where scenes from Harry Potter where filmed, where JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis crafted their literary genius, and where some of the most famous academics attended University. If you’re looking to admire the life of the famed playwright, Shakespeare, consider a nother great day trip from London to  Warwickshire . Even if you aren’t a nerd or bookworm, visiting Oxford is a great day trip from London ! 

Here is your guide to visiting Oxford in one day if you’re taking a day trip from London!

Taking a Day Trip to Oxford from London

How to spend one day in oxford, practical information for visiting oxford university.

Transportation to Oxford from London is fairly easy, you can take public transit or take the 90-minute drive to the city.

Bus:  The Oxford Tube  and the X90 leave London’s Victoria Station every 12-20 minutes

Train:  Trains from London leave Paddington every half hour

Suggested Oxford Day Trip Tours

JRR Tolkien and the Inklings Walking Tour: a walking tour of Oxford highlighting the works and friendships of JRR Tolkien while he was a professor at Oxford

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide : Get an inside look of Oxford from the lens of an alumni

From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour : See more than just Oxford with this full-day tour including Windsor Castle and Stonehenge!

From London: Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip

London: Oxford, Stratford Upon Avon, Cotswolds, and Warwick

Explore Oxford University

Did you know Oxford isn’t just one school? It’s actually composed of 38 constituent colleges! Oxford has been a place for education and teaching since 1096 making Oxford is the oldest English speaking university. It continued to grow rapidly after Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

Since Oxford is famed for its rich academic history, notable alumni, and influence in literature and movies, it’s worth the visit! Some of Oxford’s notable alumni include JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll and Oscar Wilde.

See the Bridge of Sighs

Because the colleges at Oxford are so old, they are full of interesting architecture. The Hertford Bridge, or “the Bridge of Sighs”, is a skyway joining Hertford College over New College Lane. This bridge is one of Oxford’s famous landmarks.

Consider a Tour of Oxford

If you visit Oxford, taking a tour is a great way to see some of the highlights. You can take tours themed on Harry Potter and JRR Tolkien if you’re interested in taking the nerdy route! Oxford has so much to see because of it’s rich history and beautiful architecture so even just walking around on your own with a map is a great way to see the town!

See the Radcliff Camera

Completed in 1748, the Radcliffe Camera is a neoclassical style library and study for students at Oxford University. The word “camera” is most often associated with photography, though in this context, the word is used in its original meaning, which is simply “room.” The Radcliff Camera is one of the most iconic sites at Oxford because, well, look at it! It’s so beautiful! Another library at Oxford worth visiting is the Bodleian Library.

Across from the Radcliff, Camera is the Univesity Church. If you climb to the top, you can get a great view of the Camera!

Climb the Tower of University Church

After you stop by the Radcliff Camera, stop by the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin . Here, you can climb the tower of the church to get an panoramic view of the Radcliff Camera and Oxford.

Hours : Monday-Saturday • 9:30am – 5.00pm Sunday • 12noon – 5.00pm

Admission   £5.00

See the Ornate Door and Lamp Post that Inspired CS Lewis

Nearby the Radcliff Camera is an interesting site with a fun story to go along with it! Apparently, on a snowy night, CS was inspired by this doorway and lamp post for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Although it might just be a story, it would make sense by the looks of it!

Have Lunch with JRR Tolkien at The Eagle and Child

For the fans of Lord of the Rings, you can see many sites at Oxford that are notable for their association with JRR Tolkien. For lunch, stop at the Eagle and Child, where JRR Tolkien and his friends, like CS Lewis, would meet to discuss their works. Interestingly, JRR Tolkien wasn’t a big fan of CS Lewis’s work! At the Eagle and Child, or known as the Bird and the Baby, you can see where Tolkien would engage with his friends. You can also visit Tolkien’s former home, resting place, the Botanic Gardens that inspired his work, the Merton College where he taught, and the Exeter College where Tolkien attended college.

What : JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis’s Meeting Place at Oxford

Where : 49 St. Giles, Oxford OX1 3LU, UK

Hours : Everyday 11-11

View Einstein’s Handwriting at the Science Museum

At the Museum of the History of Science , you can view scientific artifacts, but the most interesting is Einstein’s handwriting! Einstein gave a talk at Oxford on May 16, 1931. The blackboard displays the equations taken from a model of the universe, the Friedmann-Einstein universe,  that Einstein proposed in May 1931.

Where : Broad Street Oxford OX1 3AZ

What : A Science Nerds Heaven

Cost : Free

Hours : Tuesday to Sunday 12 — 5pm

Visit Harry Potter Film Sites at Oxford

The architecture and beauty of Oxford University inspired the scenes of the Harry Potter films. So much so that many of the scenes from the movies were filmed at Oxford!

Learn More About Things to Do in London

Learn more about visiting London in our other posts!

• Five Days in London Itinerary
• Your Ultimate Guides to the Museums of London

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England, Scotland, & Wales Travel and Culture Blog

South East · April 22, 2019

An Oxford Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Oxford Itinerary

Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

Easy to visit as a day trip from London and well worth a visit in its own right, the City of Dreaming Spires (a.k.a. Oxford) deserves a place on any UK bucket list. And with highlights such as the oldest university in England, many a museum, and some stunning architecture, there’s no shortage of things to do in this fantastic British city. Here’s your perfect guide and itinerary for how to spend one day in Oxford !

Morning in Oxford

Start your day the right way by heading to one of Oxford’s many quaint cafés for a spot of tea or a well-brewed coffee. Personal recommendations for coffee shops in the city include The Grand Café (the oldest café in England is so old that it was even mentioned in Samuel Pepys’ diary of 1650) and Vaults and Garden. 

The latter café, as its name would suggest, is tucked away beneath the vaults of a 14th-century building and provides excellent views onto the Radcliffe Camera (known also as the RadCam). There are indoor and outdoor seating options available. After your morning brew, head out to explore the city.

A walking tour is often the best way to get to know a city, including its many hidden gems, secret spots, and offbeat destinations. On your stroll around Oxford, be sure to spot the Oxford Castle district, the Bodleian Library (you can enter the Divinity school for a few pounds) , and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. For the best view of the city, be sure to go up the tower of St Mary the Virgin!

Afternoon in Oxford

Feeling peckish? Oxford has no shortage of fantastic cafés, brasseries, and restaurants to suit every budget. Thanks to its status as a student city, there’s plenty of cheap eats. Some of the best speciality brunch spots in the city include The Rickety Press (67 Cranham St, Oxford OX2 6DE) and The Missing Bean (14 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DQ) , which features literary-inspired steps to actually get inside the establishment!

Post-lunch, it’s time to explore some of the University Colleges that the city is so famous for. What you may well not know before visiting Oxford, is that you can actually visit the colleges, admire their architecture, and soak up the rich history and ambience of the buildings.

Some colleges are more expensive to visit than others, while a few colleges are actually entirely free to enter! Fancy seeking out some Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford? Well, for a glimpse of the location that inspired the Harry Potter ‘Great Hall,’ head into Christ Church College (which is also where the Cathedral that makes Oxford a city can be found) .

Otherwise, entrance into Exeter College is free and provides a glimpse of university life without the price tag of many of the other colleges! Following your visit to the University, there are a few different things you could do.

Following on from the wizarding Harry Potter theme, why not scout out some other film/ book inspiration locations such as those from Alice in Wonderland? Otherwise, there are a plethora of museums to enjoy, including the free to visit Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Evening in Oxford

Thanks to its status as a student city, there’s no shortage of drinking establishments around Oxford in the form of bars, pubs, taverns, and inns. Many of these are incredibly historical, with the Lamb & Flag alleged to be the place where Thomas Hard wrote much of Jude the Obscure and The Eagle and Child, which was once frequented by the likes of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.

However, if you’re looking for one of the most unusual things to do in Oxford, then you should undoubtedly head to the FREVD bar. Located within the walls of a former 19th-century Neo-Classical Church, this bar serves reasonably priced cocktails and has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Things to know before visiting Oxford for the first time

The city is small and compact, making it easy to walk around and enjoy all of the major Oxford attractions on foot. With this being said, there are plenty of uneven pavements and cobbled lanes, meaning you’ll want to leave your high heels at home. Instead, wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in!

Next, if you want to enjoy the city without the crowds, then you should consider a visit during the shoulder seasons. What this means is making a trip to Oxford in the late spring or early autumn, i.e. just before/ after the summer months when tourist numbers (and prices) in the city are at their highest.

Finally, the best way to enjoy Oxford is over the course of several days, meaning that you’ll likely want to book a place to stay in the city, even if it’s just for one night. Thanks to its status as a must-see destination, many of the best places to stay fill up fast. Check here for the best accommodation rates in Oxford.

How to visit Oxford as a day trip from London

Have just one day in Oxford and don’t want to miss out on anything? Be sure to wake up early! You’ll want to catch a train as soon as you can so as to pack in as much as possible during your day trip to Oxford from London. Located around 60 miles Northwest of London, there are a few ways to reach the City of Dreaming Spires from the UK capital.

Of course, you can always take a car! However, since transport links between the city are so great, and the cost of parking a car is so high, I would recommend not using this option. The cheapest way to reach the city is via bus and both National Express and the Oxford Bus Company offer service between the cities.

Last but not least, the most convenient way to get to Oxford is by train. The journey takes around an hour each way and if you purchase open-end tickets, then you’ll be free to come and go as you please. Check this website for times, prices, and further information.

Finally, if you have a little more time to explore the area, then there are plenty of wonderful side excursions and day trips to take from Oxford. The Cotswolds is on the doorstep of the university city and provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy chocolate box villages and stunning scenery. From Oxford, you can easily also visit the villages of Witney, Burford, and Bibury!

London to Oxford day trips, tours & excursions

Oxford, stratford, and cotswolds: day trip from london.

If you’re looking to enjoy multiple cities (as well as the beautiful British countryside) as a day excursion from London, then you might consider booking this tour. Included in the ticket is a full ten-hour trip to Stratford-upon-Avon (birthplace of William Shakespeare), followed by a drive through the stunning Cotswolds, and then a visit to the city of Oxford.

Check prices and availability here.

From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour

For those who are short on time but who still wish to discover some of the most iconic day trips from London, this full day trip is for you! First up, there’s the chance to see Windsor Castle (the official residence of the Queen). Next, there’s a wander around the legendary Stonehenge and finally there’s a visit to the city of Oxford.

Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip from London

Though some of the other day trips from London are wonderful if you’re looking to see everything in one go, if you prefer to travel at a slower and more relaxed pace in order to soak up each destination, then you might consider focusing on just one or two. This day tour from London to Oxford includes a chance to see picture perfect Bibury, as well as soak up the sights of Oxford itself.

Full-Day Downton Abbey, Oxford and Bampton Tour from London

Fancy seeing the real-life Dowton Abbey? Well, Highclere Castle is where the series was filmed and this day trip will take you to the country house, as well as Bampton Village, which is also featured in the hit TV series. The excursion from London will also take you to Oxford where you can enjoy the university city!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Oxford and spending one day in the city

Is oxford worth a day trip.

In our opinion

Oxford is worth more than a day trip and you should aim to spend a long weekend in the City of Dreaming Spires if you truly want to soak up the sights and attractions that this stunning UK destination has to offer. With this being said, if you’re short on time, then a day trip from London to Oxford is well worth it and offers an exciting insight into the historic university town.

Is Oxford walkable?

Due to its compact nature (with most of the main attractions within a short distance of one another), Oxford is easily one of the most walkable cities in Europe. With this being said, there are plenty of cobbled lanes and so you’ll want to pack a good pair of shoes which are easy to walk around in (such as sneakers). Alternatively, you can see the city via a hop-on-hop off bus tour like this one.

Is Oxford expensive?

Though perhaps not quite as expensive as strolling around London for a weekend, it’s certainly fair to say that Oxford is one of the more expensive cities to visit in England, if not all of the UK. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Oxford so that you can have fun in the city, no matter what your travelling budget.

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About Sophie Nadeau

Sophie Nadeau is a travel, history, and culture writer based in the UK. With a love of all things photography-related, castles, and sweet food, she runs her popular blog, solosophie.com when she's not chasing after a sunset or hiking in the English countryside.

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Rambles with Rachel

January 2, 2022

How to Spend One Day in Oxford

“I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. “ -WB Yeats

From its architecture to its history to its books, the city of Oxford is enchanting in every way and should definitely be on your UK bucket list. Even if you only have one day in Oxford, it’s worth exploring.

Oxford is easy enough to get to from London and is easily walkable. Walk in the footsteps of literary greats, stop for a pint in a pub, and tour one of the many Oxford Colleges (…and regret that you hadn’t applied to go to school there).

If you are a bookworm, like me, Oxford is an absolute dream. Ever since I read The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, I’ve wanted to visit Lyra’s Oxford.

It’s the birthplace of some of my favorite stories, including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s also where Lewis Carrol met the real-life Alice and created Wonderland. More recently, Oxford is featured in A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

It’s no wonder that these authors were inspired by Oxford, as it truly feels like a magical place. Even though it poured rain the whole day I was there, it was still charming. No matter the weather, I highly recommend visiting Oxford.

Getting There

• By train : Great Western Railway offers train service from Paddington Station in London to Oxford Station. The ride takes about an hour, and then it’s about a ten-minute walk from Oxford Station to the city center.
• By bus : Take either a National Express or Oxford Tube bus from Victoria Station in London. The ride to Gloucester Green Station in Oxford takes a little under two hours.

Getting Around

Oxford is a very walkable city, especially if you’re trying to see a lot in one day. Wear comfortable shoes, pack an umbrella, and feel free to peek down the small side streets open to the public- you never know what you’ll find!

One Day in Oxford

Here’s a one-day itinerary of things to do in Oxford so that you, too, may have a magical trip!

Enjoy Brunch at the Handle Bar Cafe

Begin your one day in Oxford by fueling up with brunch. You might miss it from the outside, as it’s above a bike shop (hence the name), but inside the Handle Bar is a quaint, lively spot for a delicious meal.

When we visited, we hadn’t made reservations, so we waited in line downstairs for about twenty minutes before we were able to grab a seat. The Handle Bar stayed busy the whole time we were there, filling with tourists, students, and families.

The menu is very vegetarian/vegan-friendly (although their bacon was delicious as well). It was so pleasant to sit by the large windows, surrounded by houseplants, with a coffee in hand and watch people pass by on the street below.

Tour Christ Church College

About a seven-minute walk from the Handle Bar will take you to Christ Church College, one of the colleges of Oxford University. Founded by Henry VIII, Christ Church has withstood the test of time and produced countless alumni, including author Lewis Caroll and the philosopher John Locke.

However, contemporary travelers flock to Christ Church because of its ties to the Harry Potter films. Christ Church’s beautiful stone Grand Staircase was used in The Sorcerer’s Stone , and the famous Hogwarts’ Great Hall was modeled after the dining hall at the college.

A tour of Christ Church will take you through different parts of the campus, including the Grand Staircase, the dining hall, Christ Church Cathedral, and both the Tom and Peckwater Quads. The tour can take over an hour, depending on how quickly you want to go through. (Since we visited during COVID times, tours were done using personal multimedia devices, so you could pick what to listen to.)

Take the time to admire the beautiful War Memorial Gardens as well.

Climb the Tower of St Mary the Virgin

For a bird’s-eye-view of Oxford, climb the tower of The University Church of St Mary the Virgin. This was one of my favorite things we did during our one day in Oxford!

St. Mary’s is free to visit. However, there is a small fee to visit the tower. The tower is the oldest part of the medieval church and can be climbed via a relatively short, though very narrow, spiral staircase (127 steps to be precise). The views are worth the dizziness, as you look past the gargoyles and out over the rooftops of Oxford.

You might also get to witness someone pulling the ropes during the traditional bell-ringing as you pass through the bell chamber.

Sip Afternoon Tea at the Vaults and Garden Cafe

Located just outside St. Mary’s is the Vaults and Garden Cafe, where you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. The vaults date back to the late 1400s and used to be a meeting room for the St. Mary’s congregation.

Enjoy a scone with clotted cream and a cup of tea under the pretty vaulted ceiling, or, if it’s not raining, you can sit outside and enjoy the view of the Radcliffe Camera.

Search for the Narnia Lamppost

In his essay, “It All Began with a Picture”, author C.S. Lewis said the original inspiration of what would become The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was just a mental image of a faun carrying packages in a snowy wood. Since the book’s publication in 1950, the image of Lucy and Mr.Tumnus the faun standing under a lamppost in the woods has now become an iconic one.

While C.S. Lewis attended University College and became a fellow and professor at Magdalen College, you can find a single, solitary lamppost near All Souls College. Walking South away from the Radcliffe Camera and towards High Street, you’ll find a small walk called St Mary’s Passage.

There you’ll find a single lamppost, which you can imagine standing alone in a snowy wood. Also, see if you can spot the nearby fauns guarding a magical-looking door!

Photograph Oxford’s Most Recognizable Architecture

Radcliffe camera.

The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most recognizable and beautiful buildings. (They just don’t build things like the Radcliffe Camera anymore!)

Built in the early 1700s, it was named for Dr. John Radcliffe, one of the most successful English physicians, who decreed that after his death, his money was to be used to build a library.

Currently, the Radcliffe Camera is used as a reading room for the nearby Bodleian Library. The upper room holds books on art and history, while the lower room has books focusing on literature and theology.

Hertford Bridge (aka Bridge of Sighs)

Officially called Hertford Bridge as it connects two buildings of Hertford College, this skyway walk is better known as Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs, as it is similar to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy.

Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, the bridge is only open to college members. However, it creates a fun photo opportunity for us tourists…and a spot to stay dry when it rains!

Shop at Blackwell’s Bookshop

Literary lovers rejoice! If you stop in one store in Oxford, make it Blackwell’s Bookshop. Since they opened on Broad Street in 1879, Blackwell’s has expanded around the UK, but the Oxford location is the original.

With three levels inside the store, Blackwell’s once had the largest number of books for sale in one room, when the Norrington Room opened in 1966. It’s a store in which one could easily spend hours. Grab a coffee from the cafe, chat with the knowledgeable staff, and purchase a book (or three).

Drink at one of Oxford’s Oldest Pubs

The foundation of Turf Tavern dates back to the 1300s, and it has seen its fair share of famous people at its bar throughout the centuries.

It’s a pub that is hard to find but is still somehow always busy. A few twists and turns off of Holywell Street and Bath Place will find you in the cozy courtyard of the tavern.

You’ll probably have to stoop to enter, as the ceilings are low. Filled with locals, students, and tourists alike, the Turf Tavern was one of our favorite pubs in Oxford. As it was raining during our visit, we chose to forgo the outdoor seating. We stayed cozy inside, settled into a pint, and had some fish and chips.

Pay Homage at the Eagle and Child

While it is unfortunately closed for renovations and being made into a B&B, if you are a die-hard fantasy fan such as myself, it is still worth making the pilgrimage to the Eagle and Child. It was one of the pubs at which C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would meet and read their stories to one another.

It was still really cool to imagine those two men inside, discussing fauns and hobbits over a drink, hopefully, next to a crackling fire.

Notable Mentions

If we had arrived in Oxford just a little earlier in the morning, there are a few things to see in Oxford that I would’ve tried to fit in:

• Lyra’s Bench at Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum : Located in the Lower Garden is a bench, now affectionately as “Lyra’s Bench”. It’s named after the main character in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series of novels, and stands as a symbol connecting alternate realities.
• Bodleian Library : One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian looks absolutely stunning…which is probably why it was also used in The Sorcerer’s Stone film.

While one day in Oxford was certainly enough to see a lot, I’d definitely like to return and spend more time there! There are just so many things to do in Oxford for bookworms!

Have you been to Oxford? What were your favorite places?

If you’re planning a day trip to Oxford, pin this article for later!

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How to Take a Day Trip to Oxford: The Perfect One Day in Oxford, England

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Taking a day trip to Oxford is one of the easiest day trips from London.

I’m sure everyone has heard of Oxford.

Not only does it have a huge literary background, but it’s home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

It’s quite difficult to narrow down what to do if you only have a day, but I hope this will help you prioritize what you want to see and do if you can only take a day trip to Oxford.

Don’t forget to read all my tips for first-time visitors to the UK !

About Oxford

Oxford is about 60 miles northwest of London in the county of Oxfordshire, which borders the infamous Cotswolds! Oxford is famously home to the world’s first English-speaking University (females weren’t allowed to attend until after 1878!!!) which is actually made up of 39 colleges throughout the city.

Famous writers have written or taught in Oxford including C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit), Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), and Phillip Pullman (The Golden Compass) and famous faces have attended the colleges like Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, Hugh Grant, Emma Watson, 26 British prime ministers, and more!

Oxford is home to the world’s first museum, the second largest library in the country and the largest single room in the world that sells books…. and a whole bunch of HARRY POTTER FILMING LOCATIONS !!

How to Take a Day Trip to Oxford?

This is quite simple if you are staying in London or the surrounding area.

• B y Train : Fun Fact! There are about 81 trains traveling to Oxford from London every day… so there will be one to fit your schedule. The journey is about an hour and it’s direct, you can leave from Paddington or Marylebone and it will cost you about £30.00 for the round-trip. I would recommend getting an early train there so you can maximize your time in the city. The train station in Oxford is about a 10-minute walk to the city center and all the action, so it’s a great location.
• By Bus: There is a direct bus that leaves Victoria Coach Station and goes to the Oxford Bus Station and the best part is they run every 15-20 minutes from both cities! It’s a little under 2 hours and will cost you about £15.00 for the round-trip. If you want to save a few bucks then take the bus, but you will lose out on an hour or two. However, the bus station is in the city center and easily accessible.
• By Car: If you drive from London then it will take you about 1 1/2- 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can park in the city center, but it will be pricey for a full day. The best parking lots are Oxpens Road, for 6-12 hours of parking it will cost you £18.00, or there’s the Gloucester Green parking, which is more central. This one will set you back £35.00 for over 8 hours.
• By Park & Ride: There are several Park & Rides just outside the city center and this will SAVE SO MUCH MONEY. Parking is only about £4.00 for 12+ hours and you can pay the bus ticket and parking combined to save yourself even more money. For 2 adults it’s £6.80 for a day round-trip bus fare and parking!! (Oh, and up to THREE kids under 16 are included)!!

Take a Walking Tour

Price: Tipped

This is the best way to get to know a city fast. It only takes 1-2 hours of your time and you can get an idea of the layout and where you want to go next, in turn saving time.

It’s the perfect introduction to your day trip to Oxford!

You’ll also learn SO MUCH about the city’s history and all the colleges at the University.

The tour that I took was the Footprints free walking tour (you just have to tip your tour guide at the end) and it was AWESOME.

Christ Church

Price: £10.00

This is probably one of the most well known colleges in the University of Oxford, not only is it a prestigious school, but it has been used as a filming location for the Harry Potter series.

Yep, the very first scene of the interior of Hogwarts (with the students walking up the stairs to meet Professor McGonagall before the sorting hat ceremony) is on the stairs leading up to the dining hall…. speaking of dining hall, the Hogwarts great hall is modeled after the Christ Church dining hall!

Aside from all the Harry Potter feels, the college is home to the cathedral which grants Oxford it’s city status. It’s definitely worth a look as it’s super pretty and included with your self-guided tour.

I highly recommend booking in advance for the tour because you can choose timed entry, the line is shorter when you get there, and tickets can sell out the day of, so book online and avoid disappointment!

Grab Lunch at The Eagle and Child

Price: Varies

Now it’s lunch time and you’re not gonna want to skip this pub!

Not only is it a cozy watering hole on the edge of the city center, but it is the famous meeting spot of The Inklings, a literary group made up of several writers at Oxford… including it’s two most famous members, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

It is said that while they were both writing their famous novels, they would come here and read each other’s work, seek advice and criticism, and have a pint.

They sat at the same table every Tuesday in the Rabbit room. There is a plaque above the table and an autographed note from The Inklings to the pub sitting next to it on the fireplace!

Radcliffe Camera

Price: Free

This is the famous circular building in the middle of the city. I’m sure you’ve seen one of two pictures of this. This building is actually a library and, unfortunately, it’s for student use only.

You can take a quick guided tour of the library as part of the 90 minute Bodleian Library tour, however, it’s only available once a day on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The price is £15.00 per person and you absolutely need to book in advance because it’s a very popular tour and you don’t want to miss out!

This will also take out a large chunk of your time if you are only visiting for the day.

It’s definitely worth a visit to see the grand exterior and admire the architecture. Built in the mid 1700’s, it was the first circular library and it was built in a cylinder to let more natural light in.

You can also climb up the tower at St. Mary’s and get an amazing view of the Camera and surrounding area.

The Divinity School

Price £2.00

This is a must visit for any Harry Potter fan, or anyone, period. This is included in the tour of the Bodleian Library, but for £2.00 you can visit this amazing room any time of the day, which is good if you are pressed for time.

This building was built in the 1400’s and it was the first lecture building in Oxford and the oldest surviving purpose-built building.

Students would take their tests and exams in this building…. in Latin… orally… in front of their classmates. So if they messed up, everyone knew! No, thank you.

This building was also used throughout the Harry Potter, mainly as the infirmary, but it was used in Goblet of Fire, when Professor McGonagall is teaching Ron how to dance for the Yule Ball.

Head up the Saxon Tower

Price: £3.00

There are several places that you can get great views of “the city of dreaming spires”, but the easiest and less crowded is the Saxon Tower.

There’s only 97 steps to the top (not steep and narrow) and the tower has a lot of history.. it’s over a 1,000 years old!

On your way up you’ll also get a history lesson and you’ll get to see the massive church bells!

The Bridge of Sighs

This is a replica of the famous bridge in Venice (well, it was never supposed to be a replica, but it looks pretty darn close). There’s two Bridge of Sighs in England and the other one is in the rival university city of Cambridge! The bridge links two buildings of Hertford College and is for student use only, but it’s a must see landmark if you visit Oxford!

Grab Some Pub Food at Turf Tavern

Now your day has come to close if you have time to eat and you don’t have to catch a train or bus at a certain time, then check out this pub hidden in between buildings and down tight alleys.

The Turf Tavern has been host to multiple famous guests, including Bill Cli nton where he “did not inhale”, Bob Hawke where he set the Guinness World Record for drinking a yard of ale in 11 seconds, C.S. Lewis, Stephen Hawking, Elizabeth Taylor, Ernest Hemingway and more!

Oh, and the cast and crew of Harry Potter would hang out here while the movies were being filmed in Oxford!

To find this place just walk under the Bridge of Sighs and immediately turn left down an alleyway called St. Helens Passage. You’ll walk down the tight passageway and it will open up to the bar!

Oxford Tips

• Skip the tour bus and take a train or bus and do it on your own! (You are super limited with how much time you actually get in Oxford on a tour bus)
• Get there early! More time to explore!
• If the round-trip train ticket is over your budget when taking your day trip to Oxford, buy a one-way train ticket getting there (so it’s faster) and a one-way bus ticket back since you won’t be in a hurry and you can save some extra cash.
• Bring some walking shoes… it might seem like it’s a small city in a compact area, but you will be surprised by how much you walk!
• Watch out for cyclists.. they are EVERYWHERE! So always look both ways before you cross any street or path! The locals call them “silent assassins”.
• Check out other day trips you can take from London !

Have you taken a day trip to Oxford or are you planning on going? Let me know in the comments below!!

Like what you see? Check out some of my other posts in Southern England

• One Day Itinerary for Glastonbury
• Tips for Visiting the Roman Baths
• Doc Martin Filming Locations in Port Isaac
• Take a Day Trip to Portsmouth

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How to spend one day in oxford: 10 best things to do [2024].

World-renowned and ever-so-beautiful, Oxford is a city on many travellers’ UK bucket lists.

From famous historical sights to a plethora of bars and restaurants, you could easily spend a few days exploring Oxford’s nooks and crannies.

But what if you only have one day in Oxford?

How could you possibly see all the sights while also soaking up the atmosphere?

Don’t fret because this guide will show you exactly how to spend one day in Oxford and all the things you cannot miss!

1. Visit Oxford Castle

One of the oldest parts of the city, located a little further out of the city centre, Oxford Castle is a great place to start your day in Oxford.

Entrenched in history, this large Norman medieval castle allows you to step 1000 years back into the past.

From the deep underground crypt to the 360° panoramic views up Saxon St. George’s Tower, there’s so much to see at Oxford Castle. It even boasts an old prison which you can explore!

Admission to the castle is by paid guided tour only.

However, they only last an hour so you definitely have time to fit a visit into your schedule.

2. Wander down Turl Street

Although not of any great significance, Turl Street, lovingly nicknamed ‘The Turl’, is oh-so-cute and definitely worth a wander down.

Make your way from the High Street to the University of Oxford whilst marvelling at the beautiful All Saints Church and the street’s historic buildings.

Home to three of the University of Oxford’s historic colleges, Exeter, Jesus and Lincoln, Turl Street is not to miss.

Top tip for bookworms: pop into the Oxfam bookshop to satisfy all your literary needs!

3. Explore the University of Oxford’s Colleges

Speaking of the University of Oxford , you cannot visit Oxford without seeing its world-famous university!

Scattered across the city, the university is made up of many different buildings.

Therefore, with just one day in Oxford, it’s worth being selective about which you choose to visit.

While much of the university is not accessible to the public, some colleges are open to visitors during the day, though their opening times and admission charges vary.

If you’re on a budget, colleges which are free to visit include All Souls College, Corpus Christi College, Exeter College, Hertford College, and Keble College.

4. Get literary at Oxford’s bookshops

If you didn’t know that I am the world’s biggest bookworm, he- llo where have you been?!

I mean, I already recommended the Oxfam Bookshop on Turl Street, didn’t I? But there’s plenty more where that came from.

In fact, Oxford is home to the largest single room selling books in the world.

From the outside, Blackwell’s Bookshop looks like any ordinary bookshop.

But this tardis opens up to a whopping four floors including the underground Norrington Room which is 10,000 square feet.

Other notable bookshops in Oxford include Last Bookshop and Arcadia!

5. See the Bridge of Sighs

Reminiscent of Venice’s famous Bridge of Sighs, Oxford’s may not be perched above a canal but it’s beautiful nonetheless.

As an iconic piece of Oxford architecture, it would be rude not to get a little snap happy here during your one day in Oxford!

Fun fact: this bridge is actually called Hertford Bridge because it joins to parts of Hertford College over the ever-so-quaint New College Lane.

6. Take a peek inside Bodleian Library

Famously known as the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library , Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford.

Steeped in history, this building is nothing short of stunning and well worth a visit.

Ranging from thirty to ninety minutes, there are a plethora of tours available to the general public that you can embark on.

However, with only one day in Oxford, we decided to just quickly pop in to visit the 15th-century Divinity School, one of the main Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford !

7. Visit Radcliffe Camera

A reading room of Bodleian Library, the neo-classical Radcliffe Camera is certainly not a sight for sore eyes.

No wonder it’s probably Oxford’s most photographed landmark!

Radcliffe Camera is a gorgeous circular library that was built between 1737 and 1749.

If you aren’t lucky enough to visit the inside on a tour of Bodleian Library (Radcliffe Camera is not freely open to the general public otherwise), seeing its exterior is rewarding enough.

However, for the best view of this iconic landmark, just keep reading…

8. Climb the U niversity Church of St Mary

Told you it was good, didn’t I?

Perhaps the best thing to do if you only have one day in Oxford is to see the city from above!

Whenever I visit a new city, I love getting a bird’s eye perspective on things. And this view certainly did not disappoint.

Dating from 1280 and decorated with beautifully carved gargoyles, the tower of the University Church of St Mary is the highest view over Oxford.

Once you’ve paid the £4 fee and climbed the 127 steps, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360° views of Radcliffe Camera and beyond!

9. Go punting

What would a visit to Oxford or Cambridge be without a cheeky bit of punting?

After racking up your step count, it’s time to sit back and relax and let a punter or a willing friend do the hard work for you.

By far the easiest place to hire a punt is from the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse .

An hour on the water will set you back £22 midweek and £24 on the weekends.

But since each punt can take up to five people, I’d say the price is totally worth it.

Top tip: punting is even better with a picnic and a bottle of bubbly in tow!

10. Get lost

Cliché advice but the best way to get a feel for the city – or any city really – is to just walk.

Walk everywhere. Wander down little alleyways. See where the city takes you!

You never know what beautiful slices of history or cute cafes you might just stumble upon.

Finding the Universe

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

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . 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. We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

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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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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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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A Day Trip to Oxford, England: the Perfect One Day Itinerary

• May 15, 2023
• 4 minute read

Oxford is most well known as a university city. And yes, with 38 colleges, it’s got an amazing academic community and many institutions designed around it (such as the bookshop, Blackwell’s). But there is so much to love about Oxford, and much more to explore than you’d think! And if you find yourself traveling to London, or anywhere in England, Oxford is a must-see (even if you’ve only got a day)!

Here is my itinerary to ensure your perfect day trip to Oxford, England!

Affiliate links are used in this post. for more about affiliate links, check out my disclaimer policy ..

• Transportation: Getting to Oxford

If you’re in London, or elsewhere, one of the easiest ways to travel around England is by train. Personally, when I spent 5 weeks in the UK, I used Omio to book all my trains and I absolutely loved it.

The train ride from London to Oxford is between 1 and 1.5 hours, and the train itself is very spacious and comfortable. Round trip prices tend to range anywhere from $40-80 USD depending on time and luxury of the seat/cabins chosen. I chose the cheapest of the options (while also picking the ideal times I wanted) and stayed in the 45-50 USD range, so super affordable!

Table of Contents

8am-9:30am: ride train to oxford & settle in, 10-11am: brunch at vaults & garden, 11:30-1:30pm: visit the ashmolean museum, 2-3pm: stroll through oxford botanic garden, 3:30-5pm: tour the bodleian library, 5:30-7: enjoy dinner at three goats heads, 7:30-end of day: optional nightlife exploration, and there’s your day trip to oxford.

Depending on your sleep preferences, you might adjust this time. But keep in mind: if you’re only going to spend one day in Oxford, you’ll need to make the most of your time there! (Especially daylight, because while the pub life is great here, most businesses close super early throughout the city)

Oh, my goodness! Believe me when I tell you Vaults & Garden has some of the best breakfast you’ll have in England! V&G is a cosy, yet bustling café nestled into the University Church. Though Vaults & Garden has indoor seating, you’ll definitely want to snag a table in the outside courtyard. This way, you’ll be front row to the beautiful view that is Radcliffe Camera and the Bodeliean Libraries!

Constructed in 1845, the Ashmolean Museum is one of the best museums outside London! There are so many amazing art galleries (featuring some Vincent Van Gogh, if you’re a fan) as well as collections of Greek, Roman, and Indian artifacts. My favorite part was the collection of ancient Egyptian mummies!

While this is a generous walk the opposite direction of the Ashmolean, it’s beauty is definitely something to behold. Oxford’s Botanic Garden is actually Britain’s oldest, founded in 1621!

Bonus : If you’re hungry and can’t wait until dinner, there’s the delicious G&D Bagels on the way from the Ashmolean to the botanic gardens! Stop by and grab yourself a bagel (I recommend the pizza bagel) or an ice cream cone; they sell both!

Not only is it incredibly cool (and incredibly old), but has an insanely large collection that you absolutely have to see! And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, even better! Boldeian tours can take you through parts of the library used for the “Restricted Section” in the Harry Potter films as well as the Divinity School (used for the Hogwarts infirmary and in various scenes throughout the Goblet of Fire)!

Three Goats Heads is a must-visit restaurant for your day trip to Oxford! This restaurant is quite literally a hole in the ground, but also offers cozy outdoor dining if you wish to bask in the weather (provided it decides not to rain that day). It’s absolutely delicious. (I got the grilled chicken sandwich, yum!)

At this point, your next steps really depend on if you booked a place for the night, or if you need to commute back to wherever you might have come from! If you’ve booked a train out, say your last goodbyes to this quaint, amazing city!

If you’re here for the night and leave in the morning, boy, there’s some great pubs to check out! I can’t even choose just one for you, because there are too many. You might just have to pub-hop to experience it all (it’s worth it, I promise!).

The Port Mahon: This Oxford pub is usually filled with locals. The Port Mahon features live music and cozy indoor and outdoor seating!

The King’s Arms : One of Oxford’s most popular pubs, especially among university students and alumni. This famous pub is the oldest in Oxford, built in 1607 and still standing in its original form!

White Horse: When in Oxford, chances are every pub is famous! This pub dates from the 16th century, and claims to be Oxford’s smallest pub. Famous for its role in the Morse series, it was also frequented by Winston Churchill and Bill Clinton.

Turf Tavern : Probably one of Oxford’s most popular pubs. Turf taern is located right in the center of the action, not too far from Radcliffe Camera. You have to take a narrow alleyway hidden into a break between buildings. Then walk a fairly long trail until it opens up to a large courtyard where the bar is hidden. Though you’re in the middle of Oxford, this pub delivers the unparalleled feeling of being in a completely different world. This being said, it’s no wonder why this is a hotspot for celebrities. And why this tavern was also frequented by the Harry Potter cast and staff throughout their time filming in Oxford!

Oxford might be branded as a university town but it is so much more. The city boasts incredible architecture, stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and several well-known Harry Potter filming locations. So if you’re trying to decide where to visit in England, or what’s worth the trip, Oxford belongs firmly at the top of your list!

But don’t let this guide fool you, one day is truly not enough time to experience everything the city has to offer. If you’re interested in finding out more, or in potentially lengthening your stay, check out my 3 Day Oxford itinerary !

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• Ericka Rheanne

Hi! I'm Rheanne, a travel addicted booklover from the midwestern US. So far, I've explored 49 U.S. states (only Hawaii left!), and a few other countries. One of my favorite parts about travel is the planning, but I know it's not for everyone! It can often be overwhelming and stressful. I aim to provide you with as much ready-to-use travel information and trip planning as possible to alleviate some of your worries!

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One Day in Oxford: the Ultimate Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

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!

Taking an Oxford day trip from London is one of the most popular things to do for visitors from abroad and from within the UK.

Not only is Oxford gorgeous, but it’s within easy reach of the capitol and has the perfect amount for a day trip.

The best day trip to Oxford includes some top notch sightseeing, including things to do in Oxford for free if you’re on a budget, as well as some wonderful dining options and cultural experiences like afternoon tea.

In this guide, let’s assume that you’ve got one day in Oxford for an Oxford day trip from London (or surrounding areas), and you want to make the most of it.

⭐️Editor’s choice!⭐️

The best thing to do in Oxford in one day is this alumni-led Oxford University and city walking tour . (4.8 out of 5 ⭐️, 1,400+ reviews)

>> Click here to book in advance (recommended)

To help you narrow down what to see in Oxford in a day, follow this list to build your itinerary.

Firstly, if you specifically want things to do in Oxford with kids , make sure to check out that resource before moving on.

Essentials for 24 Hours in Oxford

• Best tour to take with just one day in Oxford: Oxford City Sightseeing Tour
• Where to book Oxford train or bus tickets: Omio
• Best travel backpack for a day out in Oxford: this one

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!

Day Trip to Oxford: The Basics

Oxford is in the southeast of England, just about an hour from London.

While we spend a lot of time in places like the Lake District and Stratford-upon Avon, Oxford is one of my favorites.

The architecture is classically gorgeous, the food is quintessentially English, and the city is compact enough to walk most places.

What’s not to love?

The history of Oxford starts in the Saxon period, when it was a settlement on the River Cherwell.

It was in the late 12th century that the University of Oxford was founded and started encompassing the town.

Industrially, the city boomed in the 19th century with printing and car manufacturing.

These declined in the 1970s and 80s, but what remained was a city with a strong educational background and a lot more going on than just the university.

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How to Get to Oxford from London

If you’re traveling on your Oxford day trip from London, I’ve got a full guide on how to get to Oxford from London .

The basic options for one day in Oxford are taking the train or taking a bus, but I’ve compared both options for you in the guide on getting to Oxford so you have all of the information you need to make the right decision for you.

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in Oxford?

My favorite hotel in Oxford for all visitors is the Randolph Hotel ( click here to check prices ).

What to Do on an Oxford Day Trip with 24 hours

Morning on a day in oxford: punting on the river.

If you’re looking for the most quintessential thing to do on an Oxford day trip, this first suggestion is for you.

No day out in Oxford is completely without some punting on the river.

Punting is basically rowing a canoe-looking contraption, except you’re standing up at the back desperately trying not to fall over and have people relying on you to not tip them head first into the water.

It sounds terrifying, which it is, but it’s also a perfect experience for a warm day.

You’d look a bit silly doing it on your own, so bring some friends and befriend some strangers who might like you to take them on a water tour of the sights!

I always use the Oxford Boathouse for punting.

The staff are super nice, very knowledgeable about punting, and there’s a little shop where you can buy snacks or gifts while waiting for your turn.

They’re located right off of Magdalen Bridge.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

Late morning: taking a Harry Potter Tour

Want to know what to do in Oxford for a day?

Did you know that much of Harry Potter was either filmed in Oxford or used Oxford as an inspiration for the look of the movies?

There are some fantastic Harry Potter tours in Oxford that you could easily fit into an Oxford day trip, and I would highly recommend it.

My husband was actually an extra in the Harry Potter films, and he has fond memories of traveling to Oxford for filming days.

I really love this Harry Potter tour of Oxford , as it also includes the Bodleian Library which is another must-see that you can wrap all in one into the 2-hour tour.

Early afternoon: Have a Wander Down Side Streets

Oxford is just plain beautiful, so basically on your Oxford day trip itinerary you can walk almost anywhere in the city and be standing in front of amazing architecture or historical statues or these super cute colorful buildings.

Even if you’ve just got one day in Oxford, prepare to set off in a general direction, take a few turns to get yourself purposefully lost, and I guarantee you’ll find something to love.

New visitors may be surprised how many countryside-feeling walks there are not that far away, as Oxford has plenty of green space.

If you would prefer to take another form of transportation, Oxford has a big cycling culture so you can rent a bike and carry on your way.

The buses are also popular, as parking limitations and traffic make it less likely that people want to drive into the city.

Afternoon snack: Grab Food in the Covered Market

Before we go any further, I would just like to say that I am not in any way being paid to say this, but the best milkshake I’ve ever had in the world I had at “Moo’s” in Oxford’s covered markets, so if you value all that is good in the world, go there.

Also the covered markets have a lot of other fresh produce and cafes to take in, but I am always too invested in my milkshake to care, so please tell me how it is.

Afternoon: Walk on the Cobblestones in Radcliffe Square

To discover a quintessentially English square on your Oxford day trip and have some free things to do in Oxford , head to Radcliffe Square.

In the center is Radcliffe Camera (spoiler alert: it’s a building, not a camera), and surrounding is Brasenose College of the University of Oxford, as well as the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and All Souls College.

There aren’t places to sit down within the square, but Radcliffe Camera makes for great photos against a blue sky, and it is fully pedestrianized so you don’t have to worry about traffic or looking the wrong way.

If a University of Oxford graduation has just taken place, you may spot recent graduates donning their caps and gowns attempting to take photos in front of Radcliffe Camera.

I’ve seen this multiple times, but sadly a security guard usually comes along and asks them to leave if they have a tripod set up.

Late afternoon of 1 day in Oxford: Ashmolean Museum

One of the most famous museums in Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum was the first university museum and was opened in 1678 as a museum holding a “cabinet of curiosities.”

It grew and developed over the years, and most recently it was reopened in 2009 after a period of renovation to bring it up to modern day.

Ashmolean really stands out in its collections of archeological artifacts and art.

It’s got paintings, pottery, old coins, swords, books, letters and more.

In particular, it has drawings done by Leonardo da Vinci and a death mask of Oliver Cromwell, as well as Greek antiquities that give us insight into Greek society.

In the past, they’ve hosted exhibitions on Andy Warhol, Islamic Art, treasure from shipwrecks and more.

This is truly one of the best things to do in Oxford on a day trip if you want value for money (or no money, as it were – it’s totally free).

Other Oxford day trip options: Pitt Rivers Museum

Step into Pitt Rivers and you’ll soon see that this free museum in Oxford isn’t like the others – instead of its artifacts and collections being displayed by year or location, they’re displayed in collections of their “use,” in other words, objects of the same type are placed together no matter where in the world they came from.

This is due to the founder, Augustus Pitt Rivers, wanting to show both a cross-cultural understanding of the world as well as make it easier for visitors to more easily understand the progression in human development, tools, and society.

One of my favorite thing about the Pitt Rivers Museum is just how interesting its specimens are – you won’t walk in and feel like you’ve seen it all before.

From totem poles to shrunken heads, there’s just a bit of wonderful weirdness waiting around every corner.

The Pitt Rivers is free to visitors of all ages, and there are special guidebooks for the kids to help them explore the artifacts and understand them in a fun way.

Oxford Day Out: Take a City Sightseeing Tour

Much like London and other big cities around the world, Oxford has sightseeing bus tours that are a great way to make sure you’ve seen all the major landmarks on an Oxford day trip without having to navigate.

This is particular good if you have people on your Oxford day trip who have mobility issues and would prefer to sit rather than walk the whole town, as well as parents with kids.

I recommend this sightseeing Oxford bus tour for the best experience.

Evening in Oxford in one day: Seeing an Open-Air Theatre Show

If you thought London had the monopoly on great theatre, think again.

Oxford has some great indoor theatre venues.

But in the summer months, open-air theatre productions are popular and you can fit it in in the evening of your day trip to Oxford.

One summer, Creation Theatre did Hamlet in the park, and OH MY GOODNESS YES!

I’ve seen Hamlet with Jude Law, and I love me some Jude Law, but this version knocked it out of the park. (GET IT!?! Park!? Open-air theatre?! Sorry, couldn’t help myself).

The Creation Theatre often stages plays in venues such as Westgate Shopping Center and University Parks.

These plays typically involve a degree of audience participation as well, so if you’re an extrovert and the theatre is on your list of things to do in Oxford, make it a point to check out what the Creation Theatre is up to on your day trip to Oxford.

Where to Eat on an Oxford Day Trip

If you’ve only got one day in the Oxfordshire area, you’re not going to have time to try every pub or café that comes your way.

So I’ve listed my favorites to help you take your own culinary tour of the city without spending hours messing around on Trip Advisor as you’re standing in front of some historic landmarks (been there, done that).

Vaults and Garden for Breakfast

Start your day with an organic breakfast in a building dating back to 1320 for the true Oxford experience.

Vaults and Garden is located in the Old Congregation House and has both indoor and outdoor seating.

It’s been voted as the most sustainable restaurant in Oxfordshire, and they operate a seasonal menu so you’re always eating fresh.

In addition to breakfast staples like eggs and toast, they have vegan and vegetarian full breakfast plates, as well as salmon and breakfast soups.

The Bear Inn for Lunch or Dinner

Dating back to 1242, The Bear Inn is a fantastic choice for a pub dinner with classics such as fish and chips, as well as hamburgers, sausages and mash, and baked potatoes.

Walk around and you’ll see collections of ties, old university shirts and sports team paraphernalia.

If you’re visiting Oxford on a Sunday, be sure to stop by for a traditional Sunday roast.

You’ll be inundated with your choice of meat, usually roast vegetables like swede (if you don’t know what swede is, check out my post on British food versus American food ), yorkshire pudding (not actually pudding) and potatoes!

Afternoon Tea in Oxford on a Day Trip

A day trip wouldn’t be complete without some kind of afternoon tea in Oxford!

I recommend booking at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel .

This hotel is right in the heart of Oxford and is a 5-star luxury hotel that serves a great afternoon tea filled with wonderful sandwiches, delicious scones, and all the tea you desire.

The prices are cheaper than London afternoon tea prices, as well, at about £40 a person rather than the £60+ you would pay in London for some of London’s best afternoon teas.

Is Oxford Worth a Day Trip?

There are some places that are technically a “day trip” from London that aren’t worth going to at all, but Oxford is one of the must-do day trips from London.

No matter what you’re into, Oxford is absolutely worth it as a day trip.

You’ve got history, museums, beautiful architecture, great food, and some awesome Harry Potter sites.

In fact, I think it’s much more beautiful than London and more representative of what classic English cities look like, so you would be remiss to pass it up!

Is a Day Trip Long Enough in Oxford?

I would recommend either a day trip or a weekend trip to Oxford, though most people can feel like they’ve seen the city enough in a day trip.

You obviously won’t be able to spend hours at each museum or attraction, but you will be able to see enough to make it worth your trip out there.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Oxford

Packing for an Oxford day trip doesn’t require too much, since you won’t be spending the night, but here are some key day trip essentials I highly recommend when in the UK.

Day bag or backpack

You’ll want to have some sort of day bag or backpack to carry things in, as usually I find a purse isn’t sufficient.

I like ones like these that are cute and comfortable , but you can also get more basic ones like these that can be passed around the family to take turns wearing it.

You don’t need a money belt when in Oxford or in the UK, so you can just make sure your wallet is in a safe place in your bag and that you keep an eye on it at all times.

Portable Phone Charger

I always carry a portable phone charger like this one out with me when I’m on a day trip, as if your phone loses battery, you may find that you’ve lost confirmation for activities, train tickets, or, perhaps more importantly, the ability to use a mapping app to find directions places.

If you’re super paranoid, you can also bring your actual charger with you that plugs into a wall in case of an emergency, but I find that my portable charger always works well.

Refillable Water Bottle

To avoid having to purchase water bottles all day, I like to bring a refillable water bottle like this one.

Not only is it way more eco-friendly, but it saves you money and allows you to make sure you always have a full bottle of water with you even if you end up in a park or field where there are no water bottles on sale around.

Lots of places in Oxford and across the UK now will have refillable water bottle stations near bathrooms or other public facilities, you just have to keep an eye out.

There’s nothing better than sitting on a train to Oxford, watching the world go by and listening to music.

Public transportation is such an integral part of life in the UK that I always carry headphones with me so I can listen to music while being whisked from place to place.

Okay, it’s not like you’re going somewhere without food on your day trip to Oxford, but having some fruit and other snacks packed is always super handy.

Maybe you need a snack while you’re on the bus and stuck in traffic.

Maybe someone is hungry earlier than you plan to eat the meal and is desperate for something to eat.

Maybe someone has a food allergy and you want to make sure there is something that they can have in a pinch.

Whatever the reason, coming prepared for your day trip to Oxford with some snacks has never been a bad idea!

You can purchase them at any supermarket, with plenty of options ranging from fruit to crisps (potato chips) to candy bars to healthier options like nuts and raisins.

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. London water is safe to drink .

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 Day Trip To Oxford

From exploring the city’s history, to great shopping and restaurants, this travel guide will help you plan your day trip to Oxford.

There are lots of great cities to explore in the UK, but one of my favourite is Oxford. I grew up around 40-minutes away so it’s a city I’m familiar with. The architecture of the city is simply amazing, with historic college buildings, churches and old shops giving so much character.

It’s a very walkable city and the roads can get busy. If you’re visiting I’d recommend taking public transport if possible. My trip was in collaboration with Omio , a travel booking site which allows you to book planes, trains and buses all through one platform. Most of the tickets are e-tickets, so you don’t have to worry about printing in advance, and it’s super simple to use. 

I booked a National Express coach and had an easy journey from High Wycombe to Oxford, enjoying beautiful views of historic West Wycombe and the impressive Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire countryside. 

Rather than continue to Oxford’s bus terminal at Gloucester Green I decided to disembark on the High Street where some of the historic college buildings had already caught my eye. If, like me, you’re visiting Oxford for a day, you’ll be keen to pack in as much as possible. 

So with only 24 hours in Oxford, and lots of sightseeing to pack in, what activities would I recommend?

Explore The University Of Oxford And The City’s Architecture

38 colleges make up the historic University of Oxford – the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It’s incredible when you think that teaching started in the 11 th and 12 th centuries! The centre of the city is saturated with stunning architecture, and you really do feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the streets past Baliol College, Jesus, Brasenose and more. I love how you don’t need to plan your sightseeing in Oxford… you can just wander the streets and see what you discover!

For me, the most beautiful part was walking through Radcliffe Square, home to the impressive circular Radcliffe Camera. I also loved passing the Bridge of Sighs and the 17 th Century Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren – a former student at the university. 

While I didn’t explore inside any of the universities on this visit, many are open to the public. For a small fee (between £2 and £7) you can wander the grounds and explore some of the most ancient colleges and beautiful chapels. 

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Oxford, I’d highly recommend walking down to Christ Church – often named as one Oxford’s most beautiful colleges and famed for its impressive cathedral.  

Go On Your Very Own Adventure In Wonderland

Lewis Caroll (known as Charles Dodgson) studied maths at Christ Church, Oxford, and it’s in this city that Alice’s adventures in wonderland began. There are plenty of spots in the city that bring the magic to life.

On St. Aldates is Alice’s Shop – the very shop where Alice Liddell (Lewis Caroll’s muse) loved to buy her sweets. Inside the store today you’ll find hundreds of items of memorabilia, from Mad Hatter tea party crockery, to artwork, and even Alice fancy dress outfits! Don’t miss the White Rabbit staring anxiously at his pocket-watch at the door!

Stepping inside Christ Church may be a must for Harry Potter fans… but once inside its majestic Great Hall there’s also a famous stained glass window to Alice. 

And just a stone’s throw away is Cafe Loco – a themed café with Alice in Wonderland artworks on the walls and a Mad Hatter Tea Party menu! 

Climb The Tower At St Mary The Virgin

One of the top Oxford tourist attractions also offers the BEST views of the city!

Climb the church tower of St Mary The Virgin and you’ll be rewarded with views of the beautiful colleges, church spires and greens that make up Oxford city centre. It only costs £4, so is perfect if you’re on a budget.

The 62m tower dates from the 13th century and while the stairs up are narrow and steep, it’s definitely worth the effort! It’ll help you get your bearings of where the key sights are located, and help you plan what else to do on your London to Oxford day trip.

Take A Break At England’s Oldest Cafe

An Oxford institution, The Grand Café sits on the site of the oldest coffee house in England according to Samuel Pepys’ Diary of 1650.

The luxurious room with sweeping bar and huge mirror is a lovely place to enjoy a break from sightseeing.

I tucked into a delicious chocolate brownie, which was warm, indulgent and gooey in the middle!

Shop At Oxford Covered Market  

A maze of over 40 boutiques and foodie spots, Oxford Covered Market is a wonderful place to meander around. Dating back to the 1770s, it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone.

On your Oxford trip, be sure to check out The Oxford Cheese Shop (which sells lots of great locally made cheeses), The Cake Shop (where you can watch the experts creating incredible cakes right in the window) and cute boutique Fresh Clothing.

Challenge Your Friends At Thirsty Meeples Board Games Café

What an amazing place to visit on your Oxford day tour! Thirsty Meeples is home to a treasure trove of over 2000 board games. When I visited almost every table was taken, with people enjoying a good game, a drink and a chat. In a time where everyone seems to be glued to phones and laptops, it was really refreshing!

Don’t expect to turn up and play monopoly or scrabble – there are so many games you’ve never heard of, you should definitely try something new.

They charge a small fee per person for use of the table and game for three hours (£5 for adults / £3.50 for children) and while there you can choose from a menu of snacks, sandwiches, coffee, craft beer or cocktails (depending on how much you want to concentrate!)

Enjoy Oxford’s Quirky Shopping Scene

Queen Street and the High Street are home to chain stores including Marks and Spencer, French Connection, Primark and Topshop. But why go all the way to Oxford for a standard shopping experience?

If you’re visiting oxford for the day and fancy a rummage, check out Unicorn vintage store on Ship Street. Jam-packed with items, it was tricky to even open the door! Once inside wade through mountains of fur coats, retro dresses and costume jewellery – you might find a real gem!

For something more up to date, head to Fresh Clothing in Oxford Covered Market. I loved the bright coloured dresses and quirky shoes. There were also some lovely floral accessories!

Babylon, a gift and homeware store on the High Street also caught my eye with its fun window displays featuring flamingos and colourful cushions.

While I didn’t have the chance to go in (yes I was racing to the bus station!) I snapped a quick photo of Arcadia – an eye-catching shop selling second-hand books and vintage items. It looked perfect for gifts so I’ll be sure to squeeze a visit in next time I’m enjoying a day trip to Oxford.

Venture Into Oxford Castle Quarter

Just before catching my National Express coach home, I walked to Oxford Castle Quarter . With 1000 years of history, it’s worth checking out the beautiful exterior and 11th-century Motte and Bailey Castle, even if you don’t fancy venturing inside.

The area is also home to a Pizza Express, Prezzo, a coffee shop and even a Malmaison Hotel – with the rooms located in a converted Victorian prison! In the past people were dying to leave that building… and now people are paying to stay there…!

Is Oxford worth visiting?

100% – I love the city and I think this day trip to Oxford from London is one of my favourite day trips you can take from the capital. 

People sometimes ask me how long they should spend in Oxford, and while there’s plenty to keep you busy for several days (including some lovely things to do in Oxford at night which I haven’t mentioned in this post), I think a one day trip to Oxford from London gives an amazing flavour of the city, before you start planning return visits to go into more detail. 

Book your day trip to Oxford with National Express  via Omio now and find out more about what there is to do in the city at experienceoxfordshire.org .

Enjoyed this post about amazing things to see in Oxford? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

7 thoughts on “A Day Trip To Oxford”

If I ever get back to London, I will make sure to visit Oxford aswell. Looks like a cute, english town . x

I hope you get the chance to visit. It’s so pretty! I really love it there.

I do so adore the city of dreaming spires!

I love that name for it! You really feel it when you’re up the tower looking out too…

I love Oxford! All of the Harry Potter locations and University colleges are so much fun to explore. Maybe you can try and convince Oxford to let you into All Souls College next time? 😀

Hey Alice – glad you love it too!! I would love to visit All Souls next time – fingers crossed for an invite!!

Tks for the article! I’m going to Oxford and I find it very useful. 🙂

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One Day in Oxford: The Best Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

I may be biased because I lived in Oxford, but I firmly believe that visiting Oxford is one of the best things you can do in England! There are so many fun things to do and amazing historical connections in this beautiful university city. So its no wonder that people from across England and visitors from around the world want to make sure they see Oxford, even if only for a day!

If you are in England and planning to spend one day in Oxford, it can be difficult to decide what is worth doing and what is okay to skip. So this Oxford day trip itinerary is here to help you make the most of your short time exploring this spectacular city! From my favorite city sights to my favorite places to eat, you’ll learn exactly what you won’t want to miss seeing in Oxford.

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

Wondering what to do in Oxford in one day? There are so many things to do here that it can be really hard to choose what to see. But I’ve narrowed all these options down to some of my favorite things to do in Oxford so you can plan your itinerary and know you are experiencing the best of this quintessential English town!

1. Take a Tour of Oxford

I think one of the best ways to get the lay of the land in Oxford is to take a high-level tour of the city. There are two ways you can do this.

The first way would be to take a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour . You’ll see these red buses all across Oxford, and if you have purchased a ticket you can get on and off of them anywhere along the route. This means you can simply sit on the bus for the whole route and listen to the guided tour to learn more about Oxford, or you can choose to get off at some sights if you want to see them in more depth.

The second option is to take a walking tour of Oxford. While you can take a guided tour to hear the history of Oxford from a local, you can also use the free guide I put together to see all the important sights in Oxford and the University of Oxford!

Regardless of which option you choose, getting familiar with the layout and learning a little bit about the city and its history is the perfect way to start out your time in Oxford.

Click here to check out the Hop-on Hop-off Bus or discover the walking route of Oxford!

2. Visit Christ Church College

If you only have one day to spend in Oxford, Christ Church College is the place to visit. The University of Oxford has a ton of amazing colleges , but Christ Church makes the cut as the best college to see on a day trip because of its grandeur.

It’s a huge college with beautiful quads and buildings, including the college cathedral. As you wander the college, be sure to be on the lookout for any hints of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland . Why? Well, this is the college that Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) lived and worked at…so you may see some aspects of the college that may have inspired parts of his classic novel!

The Christ Church dining hall is also a must-see, as it is the hall that Hogwarts’ Great Hall was modeled after in the Harry Potter movies . And it’s actually still a working dining hall where students eat meals every day!

Unsurprisingly, a few other locations throughout Christ Church were also used in the Harry Potter films (such as the entrance to the dining hall, which is where Professor McGonagall meets the first years in the first movie). That’s why this is an essential stop on any Harry Potter tour of Oxford , and also one of the reasons that this college is worth a visit on any Oxford one day trip.

Christ Church has a small fee to enter (unless you are entering solely for a church service in the cathedral) but it is worth it to get to explore this beautiful college on your day trip!

Click here to check out Christ Church College and how to enter the grounds!

3. Explore the Pitt Rivers Museum

There are a plethora of amazing museums to explore in Oxford, but the most unique one is the Pitt Rivers Museum. And it doesn’t really matter whether you love museums or not…this should still be on your list either way!

Why should it be on your list? Because I guarantee it’s different from any other museum you’ve been to. Instead of being organized in a typical, clinical museum way, this museum organizes everything by groups into cases such as “Pottery,” “Musical Instruments,” and “Treatment of Dead Enemies.” It’s far more like an old Victorian attic than it is like your usual museum!

With three floors to explore, this is a unique and fascinating place where you could easily lose track of time as you wander. And best of all, it’s one of the many free things you can do in Oxford !

4. Take a Library Tour

We all know that Oxford is well known across the world for the University of Oxford. But as part of the university, this city holds some amazing libraries! If you are at all interested in the scholarly side of Oxford, these are a must-see.

The libraries are impressive not only for their collections of books ranging from medieval to modern, but they’re also stunning and impressive simply by virtue of their architecture. You can view many of these libraries from the outside for free, but unless you are a student of the university you will need to take a tour to see inside.

There are several tour options to choose from, but the Old Bodleian and Duke Humfrey’s library should definitely be on your list. Also the Radcliffe Camera if you have the time!

Check out some of the coolest libraries in Oxford to find out which ones you should see!

5. See Oxford From Above

The beautiful city of Oxford is even better when seen from above! This city is known as the “city of dreaming spires,” which you can’t fully appreciate until you view the spires at eye-level.

The Sheldonian Theatre is my top choice to visit for views of Oxford, as you get to explore inside the theater (used for concerts and all official Oxford University ceremonies) as well as climb to the cupola to see an impressive 360-degree view of Oxford. You get amazing views right over the Old Bodleian Library complex!

The second best view over Oxford, in my opinion, is from the spire at St. Mary’s Church. Because it is located just to the south of the Radcliffe Library, you get an excellent direct view of this iconic building from above with all the other spires of Oxford in the background.

Both places cost money to enter, but if you choose one of these options on your day trip then you’ll get to experience the city of dreaming spires in a beautiful and unique way!

6. Go Punting on the River

Punting is a quintessentially English (and Oxford!) thing to do. There is nothing quite as peaceful as going out on the river and enjoying floating and picnicking during the afternoon. Unfortunately, punting doesn’t happen all year round…but if you are in Oxford during punting season then I highly recommend giving it a go!

Punting is especially popular with Oxford students during Trinity term, but you can usually punt from early spring into early to late fall. This is an amusing pastime (and a bit tricky!) if it’s your first time punting, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough. Especially if you check out my punting guide ahead of time so you know what to expect!

Where to Eat in Oxford on a Day Trip

No Oxford city tour is complete without some delicious food! There are many amazing restaurants in Oxford, but here are a few of my favorites that I return to again and again.

There are two excellent options I recommend for breakfasts in Oxford: Vaults & Garden and Turl Street Kitchen.

• Vaults & Garden offers a range of breakfast items from simple toast to the “Full Oxford” English breakfast. They also have delicious scones! This is my top choice because it is located below the University Church of St. Mary in an old church room from 1320 with high vaulted ceilings.
• Turl Street Kitchen is another excellent choice for breakfast with pastries and other offerings such as salmon and eggs and the TSK English breakfast. There is also a cute little sitting room on the second floor where you can take your coffee/tea/hot chocolate and enjoy relaxing a little.

Looking for more options? Check out the best cafes in Oxford!

Lunch/Dinner

For lunch and dinner, the restaurants you choose will depend on what sounds good as well as what priorities you have (such as visiting locations of your favorite writers or book/TV characters). Here are a few of my favorites:

• The Eagle & Child (aka the Bird and Baby) is a nice choice for lunch or dinner with a classic pub menu. If you go here, I also highly recommend trying the sticky toffee pudding! This pub is the location where C.S. Lewis and the Inklings frequently met, so literary fans may enjoy the chance to follow in their footsteps by visiting here.
• Old Tom Pub has a pub atmosphere but offers Thai cuisine on the menu instead of regular pub food. My favorite dish here is their Red Thai Curry, although pretty much everything else is excellent too. If you plan to eat here, note that the restaurant is located in the back half of the pub so you should sit in the back instead of the front if you want to order food.
• The Turf Tavern is a great historic pub hidden away in Oxford. It is one of the locations used in Inspector Morse and has a lot of nice food options, including an excellent mac & cheese dish. You can’t go wrong with this pub!

How to Get to Oxford From London

Many people choose to day trip to Oxford from London because travel from London to Oxford is quick and easy! Here are three ways to travel between these cities.

Visiting Oxford By Bus

Taking the bus from London to Oxford is a popular option for a day trip (although it’s frequently called a coach instead of a bus in England). The Oxford Tube or the X90 are both about 1 hour and 40 minutes each way and cost approximately £15-20 round trip.

Visiting Oxford By Train

Taking the train from London to Oxford is my favorite way to travel between these two cities. Choosing a fast train means your journey time is only an hour each way…which means you have more time to see Oxford!

With trains, you also have a bit more flexibility with pricing than you do with buses…especially if you book your tickets in advance. A regular priced, round trip and off peak ticket should cost around £27 pounds. But if you know which specific train you want to take you can often book singles and get your whole trip booked for £10-20.

AND! If you plan to travel by rail a lot while in England, you may want to consider getting a railcard. Purchasing a rail card means you get discounted fares (usually 30% off). With such a good discount, railcards quickly pay for themselves with only a few journeys. I have frequently found £3-4 train fares from London to Oxford by using my railcard and booking in advance. Find out more about how to do this (and learn other money-saving tricks) in my guide on how to save on UK travel .

Visiting Oxford By Road

If you plan to drive from London to Oxford using your own car or a rental car, you should reach Oxford somewhere between 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes via M40.

Guided Day Trips to Oxford

I usually prefer to find my own way around cities and explore local places, but if you prefer guided tours instead of exploring on your own then there are several tour options to consider. An Oxford bus tour can be a great way to get to see several English landmarks in one day! Here are few top-rated day trip tours that include Oxford:

• Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour : This full day tour takes you to three of the most popular destinations in England. Included in the price is transportation to and from London, entry to Windsor Castle, entry to Stonehenge, and a walking tour of Oxford. If this sounds like an option you are interested in, you may also want to consider this tour that visits all the same places but includes an exclusive viewing of Stonehenge outside of normal operating hours !
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Tour : If you want to spend more time in Oxford and the surrounding Oxfordshire area, then this is the guided tour for you! This tour spends time exploring the University of Oxford as well as beautiful countryside areas nearby. Transportation in a Mercedes coach is included plus a professional guide to help you explore.
• Cambridge and Oxford Tour : If you’ve ever wondered whether Cambridge or Oxford is the better university and city, this full day tour is the opportunity to find out. Round trip transportation is included in the price as well as a walking tour of Oxford and a walking tour of Cambridge.
• Harry Potter Studio and Oxford Tour : This tour is the perfect choice for Harry Potter lovers! You’ll visit the Warner Bros. Studio plus you’ll get a chance to explore Oxford, where many parts of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Included in the tour is admission to the Harry Potter Studio, a professional walking tour of Oxford, and transportation to and from London.

Is a Day Trip Not Enough?

If you’ve looked at all there is to see and do in Oxford and found that there are too many things you want to do, then you might want to consider expanding your day trip to a multi-day trip. You certainly won’t regret it!

Oxford also makes an excellent base to explore England rather than staying in the hustle and bustle of London. Here are a few day trip ideas from Oxford in case you are considering making Oxford your base of operations for your vacation.

And if you want the complete scoop on Oxford, check out this guide that compiles everything you need to know including more sightseeing and restaurant recommendations for your time exploring this city!

Whether you visit for one day or decide to stay longer, you will definitely enjoy your time in this lovely city of dreaming spires. And you may even, like me, find that you love it enough to someday call it home!

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24 Hours in Oxford

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24 hours in Oxford… You might think it’s impossible but it’s not. Here’s an action-packed guide to prove it. The ultimate Oxford day trip travel guide with things to do, see, eat and drink. 

Oxford has it all. A university that dates back to the 11th century, magnificent sandstone architecture and the kind of scenery that means you can’t help but snap and share on Instagram ( #nofilter ).

If you are looking for a short break within easy reach of London, Oxford is perfect. Even if you aren’t, you should go anyway.

It’s a tough city to cover in 24 hours – there are 38 Oxford University colleges and six permanent private halls in the university alone. They’re dotted all over the city, some closely grouped together, others further out than you ever thought possible (St Hugh’s, I’m looking at you).

Read more: The Best Things to do in Oxford – 24 Oxford Attractions You Need to See

Oxford isn’t all about the university either. It’s a city of over 159,000 people and, between them, they’ve conjured up a wealth of tasty restaurants , cool drinking holes and engaging sites to keep you occupied on your Oxford day trip .

So it’s impossible to see Oxford in 24 hours, then? That’s what you’re thinking, right? Wrong. It is not.

Here’s the ultimate guide to how to spend 24 hours in Oxford and discover all that this charming city has to offer.

How to Plan Your 24 Hours in Oxford 

The two easiest ways that you can get to Oxford on a day trip from London is to either get the coach or to get the train. 

Both are relatively short trips (it’s an hour on the train vs 1 hour and 7 minutes on the coach (if there’s no traffic – and that’s a big if) and leave from central London destinations that are easy to get to.

Oxford Day Trip by Coach

You have several options when it comes to taking the coach from London to Oxford. The main ones are:

• Oxford Tube – runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Adult return ticket (same day or next day) £18. Stops in London: Hillingdon, Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Victoria
• X90 – runs every 15-20 minutes 24 hours a day. Adult return ticket (same day or next day) £18. Stops in London: Hillingdon, Baker Street/ Marylebone, Marble Arch and Victoria.
• National Express – runs every 1/2 hour between 4.30am and 11pm. Adult return ticket (flexible fare) £19. Stops in London: Victoria.
• Megabus – Adult return ticket from £10.50 if you book in advance. These are actually the Oxford Tube buses – so you can see that you can get a significant discount booking through Megabus if you’re willing to book a specific time in advance. This would be my recommended method of transport if budget is your top priority.

Oxford Day Trip by Train

The train to Oxford runs from London Paddington and takes 1 hour. Return tickets start from £5.50 if you book far, far in advance – The Trainline is pretty good for this. If you’re buying on the day, the ticket will cost around £26 for an off-peak day return.

8 am – Breakfast at Turl Street Kitchen

You are in for a long day (it will be fun though, guys, FUN), so you need to fuel up. You could eat a sad breakfast somewhere nondescript, or you could go to Turl Street Kitchen for a lesson on how breakfast should always be.

I’m not going to say there’s a particular dish that you should try because, to be honest, I’ve eaten absolutely everything on the menu. And it’s all incred!

The grilled kipper, lemon & black pepper butter and toast is divine (and has the added benefit of not smelling out your kitchen, as those of you who have ever tried to cook kipper at home can understand).

The bacon butty (sandwich) is the perfect example of a simple thing done very well. Or just settle for a flaky, buttery croissant and a coffee to ease you into the day. Breakfast is served from 8 am -10 am.

Read More: The Best Cafes in Oxford

9 am – The Ashmolean Museum 

The Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum for art and archaeology. It was founded in 1683 and now displays a diverse range of collections to over 1 million visitors per year.

The museum underwent a huge renovation in the late noughties and reopened in 2009. The result? A beautiful space where you can learn about the human stories that make up history dating from 8,000 BC to the present day.

The museum features a number of famous works, including The Hunt in the Forest by Paolo Uccello and Turner’s Transept of Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire.

Much as I recommend that you just have a look at their famous pieces, the Ashmolean truly shines when you pick up a guide and spend a few hours meandering around the different exhibitions.

Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm Every day. Free entry.

Read more: 11 Must-See Museums in Oxford

11 am – Oxford Self-Guided Walking Tour (2 hours)

OK, so this bit is a challenge but not impossible. Although Oxford is a decent-sized city, the centre is really small.

Stick to the centre and you’ll be able to see all the big hitters in two hours with no problem. To make it even easier, I’ve put together a step by step walking tour for you to follow.

Don’t fancy a self-guided tour? Check out these recommended walking tours .

The Ashmolean Museum – Begin The Tour

Start your Oxford day trip tour at the Ashmolean Museum (which is well worth a visit). From the entrance of the Ashmolean, turn left and cross St Giles to walk along Broad Street.

Balliol College

Pop into Balliol College , one of Oxford’s oldest colleges (which de facto means it’s one of the oldest learning institutions in the English-speaking world).

You’ll learn that almost all of the University’s oldest colleges have a building or two that some of the students (and definitely the visitors) aren’t so sure about – in this case it’s the Balliol Chapel.

William Butterfield (who also designed Keble College down the road) envisioned a neo-gothic glory that would inspire visitors to give praise to God.

The final result is fairly controversial: it’s been described as looking like a slice of streaky bacon and Aldous Huxley (a Balliol alumnus) couldn’t stand the sight of it.

Sheldonian Theatre

After feasting your eyes on Balliol’s chapel, walk back onto Broad Street until you come to the Sheldonian Theatre.

The Sheldonian, as it is affectionately known, is used for the university’s matriculation and graduation ceremonies.

It was the first major commission for Christopher Wren (of St Paul’s Cathedral fame) and was the first Neo-Classical building to be built in Oxford. If you’re not impressed by these facts, you might be a tad more taken with the building itself.

The Sheldonian often hosts interesting talks and concerts – make sure you check out the programme when you visit to see if there’s anything that catches your eye. But for now, our Oxford day trip tour continues, so there is no time to rest.

The Bodleian Library

It’s a hop, skip and jump from The Sheldonian Theatre to our next destination, the Divinity School. This is a part of the Bodleian Library – the ceiling consists of lierne vaulting – you might just recognise…

PS: Did you know that the Divinity School is one of Oxford’s many Harry Potter filming spots ? Read the full guide.

Safe to say, it’s beautiful and well worth seeing, particularly when you are five seconds away anyway.

The Bodleian (or the Bod to those in the know) is one of the oldest libraries in the UK, and is also one of the biggest.

In 2016, the Bodleian purchased its 12 millionth printed book. 12 million! The average book is 25cm long, so there are 3,000 kilometres of end-to-end books in the Bod. Hope you’re enjoying these geeky facts!

Well, maybe I’m being a bit misleading by saying the Bodleian Library has 12 million books, because really the Bodleian Libraries (of which there are several) who collectively own that number of books but whatever, creative licence and all that.

Anyway, the Old Bodleian Library has a lot of books and a beautiful building.

The Radcliffe Camera

If you turn right out of the main entrance to the Old Bodleian Library and walk about 10-15 metres you’ll see it for yourself. A striking, round building.

This is the Radcliffe Camera (otherwise known as the building that launched a thousand Instagram snaps. You won’t be able to get into the Radcliffe Camera unless you book onto one of the tours of the Bodleian but it’s so pretty from the outside that you can probably live with that.

Narnia in Oxford

Stick your head into Hertford College and have a nose around before making your way to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin . There’s been a church on the site of St Mary’s for over 1,000 years.

A much newer addition is the Vaults and Garden Cafe , which serves up a mean piece of cake – I dare you to resist.

Hungry? Here’s why The Vaults is one of our picks for the top afternoon teas in Oxford .

After St Mary’s, C.S Lewis lovers should detour down the right hand side of the church and look for an ornate door flanked by two golden fauns. Legend has it that this is the very door that inspired the wardrobe in The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.

In fact, if you turn and look back to the Radcliffe Camera, you’ll see an ornate lamppost, which is also supposed to be the inspiration for the famous post in the book.

Examination Schools and Magdalen College

Your next stop on your Oxford day trip is Magdalen College , a fairly short walk down the High Street. If you think you have enough time, Queen’s College and University College are both very pretty and quaint, but it’s up to you.

On your way to Magdalen, you can also spy the Examination Schools.

If you are in town during exam time, expect to see students dressed up in sub-fusc and either smiling like the cat that has got the cream or crying tears of sheer panic (I speak from experience of both).

Whether or not you’ve stopped at Queen’s, Univ and Exam Schools, you’ll eventually get to Magdalen. Magdalen is one of Oxford University’s most famous colleges. In a city that’s fairly fancy overall, Magdalen is so fancy it has a deer park of its own. I KNOW.

Apart from being mega-fancy, Magdalen is also renowned for its May Day tradition, where the choir sing from the top of Magdalen tower at 6 am.

If you are ever around in Oxford for May Day, it’s traditional to stay up all night (preferably around a bonfire in Port Meadow to the north of the city) and then trundle over to see the Magdalen choir sing before having breakfast and passing out from exhaustion in bed. 

Now that would make for a pretty epic Oxford day trip.

Christ Church Meadow

After Magdalen, cross the High Road and walk down Rose Lane to Christ Church Meadow. The meadow is a peaceful haven from the busy High Street. Both of Oxford’s rivers, the Isis (the Thames) and the Cherwell run alongside the grounds.

Christ Church Meadow hasn’t always been this peaceful. Oxford was the Royalist capital of England and home to the court of Charles I during the English Civil War.

The meadows played an important role – they were a defence against the Parliamentarian forces, and, when that failed, Charles I and his army used the meadow to escape from Cromwell’s army in 1646.

On a much lighter note, the meadows are also the setting for some of the scenes in Alice in Wonderland .

Writer Lewis Carroll (real name Charles Dodgson who was a lecturer at Christ Church ) took Alice Liddell (for whom the stories were written as well as inspired by) for many a walk in the meadows. In fact, he wrote a large part of the book while sitting in them.

Christ Church College

Christ Church Meadows are (unsurprisingly) owned by Christ Church College .

If Magdalen was one of Oxford’s most famous colleges, Christ Church is the most famous. It was where Charles I lived and dined during his tenure in Oxford, it boasts the smallest cathedral in the world and…. it’s home to the dining hall of Harry Potter fame .

There’s also the Tom Tower, which was designed by Christopher Wren (again). Overall, there’s so much to see at Christ Church that if I tried to describe it, this already mammoth post would become even bigger, so check out their website .

I’ve put together this handy map of the tour, too, so you shouldn’t get lost!

Your two-hour walking tour of Oxford University is over.

Want more? Guess what? There’s more – just carry on reading for the remainder of your Oxford day trip travel guide.

By now, you know everything about Oxford, and it’s time for bed, right? Incorrect.

PS – this might be a good time to stop off in The Bear – one of Oxford’s best (not to mention one of its oldest) pubs.  It’s right next to Christ Church

1 pm – Pick up a packed lunch and head to the Oxford Botanic Gardens 

After all of that walking, you’re bound to be a bit tired and hungry – so the next stop is going to be a little bit more chill.

Walk up St Aldates from Christ Church and turn right back onto the High Street to pick up a packed lunch. I recommend Taylors for their heavenly made-to-order baguettes, or you can stop in the Covered Market to pick up a tasty meal there.

Continue walking down the High Street until you come to Magdalen again and head into the Botanic Gardens across the road (entry £5 for adults).

In my opinion, The Botanic Gardens is one of the prettiest spots in Oxford. Despite being outshined by its London neighbour (shakes a fist at Kew) it’s the oldest botanic garden in the UK (dating from 1621) and has been fulfilling its mission “to promote the furtherance of learning and to glorify nature” ever since.

There are lots of benches dotted all over the gardens, some overlooking the Cherwell river.

Bag a spot on one of these to eat your lunch before exploring the gardens at large. Thousands of plants are artfully arranged in two main sections, the Walled Garden and the Lower Garden.

The beds within each garden are organised around different themes or purposes, such as the Medicinal Plants bed in the Walled Garden or the Gin Border in the Lower Garden. Yes, you heard us right, a Gin Border.

Don’t forget to pop into the huge greenhouses, they’re crammed with soaring cacti and lush palms. Just walking around them basically feels like you have been transported to the other side of the world.

3 pm – The Museum of Natural History / Pitt Rivers Museum 

Once you’ve rested up a bit and seen your fill of the Botanic Gardens, walk up Longwall Street (which goes on to become St Cross Street and South Parks Road) until you get to the end of the road.

Just to the right, you’ll find the Oxford University Musuem of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum . 

The two museums are housed in the same building, so it is definitely worth seeing both of them. Together, they contain the university’s zoology, entomology and mineral collections. They’re basically like a smaller, more manageable version of the Natural History Museum in London.

Lewis Carroll used to visit here with Alice, too and it’s said that Jan Savery’s Dodo (one of the exhibits in the museum) was the inspiration for the dodo in Alice in Wonderland.

Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily. Admission is free. 

Read More: Free Museums in Oxford You Need to Visit

4 pm – The University Parks via Keble College

As you exit the Museum of Natural History, you’ll be facing a huge redbrick, crazily patterned and ornate building.

After the sandstone-fest that is the majority of Oxford University, Keble College ’s dramatic Victorian gothic buildings provide a breath of fresh air.

Remember earlier in the post where I referenced Balliol’s controversial Chapel, designed by William Butterfield? Well, Butterfield designed the whole of Keble College and the result is equally controversial.

I love it… but others, not so much.

Anyway, you should visit. It has the largest sunken quad in Europe, a gorgeous chapel, and the dining hall puts that tiny thing in Christ Church to shame.

Keble’s Chapel also houses the famous Holman Hunt painting The Light of the World   – I’ve never been able to see the appeal but it’s famous and it’s there so maybe you want to hunt it out.

Across the road from Keble College is the University Parks . The University Parks provide a welcome home for many of the university’s sports clubs.

Don’t be surprised if you see a game of rugby, cricket or quidditch taking place. That’s right. Quidditch !

The fictional sport from Harry Potter has been rendered real by mudbloods muggles running around with a broomstick between their legs.

I wish this existed while I was at university—it might have counterbalanced the sheer number of takeaways. Probably not.

6 pm – Happy hour at The Duke of Cambridge and Cocktail bar hopping in Jericho 

You’ve worked hard on your Oxford day trip. Your hard work is done. Now is the time to drink and feast.

Luckily Jericho (home to some of the best cocktail bars in Oxford ) is just a short walk away.

Make your way to The Duke of Cambridge and make full use of their excellent-value Happy Hour(s). The mixologists at the Duke are something else, and it shows in the menu. Happy Hour lasts until 9 pm Sunday – Thursday and until 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Cocktail bars are something that Jericho does really quite well – while in the area, you should also take a drink at Raoul’s , Freud’s and Angels . Just not too many drinks… that would be irresponsible.

Read More: Awesome Cocktail Bars in Oxford

8 pm –  Dinner at Gees Restaurant

By now, you should be well and truly ready for dinner. Gee’s is such an Oxford institution that it would be a shame to miss it (and, it finally just reopened – woohoo!). 

The food is stellar, and the location is just dreamy: a huge glass house filled with plants and trees.

The menu is extensive and ranges from Jerusalem artichoke, red onion and rosemary risotto to monkfish tails with potatoes, chorizo & kale. Their cocktails are also highly recommended (# justsayin ). Leave space for dessert.

10 pm – Bed, Back to London, or These Nightlife Picks

And there you have it. Your Oxford day trip is over.

This would be about the time that most people are ready to turn in (OK, just us then) or hop on the transport back to London, but if you’re ready to take on Oxford’s nightlife, there’s enough to keep you entertained until the wee hours.

You can head back to Jericho to the cocktail bars, which open quite late, or the area around New Bridge Street and Park End Street has quite a few clubs for you to choose from – The Bridge and Atik are probably the best of them.

Now go and rest your weary feet.

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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!

13 BEST Day Trips from Oxford, England

From the stunning blenheim palace to visiting bath & london, these are the best day trips from oxford to keep anyone entertained..

From its world-class university to gorgeous riverside walks to amazing independent restaurants and pubs, it’s no secret that Oxford is one of the best places to visit in England.

Personally, I love it for its architecture and old-world vibe. Just walking around here feels like you’re stepping back in time. It really is one of those cities that you can feel the history just from walking around.

However, if you’re looking to mix it up, there are tons of day trips from Oxford that’ll make your city break even better. 

Whether you’re looking to experience magic and wonder at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, want to hit up the beach at Bournemouth, or spend the day hiking in the Cotswolds , these Oxford days trips offer up plenty of variety. 

There’s a little something for everyone in this part of the country, and the train connections mean that you can actually get pretty far in under two hours! If not, I’ve included a couple of tours for you too.

So, what kind of amazing day trips from Oxford can you look forward to? I’ve collated some of my favourites to help inspire your next Oxford itinerary. Let’s dive in and find out more!

If you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself while in the city, then check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Oxford !

Day trips from Oxford

Explore the grandeur of blenheim palace.

With a history spanning over 300 years and being the birthplace of legendary UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace attracts visitors from all around the world.

Join a guided tour around the stately home and the impressive grounds to get the most out of your trip. Located just 40 minutes away from Oxford and surrounded by acres of lush countryside, Blenheim is often the perfect tonic to the city. 

Every time I’ve been to Blenheim Palace (I’ve clocked up a few visits now!), I’m always taken aback at how big the place is. You could easily spend a whole day here and still not see everything.

Enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds

If you’re looking for a day out in the quintessential English countryside, there is no better place than the Cotswolds and its outstanding natural beauty. Spread across 800 miles of gorgeous landscape, the Cotswolds are filled with picture-perfect villages.

I love wandering around the Cotswolds and and seeing all the cute villages. One of the best things is that you can be there in around 30 minutes from Oxford. It’s the perfect short day trip out, and a great way to see and experience rural England.

If you’re a fan of countryside walks that wind between old-world pubs, where you can imagine you’re the only one in the world, you’ll feel right at home in the Cotswolds.

If you’re short on time and don’t have your own transport, then check out this amazing full-day tour of the Cotswolds from Oxford. On this tour everything is taken care of for you, so you can just have a good time.

Taste history and delicious chocolate at Cadbury World

I don’t know about you, but I am a chocolate fiend. Just outside Birmingham to the north of Oxford lies Bourneville, the home of Cadbury’s chocolate. Now a tourist attraction that’s half museum half factory tour, Cadbury World is a smash hit with visitors of all ages. 

Bring your appetite for the free samples, learn about the Aztec roots of chocolate, and have tons of fun in the interactive zone. There’s even a short ride where you sit in a cartoon cocoa bean, complete with a commemorative photo! It’s a perfect full day out, especially if the English weather isn’t cooperating…

Stare in awe at the Living Rainforest

Now, I wouldn’t expect to find a rainforest in England, but that’s precisely what the Living Rainforest is! Here you can unleash your inner Attenborough at this favourite Oxford day trip.

At the Living Rainforest you’ll find a series of extravagant glass houses where you can spot iguanas, lizards, sloths, toads, and more. It’s a haven for conservationists, as the Living Rainforest is actively protecting endangered wildlife and plant life. Again, this is perfect for the little ones and they’ll learn loads about wildlife too.

Get your fill of magic at the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Oxford is pretty great for Harry Potter fans, with some of the interior Hogwarts scenes being filmed at some of the University of Oxford colleges, but you can find even more magic close by.

Nestled in Watford, just outside London, you’ll find the Harry Potter Studio Tour . Filled with props, costumes, sets, and facts about the beloved film series, it’s a must for any Potterhead.

Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for the gift shop – it’s huge and the choices can keep you there for hours on end!

Embrace the hustle and bustle of London

What can I say about London that hasn’t already been said? You can take a day trip to the iconic capital from Oxford in around an hour on a direct train.

Take in the sights of the London Eye, the Thames River, Hyde Park, and more. Honestly, you could spend your whole trip here and not see everything there is to see.

If you’ve got time, join a group tour around the spooky side of London on a Jack the Ripper tour , or go on a river cruise with afternoon tea for a calmer vibe. Of course, another great London evening excursion is to hit the West End. Head to the Leicester Square box office to see what shows are available!

Hit the beach in Bournemouth

Who doesn’t love a day out at the beach? Although the old architecture of Oxford might seem a million miles away from the British coast, you can actually reach Bournemouth in around two hours on the train.

Enjoy a full day out, filled with sun, sea, and sand. Bournemouth’s sandy beaches are massively popular with visitors of all ages. Bring your bucket and spade, grab an ice cream from one of the many shops on the promenade, or take a dip in the sea – the perfect day!

Feel regal at Highclere Castle

We all have our guilty pleasures, and for many of us, it’s Downton Abbey. Head to the real-life Grantham Estate by visiting the gorgeous Highclere Castle. For me, this is definitely one of the best day trips from Oxford.

Spread across five stunning acres, you can reach Highclere Castle in just over an hour from Oxford, making it a great option for getting out of the city. Jump on a guided tour of the house and learn all about the regal history of this amazing stately home.

Check out the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath

From one cultured city to another, enjoy a full-day trip from Oxford by jumping on the train to the Roman city of Bath. Known for its Roman spa, it’s Georgian architecture, and amazing independents, Bath is a charming city to spend your time in.

Whether you’re visiting the Jane Austen Centre, walking along the Royal Mile, or joining a tour of the Roman history and architecture of the city, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.

Get cultured in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Fans of the Bard, this Oxford day trip is for you! Located just under an hour and a half away from Oxford, you’ll find Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare.

Jump on the sightseeing bus to get a general overview, or check the schedule at the Royal Shakespeare Company to see what plays are on while you’re there. It’s really common for some big names to be taking on iconic roles here, and often for a fraction of the cost of the London theatres.

You can also check out the birthplace of Shakespeare too if you’re feeling inspired!

Marvel at the majesty of Stonehenge

There are so many iconic sights in the UK, but Stonehenge is one of the big ones. The instantly recognisable stone circle has posed questions for centuries. How did they get here? Why are they here? Who did it?

Journey across from Oxford for the day and take in these majestic stones for yourself. I’d recommend trying to go on one of the Solstice days for an extra magical excursion.

Failing that, visiting at either sunrise or sunset provides unforgettable views!

Shop till you drop at Bicester Village

I love a bargain as much as the next person, so one of the best places to go on an Oxford day trip if you love shopping is Bicester Village . This designer shopping outlet is a bargain-hunters playground.

With amazing designer brands like Burberry, McQueen, Dior, and more for up to 60% off, you can look the part without spending a fortune. It’s so popular that small group tours go straight from London airports to the shopping village and back again!

Discover the Jane Austen Centre

Located in the stunning Roman city of Bath, the Jane Austen Centre pays tribute to one of Britain’s best and most famous writers. Wander around at your own pace or join a private tour with an Austen expert. 

Learn all about Austen’s life, works, and legacy in this world-class museum. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the Regency-era tearoom that’s attached to the museum and pretend you’re a character in an Austen novel.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the gift shop either! There are plenty of beautiful editions of Austen’s works and lo

So there you have it, the best day trips from Oxford! I told you there was something for everyone here. Which excursion is your favourite from the list?

Maybe you have alternatives that you love and want to share. Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to my next itinerary!

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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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Oxford & Cambridge in 3 Days: A Scholarly Adventure

April 20, 2024 · 2 min read

Our 3-day scholarly adventure begins in the prestigious city of Oxford. Day 1 is dedicated to exploring the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world. Wander through its historic colleges and absorb the academic atmosphere that has nurtured some of the greatest minds. Next, delve into the literary treasures at the Bodleian Library, a must-visit for book lovers and history enthusiasts. Day 2 is a cultural exploration in Oxford, starting with the Ashmolean Museum, the first public museum in the UK, housing an impressive collection of art and archaeology. Then, step back in time at the Oxford Castle & Prison, followed by panoramic views from Carfax Tower. The day continues with a visit to the Oxford Town Hall and an inspiring tour of the Christ Church Picture Gallery. Don't miss the serene Christ Church Meadow, a perfect spot to reflect on the day's experiences. On Day 3, we journey to the equally illustrious University of Cambridge. Spend the day admiring the stunning architecture and vibrant student life. Conclude your trip with a visit to the poetic Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of Cambridge's romantic side. This itinerary promises an enriching experience filled with education, history, and timeless beauty.

• Day 1: Academic Ambiance and Literary Lore

University of Oxford

Begin your Cambridge Oxford journey with a visit to the prestigious University of Oxford, a beacon of learning and academia. Nestled in the heart of the city on Broad Street, the university is not just a single campus but a collection of colleges, each with its own unique history and charm. Spend the day meandering through the hallowed halls where many of the world's greatest minds have pondered and studied. The University of Oxford is not merely an institution; it's an experience that embodies tradition, innovation, and intellectual vitality.

Attraction Info

• Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1 day
• Open from 9:00am-5:00pm，The opening hours of each college within the university are different, please see the official website for details.

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Bodleian Library

Just a short stroll from the University, the Bodleian Library awaits as your next stop. As one of the oldest libraries in Europe, it's a treasure trove for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts alike. With a visit lasting around an hour and a half, immerse yourself in the grandeur of its reading rooms and the vast collection of manuscripts and tomes that have been meticulously preserved. The Bodleian is more than a library; it's a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and a must-see for anyone visiting Oxford.

• Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-2 hour

Where to Stay Tonight

Tower house guest house, the buttery.

• Day 2: Oxford's Treasures - A Journey Through Time and Art

Ashmolean Museum

Kickstarting the second day of our Cambridge-Oxford adventure, the Ashmolean Museum stands as our first stop. As the oldest public museum in the UK, it houses a captivating collection that spans millennia. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, the museum offers a one-hour dive into the depths of human history and creativity, all within the heart of Oxford at Beaumont Street.

• Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Oxford Castle & Prison

Following the artistic morning, we'll step into the storied past of Oxford Castle & Prison. This historic military building and castle, nestled at 44-46 Oxford Castle, invites visitors for an hour-long exploration of its medieval architecture and intriguing history as a place of incarceration. It's a unique opportunity to walk through the centuries and uncover tales of old.

• 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY, United Kingdom

Carfax Tower

Continuing our journey through Oxford's rich history, Carfax Tower emerges as our next destination. This iconic church and historic site at Queen Street offers a panoramic view of the city for those willing to climb its tower. Spend an hour here and immerse yourself in the architectural splendor and the stories etched into its ancient stones.

• Queen St, Oxford OX1 1ET, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
• Open from 10:00am-4:00pm

Oxford Town Hall

As the day unfolds, Oxford Town Hall beckons as our fourth landmark. This grand building, located on St Aldate's, is not just the center of civic life but also a testament to Oxford's architectural heritage. Within its walls, you can spend an hour marveling at the intricate details and the grandeur of this important city landmark.

• St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1BX, United Kingdom
• Open on Mon-Fri,9:00am-6:00pm;Open on Sat,10:00am-5:00pm

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Art enthusiasts will find their haven at the Christ Church Picture Gallery. Set within the historic Christ Church at St Aldate's, this gallery offers an extensive collection of old master paintings and drawings. Allocate 1.5 hours to wander through the artistic corridors, where every piece tells a story from a bygone era.

• Christ Church, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
• Open on Mon, Thu-Sat,11:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sun,2:00pm-5:00pm

Christ Church Meadow

To conclude the day's escapades, we'll relax at Christ Church Meadow. This tranquil expanse of greenery, located in the heart of Oxford, provides a serene retreat from the bustling city life. Spend an hour strolling along the meadow's paths, basking in the natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere that has inspired poets and scholars alike.

• Oxford OX1 4JF, United Kingdom
• Open 24 hours

Head of the River

Mercure oxford eastgate hotel.

• Day 3: Academic Grandeur and Iconic Landmarks

University of Cambridge

Begin your final day with a visit to the prestigious University of Cambridge, a cornerstone of academic excellence and a beacon of knowledge. As you wander through the historic corridors, you'll be walking in the footsteps of some of the world's greatest minds. The university's awe-inspiring architecture and vibrant student life make it more than just an educational institution; it's a living museum where every stone tells a story of innovation and discovery. Allocate a full day to explore the numerous colleges, chapels, and gardens, each with its own unique charm and legacy.

• The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day

Bridge of Sighs

Just a short stroll from the academic halls, find yourself at the enchanting Bridge of Sighs. Named after its Venetian counterpart, this architectural marvel is a must-see in Cambridge. Although your visit here will be brief, lasting about 15 minutes, the bridge's romantic allure and historical significance provide a perfect photo opportunity and a serene moment to reflect on the city's beauty. As you cross the bridge, take in the views of the River Cam and the surrounding college buildings, a fitting conclusion to your Cambridge adventure.

• St John's College, St John's St, Cambridge CB2 1TP, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

West court - cambridge - campus accommodation.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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