tourist map of oxford city centre

Oxford Printable Tourist Map

Oxford Map: The Attractions

Oxford Castle

The Covered Market

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Bodleian Library

Radcliffe Camera

Carfax Tower

Oxford Botanic Garden

Hertford College

St Mary the Virgin

Trinity College

Sygic travel - a travel guide in your pocket.

More Tourist Maps

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS

Explore the tour

Bus Tour + Panorama

Bus Tour + Explore

Tour information, interactive oxford tourist map.

Use the interactive tourist map below to see the attractions at each stop of our Hop-on Hop-off bus tour route. Click on the stop numbers to see pictures and more information. You can also see a quick rundown of all the sights on our Explore the Tour page.

Deals, Offers & Extras

Group discounts.

Booking 10 or more tickets?

Contact us for a group discount.

Private Hire & Weddings

Hire a whole bus for your own private Oxford City tour or for use at a special event.

Super Saver Tickets

Oxford bus tour + attraction tickets. Historic buildings, boat trips and more!

Buy Oxford Bus Tour Tickets Online!

Buy your tour tickets quickly, easily and securely on our website.

Select language

What are you looking for.

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Why we love Oxford

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires. And Oxford is crammed with them. A seat of scholars for 800 years, it houses Britain’s oldest university, botanical gardens, and pubs. It has more quadrangles, Gothic spires and listed buildings than you can shake a gown at. Add cobbled lanes, canals and the odd punt along its rivers and it becomes a real heart-breaker. 

Although bursting with museums, libraries and galleries, there’s more to this gem than its beauty and towering intellect. Harry Potter fans can spot film locations, shoppers will love its nearby bargains, foodies will drool over its lip-smacking choice. And if that isn’t enough, it sits on the doorstep to the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and the baroque country pile of Blenheim Palace.

Bodleian Libraries/Stu Heppell

Every book ever written at Bodleian Library 

Take a guided tour of the country’s second largest library , which holds a copy of every single book ever published in England since 1662.

Vintage chic

An Aladdin’s cave of treasures, Unicorn is a centre of Oxford’s quirky vintage scene. It’s rammed to the rafters with vintage clothes, accessories and shoes from 1950s tea dresses to sequinned waistcoats.

VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Blenheim Palace

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. One of the most popular attractions in the Cotswolds, you can take an upstairs or downstairs tour and wander around its famous maze.

Gloucester Green Market

In the heart of Oxford, this eclectic open-air market takes place every day from Wednesday to Saturday – combining locally-made produce with street food from all over the world. Look out for clothes, crafts, second-hand curios, and cuisine from authentic Indian curries, Ethiopian stews, traditional British pies and much more.

Photos by John Cairns

Oxford River Cruises

No trip to Oxford is complete without a cruise on the River Thames , which passes through the city on its journey to London and beyond. Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset cocktail voyages, and gourmet sailings galore – featuring afternoon tea, decadent lunches and picnic hampers. With its electric-powered boats, Oxford River Cruises is a sustainable choice too.

Things to do in Oxford

Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.

University of Oxford

Soak up the atmosphere as you walk around the Dreaming Spires of historic Oxford University, one of the world’s top universities.

VisitOxford

Oxford Castle

Walk through 1000 years of history in Oxford Castle and Prison, climbing the Tower, one of Oxford’s oldest buildings and descending into the crypt deep below.

Photo: Philip J.A Benton

Pitt Rivers Museum

One of Britain’s best museums is the quirky Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford with artefacts from all over the world.

Experience Oxfordshire

Bicester Village

Want designer clothes at a discount? Head to Oxfordshire’s Bicester Village, one of Britain’s favourite shopping destinations for bargains.

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Ashmolean Museum

Dating back to 1683, the Ashmolean is packed to the rafters with art, natural history and photography.

Oxford Alumni Harry Potter Tour

Discover the Oxford landmarks that starred in the ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Goblet of Fire’ films.

Inspector Morse Tour of Oxford

Explore key Oxford filming locations from the TV series of Morse, Endeavour and Lewis.

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Bodleian Library

Take a fascinating guided tour of the Divinity School, Old Quadrangle and Duke Humphrey’s Library.

Radcliffe Camera

This library has inspired novelists, artists and film-makers alike, and features around 600,000 books.

Go Ape Wendover

Swing and leap your way through thrilling high-ropes bridges, treetop walkways and soar down zip lines.

Oxford Kayak Tours

Dip your paddle into the River Cherwell, to discover pristine countryside and wildlife-rich waters.

Junkyard Golf Club

Come for the golf, stay for the party - a riotous mash-up of crazy golf, drinks and pumped-up tunes.

Junkyard Golf Oxford

Oxford Ghost Tours

From headless bishops to haunted pubs, these tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity.

The Ultimate Picture Palace

Welcome to one of the UK’s oldest cinemas, which specialises in arthouse and independent films.

Ultimate Picture Palace/Ian Wallman

Modern Art Oxford

Immerse yourself in stellar contemporary art from all over the world at this vibrant gallery.

Oxford Atelier/Modern Art Oxford

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Tour

Learn the secrets of heritage grain spirits on these behind-the-scenes tours.

Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery

Discover a world of fine English wines, small-batch ales and exceptional hospitality.

Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery

Take your pick from authentic Indian curries, Ethiopian stews, traditional British pies and much more…

Harry Potter Tour - Experience Oxfordshire

So spectacular are these landmarks and locations, that even non-Potter fans will be spellbound.

The Jolly Farmers

Real ales, cosy interiors and a resident bassett hound – what more could you wish for?

Oxford Pride

For over 20 years, this loud-and-proud festival has celebrated the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Oxford Music Festival

Classical concerts, virtuoso recitals and dance shows – with cash prizes for the stand-out performers.

Oxford Literary Festival

Catch lively debates, workshops and seminars involving hundreds of different speakers from around the globe.

C S Lewis Nature Reserve

The ponds are busy with dragonflies, while the towering treetops bristle with birds and squirrels.

Ross Mackenzie/CS Lewis Nature Reserve

Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset voyages, and gourmet sailings on the River Thames.

Car Chase Heroes

Always wanted to get behind the wheel of a Porsche 911? Well, now’s your chance…

Alamy Stock Photo

Enjoy Happy Hour cocktails from 11pm, and a banging playlist of pop and dance music.

Westgate Oxford

Browse some of Britain’s best-loved fashion, beauty and food brands, such as John Lewis and Primark.

Discover antiques emporiums, craft shops, art galleries and fashion stores – plus delis and cafés galore.

Blackwell’s

Looking for your next favourite author? The staff are all book lovers, so ask for their recommendations.

Oxford Walking Tours

Take your pick from a vast range of themed experiences, with both private and small-group options.

Chiltern Hills Cycling

Whether you love smooth road cycling or gnarly downhill trails, set your sights on the Chiltern Hills.

Featured things to do

footprints_and_photographs

One of the city’s most beautiful spots

Located just opposite Magdalen College, you can dart in here and escape the bustle of the High Street and hide among the newly sprouting trees and blooms.

jlo_conductor

Take a punt

Hop onto a relaxing punt down the River Cherwell. Discover the inspiration behind Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland, and enjoy a picnic aboard this hand-crafted beauty.

oxfordcastle

Head into history

For those who dare - check out tours of the castle and 900-year crypt. Learn about the ghost of Matilda, Henry I’s daughter, or a headless King Charles I.

An evening at a museum

The Ashmolean dusts off the old image of artefacts and adds a new twist, and find out just how a camel sculpture escaped the Nazis.

Places to stay in Oxford

City centre.

Be among the oldest university in the English speaking world, checkout the architecture, the bookshops and cool bars, and The Malmaison - a former Victorian prison that you can stay in.

An affluent part of Oxford with red-brick Victorian houses and tree-lined streets. It’s peaceful nature, and you’re budget will go further here. Explore the canal network here.

Is diverse, full of life and has lots of diverse restaurants and bars, and is the home of Oxford’s street art. It’s close to Magdalen College and the Oxford Botanic Gardens are here too. It also has a summertime carnival. 

For literary types and lovers of small pastel painted houses and independent cafes, this is your place. Situated in the north, you’ll find some cracking restaurants and cocktail bars. Both the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History are here.

Explore nearby

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

VisitBritain

Cotswolds, England

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty as this town is about as regal as it gets.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Getting to Oxford

Oxford is located in South East England, in the county of Oxfordshire. Heathrow is the closest international airport to Oxford and is 45 miles (72 kilometres) away, a journey which takes just over an hour by car. The train from Heathrow to Oxford takes up to two and a half hours via central London. Oxford is approximately 60 miles (97 kilometres) from London. The average train time from Central London to Oxford is 1 one hour.

Travelling by coach from London to Oxford takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. From London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, you can hop on The Airline coach service , which runs 24 hours a day. National Express services from Stansted Airport also serve Oxford, taking just under two hours.

Getting around

Oxford is easily accessible from every corner of Britain, with London to Oxford train services taking around 60 minutes from London Paddington. Experience Oxfordshire has a range of maps and guides to help you plan your visit to Oxford. Enjoy a Bus Tour of Oxford .

Hire punts , pedalos and rowing boats to explore Oxford’s River Cherwell.

Oxford’s main attractions are best explored by foot, a walk from the train station to the city centre is just 15 minutes. Head into nature outside the city with a host of walking routes on offer.

The Oxford Bus Company provides frequent and affordable travel across the city, as well as Stagecoach which also operates routes to the stately home at Blenheim Palace. Five Park and Ride locations exist to keep the city centre car free.

If ever a city was made for cycling, it would be here. Oxford is home to several dockless bike hire operators, where you can access cycles via a free downloadable app by scanning a QR code.  Bainton Bikes  also provides cycle hire and self-guided tours. You can access  a cycle route planner  too.

Want to know more?

Check out Experience Oxfordshire for top insider tips and travel inspiration.

Oxford top tourist attractions city travel maps

City centre detailed street travel plan with must-see places, sights & landmarks to visit - oxford top tourist attractions map.

Maps of best attractions in Oxford, England

Oxford maps will guide you to the best destinations in this fascinating city. Oxford is the oldest university city in the United Kingdom, some 50 miles (80 km) to the west of the capital London in its own county of Oxfordshire, on the rivers Thames (the section of the Thames in Oxford is known as The Isis") and Cherwell. Together with Cambridge (the second oldest university city and Oxford great rival), Oxford has long represented the English academic establishment and élite ("Oxbridge"), a haven of tradition and endeavour. Oxford's famous "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. Picturesque architecture and a vibrant modern life (driven by students, light industry and technology) set in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire make this a great destination. With the help of our maps you will be able to make to most of your trip. You can find the detailed locations of the must-see sights including Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Square, Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs), Sheldonian Theatre, Taylorian Institute, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Christ Church, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Pitt Rivers Museum, Botanic Gardens - just click on a selected map to access a high resolution version that can be downloaded and printed or saved onto your mobile device.

Interesting sites (Botanic Gardens), best museums (Ashmolean Museum) & top galleries in two days - Oxford top tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Oxford University Natural History & Pitt Rivers Museums, campus, departments, colleges, halls, libraries & parks - Oxford top tourist attractions map

Hop-on hop-off double decker City Sightseeing open top bus tour routes itinerary & boat river cruises - Oxford top tourist attractions map

Explore Harry Potter filming locations walking trail, Bodleian Library bird's eye 3d aerial interactive virtual view - Oxford top tourist attractions map

Official city centre bus stops & rail line station, Covered Market shopping directions - Oxford top tourist attractions map

SmartZone area public transport bus network transit system diagram - Oxford top tourist attractions map

Great cycle / bike routes & fun things to do with family & kids - Oxford top tourist attractions map

A-Z map showing budget hotel accommodation, favourite restaurants, famous theatres, most popular nightclubs - Oxford top tourist attractions map

One day trip main central historic travel destination spots - Oxford top tourist attractions map

Map of Oxford University (England, UK) buildings, colleges (Keble), halls, sciance area location visitor guide - Oxford top tourist attractions map

What to see, where to go, what to do, Town centre High Street major points of interest & tourist information - Oxford top tourist attractions map

Map of top 10 attractions in Oxford

The typical top ten attractions are listed below. You can find the detailed locations of these places on the maps above.

• Christ Church College whose Great Hall inspired Hogwarts Hall in the Harry Potter movie and whose meadow is grazed by rare breed cattle.
• University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - Entrances on High Street and Radcliffe Square. It is worth the climb of 124 steps to make it to the top to enjoy fine uninterrupted views in all directions across Oxford and the surrounding countryside.
• Bodleian Library - Broad Street. The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which form the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge.
• Radcliffe Camera - Radcliffe Square. The distinctive circular dome and drum of the structure makes it one of the most recognizable and often-photographed building in Oxford. This building is not open to the public except as part of a tour of the Bodleian Library.
• Hertford Bridge - New College Lane. Hertford Bridge is often called the Bridge of Sighs because of the similarity to the famous bridge in Venice. Actually, it looks more like the Rialto Bridge, and this Oxford structure was never intended to be a replica of any existing bridge.
• Carfax Tower - Corner of St. Aldate's, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, High Street. It is possible to climb to the top of the tower for a good view of the Oxford skyline.
• Oxford Castle Quarter - New Road. The castle was originally built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, to enable the Normans to control the area.
• Ashmolean Museum - Beaumont Street. Museum of Art and Archaeology.
• Pitt Rivers Museum - South Parks Rd. Famous for its period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many cultures around the world, past and present.
• Covered Market - The Market was officially opened in 1774 and has a unique and wonderful atmosphere. It provides its visitors with the wonderful aromas of fresh fruit, coffee and fresh baking and to a feast of sights and sounds.

What are some interesting facts about Oxford?

Related keywords.

2023, 2024, 2025, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, download, print, printable, free, detailed, aerial, bird's eye, guide, map, plan, planner, travel, sightseeing, visit, trip, tour, tourist, what to do, where to go, things to do, must see, top attractions, points of interest, places, sites, sights, buildings, spots, destinations, locations, landmark, museum, in a week, in 3 days, one day, city, route, metro, subway, underground, tube, bus, kids, chidren, top 10, top ten, popular, famous, interesting, highlights

Seating plans and charts of entertainment venues showing detailed seat and row numbers

• Aberdeen P&J Live individual seats chart
• Amsterdam Ziggo Dome Arena individual seats chart
• Anaheim Honda Center individual seats chart
• Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium individual seats chart
• Atlanta State Farm Arena individual seats chart
• Auckland Eden Park Stadium individual seats chart
• Auckland Go Media Mount Smart Stadium individual seats chart
• Auckland Spark Arena individual seats chart
• Belfast Odyssey SSE Arena individual seats chart
• Belfast Ravenhill Uster Rugby Kingspan Stadium individual seats chart
• Belfast Windsor Park National Football Stadium individual seats chart
• Belmont Park Elmont UBS Arena individual seats chart
• Birmingham Resorts World Arena NEC individual seats chart
• Birmingham Utilita Arena NIA individual seats chart
• Boston TD Garden individual seats chart
• Brighton Centre individual seats chart
• Brisbane Gabba Cricket Ground individual seats chart
• Buffalo KeyBank Center individual seats chart
• Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome individual seats chart
• Cardiff International Utilata Arena individual seats chart
• Cardiff Millennium Principality Stadium individual seats chart
• Carrara People First Stadium individual seats chart
• Charlotte Bank of America Stadium individual seats chart
• Charlotte Spectrum Center individual seats chart
• Chicago Soldier Field individual seats chart
• Chicago United Center individual seats chart
• Cincinnati Paycor Stadium individual seats chart
• Cleveland Browns Stadium individual seats chart
• Cologne Lanxess Arena individual seats chart
• Columbus Nationwide Arena individual seats chart
• Dallas American Airlines Center individual seats chart
• Dallas AT&T Stadium individual seats chart
• Denver Ball Arena individual seats chart
• Denver Empower Field at Mile High individual seats chart
• Derby Velodrome Arena individual seats chart
• Detroit Ford Field individual seats chart
• Detroit Little Caesars Arena individual seats chart
• Dublin 3Arena individual seats chart
• Dublin Aviva Stadium individual seats chart
• Dublin Croke Park Stadium individual seats chart
• East Rutherford MetLife Stadium individual seats chart
• Edinburgh Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium individual seats chart
• Edmonton Northlands Coliseum individual seats chart
• Edmonton Rogers Place individual seats chart
• Fairfax EagleBank Arena individual seats chart
• Foxborough Gillette Stadium individual seats chart
• Gdańsk-Sopot Ergo Arena individual seats chart
• Glasgow OVO Hydro Arena individual seats chart
• Glendale Desert Diamond Arena individual seats chart
• Glendale State Farm Stadium individual seats chart
• Houston NRG Stadium individual seats chart
• Indianapolis Gainbridge Fieldhouse individual seats chart
• Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium individual seats chart
• Jacksonville EverBank Stadium individual seats chart
• Kansas City GEHA Field Arrowhead Stadium individual seats chart
• Kraków Tauron Arena individual seats chart
• Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium individual seats chart
• Las Vegas Sphere individual seats chart
• Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena individual seats chart
• Leeds First Direct Arena individual seats chart
• Liverpool FC Anfield Stadium individual seats chart
• Liverpool M&S Bank Arena individual seats chart
• London Arsenal Emirates Stadium individual seats chart
• London O2 Arena individual seats chart
• London Royal Albert Hall individual seats chart
• London Stadium (West Ham United Olympic Park) individual seats chart
• London Tottenham Hotspur Stadium individual seats chart
• London Twickenham Stadium individual seats chart
• London Wembley OVO Arena individual seats chart
• London Wembley Stadium individual seats chart
• Los Angeles Crypto.com Staples Center Arena individual seats chart
• Los Angeles Kia Forum Inglewood individual seats chart
• Los Angeles SoFi Stadium individual seats chart
• Louisville KFC Yum! Center individual seats chart
• Madrid Estadio Civitas Metropolitano Stadium individual seats chart
• Madrid Santiago Bernabeu Estadio Stadium individual seats chart
• Manchester AO Arena individual seats chart
• Manchester Co-op Live individual seats chart
• Melbourne Marvel Stadium individual seats chart
• Melbourne Rod Laver Arena individual seats chart
• Memphis FedExForum individual seats chart
• Miami Hard Rock Stadium individual seats chart
• Miami Kaseya Center Arena individual seats chart
• Milwaukee Fiserv Forum individual seats chart
• Minneapolis Target Center individual seats chart
• Minneapolis U.S. Bank Stadium individual seats chart
• Montreal Bell Centre individual seats chart
• Nashville Bridgestone Arena individual seats chart
• Nashville Nissan Stadium individual seats chart
• New Orleans Caesars Superdome individual seats chart
• New Orleans Smoothie King Center individual seats chart
• New York Barclays Center individual seats chart
• New York Madison Square Garden individual seats chart
• Newark Prudential Center individual seats chart
• Newcastle Utilita Arena individual seats chart
• Nottingham Motorpoint Arena individual seats chart
• Oakland Oracle Arena individual seats chart
• Oklahoma City Paycom Center Arena individual seats chart
• Orchard Park Highmark Stadium individual seats chart
• Orlando Camping World Stadium individual seats chart
• Orlando Kia Center individual seats chart
• Oslo Spektrum Arena individual seats chart
• Oslo Telenor Arena individual seats chart
• Ottawa Canadian Tire Centre individual seats chart
• Perth HBF Park Rectangular Stadium individual seats chart
• Perth HBF Stadium Superdrome individual seats chart
• Perth Optus Stadium individual seats chart
• Perth RAC Arena individual seats chart
• Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field individual seats chart
• Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center individual seats chart
• Phoenix Footprint Center Arena individual seats chart
• Pittsburgh Acrisure Stadium individual seats chart
• Pittsburgh PPG Paints Arena individual seats chart
• Portland Moda Center individual seats chart
• Queensland Country Bank Stadium individual seats chart
• Raleigh PNC Arena individual seats chart
• Rosemont Allstate Arena individual seats chart
• Sacramento Golden 1 Center individual seats chart
• Saint Paul Xcel Energy Center individual seats chart
• Salt Lake City Delta Center individual seats chart
• San Antonio Frost Bank Center individual seats chart
• San Diego Snapdragon Stadium individual seats chart
• San Francisco Chase Center individual seats chart
• San Jose SAP Center individual seats chart
• Santa Clara Levi's Stadium individual seats chart
• Seattle Climate Pledge Arena individual seats chart
• Seattle Lumen Field individual seats chart
• Sevilla Estadio La Cartuja Stadium individual seats chart
• Sheffield Utilita Arena individual seats chart
• St. Louis Enterprise Center individual seats chart
• Sunderland Stadium of Light individual seats chart
• Sunrise FLA Live Arena individual seats chart
• Sydney Qudos Bank Arena individual seats chart
• Sydney Showground Engie Stadium individual seats chart
• Tampa Amalie Arena individual seats chart
• Tampa Raymond James Stadium individual seats chart
• Tempe Mullett Arena individual seats chart
• Toronto Rogers Centre individual seats chart
• Toronto Scotiabank Arena individual seats chart
• Tulsa BOK Center individual seats chart
• Uncasville Mohegan Sun Arena individual seats chart
• Valencia Estadio Ciudad Stadium individual seats chart
• Vancouver BC Place individual seats chart
• Vancouver Rogers Arena individual seats chart
• Vienna Wiener Stadthalle individual seats chart
• Washington DC Capital One Arena Center individual seats chart
• Wellington TSB Arena individual seats chart
• Winnipeg Canada Life Centre individual seats chart
• Zürich Oerlikon Hallenstadion individual seats chart

High resolution, printable travel guide maps of cities showing top tourist attractions

• Amsterdam top tourist destinations map
• Bangalore top tourist destinations map
• Bangkok top tourist destinations map
• Barcelona top tourist destinations map
• Beijing top tourist destinations map
• Berlin top tourist destinations map
• Bruges top tourist destinations map
• Brussels top tourist destinations map
• Budapest top tourist destinations map
• Cambridge top tourist destinations map
• Chicago top tourist destinations map
• Copenhagen top tourist destinations map
• Delhi top tourist destinations map
• Dubai top tourist destinations map
• Dublin top tourist destinations map
• Edinburgh top tourist destinations map
• Florence top tourist destinations map
• Frankfurt top tourist destinations map
• Hong Kong top tourist destinations map
• Istanbul top tourist destinations map
• Jaipur top tourist destinations map
• Las Vegas top tourist destinations map
• Lisbon top tourist destinations map
• London top tourist destinations map
• Los Angeles top tourist destinations map
• Madrid top tourist destinations map
• Malaga top tourist destinations map
• Marrakech top tourist destinations map
• Miami top tourist destinations map
• Milan top tourist destinations map
• Mumbai top tourist destinations map
• New York top tourist destinations map
• Oxford top tourist destinations map
• Paris top tourist destinations map
• Prague top tourist destinations map
• Rome top tourist destinations map
• San Francisco top tourist destinations map
• Singapore top tourist destinations map
• Sydney top tourist destinations map
• Tokyo top tourist destinations map
• Venice top tourist destinations map
• Vienna top tourist destinations map
• Washington DC top tourist destinations map
• Zurich top tourist destinations map

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Oxford

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Oxford is one of the oldest and most celebrated university towns in Europe, and for centuries has rivaled Cambridge for academic pre-eminence in England. Its untrammeled spirit of exploration, numerous delightful gardens, courtyards, and university parks - together with the hectic bustle of its pedestrian zone and excellent cultural facilities - all help create a very special atmosphere.

Oxford has plenty of tourist attractions, including Carfax Tower , offering superb views over the city, and the historic Covered Market with its excellent shopping. For a truly unique vacation experience, some university colleges now offer accommodation options, including bed and breakfast.

Harry Potter fans may be interested to learn that various Oxford landmarks appeared in the movies, including Christ Church College, where the dining room was closely copied for the Hogwarts Great Hall. And for something a little quirkier, check out the (in)famous Headington Shark , a shark sculpture stuck headfirst in the roof of a humble terraced house.

To learn more about these and other great places to visit in this lovely part of England, be sure to read through our list of the top attractions and things to do in Oxford.

See also: Where to Stay in Oxford

1. Explore Historic Oxford City Center

2. visit the university church of st. mary the virgin, 3. christ church cathedral, 4. christ church college, 5. magdalen college, 6. radcliffe square & the bodleian library, 7. sheldonian theatre, 8. visit england's oldest museum: the ashmolean museum, 9. history of science museum, 10. martyrs' memorial, 11. shopping in cornmarket street, 12. oxford castle & prison, 13. oxford university museum of natural history, 14. take a trip to blenheim palace, 15. enjoy a drive to abingdon-on-thames, where to stay in oxford for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in oxford.

Although the center of Oxford is not large, plenty of time should be allowed for a visit since there are so many things to do here. The city's four principal streets meet at the intersection known as Carfax , a good starting point for your exploration. Here, you'll find the 14th-century Carfax Tower , a relic of St. Martin's Church (now destroyed), which has great views over the city.

Also worth visiting are the Town Hall, St. Aldate's Church (1318), and Pembroke College, founded in 1624 but with origins dating back to 1446. The nearby Modern Art Oxford , a visual art gallery focusing on exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, regularly offers talks, music, and movies.

Oxford's splendid High Street is lined with numerous magnificent buildings, including many of the colleges the city is so famous for. In fact, it's so pretty, it was famously described by American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne as "the finest street in England."

Address: High Street, Oxford

While sightseeing in the city center, be sure to include the University Church – the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin (or simply St. Mary's) – on your Oxford itinerary. A highlight of your visit should be climbing its finely decorated tower. Built around 1280, this vantage point offers excellent views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Also of interest is the choir. Rebuilt in 1462, it faces the nave and Lady Chapel, dating from 1490, and the stalls, dating from 1466. Another notable feature is the porch you will have walked through when entering the church. Look carefully, and you'll still see marks made by bullets from the guns of Oliver Cromwell's troops during the English Civil War.

Official site: www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk

Although the present building dates from the 12th century, Christ Church acquired cathedral status in 1546. The most striking feature in the interior is the double arcading of the nave, creating an impression of much greater height.

In the 14th century, the church was extended to the north, and the choir was created in 1500 with fan vaulting overhanging keystones. In the south transept is the Thomas Becket window (1320) and five glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris in 1871.

Also of note are the St. Frideswide window (1858) and three 14th-century tombs of Lady Montacute, Prior Sutton, and John de Nowers, as well as the remains of the Frideswide's shrine (1289). The grave of philosopher George Berkeley (1681-1735), who gave his name to the town of Berkeley in California, is also located at the cathedral.

Location: St. Aldates, Oxford

Official site: www.chch.ox.ac.uk/cathedral

Christ Church, one of the largest of Oxford's colleges, was founded in 1525 by Cardinal Wolsey and re-founded after his fall by Henry VIII. Tom Tower , added by Christopher Wren in 1682, contains a huge seven-ton bell known as Great Tom, which peals 101 times every evening at 9:05pm (once for each member of the original college).

The main quadrangle, with its charming fountain, is known as Tom Quad and is the largest courtyard in Oxford. The lower tower, with its fine staircase and fan vaulting, leads up to the hall , an elegant dining room with a magnificent wooden ceiling completed in 1529. Portraits of Henry VIII and distinguished members of the college – including William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania – adorn the walls.

Beyond the Deanery, where Charles I lived from 1642 to 1646, is Kill-Canon , a passage so chilly that it was feared canons would catch their death of cold. Kill-Canon leads to Peckwater Quad, with its library containing drawings and mementos of Cardinal Wolsey.

Art lovers will also want to visit Christ Church Picture Gallery . This fine gallery is home to an important collection of 300 Old Masters and 2,000 drawings.

Location: St. Aldate's, Oxford

Official site: www.chch.ox.ac.uk

Magdalen College was founded in 1458 on a site outside the town walls. Its lovely Magdalen Tower was built in 1482, while the Muniment Tower is the entrance to the chapel where evensong is sung by the college's renowned choir.

There are state apartments with early-16th-century tapestries in the Founder's Tower, and underneath, a passage leads into the cloisters with grotesque figures known as "hieroglyphs." Magdalen College also offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation when rooms are available.

Beyond the college stretches a deer park called the Grove and a bridge leading over the River Cherwell into the Water Walks. Opposite the entrance to the college is the University of Oxford Botanic Garden , founded in 1621 and one of the oldest in England.

Plants from all over the world can be found here, including the Magdalen Rose Garden . This attractive garden was a gift from the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation of New York to commemorate the development of penicillin, in which Oxford played a considerable part. Also worth a visit is the satellite Harcourt Arboretum .

Address: Rose Lane, Oxford

Official site: www.magd.ox.ac.uk

Located in the city center, Radcliffe Square is home to many of the city's most important college buildings. Here, you'll find the Old Schools Quadrangle (1613) and the Radcliffe Camera (1737), a rotunda that originally housed the Radcliffe Library.

The 16-sided room on the ground floor is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library , the university library and the country's first public library, founded in 1598. A copy of every book published in Britain is deposited here, including some two million volumes and 40,000 manuscripts. From the library, you can also explore the magnificent Divinity School .

Address: Broad Street, Oxford

Official site: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Constructed in 1664, the Sheldonian Theatre was Sir Christopher Wren's second major building. Of special interest here is the historic venue's spectacular ceiling fresco. Restored in 2008, the fresco – which depicts "Truth" removing "Ignorance" from the University – consists of 32 panels originally painted in the 1600s. Guided tours (as well as self-guided tours) are available.

In addition to being used for concerts and lectures – as well as the occasional theatrical performance – it's still used for the university's annual Commemoration.

Official site: www.sheldonian.ox.ac.uk

The Ashmolean Museum – formerly known as the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology – was founded in 1683. Not only is it the oldest museum in the country, it's also the most important of the four university museums. The Neoclassical building houses a magnificent collection of art and antiquities, including classical sculpture, Far Eastern art, Greek and Roman pottery, and a valuable collection of jewelry.

Other Oxford museums that should be added to travel itineraries include the Pitt Rivers Museum, with its fascinating anthropological and archaeological collection, and the Museum of Oxford , a local history museum that deals with both the city and the university's rich pasts.

For something a little different, visit the fun Story Museum . This attraction is especially popular for its literary-themed events, including the popular Alice Days celebrating the first ever telling of Oxford-educated Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland .

Address: Beaumont Street, Oxford

Official site: www.ashmolean.org

The History of Science Museum – housed in the Old Ashmolean Building, the world's first purpose-built museum building – is a fascinating facility that specializes in the study of the history of science and the development of western culture and collecting.

The museum includes the blackboard that Albert Einstein used during his Oxford lectures of 1931, and a fascinating display showing the development of clocks.

Other nearby attractions include the Holywell Music Room (1748), reputedly the oldest concert hall in the world, and Kettell Hall (1620), with its beautiful chapel and fine woodcarvings.

Official site: www.hsm.ox.ac.uk

A cross in St. Giles Street marks the spot where the reformers Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer were burned at the stake between 1555-56, an event commemorated by the Martyrs' Memorial (1841). The nearby Rhodes House , headquarters of the Rhodes Trust founded in honor of South African statesman Cecil Rhodes, is also worth checking out.

Also close by is the Oxford University Museum of Natural History . Built in 1855, it contains a number of interesting collections, including geological, mineralogical, and zoological sections, as well as work by Darwin, Burchell, and Hope.

There's also a pleasant walk along the Cherwell past Parson's Pleasure to a path called Mesopotamia, which leads to Magdalen Bridge.

Location: St. Giles, Oxford

Pedestrian-friendly Cornmarket Street, commonly known as the "Corn," is Oxford's busiest shopping street. Along with its many big-brand shops and department stores, it's also home to the historic Golden Cross arcade, popular for its craft and jewelry shops, and the Covered Market . Dating from 1774, the market houses an eclectic mix of food retailers.

Also of interest is the former Crew Inn . Here, Shakespeare is said to have stayed on his journey between Stratford and London. It's also where you'll find St. Michael's Church , notable for its early Norman tower.

Address: Cornmarket Street, Oxford

Oxford Castle has been a place of incarceration since 1071, continuing until the closure of Her Majesty's Prison Oxford in 1996. Today, visitors can learn about the real people and events from the site's turbulent past through fascinating displays and re-enactments.

Other highlights include the chance to climb the Saxon St. George's Tower , Oxford's oldest building, and enjoy its stunning 360-degree views. Afterwards, descend deep underground into the 900-year-old crypt.

Other areas to explore include the confines of the 18th-century Debtors' Tower and the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle. Guided tours and numerous fun themed events are available.

Address: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford

Official site: www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

One of the top free things to do in Oxford, a visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) is certainly time well spent. Opened in the mid 1800s to showcase the university's growing natural history collection, it's located on Parks Road adjacent to another must-visit attraction: the Pitt Rivers Museum .

In addition to its displays and exhibits focusing on the university's rich science and learning traditions, you'll see samples collected by university alumni that date back hundreds of years. Also on display are samples from the university's mineralogy, medicine, zoology, and anatomy collections.

Two cafés are located on-site, and a special treat if you're traveling in summer is to enjoy your snacks and beverages outdoors on the museum's lovely lawn. Be sure to keep an eye out for the migrating swallows that have been stopping over on the museum roof since nesting boxes were installed in the 1940s.

Address: Parks Road, Oxford

Official site: www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk

Located in Woodstock, just eight miles northwest of Oxford, is Blenheim Palace. Seat of the dukes of Marlborough and the Spencer-Churchill family, it is also famous as the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

This magnificent 200-roomed palace was built between 1701 and 1724 for John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, with the financial support of Queen Anne. It's recorded that the Queen wished to express her thanks to the Duke for his victory in 1704 over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, an event commemorated on the ceiling of the Great Hall.

In addition to visiting the splendid main building with its Neoclassical columned entrance hall and quadrantal annexes with crowned corner-towers and colonnades, be sure to explore the adjoining wings. Here, you'll find a number of large courtyards, as well as the vast main courtyard.

Another highlight is the chance to explore the magnificent gardens, with their French Rococo borders, and the Capability-Brown-designed parklands. Other outdoor attractions include Italian gardens and herb gardens, a butterfly house, and a maze.

Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Official site: www.blenheimpalace.com

An easy drive just six miles south of Oxford, Abingdon is a charming town on the banks of the River Thames. A large number of interesting houses and churches are found here, including the old two-story county hall, built in 1678 and now home to the Abingdon County Hall Museum .

Also of note is the beautiful St. Helen's Church, with its graceful spire, double aisles, and elaborately painted paneling (1390), as well as Christ's Hospital, founded in 1553.

Parts of the once influential Benedictine abbey (AD 675) can still be explored, including later features such as the Checker Hall (13th century), the Long Gallery (about 1500), and the abbey doorway (1450).

Abingdon has several leisure and recreation facilities, including the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, Tilley Park, and the Southern Town Park. Each year in October, the town center is closed for the Ock Street Michaelmas Fair , the longest street fair in Europe.

Address: Market Place, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Official site: www.abingdon.gov.uk/partners/abingdon-county-hall-museum

We recommend these popular hotels in Oxford with easy access to the famous colleges and other top attractions:

• Old Bank Hotel : This luxury boutique hotel is set in a Georgian building in a great central location and features understated elegance and marble bathrooms.
• Vanbrugh House Hotel : A popular mid-range hotel, Vanbrugh House features individually decorated rooms, private gardens, plus complimentary breakfast and snacks.
• Remont Oxford Hotel : Affordable rates, a short bus ride to town, colorful room accents, and a hearty free English breakfast are just a few of the reasons why this hotel is highly rated.
• Premier Inn Oxford Hotel This budget hotel is an easy drive to Oxford city center and features modern decor and family rooms.

• (1) Somerville
• (3) Regents Park
• (4) St John's
• (5) Trinity
• (6) Mansfield
• (7) Balliol
• (8) Waldham
• (9) Manchester
• (10) St Cross
• (11) St Catherine's
• (12) Ruskin
• (13) Worcester
• (14) Nuffield
• (15) St Peter's
• (17) Lincoln
• (18) Brasenose
• (19) Exeter
• (20) Hertford
• (21) New College
• (22) All Souls
• (23) Queen's
• (24) University
• (25) Magdalen
• (26) Wayneflete
• (27) Pembroke
• (28) Corpus Christi
• (29) Merton
• (30) St Hilda's
• (31) Frewin Hall
• (32) Union Soc Rooms
• (33) Sheldonian Theater
• (34) Clarendon Building
• (35) Bodleian Library
• (36) Radcliffe Camera
• (37) Carfax Tower
• (38) Peckwater Quad
• University Museum
• Rhodes House
• Ashmolean Museum
• St Michael's Church
• Christ Church
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Botanic Gardens

More on England

Oxford Travel Guide (Practical tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Oxford Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most famous university cities in the world. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Oxford!

Plan your visit to Oxford

Located only 60 miles (90 km) north-west of London in the county of Oxfordshire is the city of Oxford, home to arguably the world’s most famous and prestigious university.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires” Oxford is a compact city with many of its main sights situated close to each other.

Oxford is one of England’s most beautiful cities and a popular day trip from London easily reached by train from the capital. Plan to spend the day exploring the University’s famous colleges, magnificent medieval buildings & museums.

What you will find in this complete Oxford Travel Guide

Map of Oxford

When is the best time of year to visit oxford, how many days do you need in oxford, what is the best way to explore oxford, which city should i visit – oxford or cambridge, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to oxford, attractions and things to do in oxford and the surrounding area, accommodation in oxford, tickets, tours & attractions in oxford, best day trips from oxford, books to read before visiting oxford, enjoy your visit to oxford.

Oxford travel guide – Visiting Oxford FAQ’s

Oxford is a beautiful destination whatever time of year you plan to visit.

The summer months are busy with visitors from the UK and abroad flocking to explore the sights.

If you plan to stay in Oxford we recommend booking accommodation in advance during peak season.

During the winter Oxford is quieter but a truly magical experience when frost or snow covers the city.

Spring heralds in blossom-covered trees and colourful flowers across the city whilst visitors during the Autumn will be greeted by multi-coloured leaf displays of golds and reds. Oxford is simply stunning whenever you choose to visit.

It is possible to see the main sights and attractions of Oxford in a day but if you are an art or history lover we recommend 2 days to fully explore the cities museums and colleges.

Oxford is also a great base for further exploration of Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds by car or tour.

The historic centre of Oxford is easy to explore on foot. Alternatively consider buying tickets on the Oxford hop-on-hop-off bus tour and enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off for 24 or 48 hours.

I would say visit both if you can fit them into your itinerary. Both cities have their own unique charms.

Oxford is the larger city and has lots of things to see and do so could easily fill 2 days if you wish to explore all its colleges and museums. It is also the perfect destination to visit if you are considering a road trip to the Cotswolds. If you are a Harry Potter fan head to Oxford where you will find several film locations used in a number of the movies.

Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford. There is less to do and see but it is a beautiful and easy city to explore in a day and well worth visiting. Enjoy a stroll along the river Cam, try punting, and enjoy the cities stunning architecture. Read more about Cambridge in my Cambridge Travel Guide .

As I have mentioned both cities are doable day trips from London by train. If you only have one day and want to see both cities take this Oxford & Cambridge Day Tour from London .

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

Oxford is an easy day trip from London but with so much to do and see it is worth considering spending a few days there to fully appreciate the city.

It is also the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds . The UNESCO World Heritage listed Blenheim Palace is also close to Oxford.

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Oxford for the day or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

• Distance from London: 52 miles / 83 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour
• Leave from: London Paddington/ London Marylebone

Although located only 54 miles and an hour drive from London I recommend taking the train! Oxford is one of the least car-friendly cities in the UK and it is not worth the hassle if you can avoid it.

If you are planning to visit Oxford as part of a UK road trip and it is your first destination after London I recommend travelling to Oxford by train and picking up a rental car at the station.

If you are travelling to Oxford by car from other UK destinations note that car parking in the city centre is limited and expensive. 5 Park and Ride sites are available if you plan to visit for the day but do take into consideration the additional time you will need. Alternatively, if you plan to stay for longer book accommodation which includes parking.

There are many day tours available which include Oxford in their itinerary. If you are pushed for time we recommend considering booking a tour from London to see the highlights of the city.

• Day Trip to Highclere Castle and Oxford – Relive scenes from Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, set in 1000 acres of beautiful countryside, followed by a visit to the university city of Oxford.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip – Escape the hustle and bustle of London and spend the day exploring the historic city of Oxford and the traditional stone villages of the Cotswolds. Travel in comfort through the countryside on a small group tour with a knowledgeable guide.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Tour from London – Depart London for a magical day out on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour–The Making of Harry Potter, followed by a visit to the University of Oxford. The full-day trip includes admission to the studio tour and a professional guided walk in Oxford.
• Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip – Discover Oxford on a guided walking tour from London. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see William Shakespeare’s birthplace as well as his schoolroom and guildhall. Explore inside Warwick Castle.

Click the links for more information about the best things to do in Oxford plus places we recommend visiting in the surrounding area.

ONE DAY IN OXFORD ITINERARY – BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

VISITING BLENHEIM PALACE

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN OXFORD

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

There are numerous walking tours of Oxford available. Choose the tour that interests you the most – for fans of Inspector Morse and Harry Potter there are excellent themed tours available.

If you prefer to tour the city with a university graduate this is also possible and a great way to learn about life for students at this hallowed university.

• University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide – Learn about life at the prestigious university from your student guide. This tour is also available as a private walking tour if you prefer to customise your tour.
• Making of Harry Potter Tour – Explore Oxford through the eyes of Harry Potter and other characters from the Harry Potter movies on a 1.5 to 2-hour tour. Discover how student life at Hogwarts compares with an Oxford education. Test your knowledge with a Potter-mania quiz.
• Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford – Follow in the footsteps of the fictional Inspector Morse and his sidekick Lewis on a TV locations tour of Oxford. See sites from the books and TV shows created by the author Colin Dexter.
• Private Punting Trip with Optional Walking Tour – Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour outing on the river and learn all about Oxford university, student life, and its proud rowing traditions. Have the option to also add on a guided walking tour afterward.

Oxford is the perfect base for day trips to surrounding areas including the Cotswolds and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace.

I have handpicked the best tours available from Oxford through Get Your Guide (we book most of our day tours and organised activities through Get Your Guide due to their great customer service and cancellation policy)

• Cotswold Explorer Full-Day Tour – Take an unforgettable drive through the glorious Cotswolds, visiting sleepy stone villages, hidden valleys, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy hearing the history and stories of the old wool and market towns and browsing in the quirky shops and cafes.
• Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace Small-Group Tour – Meander through the quaint villages of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water, and explore the rich history of Blenheim Palace.
• Blenheim Palace Guided Tour – Enjoy a guided tour of one of England’s most famous palaces and gardens and home to the Churchill family and Duke of Marlborough. Learn about the events which led to the creation of Blenheim Palace. Enjoy a private tour for a maximum of 4 persons.

Oxford is proud of its literary heritage and connections with many famous authors who have studied or taught at one of its colleges. To fully appreciate and enjoy your visit to Oxford we recommend reading some of their works.

These include

• Lewis Carroll
• Oscar Wilde
• JRR Tolkien
• John Betjeman
• Philip Pullman

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Oxford. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

• Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Liverpool Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
• York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has lots of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

• Extreme Spots
• Cities in 3D
• All countries

• Country selection
• Great Britain
• Isle Of Man
• Londonderry
• Middlesbrough
• Southampton
• Wolverhampton

• Hotels in Oxford
• Guest houses
• Family rooms
• Budget hotels
• Luxurious hotels
• Bed & Breakfast

Detailed hi-res maps of Oxford for download or print

Large interactive map of Oxford with sights/services search

City tours, excursions and tickets in oxford and surroundings, moving around in great britain - transportation.

Search for services, infrastructure and sights on map of Oxford

Photogallery of Oxford sightseeing

Our guide chapters over Oxford

Attractions and active leisure.

Cuisine and top restaurants

Traditions and mentality of oxford, travel guide to oxford, oxford for children - what to visit, shopping, streets and outlets, detailed maps of neighbouring cities to oxford.

Oxford attractions map

Click on an attraction name or number/letter for more information

For a map of the Oxford region, click here .

Canvas prints, framed prints and greeting cards by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of BritainExpress.com

Attractions

• Blackwell's Books
• Bodleian Library
• Carfax Tower
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Clarendon Building
• Martyrs Memorial
• Oxford Botanic Gardens
• Oxford Castle
• Painted Room
• Radcliffe Camera
• Sheldonian Theatre
• St. Mary the Virgin Church
•   Attractions Map

Oxford University

• All Soul's College
• Balliol College
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church College
• Exeter College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• The Queen's College
• St Edmund's Hall
• St. John's College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Worcester College
• Ashmolean Museum
• Museum of Oxford
• Museum of Modern Art
• Museum of the History of Science
• Pitt Rivers Museum
• Museum of Natural History
• Blenheim Palace
• Broughton Castle
• Godstow Abbey
• Emperor Heads
• History of Oxford
• Holywell Cemetery
• Punting on Oxford's Rivers
• The Oxford Martyrs
• Tirah Memorial
• Walking Tours

Oxford Accommodation

• Self Catering

Stunning UK prints for sale by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of Britain Express, the UK Travel and Heritage Guide.

Top Historic Attractions in Oxfordshire

Towns / villages.

12 Manor Farm Close Kingham Sleeps 6, from £911.00 12 Parkers Hill Thame Sleeps 5, from £419.00 2 Church Street Chipping Norton Sleeps 4, from £535.00 2 Dewars Farm Cottages Middleton Stoney Sleeps 8, from £1066.00 9 Windrush Heights Burford Sleeps 6, from £719.00 More self catering in Oxfordshire

World Map » UK » City » Oxford » Oxford City Center Map

Oxford city centre map

You may download, print or use the above map for educational, personal and non-commercial purposes. Attribution is required. For any website, blog, scientific research or e-book, you must place a hyperlink (to this page) with an attribution next to the image used.

Cities of UK

• Kingston upon Hull
• Wolverhampton
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Southampton

UK countries

• England maps
• Scotland maps
• Northern Ireland maps
• North America Map
• South America Map
• Oceania Map

Popular Maps

• Australia Map
• Germany Map
• Singapore Map
• United Arab Emirates Map
• United Kingdom Map
• United States Map
• New York City Map
• Los Angeles Map

U.S. States

• California Map
• Colorado Map
• Florida Map
• Georgia Map
• Illinois Map
• New York Map
• North Carolina Map
• Virginia Map

Map of Oxford

Visit Oxford

Oxford is a wonderful place to visit. It is home to magnificent architecture and history, famous literary figures and unique traditions. Visit the Experience Oxfordshire website to find out about things to do, where to stay and planning your trip to the city of dreaming spires.

Rate this page

Home > Articles > Enjoying Oxford

Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Explore at Your Own Pace

This Oxford City Centre walking tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights while exploring little lanes and secret shortcuts only the locals know. An ideal self-guided tour if you’re in Oxford for just a few hours. In this circuit, you will be able to see some of Oxford’s most important landmarks and beautiful colleges without having to get too far from the city centre. Do you want to see a more extensive self-guided walking tour ? Check this link .

Distance to cover with this self-guided tour: 2 miles / 3.2 kilometres . Estimated time: 1 hour .  Type of terrain: Paved paths and pavements.

Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

Download this Image

Let’s start with a quick overview of this walking tour. As we mentioned above, this is a more compact and short tour. You can see everything it has to offer in about an hour (less if you don’t stop, more if you enjoy looking at things in a little more detail). Here are some of the things you will cover in this free, self-guided tour:

In solid lines : Starting from Carfax Tower, this walk will take you through the historical city centre and many lanes and shortcuts only known to the locals. You will see a thousand years of history, including the Saxon Tower of St. Michael, the Sheldonian Theatre, and the 20th-century Bridge of Sighs.

In dashed lines : If you have a little extra time or you want to see more of Oxford, you can expand your walking tour by adding this little circuit, which will take you to the remains of Oxford’s Norman castle and numerous shops. A perfect conclusion if you want to end your walk with a nice coffee or beer, or some food. 

Let’s now go step-by-step with all the directions you need to follow to do this self-guided walking tour of Oxford’s city centre. 

• Start at Carfax Tower . Head along Queen Street and turn left down St Ebbe’s Street. Continue walking until Brewer Street and turn left. Don’t miss Pembroke College Bridge.
• Turn right and continue down St Aldates until you reach the pedestrian crossing right after the entrance to Christ Church . Cross the road and go into the Memorial Garden gate. Continue straight and turn left at the end of the building.
• Go through the kissing gate and emerge onto Merton Street. Turn right and pass Merton College . Turn left on Logic Lane and go through University College . 
• When it’s safe to do so, cross over the High Street into Queen’s Lane. Pass St. Edmund’s Hall and follow Queen’s Lane between Queen’s and New College . You can make a stop here to get refreshments through a tiny alley that leads to Turf Tavern . 
• Walk past the Bridge of Sighs onto Cattle Street. Cross over the Square to see the Sheldonian Theatre and exit by the arched gate onto Broad Street. 
• Turn left on Broad Street, pass the Museum of the History of Science and continue to Turl Street. Turn left down Turl Street and take the first turn on the right into Ship Street; then, walk to the end. 
• Optional walking tour : Cross Cornmarket Street at the end of Ship Street and walk past the Oxford Union. Then, turn left on George Street. Turn left down Bullwarks Lane and left again out into New Road. Cross over to see Oxford’s Castle. From here on, follow the map to find your way back to Carfax Tower.

What You Shouldn't Miss in This Oxford City Centre Walking Tour

(You can click here to see all the historical places you will encounter )

Carfax Tower

Carfax Tower, in Oxford, is a 23-meter-high bell tower that used to belong to a 12th-century church. Here’s how to visit it (and why!).

Turf Tavern

The Turf Tavern in Oxford is hidden way and accessed only by two small alleys. However, don’t be tricked by its humble entrance. The Turf Tavern has been around since

Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996.

History of Science Museum

The History of Science Museum holds a large collection of scientific instruments ranging from Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera is a neo-classical style building inside Oxford University, built from 1737 to 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library.

Merton College

As one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, Merton College dates back to the 1260s by Walter de Merton.

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Oxford’s most photographed spots. This skyway joins two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane.

Oxford Colleges

St John’s College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford, St John’s College was founded in 1555 as a men’s college but turned coeducational later.

Keble College

Keble College is one of the University of Oxford’s constituent colleges. It is located on Parks Road, opposite the University Museum.

Exeter College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.

Brasenose College

Oxford University’s Brasenose College (BNC) was founded in 1509 and is home to one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.

All Souls College

All Souls College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. It was founded by Henry VI and it has no undergraduate members.

See all Oxford Colleges >

Oxford Museums

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford is Britain’s first public museum. It was founded in 1683.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History or OUMNH displays many of the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens.

See all Oxford Museums >

Oxford Libraries

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

See all Oxford Libraries >

Best for Shopping in Oxford

There are two – possibly three – shops you should NOT miss if you’re visiting Oxford and doing a self-guided walking tour. These are Alice’s Shop (with tons of Alice in Wonderland memorabilia, all beautifully displayed in a historically-relevant little building!), The Shop of Secrets (more Harry Potter merch than you can dream of), and Blackwell’s Bookshop , founded in 1879.

Of course, as Oxford continues to grow, there re several other places you can visit if you’re looking for unique gifts or just a memorable experience. Below is a more comprehensive list with all of them. 

Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s Bookshop first opened its doors in 1879, on Broad Street, Oxford. They have been trading continuously from there ever since. The History of Blackwell’s Bookshop The first Blackwell’s Bookshop

Alice’s Shop

Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice that inspired the books) used to buy sweets.

Arcadia Bookstore

Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.

The Shop of Secrets

The Shop of Secrets is Oxford’s chamber of Harry Potter collectibles and merch. A shopping must-to in the city, this is why you should visit.

Parks and Meadows

Oxford has many beautiful parks and meadows – which make perfect spots for a picnic or a relaxing stop. These parks are large and tend to have exotic plants and students practising sports or reading a book under the shadow of a tree. The best thing about adding a visit to a park during your self-guided walking tour is that you can visit them any time of the year. University Parks , for example, are evergreen and have seats no matter the season. Of course, if you like plants and quietness you should not miss the Botanic Gardens, they are included in the map above and have exotic species, lots of secret corners, and even a pond with fish!

Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. It was founded in 1621 and holds unique and important species.

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a large open space in the north of Oxford. The River Thames flows through its heart and the plains are home to many animals.

Learn More About Oxford

Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum: A Brief History

Oxford College Gardens

Oxford Aerial Map and Guide

Insight Guides Great Breaks Oxford

More articles about enjoying oxford.

Explore new and familiar locations, visit the parks, step into a college, or drop by one of the many quirky shops Oxford has to offer. Browse All >

Should I Visit Oxford Or Cambridge? And Which University Is Better?

Use this guide to compare and contrast the two cities and universities.

Everything You Need to Know to Visit Blenheim Palace From Oxford

Located just a short distance from Oxford, Blenheim Palace stands as one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. Here’s how to visit!

All of Oxford’s Escape Rooms and Interactive Games

The complete list of escape rooms and interactive puzzles in the city of Oxford and its surroundings. Follow the trails and discover stories.

Bored in Oxford? Ten Places You Might Have not Seen Yet

Oxford has many a hidden gem. Do you think you have seen everything the city has to offer? Check this list; you might be surprised! (Related Article: Truly Hidden and

Oxford Hostels: The Ultimate Ranking

Compare amenities, affordable rates, and convenient locations for the best hostels in Oxford, United Kingdom (plus, my personal experience!)

More Articles About Oxford

Our collection of articles with ideas for things to do and see, the history of this incredible city, the University, its museums, literature and movie inspirations, filming locations, and much more. 

The Oxford Martyrs: Who Were They, And Why Were They Killed?

The Oxford Martyrs were a group of protestants tried for heresy and burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs. Here’s their story.

How to Find Temporary and Part-Time Work in Oxford

If you’re looking for work in Oxford (in particular, temp jobs or part-time positions) here are a few resources that might come in handy.

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Phantom Cavalier of St. John’s College

The Phantom Cavalier of St. John’s College is a spectral figure steeped in the rich tapestry of Oxford University’s history and folklore.

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien at Oxford: Friendship and Rivalry

C. S. Lewis attended Oxford University in 1917. Find out more about his work and his relationship and rivalry with Tolkien.

Top 10 Ways to Survive the Summer While Living or Studying in Oxford

Summer. Warmth. Potential. Here are some tips and ideas for surviving the season as a student or visitor in Oxford. Hope you enjoy!

All About Inspector Morse, Lewis & Endeavour’s Oxford

Delve into the heart of one of the most iconic detective series set against the backdrop of the historic city of Oxford.

Getting Married in Oxford: All of Oxford’s Wedding Venues (+ Pictures)

Tips and ideas to plan the perfect breath-taking Oxford wedding. Exclusive venues, wedding photo locations and romantic packages.

How to Find a Group to Play Dungeons & Dragons in Oxford

Are you a DnD player looking for a new group, or new to roleplaying and eager to give it a go? Here’s how to play D&D in Oxford.

How Do You Get Into Oxford University? Is It Hard? What Grades Do You Need?

A detailed guide to help you get into Oxford. The grades you need, how hard it really is, and everything you need to apply to the University.

Where is Oxford Located, And How Can You Get There?

Oxford is one of England’s most popular touristic destinations and home to one of the world’s oldest universities.

Everything about Oxford and its surrounding areas, including places to see, things to do, and information about all the colleges, libraries, and museums. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

www.OxfordVisit.com © 2024 – Privacy Policy

Privacy Overview

Map of Oxford City Centre

Browse Complete Map of Oxford City Centre

Stretching over the beginning years of Oxford University and dotted with numbers of a tourist attraction, Oxford becomes the home to a myriad of worldwide visitors. The quaint city of Oxford offers the wide variety of tours including cycling tour, sightseeing bus tour, walking tour, bike tour, ghost tour, literary tour, Inspector Morse, and Harry Potter tour. Visiting the Oxford city is not only about exploring its history but wander around college cloisters, enjoying the mouth-watering cuisines, staying in world-class hotels, soaking up in a breathtaking atmosphere and lots more. No matter whichever way visitors are choosing because the city offers complete satisfaction and wonderful vacation experience all the time.

Full of awe-inspiring attractions, Oxford City Centre provides an amazing day out for families, group of friends and every tourist. If you are looking for true Oxford experience but don’t know how to get the comprehensive information then browse the Map of Oxford City Centre that will guide you about the must-visit destinations in this alluring city. You can look for the detailed locations of the fascinating ancient college, museums, hotels, university buildings, church and tranquil gardens situated in the city center of Oxford.

Vibrant modern lifestyle, pictorial architecture, old tradition and interesting past of Oxford city and university can be explored by visiting the must-see sight. Here we provide you the complete Oxford City Centre Map along with the list of world-famous places that make it the ideal tourist destination.

• Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Stunning neo-Gothic building located on Parks Road, Oxford University Museum of Natural History (O.U.M.N.H) was reopened in the year 2014 after impressive renewal. Founded in 1860, this museum houses the internationally momentous university’s collection of geological, entomological, mineralogical and zoological specimens. One of the significant current displays includes the remains of the now extinct Alice’s Dodo bird that provide learning about the awesome natural world.

• River Cherwell

• Oxford Castle

Part of Norman medieval Oxford Castle on the western side of the city center, Oxford Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1071 to enable Normans to control the area. Enjoy the panoramic view of the historic city of Oxford by climbing at the famous tower in Oxford Castle. Today, this building becomes must-visit sightseeing in Oxford Tours as many popular movies have been filmed here and there are lots of options to visitors to make most of their tour.

• Merton College

Located in central Oxford on Merton Street, Oxford’s most reputable Merton College has beautiful gardens, historically significant architecture and excellent student life. It welcomes the scholars, alumni, and other visitors to get a feel of the college and explore its academic living.

• Ashmolean Museum

Founded in 1683 home to University’s collection of art and archaeology Ashmolean Museum is not only UK’s first public museum but oldest university museum in the world that provides free entry. Located on Beaumont Street, this museum houses the famous rich collection ranging from archaeological findings, Pre-Raphaelite paintings, classical sculpture from Rome and Greece, Raphael drawings, greatest Chinese art collection in the Western world to Egyptian mummies.

• Oxford University Press Museum

History of Oxford University Press (OUP) one of the world’s largest university presses can be discovered by visiting at its renowned museum. A small museum at OUP shows the growth of this press by displaying historic books such as Bibles, prayer books, documents and various printing equipment of Oxford University Press from 17 th , 18 th and 19 th century.

• Bodleian Library

Most celebrated Bodleian Library forms UK’s largest University library system and considered as Britain’s second biggest library. Dating back to 1602, this library has been used in various popular films such as Inspector Morse “The Dead of Jericho”, Harry Potter series and much more.

• University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden was founded in 1621 and contains more than 8000 different plant species. It is traditional 17 th century walled garden that consists of three sections and today well known as Oxford City’s contemporary garden at the heart of University. Visitors can get the long lasting peace by visiting here at any time because it is open throughout the year.

• Christ Church Meadow

Most popular flood-meadow at the heart of Oxford, Christ Church Meadow is the ideal picnic spot and a large area to experience tranquility. The meadow can be accessed from Christ Church, Merton Street between Merton and Christ Church College, St. Aldate’s through memorial gardens, north river path and rose lane by the Botanical garden. It has been used as the renowned site for entertainment, sport, and recreation.

• Luxurious Hotels

• Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs)

Hertford Bridge is also known as the Bridge of Sighs because of its similarity with Venice’s famous bridge. The bridge was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson between 1913 and 1914 to connect two parts of Hertford College over New College. It is well known as popular photography location where tourists can capture the memorable photographs.

• Pitt River Museum

Housing the astonishing world’s unrivaled collection of archaeology and anthropology, Pitt River Museum becomes Oxford’s one of the topmost museum that can be only accessed through the Museum of Natural History.

• Sheldonian Theatre

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, Oxford University’s official ceremonial hall Sheldonian Theatre is a well known Oxford tourist attraction where visitors can observe magnificent ceiling painted by Robert Streater during the reign of King Charles II. They can enjoy best indoor 360-degree panoramic views of the city of Oxford from the Cupola.

• Covered Market

Located right in the heart of the city, Covered Market welcomes the visitors with the wide range of vibrant colors offering them an awesome opportunity to showcase local crafts, drink, and food. Dating back to 1770s, the market can be accessed either through Golden Cross in Cornmarket Street, High Street or Market Street. Home to more than 40 traders selling an appealing variety of goods such as fashion, jewelry, food, leather goods, clothing, watches and lots more thing, this market becomes a not-to-miss place in Oxford.

Related posts

Oxford Restaurants

Top Places to Visit in Oxford

University Info

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Account Options

EVERYTHING OXFORD & OXFORDSHIRE

Discover oxfordshire and the city of oxford, welcome to oxford city visitor information.

You’ve found the essential Oxford City guide with information on where to stay in Oxford and around Oxfordshire , what to see if you’re visiting or living in Oxford and surrounding areas , ideas for the best places to eat and drink , great shopping trips , local weather and details of Oxfordshire’s thriving businesses and community essentials .

Oxford City Guide

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years. Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. Still with its ancient University, but home also to a growing hi-tech community. Many businesses are located in and around the town, whether on one of the Science and Business Parks or within one of a number of residential areas.

With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty for both the tourist and resident to do. Whether its visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums , going out for a drink or a meal , taking in a show or shopping till you drop , Oxford along with the entire county of Oxfordshire has it all and oxfordcity.co.uk is your online Oxford City guide.

WANT TO STAY IN OXFORD OR OXFORDSHIRE?

EXPLORE OXFORD

FIND A BUSINESS IN OXFORD

HEALTH & BEAUTY

OXFORD COMMUNITY

STAY IN OXFORD

EXCLUSIVE LUXURY SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

Your very own exclusive hideaway.

Greyfriars Hideaway is an exclusive luxury 5 Star Gold destination in England complemented by concierge services. Two historic luxury self catering properties are set within a truly unparalleled private and secure location cosseted in the vibrant centre of Oxford just metres from Westgate Oxford and Oxford Castle and a short walk to many of Oxford's other famous landmarks. An exceptional location for business or pleasure. These two luxurious self catering properties can either be booked independently or taken together as a whole for complete exclusivity.

Surround yourself in history and heritage

• Northern Ireland
• Southern England
• Northern England
• Other Regions
• Shopping Guides
• Restaurant Guides
• Historic Attractions
• Theme Parks/Adventure
• World Heritage Sites
• Top UK Attractions
• UK National Parks
• England Airports
• Scotland Airports
• Wales Airports
• Northern Ireland Airports
• UK Airport Hotels
• North America
• Travellers Tips
• UK Travel Tips & Advice
• Articles & Inspirations
• Holiday Packages
• Hotel Reservations
• Travel Tools
• UK Holidays
• Oxford Attractions
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• Local Events
• City Facts & Figures
• Travel & Transport
• Maps/Local Search
• Travel Videos

Accommodation

• Oxford Hotels

Oxford Guides

• Oxfordshire

Oxford Tourist Information Centres

Related articles, oxfordshire tourist information centres, birmingham tourist information centres, glasgow tourist information centres.

• Website Terms
• Site Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy

Streetmaps - Oxford

Street map of oxford city centre.

Detailed street map of Oxford City centre, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom.

Oxford Oxfordshire City Centre Map

Street Map of Oxford City Centre: Detailed street map for Oxford City centre in Oxfordshire (Oxon). Large and clear map of Oxford, Oxfordshire , England, UK.

• Google Map Oxford City Centre, Oxon.
• Zoom in on Oxford City Centre, Oxon.
• Pan Around the City Centre of Oxford.
• View Satellite Map Oxford, UK.
• Oxford Terrain Map.
• Get Google Street View for Oxford*.
• View Oxford in Google Earth.
• Road Map Oxford, United Kingdom.
• City Centre Map of Oxford, Oxfordshire.
• Printable Street Map of Central Oxford, England.
• Easy to Use, Easy to Print Oxford Map.
• Find Parks, Woods & Green Areas in Oxford Area.
• Find Churches, Museums & Attractions in Oxford Area.

Things you can see on this Oxford street map:

• Oxford Railway Station (Train Station).
• Oxford High Street.
• The River Thames (Isis).
• The River Cherwell.
• Christ Church Meadow.
• Merton College.
• Corpus Christi College.
• St Hilda's College.
• Exeter College.
• Trinity College.
• Gloucester Green.
• Worcester College.
• Mansfield College.
• Keble College.
• Linacre College.
• Sommerville College.
• Oxford University Press.
• Queen's College Recreation Ground.
• Brasenose College Recreation Ground.

Zoom out one step (-) to see:

• Lady Margaret Hall.
• Headington Hill.
• Wolfson College.
• New Hinksey.
• South Park.
• St Peter's College Recreation Ground.

Oxford Bus Station is not shown on the map, but is located in Gloucester Green.

* To get a Google street view of Oxford follow the "View on Google Maps" link, left click and hold the yellow "pegman", drag him to the Oxford street you wish to view, in a few seconds you will get your Oxford street view. In this view of Oxford you can also see: Oxford Station, St Aldgate's Parish Centre, Pembroke College, Nuffield College, the Clarendon Centre (Shopping Centre), the Mitre Pub, Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford Town Hall, St Ebbe's Church, Christ Church Cathedral School, the Bear Inn, Christ Church Cathedral, the Sheldonian Theatre, Museum of History & Science, Bodleian Library, the Turf Tavern, University College, St Edmund Hall, and hundreds of other Oxford colleges, schools, pubs, shops, businesses, places to visit, facilities, amenities, and attractions in Oxford center and the Oxford area.

Postcode For Oxford City Centre Oxfordshire: OX1

More Oxon Town Centre Maps: Banbury - Wallingford - Abingdon - Didcot - Bicester - Witney - Henley

Oxfordshire Villages: Kidlington - Eynsham - Bampton-in-the-Bush

Printable Maps of UK Towns and Villages.