South Oxfordshire
The cultural capital of Oxfordshire is Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires and there are plenty of tourist attractions to enjoy on days out. With its honey-coloured stone architecture, noble lawns and prestigious colleges, the unchanging beauty of this city will always dominate the county.
Learning and exploring are synonymous with this city, even for tourists. Why not start with a city sightseeing bus tour, a great way to get your bearings and discover some of the interesting facts and stories behind the city, with 20 bus stops you and hop on and off as must as you like or just sit and enjoy the ride.
With countless city locations being used as the backdrop for television and film sets from Morse to Harry Potter, you may get a feeling of déjà vu. Oxfordshire is also home to several points of interest used for filming in the The hit ITV drama Downton Abbey including Bampton and Greys Court. Download a PDF guide to follow in the footsteps of the Crawley family.
In the north of Oxfordshire the lush and fertile Cherwell Valley is centred on the lovely town of Banbury, where you can really see a fine lady upon a white horse - or a statue of her, anyway. It's just one of the bustling market towns that punctuate a journey through Oxfordshire. For more information on places to visit in Oxfordshire, see our interactive map of Oxfordshire detailing the county's towns and villages.
Many of Oxfordshire's tourist attractions are open all year round so find something to do today with activities listings each showing a map and opening times for your convenience. Or why not browse our Oxfordshire events guide to find out what's happening this week.
For things to do in Oxford, Bicester, Banbury, Henley-on-Thames and other Oxfordshire towns, browse our pick of the best attractions below or find a more comprehensive list of what to do and places to go at the bottom of the page.
With picturesque villages, breathtaking natural scenery, a world-renowned university city and over 6,000 years of history, if you're looking for places to stay in Oxfordshire, the county has it all if you find yourself wanting more time to explore. The morden Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South is located a short hop away from Blenheim Palace and Bicester Village and with family-friendly interconnecting rooms, free Wi-Fi and a tasty childrens menu, it also has great access to the A34. Did you know you can actually stay on the Blenheim Palace Estate? Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat has around 30 lodges set in peaceful and well maintained grounds, located within walking distance of the Palace, some lodges welcoming dogs too, so everyone in the family came come on your next Oxfordshire adventure.
For more information about Oxfordshire, including ideas for days out, accommodation and events, browse the county's things to do and towns and villages in the list below. Use the 'map view' button to find something near you.
Number of results: 188
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Pub/Inn
Faringdon
The Old Crown Coaching Inn is a 15 century Coaching Inn, with a fabulous pub, cocktail bar, fine dining and casual dining restaurant, with 14 en suite bedrooms, a beautiful courtyard, and a private car park.
Restaurant
6 Milton Gate, Abingdon
Take sanctuary from the street-level bustle and dive in to the flavours of local British cuisine at Oxen Bar & Grill, the all-day neighbourhood brasserie nestled in the Courtyard Oxford South Hotel. With leather snugs, Oxfordshire inspired details,…
Towns & Villages
Originally in Berkshire, this small Thames-side village was transferred to Oxfordshire in 1974 and is now part of South Oxfordshire.
Restaurant
Oxford
The Cherwell Boathouse is an iconic Oxford punt station and restaurant on the banks of the river Cherwell. Established in 1904, the family run Boathouse now has over 80 handmade punts in the water and is an idyllic spot for punting, dining and…
Church / Chapel
Oxford
Christ Church is one of more than thirty colleges that make up the University of Oxford. Its college chapel is unique as it is also Oxford’s cathedral.
Towns & Villages
Northmoor
A small village, close to the River Thames, handy for Oxford, and south east of Witney. Tucked away off the beaten track with plenty of walks. The recently restored 14th century church, and the pub provide a village focus.
Historic Site
Oxford
The Bodleian is a working library & part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in remarkable buildings which form the historic heart of the University, & has been seen in TV shows such as Inspector Morse, & films such as Harry Potter.
Historic House / Palace
Woodstock
Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, one of the finest baroque houses in England, is set in over 2,000 acres of landscaped gardens
Towns & Villages
Faringdon
Historic market town at the edge of the Cotswolds, Faringdon makes a great base for a short break in the Vale of White Horse and the Cotswolds. With easy access to many attractions, including the ridgeway, White Horse Hill, Buscot Park, Thames walks…
Nature Trail / Watching
Watlington
Discover an Oxfordshire dreamscape as you walk to the top of Watlington Hill, where you will find breathtaking views and fine wildlife all year round.
Towns & Villages
Tackley
Tucked away close to the Oxford Canal, the River Cherwell and north east of Woodstock, this character village has many stone buildings and its railway station provides easy access to Oxford and further afield.
Tackley Village Shop, a community…
Towns & Villages
Chipping Norton
Some of the houses in the village are 17C but in 1939 Williams-Ellis, who had designed Portmeirion in north Wales, remodelled all the cottages in Cornwell.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Chipping Norton, Chipping Norton
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm. With our exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet our amazing animals, there is so much to…
Towns & Villages
Set around a pleasant market square, Bicester is one of Oxfordshire's most popular towns. Find things to do and explore nearby towns and villages.
Town
Henley On Thames
Henley is a beautiful 13th century market town in Oxfordshire famous for its popular festivals. View a map of the area and places to visit nearby
Animal Collection / Zoo
Carterton
Come and join us on a great day out with photo opportunities, feeding displays, crocodile talks and much more. Not to mention meeting all the amazing crocodiles, alligators and caimans. Highlights include: Meet all 12 crocodile species - including…
Towns & Villages
This ancient university city is both timeless and modern, with plenty of things to do, lively arts venues, bustling shops and fashionable restaurants
Wildlife
Abingdon
Earth Trust is an Oxfordshire charity championing accessible green spaces. Based at Earth Trust Centre by Wittenham Clumps, it hosts events like nature workshops, farm festivals, and archaeology tours. With nature reserves across the county, it…
Towns & Villages
Black Bourton
Near to Bampton, this village is worth a visit to see the outstanding 13th century wall paintings in the church. There is also a thriving vineyard producing nine different wines. Visitors are welcome but it’s best to phone in advance (01993 842028).
Boat Trip
Henley-on-Thames
Hobbs and Sons Ltd (now named Hobbs of Henley Ltd) was established in 1870 and has continued to provide the finest hospitality afloat to its patrons.
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