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: 187
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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
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.
Towns & Villages
Located at the heart of middle England, North Oxfordshire boasts a landscape of rolling countryside, the thriving market towns of Banbury and Bicester, picturesque thatch topped villages, and a wide range of good quality overnight accommodation and a
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.
Towns & Villages
Originally in Berkshire, this small Thames-side village was transferred to Oxfordshire in 1974 and is now part of South Oxfordshire.
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
Pub/Inn
Wantage
Guests can soak up the friendly service and homely charm of this welcoming inn, nestled in the heart of the historic market town of Wantage. At The King Alfred’s Head, the team takes pride in being at the centre of the community, offering the…
Restaurant
Oxford
Soak up the atmosphere and experience a twist on traditional British and European cuisine within a contemporary setting.
Towns & Villages
Chipping Norton
This small village has some fine buildings and is known locally for its independent furniture workshops. Among its attractions are the church, modelled on various Oxford buildings, a memorial to William Smith and a Victorian fountain.
Towns & Villages
Witney
Throughout history, visitors have succumbed to the charm of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Steeped in history, rich in heritage and awash with natural beauty, the Oxfordshire Cotswolds is rural England at its finest.
A charming blend of bustling…
Town
ABINGDON
Abingdon–on–Thames, a quaint, bustling market town nestled on the river Thames just waiting to be explored, 6 miles south of Oxford.
Steeped in history and dating back to the Saxon era, Abingdon-On-Thames is a rare gem. Holding claim to ‘the…
Towns & Villages
Dorchester On Thames
A charming, historic, Oxfordshire village at the confluence of the rivers Thame and Thames with an imposing church and the Sinodun Hills as a backdrop.
Boat Hire
Henley-on-Thames
Hobbs of Henley – the best in boating since 1870.
Hobbs provides a variety of ways to enjoy the Royal River Thames from public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out, to its newest boats, luxury Linnsen self-drive cruisers, the…
Towns & Villages
Buscot is a small Thames-side village about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southeast of Lechlade. Originally part of Berkshire it is now in Oxfordshire. A short walk from the end of the village leads past Buscot Weir field to Buscot Lock on the River Thames.
Country / Royal Park
Carterton
Set within 50 acres Kilkenny Lane Country Park is an ideal location for playing, walking, jogging, or simply relaxing with a picnic. There are 2.5km of paths (suitable for wheelchair access) and bridleways, as well as an adventure play area
Historic Site
ABINGDON
Abingdon Abbey Buildings are the medieval domestic buildings of Abingdon Abbey founded in the 7th century and demolished in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, they contain outstanding…
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.
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
Towns & Villages
Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is a market town at the highest point of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Find tourist information, places to visit and a list of nearby villages
Towns & Villages
Watlington
Reputedly England’s smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills, Watlington offers a traditional welcome, with specialist shopping, great hospitality and outstanding landscapes.