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: 189
, 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,…
Town
Thame
Thame is one of the most used filming locations for the popular TV show, Midsomer Murders.
Town
The Love Wantage website is coordinated by the Wantage Town Centre Manager to promote the Town Centre and what's on offer for residents and visitors.
This website signposts to online resources for discovering all you need to know about Wantage and…
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).
Towns & Villages
Oxford
Visit Oxfordshire and discover one of the most beautiful English counties, with the most inspiring city at its heart.
Town
Made famous by its cakes and a much-loved nursery rhyme, Banbury combines a fascinating history with lots of bright new modern attractions and things to do
Towns & Villages
Ascott under Wychwood
The village of Ascott under Wychwood, taking its name from the ancient Wychwood Forest, is situated on the south side of the River Evenlode and lies on the Cotswold Railway (connecting Worcester and London).
Café
Hook Norton, Banbury
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes at the Malthouse Kitchen at Hook Norton Brewery, Oxfordshire. Cozy indoor dining, beer garden, family & dog friendly. Tours, Shire horses & museum on site. Join us for breakfast, lunch or just a relaxing coffee or…
Towns & Villages
Burford
With its medieval bridge, old stone houses and attractive Tudor and Georgian frontages, Burford is justifiably one of the most picturesque towns in England. Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, the town was originally a fortified…
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
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.
Historic House / Palace
ABINGDON
This lovely family home built in circa 1660 was remodelled in the early 1700’s for the Blandy family. With English and French furniture in the elegant panelled rooms the entrance hall is dominated by its handsome cantilevered staircase.
Towns & Villages
Cassington
The centre of this small village is its traditional green, one of two in the village, lined by attractive old cottages, the pub and the school. An avenue of lime trees leads across the side of the green to the Norman doorway of the church.
Towns & Villages
Charlbury
Charlbury, set in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, grew from a small clearing in the Wychwood Forest to become a prosperous market town, due largely to its reputation as a glove making centre during the 18th and 19th centuries.
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…
Towns & Villages
Bruern
An Abbey is recorded at Bruern as early as 1147. The monastery was small and disreputable even compared to others in the Cotswolds, with a racy history of succession plots, deposed abbots and riots!
Historic House / Palace
Lechlade
The summer home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is a Grade I listed farmhouse, built around 1600 adjacent to the River Thames.
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…
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…