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.
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: 190
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Pub/Inn
Faringdon
The Old Crown Coaching Inn is a 15 century Coaching Inn, with a two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant ,fabulous relaxed pub for casual dining and quirky cocktail bar for a nights out with friends or family.
Boat Hire
Buscot, Faringdon
Where do you visit? We are based near the source of the Thames, and you can cruise its upper reaches through the beautiful Cotswold countryside, perhaps stopping for a picnic or lunch at a traditional country pub. If you hire an overnight vessel,…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Oxford
Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and listen to fascinating stories as they are brought to life. Dive into fascinating tales of traitors, royals and rebels, led by expert…
Boat Hire
Henley-on-Thames
Hobbs of Henley offers boat hire on the River Thames in Henley‑on‑Thames, providing a flexible and memorable way to explore one of England’s most iconic rivers. From self‑drive motor launches to luxury skippered charters and cruising holidays, it’s…
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.
Brewery
Banbury
Hook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the country.
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.
Theatre
Wantage
The Beacon is illuminating Wantage through the culture, leisure and entertainment. As a vibrant gathering place for the local community, we offer a varied programme of live events from cinema, music, theatre and comedy to a regular activity…
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
Restaurant
Oxford
Soak up the atmosphere and experience a twist on traditional British and European cuisine within a contemporary setting.
Restaurant
Faringdon
Inspired by the retro American roadside pit stop, Mollie’s Diner brings contemporary design and crowd-pleasing comfort food together under one roof. Open all day, every day, it’s right on the doorstep whether you’re joining us for breakfast, lunch…
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).
Towns & Villages
Spelsbury
Spelsbury is a small village on the road between Chipping Norton and Charlbury. By the side of the road there is a large canopied water fountain, of honey coloured stone, built in memory of Constantine Augustus Dillon.
Historic Site
ABINGDON
Discover the historic Abingdon Abbey Buildings at the heart of the the ancient town of Abingdon-on-Thames - this historic site story stretches back to the Middle Ages, and was once one of the richest monastic foundations in the country.
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…
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
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!
Animal Collection / Zoo
Carterton
Come and join us on a great day out in Oxfordshire with photo opportunities, feeding displays, crocodile talks and much more at the UK's only Crocodile Zoo - Crocodiles of the World
Animal Collection / Zoo
Chipping Norton, Chipping Norton
Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm.
With an 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…