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. The Doubletree by Hilton Oxford Belfry is located just a short hop from the Chilterns National Landscape (previously known as Area of Oustanding National Beauty) in the market town of Thame with a health club and treatment rooms, visitors can take time to relax, aswell as explore from this Oxfordshire hotel. 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: 192
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Mountain Biking
Oxford
Oxford, famous for its Universities and the dreaming spires is home to one of Britain’s largest cycling communities. All over the city you will find streets accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists and every day the diverse mix of bikes and…
Museum
Charlbury
Charlbury Museum is an independent museum, run entirely by volunteers. Its five rooms are crammed with exhibits revealing the history of this ancient market town. There is plenty here to interest both adults and children. The contents include:…
Gallery
Bampton
West Ox Arts is situated in a lovely, spacious gallery on the first floor of the Grade II listed Town Hall in Bampton, a picturesque Cotswold village about five miles from Witney.
The gallery holds approximately twelve exhibitions a year and…
Animal Collection / Zoo
Burford
One of Oxfordshire’s top attractions and one of the most beautiful zoological collections in the country is Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens. Get eye-to-eye with Giraffe, Walk with lemurs or watch rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns.
Bus & Coach
Oxford
Offering information on local stagecoach bus services in Oxfordshire, including Medabus and Oxford tube service.
Stagecoach in Oxfordshire carries over 13 million passengers a year and operates over 10 million miles.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Lower Heyford, Bicester
Just 20 minutes from Banbury or Oxford takes you to the idyllic Heyford Wharf with its convenient rail station alongside. Our 200 year old working boatyard offers a village shop, gifts, bistro cafe, dayhire and holiday boats, and cycle hire.
Pub/Inn
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Indulge yourself in a portion of history at the Crown & Thistle! Innkeepers at this intriguing and delightfully eclectic building have been serving beer and food and providing a comfortable bed for over four centuries.
Adventure Park / Playground
Oxford
The games, provided by Ex(c)iting Game are suitable for almost all ages. If you would like an unusual, exciting hour while you are staying in Oxford, you must visit us and we will guarantee you an hour of unique excitement.
Family program,…
Museum
Abingdon
The former County Hall for Berkshire dating from 1678, displays and interprets archaeological collections with special exhibitions.
Restaurants
Banbury
Situated in the thatched village of Wroxton, 5 minutes from Banbury, this former 17th Century manor house offers comfortable accomodation, excellent homemade food and a truly warm welcome.
Historic Site
Oxford
Oxford's oldest building, boasting the oldest stained glass in Oxford. Associated with William Shakespeare, William Morris and Charles I.
Castles & Stately Homes
Extensive earthworks conceal the remains of a 12th Century castle.
Open during daylight hours.
Visit the website for more detailed information.
Gallery
Henley On Thames
Barn Galleries is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE.
Taxi & Chauffeur
Woodstock
All tours are bespoke and make a unique day. We also provide transport for: local trips, weddings proms and airport transfers. All services are pre-book only.
Museum
Oxford
A rich collection of historical woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, over a dozen historical keyboard instruments. A complete bow-maker's workshop.
Historic Site
Faringdon
The last folly to be built in England in 1935 stands at 104ft and offers extensive views of the countryside.
Trips & Tours
Oxford
Specialised luxury tours to places of television and filming interest for individuals, clubs and coach operators. Officially recognised and conducted by experts. Midsomer Murders, Morse, Poirot, Bond, Potter, Downton, Sherlock, Paddington all covered
Arts Centre
Oxford
Arts centre for live music, theatre, film screenings. With a 200-seat theatre space and two intimate studio spaces.
Café
Bampton
biztro is a new restaurant located in the heart of Bampton. The restaurant offers simple bistro dishes and fine wines served by friendly staff in a warm and informal setting.
Gallery
Explore amazing art in wonderful places across Oxfordshire! And all for free!
With art exhibitions and artist open studios in hundreds of interesting places throughout May, you can discover Oxfordshire’s creative talent in painting,…
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
