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 guided walking tour around the city that focuses on literature, film, geography and culture?
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: 151
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Towns & Villages
Originally in Berkshire, this small Thames-side village was transferred to Oxfordshire in 1974 and is now part of South Oxfordshire.
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
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…
Walking Tour
Oxford
On its way the Trail passes through peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife, historic towns and cities such as Oxford, Henley and Windsor, many lovely villages and some of the best known landmarks of London.
Historic House / Palace
Henley-on-Thames
Stunning images of this ancient home and, deer park and beautiful gardens with information on opening times, prices and seasonal events
Museum
Wallingford
Wallingford Museum is a colourful, delightfully intimate and family friendly local history museum, housed on two floors of this medieval oak-beamed building in the heart of Wallingford in Oxfordshire.
Towns & Villages
Burford
A short distance from Burford, the village overlooks the Windrush valley. The parish church is Norman, showing traces of earlier Saxon work. There is a fine yew tree in the churchyard with a girth of over 19ft and almost 1,000 years old!
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
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.
Town
THAME
Thame, a thriving market town at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, is just 14 miles from Oxford. Its historic centre has a vibrant High Street; host regular events – from festivals to traditional market days; and features in Midsomer Murders
Garden
Moreton In Marsh
Batsford Arboretum is home to one of the country’s largest private tree collections. Enjoy early colour from snowdrops, spring-flowering bulbs and Japanese flowering cherries; escape the heat under the tree canopy in summer and prepare to be amazed…
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.
Castle / Fort
Banbury
Broughton Castle is essentially a family home lived in by Lord and Lady Saye and Sele and their family. The original
medieval manor house, of which much remains today, was built in about 1300 by Sir John de Broughton.
It stands on an island…
Towns & Villages
Dorchester On Thames
A charming, riverside, Oxfordshire village five miles from Wallingford, and nine miles from Oxford, Dorchester-on-Thames is steeped in history. Close to an Iron age hillfort, it was formerly a Celtic market centre and a Roman town, but it was the…
Farm
Faringdon
Farmer Gow’s ~ the ‘favourite place on earth’ for lots of its young visitors.
Event Venue
Crafting the perfect day out - Enjoy a unique experience enjoying truly elegant travel.
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
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!
Marinas and Services
Oxford
Salters Steamers are one of the longest established firms on the River Thames. They are the only company to operate services on the entire 76 miles of Upper-Thames, from Oxford down to Staines (including such famous places as Reading, Henley and…
Garden
Abingdon
Range of medieval domestic buildings remaining from Abingdon Abbey.
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