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.
Walking Tour
Oxford
You are hereby cordially invited to join Bill Spectre on a Theatrical tour of Oxford’s ghosts. Public tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Private group bookings in Oxford, Burford and Woodstock available at other times by arrangement. For a dinner event…
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…
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…
Museum
Oxford
History of the city and university. Discover the cities earliest residents, medieval crafts, civil war stories, famous literary connections and the growth of a modern city.
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
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…
Museum
Henley-on-Thames
A unique, award-winning museum with galleries dedicated to rowing, the River Thames and the town of Henley.
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
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.
Walking Tour
Oxford
Oxford city & university walking & cycle tours or book bespoke themed tours. Many guides are actors or local alumni, who share their passion for Oxford with you via fun anecdotes.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Carterton
Come and join us on a great day out with photo opportunities, feeding displays, crocodile talks and much more. Not to mention meeting all the amazing crocodiles, alligators and caimans. Highlights include: Meet all 12 crocodile species - including…
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…
Farm
Witney
The Cotswold stone farm buildings grouped around the farmyard and the manor house beyond provide a tranquil setting that belies its proximity to Witney’s bustling town centre.
Towns & Villages
Chipping Norton
Just north of Chipping Norton, set high on a hill and enjoying panoramic views across the valley, Great Rollright is the larger of The Rollrights, Little Rollright is 2 miles to the west, with the prehistoric Rollright Stones in between.
Boat Trip
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…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Oxford
If you thought Oxford was just about elegant spires and world-class academia then think again!
Oxford Castle – Unlocked reveals Oxford’s less well known history, one that’s rich with tales of great escapes, betrayal and even romance – all…
Garden
Abingdon
Range of medieval domestic buildings remaining from Abingdon Abbey.
Towns & Villages
Faringdon
The market town of Faringdon in Oxfordshire is perched on a golden limestone ridge between two river valleys. Find things to do and nearby 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.
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