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: 191
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Historic House / Palace
DAVENTRY
NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY
Elizabethan Manor House, home of the Dryden family. Unaltered since 1710. A grand church is all that remains of the Augustinian Priory (Exhibiton in Church). Interesting formal garden.
Pub/Inn
Clanfield
The Cotswold Plough Hotel, Clanfield, is a perfect example of a 16th century, stylish yet informal hotel in the Cotswold countryside. The restaurant menu offers imaginative and mouth-watering dishes and prides itself on using local Cotswold produce,…
Luxury Shopping Experience
Bicester
Discover a world of luxury at Bicester Village, the region’s ultimate shopping destination. Home to more than 130 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, each offers savings of up to 60%, all year round.
Sightseeing
Henley-on-Thames
Established in 1994 and set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.
Checkendon Equestrian Centre can offer you many equestrian activities for you and your horse.
Castles & Stately Homes
Extensive earthworks conceal the remains of a 12th Century castle.
Open during daylight hours.
Visit the website for more detailed information.
Oxford
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a museum displaying many of the University's natural history specimens.
Brewery
Witney
Guided tours of the brewery every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes you through the brewing process of Wychwood & Brakspear Beers, from the raw ingredients to the finished product...
Pub/Inn
Thame, Oxfordshire
The Peacock Inn stands in a truly unspoiled location at the very edge of the stunning Chiltern Hills, with inspirational views across the Oxfordshire and Buckingamshire countryside.
Pub/Inn
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
For those seeking the traditional Cotswold experience or those who have a desire for walking the King’s Head, sitting behind the village green, ticks all the boxes.
Restaurant
Oxford
No.1 Folly Bridge occupies a unique location in Oxford. The brasserie is perched beside the River Thames in the heart of the city. Whether visiting for the excellent fresh food, a relaxed coffee, or a bottle from their hand picked list, guests can…
Museum
Long Hanborough
As well as over 30 buses on display, there are other numerous exhibits adding a period feel. Visitors can enter several of the vehicles and there are often free vintage bus ride.
Boat Trip
Oxford
Oxford River Cruises provides a range of luxury boat trips, sightseeing tours and unique picnic cruises in the heart of the historic city of Oxford.
Their vessels provide a comfortable and intimate setting for an unforgettable river experience…
Towns & Villages
Wallingford
Voted one of the best countryside locations to relocate, Wallingford is well known for its location on the banks of the River Thames, taking its name from the crossing it provided to animals and people.
Café
Oxford
Pieminister was started in 2003, making pies filled with fresh natural ingredients and free range meat that is sourced eithically and responsibly - all the pies are made with great care, love and attention!
Walking Tour
Oxford
Footprints Tours is a student start-up company, created to show a more fun side of Oxford with our professional and
trained guides. We’re a group of students and locals determined to show visitors the best Oxford has to offer.
Theatre
Oxford
The New Theatre, Oxford, is owned by The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) who are the biggest theatre owners in the country, owning 40 theatres across the UK.
There has been a theatre on the corner of George Street for almost 170 years. During…
Fish Farm
Lechlade
Trout and fly fishing. First organic Trout farm in the UK.
Historic House / Palace
Wantage
Home of the Baring family. Early 18thC beautifully symmetrical house with unusually fine brickwork. The entrance is dominated by the Imperial staircase.
Museum
Thame
The 16th century wallpaintings installed in Thame Museum hold many fascinating clues to the past. They are now on show to visitors, displayed in a special exhibition room.