West 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: 191
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Shopping Centre
Witney
Built in traditional Cotswold stone and situated in the heart of Witney, the Woolgate Shopping Centre's shops include a Waitrose supermarket, Next, H&M, Jones Bootmaker, WH Smith, Waterstones and a variety of other retailers offering a wide range of…
Historic Site
Oxford
Oxford's oldest building, boasting the oldest stained glass in Oxford. Associated with William Shakespeare, William Morris and Charles I.
Museum
Oxford
A rich collection of historical woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, over a dozen historical keyboard instruments. A complete bow-maker's workshop.
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.
Garden Centre/Nursery
Bampton
Bampton Garden Plants started out as a small plant sale that occurred a couple of times a year serving local residents in and around the village of Bampton. Following success over a few years, the sale gradually opened for longer periods until…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Oxford
A victorian building opened in 1897 and still used for local government. Original rooms such as the Court Room and Council Chambers are available to view as is the City Plate Collection. Home to the Museum of Oxford from Spring 2012.
Animal Collection / Zoo
Weedon Lois, TOWCESTER
Try something different - take a Llama to lunch! Discover the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside leading one of our gentle llamas along bridleways and country lanes. Half day experience or full day treks with llamas or donkeys.
Museum
Wantage
The museum is housed within a converted 16thC cloth merchant's house.
An interactive auditorium presents the history of the Vale and Downland area. Special collections from across the Vale display the story of Wantage and the rural life of its…
Walking Tour
Oxford
Our Official Guided Walking Tours are an enjoyable and interesting way to explore our beautiful city, history, University, famous people and odd traditions.
Fishing
Aynho, Banbury
OS GRID REF: SP522342
College Farm Fishing is a family run and owned fishing lake providing fishing facilities for people of all abilities. It has good access, particularly for the disabled, with a very nearby car park with hard standing.
Theatre
Oxford
Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce a wide range of live performance. The programme includes the best of British and international drama, family shows, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy,…
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
Bus & Coach
Oxford
We are the UK’s greenest bus company operating the most environmentally friendly bus fleet in the UK.
Gallery
Oxford
Established in 1965, Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK's leading public galleries renowned for the quality of its exhibitions, activities and publications.
Café
Oxford
Cafe open all day serving coffee, pastries, lunches and famous afternoon tea and tea cakes and cream tea's.
Speciality: Mushrooms on toast, Loco mess desert, handmade bread with Loco chutney.
Garden Centre
Bampton
Bampton Garden Plants started out as a small plant sale that occurred a couple of times a year serving local residents in and around the village of Bampton.
Museum
Abingdon
The former County Hall for Berkshire dating from 1678, displays and interprets archaeological collections with special exhibitions.
Historic Site
Faringdon
The last folly to be built in England in 1935 stands at 104ft and offers extensive views of the countryside.
Distillery
Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its horticultural heritage and set in five acres of beautiful Cotswolds countryside, our state-of-the-art distillation equipment is perfectly poised for the creation of our fine spirits.
Steam Railway
Wallingford
Known locally at "The Bunk" passenger services ceased in 1959. The railway aims to offer steam hauled trains where possible, but also operates an interestin fleet of 08 class diesel locomotives.
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
