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 61 to 80.
Wildlife
Abingdon
Earth Trust is an Oxfordshire charity championing accessible green spaces. Based at Earth Trust Centre by Wittenham Clumps, it hosts events like nature workshops, farm festivals, and archaeology tours. With nature reserves across the county, it…
Town
Made famous by its cakes and a much-loved nursery rhyme, Banbury combines a fascinating history with lots of bright new modern attractions and things to do
Towns & Villages
Black Bourton
Near to Bampton, this village is worth a visit to see the outstanding 13th century wall paintings in the church. There is also a thriving vineyard producing nine different wines. Visitors are welcome but it’s best to phone in advance (01993 842028).
History and Heritage
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.
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
Museum
Henley-on-Thames
A unique, award-winning museum with galleries dedicated to rowing, the River Thames and the town of Henley.
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.
Brewery
Banbury
Hook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the country.
Railway
Didcot
Weekends and Wednesdays during July, August and September Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from…
Towns & Villages
Cassington
The centre of this small village is its traditional green, one of two in the village, lined by attractive old cottages, the pub and the school. An avenue of lime trees leads across the side of the green to the Norman doorway of the church.
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 Centre
Oxford
Waterperry Gardens
Eight acre ornamental gardens with a fascinating history, including; Plant Centre, Gift Barn, Gallery, Museum, Teashop and events throughout the year.
Museum
Woodstock
A museum which tells the personal lives of generations of men and women experienced through war.
Pub/Inn
Woodstock
Mouthwatering magic from our award winning chefs, served day and night, and lovingly created with only the finest local ingredients.
For further details please visit www.thekillingworthcastle.com
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.