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
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Museum
Oxford
A rich collection of historical woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, over a dozen historical keyboard instruments. A complete bow-maker's workshop.
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.
Pub/Inn
Faringdon
The friendly, traditional village pub in Uffington with unrivalled views of the Bronze Age White Horse and Iron Age - Saxon Hill Fort.
Village
Benson, once known as Bensington, is a large Thames-side village in South Oxfordshire, a short distance from Wallingford
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.
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…
Pub/Inn
Oxford
The Grapes epitomises Oxford’s George Street of old. Situated in a prime location, the pub’s curiously traditional exterior stands out from the surrounding identikit chain bars and restaurants, whilst the new, lovingly restored interior envelops you…
Nature Reserve
Oxford
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust cares for 80 nature reserves. Thames-side reserves include: Chimney Meadows – wildflowers, birds and butterflies; Iffley Meadows – snake’s head fritillaries; Hartslock – orchids all summer.
Historic House / Palace
Wallingford
The home and workplace of Dr Edward Bach who created The Bach Flower remedy system in the 1930s. The gardens contain many remedy plants and the house features Dr Bach's consulting room.
Historic Site
Faringdon
The last folly to be built in England in 1935 stands at 104ft and offers extensive views of the countryside.
Café
Oxford
Traditional and stylish decour provides a mixture of sophisticated ambience combined with the fantastic food and friendly staff, makes for a great breakfast, lunch or evening out.
Gallery
Henley On Thames
Barn Galleries is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE.
Pub/Inn
Swinbrook
A dreamy Cotswold inn serving award-winning food, the Swan pins its colours to the mast of the flagpole stood outside its doors.
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.
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.
Museum
Oxford
Collection of art and archaeology, from ancient Egypt to the 20thC. Paintings, sculpture, ceramics, silver, glass and coins, plus art from the Far East.
Historic Site
Wantage
A working flour mill producing flour for bakeries and home baking.
Event Venue
Banbury
Stunning venue set in 250 acres of wooded estate - facilities include a conference suite that is situated in a modernised 18th century stone barn with open fireplaces.