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. 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: 187
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Historic Site
Faringdon
The last folly to be built in England in 1935 stands at 104ft and offers extensive views of the countryside.
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…
Botanic Garden
Oxford
The oldest botanic garden in the UK displays over 7,000 different species in a grade 1 listed garden with exotic glasshouses, water & rock gardens and beautiful boarders. The garden has events for all ages throughout the year.
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.
Shopping Centre
BANBURY
Castle Quay shopping centre is Oxfordshire's premier shopping destination. Over 80 of your favourite stores combine with cafes and food outlets to make Castle Quay shopping centre the number one choice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurants
Banbury
Situated in the thatched village of Wroxton, 5 minutes from Banbury, this former 17th Century manor house offers comfortable accomodation, excellent homemade food and a truly warm welcome.
Adventure Park / Playground
Oxford
The games, provided by Ex(c)iting Game are suitable for almost all ages. If you would like an unusual, exciting hour while you are staying in Oxford, you must visit us and we will guarantee you an hour of unique excitement.
Family program,…
Event Venue
Oxford
Oxford Proms-concerts with international soloists in Oxford’s historic buildings from 7 – 17 August 2013 featuring BBC Proms favourite Michael Collins playing Mozart, and Grieg piano concerto with Mami Shikimori, plus many more favourites.
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,…
Pub/Inn
Nestled in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, we're a countryside pub with an inventive menu of seasonal & home-grown produce in an intimate setting, all helped along nicely with fine wines and local ales.
Restaurants
Deddington
New personnel have made welcome improvements at this old stone built Inn that is handy for both Oxford and the Cotswolds. The newly refurbished dining room exudes spaciousness with an airy feel.
Lake / Reservoir
Standlake
The watersports centre is located between our two lakes. We have a wide variety of watersports available both on a board and on your feet! There's no better day out than one on the water!
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!
Pub/Inn
Wantage
Angus and Stephanie Tucker welcome you to the Blowing Stone which under their guidance was totally refurbished and re launched in July 2009
Gallery
Explore amazing art in wonderful places across Oxfordshire! And all for free!
With art exhibitions and artist open studios in hundreds of interesting places throughout May, you can discover Oxfordshire’s creative talent in painting,…
Boat
Lower Heyford
Oxfordshire Narrowboats is proudly independent. We offer a real voice at the end of the phone to help you choose the right boat and location for your valuable escape from the pressures of modern day living!
Our boats are fully equipped with…