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: 187
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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.
Spa
Witney
The Spa at Witney Lakes Resort provides you with the chance to taste the exotics as well as adding a touch of luxury to your regular treatments.
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.
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…
Museum
Oxford
A rich collection of historical woodwind, brass and percussion instruments, over a dozen historical keyboard instruments. A complete bow-maker's workshop.
Restaurant
Oxford
Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, many sourced directly from Italy; the variedrestaurant menu provides something for everyone, with dishes prepared on site daily by Carluccio’s chefs.
Begin with an Aperol Spritz or Bellini at the bar,…
Theatre
Didcot
Cornerstone is a purpose-built theatre, entertainment and arts venue in the heart of Didcot, south Oxfordshire. Cornerstone provides a varied programme of comedy, drama, music and family shows, together with a wide range of courses, workshops and…
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.
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
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…
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.
Theatre
Wantage
The Beacon is illuminating Wantage through the culture, leisure and entertainment.
As a vibrant gathering place for the local community, we offer a varied programme of live events from cinema, music, theatre and comedy to a regular activity…
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
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
Woodstock
A museum which tells the personal lives of generations of men and women experienced through war.
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.
Event Venue
Banbury
The Mill Arts Centre is a delightful family-friendly canal-side venue based in a converted heritage watermill. Conveniently close to Banbury rail station and town centre, it hosts a jam-packed programme of live events in it's 200 seat theatre, plus…
Historic Site
Oxford
Oxford's oldest building, boasting the oldest stained glass in Oxford. Associated with William Shakespeare, William Morris and Charles I.
Arts Centre
Oxford
Arts centre for live music, theatre, film screenings. With a 200-seat theatre space and two intimate studio spaces.