South 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: 186
, currently showing 121 to 140.
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.
Nature Reserve
Henley-on-Thames
In this secluded valley high in the Chilterns you will find a mosaic of habitats from birch, conifer and beech woodlands to chalk grassland and scrub.
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…
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.
Church / Chapel
Near Thame, Thame
Peaceful 15thC private chapel with exquisitely carved and painted woodwork. Rycote has many intriguing features including 2 roofed pews and a musicians' gallery.
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.
Gallery
Henley On Thames
Barn Galleries is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE.
Luxury Shopping Experience
Bicester
Discover a world of luxury at Bicester Village, the region’s ultimate shopping destination. Home to more than 130 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, each offers savings of up to 60%, all year round.
Bus & Coach
Oxford
We are the UK’s greenest bus company operating the most environmentally friendly bus fleet in the UK.
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…
Museum
Thame
The 16th century wallpaintings installed in Thame Museum hold many fascinating clues to the past. They are now on show to visitors, displayed in a special exhibition room.
Nature Reserve
Reading
Ewelme is situated at the western end of the Chilterns, on the eastern slopesof the Thames valley. It is in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Historic House / Palace
Banbury
Sulgrave Manor is a superb example of a modest Manor House and Garden of the time of Shakespeare, and was the home of George Washingtons direct ancestors. In 1539 the Manor was bought from Henry VIII by Lawrence Washington a successful Northampton…
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.
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.
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.
Historic Site
Faringdon
The last folly to be built in England in 1935 stands at 104ft and offers extensive views of the countryside.
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.
Boat Trip
Abingdon
We offer Self Drive Day Boats and Rowing Boats for hire on the River Thames.
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