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
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Nature Reserve
Bruern
Foxholes is a tranquil woodland sloping down to the River Evenlode with year-round colour and wildlife interest but particularly noted for its springtime bluebells.
Managed by Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, this 66ha (165 acre) reserve has a…
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.
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.
Arts Centre
Oxford
Arts centre for live music, theatre, film screenings. With a 200-seat theatre space and two intimate studio spaces.
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.
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.
Shop / Shopping Centre
Filkins
The splendid 18th century buildings, in the idyllic setting of the tranquil village of Filkins, house the design studio, mill shop and gallery, textile museum and coffee shop.
The beautiful cloth is traditionally woven, with textures and colours…
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.
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!
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.
Historic Site
Wantage
A working flour mill producing flour for bakeries and home baking.
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…
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.
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.
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.
Golf Course
Henley-on-Thames
Welcome to Henley Golf Club in Oxfordshire, a traditional member's club, situated just a few miles from the M4 and the M40 and widely acknowledged as one of the best in the area.
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.
Boat Trip
Fleet
The Passenger Boat Association represents operators of passenger vessels along the length of the River Thames as well as the rest of the UK.
Take Away
Frilford, Abingdon
Elegant Cuisine is a dynamic and innovative outdoor catering company based in Frilford, Oxfordshire.