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: 189
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Historic Site
Oxford
Secular venue for the principal meetings & public ceremonies of the university.
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!
Pub/Inn
Clanfield
The Cotswold Plough Hotel, Clanfield, is a perfect example of a 16th century, stylish yet informal hotel in the Cotswold countryside. The restaurant menu offers imaginative and mouth-watering dishes and prides itself on using local Cotswold produce,…
Museum
Oxford
The University of Oxford Museum of world archaeology and anthropology.
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
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.
Mountain Biking
Oxford
Oxford, famous for its Universities and the dreaming spires is home to one of Britain’s largest cycling communities. All over the city you will find streets accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists and every day the diverse mix of bikes and…
Museum
Abingdon
The former County Hall for Berkshire dating from 1678, displays and interprets archaeological collections with special exhibitions.
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.
Taxi & Chauffeur
Didcot
The Thames Valley’s largest privately owned Executive Car fleet.
We operate 24/7 and focus our efforts on giving our Corporate Clients a highly responsive, reliable service that is flexible to meet their changing schedules.
Our large fleet…
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.
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.
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 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…
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…
Castles & Stately Homes
Extensive earthworks conceal the remains of a 12th Century castle.
Open during daylight hours.
Visit the website for more detailed information.
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.
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.
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…
Restaurant
Oxford
Strada Oxford is Located on Little Clarendon Street, is perfect for taking a break from shopping, business lunches or
leisurely dinners and can seat up to 94 guests. To check out the full menu of Italian share plates, hand-stretched…