Top-15 Best Things to Do in Oxford

What is it?
The University of Oxford's free museum of art and archaeology

Why should you go?
Founded in 1863, the Ashmolean is the UK's first public museum and the first university museum in the world. It evolved from a collection of curiosities, including natural oddities and manufactured objects, gathered from all over the world and stemming from the times when Britain was a great colonial power. Spending a few hours here is definitely a must-do in Oxford: check out the Egyptian mummies and modern Chinese art, ancient Roman sculptures and Guy Fawkes' lantern, Renaissance art, and Samurai armor — there's plenty to discover.

When you're done exploring, head upstairs to the Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace for afternoon tea, marvel at Oxford's famous spires, and feel like you're at the top of the world.

Specialization
Art and archaeology

Perfect for
First-timers in Oxford with interest in colonial heritage

What is it?
One of the oldest libraries in Europe and Oxford University's main library

Why should you go?
Dating back to 1602, the Bodleian is a truly impressive establishment, both in scholarly terms and as one of the top visitor attractions in Oxford city center. Together, the Bodleian holds over 13 million printed items. It occupies a number of buildings, the one with the most recognizable architecture being the 18th-century neoclassical Radcliffe Camera with its signature dome that is often associated with Oxford. In addition, it has featured prominently in the Harry Potter movies.

Tours are available: make sure that you visit the ornately decorated Divinity School and see Oxford's oldest teaching room!

Specialization
Historic library

Perfect for
Bookworms, aspiring scholars, and Harry Potter fans

What is it?
Home to one of the world's great collections of anthropology and archaeology

Why should you go?
With its quirky, eclectic, dimly lit, and distinctly retro atmosphere, a visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum is one of the fun things to do in Oxford. Another collection borne out of Britain's colonial legacy, recently it has been trying to reimagine some of the displays, yet has retained much of its original character.

More than 500,000 objects, photographs, and manuscripts from all over the world and from all historical periods are part of the exhibition. Historic armor, artifacts from Cook's expeditions, amulets, and Blackfoot shirts — there's a lot to explore about different cultures. We just love the Body Art collections that are focused on the numerous ways people all over the world approach permanent and temporary body modifications.

Specialization
Ethnographic museum

Perfect for
Budding anthropologists

What is it?
One of the largest colleges of Oxford University, with a cathedral and dozens of notable alumni

Why should you go?
Let's say you're choosing a school in England and are exploring the options while being on the fence between Oxford and Cambridge, or you really like Lewis Carroll, or, maybe, you're an avid fan of the Harry Potter movies. No matter why, seeing Christ Church is one of the top things to do in Oxford.

Founded in 1546, this gorgeous college has over 600 students, and the whole place exudes grandeur. Over the centuries, it has become associated with numerous famous figures, including kings and prime ministers, John Locke, Albert Einstein, and Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland's settings are inspired by the place). A beautiful cathedral with a choir, picturesque gardens and a meadow, and stunning architecture all make for a wonderful experience.

Specialization
Historic college

Perfect for
Basically any tourist and high school graduate

What is it?
A historic covered market in downtown Oxford

Why should you go?
If you think Oxford is just about colleges and libraries, we'd like to correct you. How about some shopping, for a change? The historic Covered Market dates back to 1774, and you can still see some of the original elements of the structure. This cute and lively space in the city center boasts a convenient location between Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library and is a great spot to hide from the rain when the weather is not particularly pleasant.

It is home to more than 50 shops, stalls, bars, and cafes. The vendors sell a bit of everything: cookies and coffee, fruit and veg, meat and seafood, cheese, chocolate, flowers, jewelry, and whatnot. Definitely recommended as a place to get unique Oxford souvenirs!

Specialization
Market

Perfect for
A coffee and a bite on a rainy day + souvenir shopping

What is it?
A cemetery best known for the grave of J.R.R. Tolkien

Why should you go?
Done wandering around the central sites and streets and are looking for things to do around Oxford or further from downtown? If you're into J.R.R. Tolkien's works, you probably already know that the great author is buried at Wolvercote Cemetery, together with his family. It's easily accessible by bus, and the grave of the creator of Middle Earth is clearly signposted. The tombstone of Tolkien and his wife Edith says 'Beren' and 'Luthien,' after the characters of The Silmarillion.


Overall, this is a beautiful and serene burial ground, and a few other notable people are interred here, including scholars, politicians, and military personnel who fought in the two world wars.

Specialization
Cemetery

Perfect for
Tolkien fans

What is it?
Partly ruined medieval castle with a crypt, prison cells, and great views

Why should you go?
Among the things to do in Oxford city center, the Castle is one of the most kid-friendly visitor attractions. Just imagine exploring this 1,000-year-old Norman edifice, climbing the 101 steps to the top of St George's Tower to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and its spires, descending to the 11th-century underground crypt, learning the spooky tales of the local ghosts, seeing the 18th-century cells, and hearing the stories about the prisoners' labor and living conditions.

Admission to the castle is via guided tours with costumed characters only.

Specialization
Historic site + immersive experience

Perfect for
Families with kids

What is it?
A spacious ancient meadow beside the Thames

Why should you go?
Located to the west of Oxford, running between Jericho and Wolvercote neighborhoods, Port Meadow is a vast green space with ancient grazing land that dates back around 4,000 years. Legend has it that the area has never seen a plow, and horses and cows are roaming the land to this day.

So, should you feel a need to touch the grass, watch geese and ponies, and have a picnic by the water, this is where we suggest you go. From archeological finds and 12th-century ruins to the birth of the Alice in Wonderland story, from a racecourse to a WWII military aerodrome, the meadow has quite a bit of history to it, too.

Had your share of fresh air? Time to check out The Perch, a lovely 17th-century pub looking very traditional with its wooden beams, leather sofas, and a nice terrace.

Specialization
Park + river

Perfect for
Nature lovers

What is it?
A tour of Oxford locations that were filmed in Harry Potter

Why should you go?
Oxford streets and university buildings were famously featured in Harry Potter movies, and we're certain that a fair share of visitors to this fine university town are not interested primarily in education.

Discovering the magical world of your childhood is one of the most exciting things to do in Oxford (not to mention it's one of the cheap entertainment options, if not free if you sort out your route for yourself). Among the most recognizable sites are Christ Church College (its Dining Hall served as an inspiration behind Hogwarts Great Hall), the Bodleian Library, and New College.

Specialization
Walking tour

Perfect for
Potterheads

What is it?
A tour of Oxford's pubs

Why should you go?
Oxford boasts a multitude of great pubs: big and tiny, tucked away down the alleys, sitting proudly in front of famous colleges, spread across tranquil riverside areas — there are just too many great spots to explore in a day or two, but we sure can recommend a few iconic pubs.

Check out The Turf Tavern, a 17th-century traditional tavern with a lovely beer garden, located at the end of a narrow winding alley, St Helens Passage. Don't miss The Lamb & Flag, another 17th-century pub that is owned by St John's College and used to be a regular spot for J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (among other literary figures). If you feel like getting out of the city center, consider The Victoria Arms, a riverside pub with a beautiful garden and views of the Cherwell.

Specialization
Historic pubs

Perfect for
A night out

What is it?
The UK's oldest Botanic Garden with a huge variety of plants

Why should you go?
Founded in 1621 as a physic garden for medicinal plants, the Botanic Garden is a compact green space very close to the city center and home to an impressively diverse collection of plants from all over the world. Glasshouses with tropical flora, huge water lilies, carnivorous plants — over 5,000 different plant species are represented here. Visiting the garden is one of the most satisfying activities in Oxford when you need to unwind.

We wonder if you're able to find the resident statues: look out for the grinning Cheshire Cat and daemons from Philip Pullman's works. Plus, don't forget to drop by the local rose garden!

Specialization
Botanic garden

Perfect for
Visitors seeking peace and tranquility

What is it?
Modern and contemporary visual arts gallery in the heart of Oxford

Why should you go?
Oxford is not all about history, scholars, and bucolic landscapes: there's a contemporary side to it. Dating back to 1965, this modern art gallery has featured numerous cutting-edge exhibitions over the decades, including renowned artists such as Joseph Beuys, Tracey Emin, and Marina Abramovic.

The place also has a nice cafe and the Creative Space that hosts events with a focus on learning for all ages, participatory and creative hands-on activities. The majority of local exhibitions and events are free.

Specialization
Contemporary art

Perfect for
Art lovers

What is it?
One of the top colleges of Oxford University in terms of assets and scholarships, with a deer park

Why should you go?
Founded in 1458, Magdalen quickly became one of the most prominent colleges in Oxford — and remains such to this day. Among its most famous fellows and alumni were the writer and scholar C.S. Lewis (best known as the author of The Chronicles of Narnia), Oscar Wilde, T. E. Lawrence of Arabia, as well as 10 Nobel Prize laureates.

The elegant riverside structure is open to visitors. It is known for its Great Tower and vast grounds, which include an actual deer park and the picturesque footpath, Addison's Walk. Magdalen is also famous for its Chapel Choir, which sings the daily services during term time and performs during the annual May Day celebrations.

Specialization
Historic college

Perfect for
A daily stroll and a glimpse of life in one of the best colleges

What is it?
Historic shop featured in Lewis Carroll's books and selling Alice-themed souvenirs

Why should you go?
Located at 83 St Aldate's, this quaint shop has been a store for a long time. Real-life Alice Liddell, who was the inspiration behind Carroll's most iconic character, would buy sweets here at the end of the 19th century. Alice from the books comes across a dark little shop 'full of all manner of curious things' and run by an old sheep — that's how the store is featured in Through the Looking-Glass.

Much loved by the local community, the shop has kept its name for a century and a half and is currently a veritable treasure trove of Alice-themed memorabilia: clocks and tea towels, games and puzzles, jewelry and accessories, all sorts of knick-knacks, and, of course, books. We just love this homage to beloved children's books and think shopping here is one of the best things to do in Oxford.

Specialization
Souvenir shop

Perfect for
Fans of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

What is it?
Flagship bookstore that is over a century old

Why should you go?
Founded in 1879, the Broad Street branch of Blackwell's started off as just a twelve-foot square but quickly expanded to incorporate the upstairs, cellar, and neighboring shops. Over 50 years ago, the Norrington Room was opened, which was at that point the single largest room in the world selling books.

The whole place may look rather small from the outside, but once you step inside, you're bound to spend hours wandering around and shuffling through the books. So, make sure you've got some free space in your luggage, and prepare to spend a bit of that hard-earned cash: it would be a shame to leave Oxford's top bookstore empty-handed, wouldn't it?

Specialization
Historic bookshop

Perfect for
Serious bookworms