Visiting Oxford in the Winter and Other Seasons

Free Self-Guided Oxford Winter / Christmas Tour (Daytime)

A self-guided walking tour of Oxford, perfect for soaking up Christmas cheer by day. Historical highlights, scenic spots, and cosy places.

Here’s a festive self-guided walking tour of Oxford, perfect for immersing yourself in the city’s Christmas charm by day. This leisurely route takes you through Oxford’s most iconic historical landmarks, picturesque spots dressed in seasonal decorations, and inviting cafes and market stalls where you can warm up with a hot drink or snack. 

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities, so have your camera ready! This tour should take around 2-3 hours, depending on how long you decide to explore each stop and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

  • Best Time to Visit: For the most festive experience, plan your visit to Oxford from late November to early January.
  • What to Bring: Oxford in winter can be quite chilly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable. A warm coat, gloves, scarf, and hat are essential.
  • Safety Note: Oxford can get crowded, especially around holiday events and markets. Be mindful of traffic, especially cyclists, as the city is very bike-friendly.

Highlights of This Oxford Christmas Tour (by Day)

This Oxford Christmas Walking Tour takes you through the city’s most festive spots, blending its historical charm with holiday cheer. From bustling markets to iconic landmarks dressed for the season, each stop adds a unique touch to your Christmas in Oxford experience. Here are the highlights:

  • Oxford Castle & Prison: Begin your tour at Oxford Castle & Prison, where medieval towers and ancient stone walls set a magical tone. This historic site is beautifully lit during the winter, offering a dramatic introduction to the city’s seasonal spirit.

  • Broad Street – Christmas in Oxford Market: Stroll down Broad Street to the lively Christmas Market, where wooden stalls brimming with handmade gifts and treats, a towering Christmas tree, and the sounds of live music make for a quintessential holiday scene.

  • Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library: Just a short walk away, Radcliffe Square is home to the iconic Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library. These architectural treasures look especially stunning in winter, making it a perfect spot for holiday photos.

  • University Church of St Mary the Virgin: Adjacent to Radcliffe Square, St Mary’s Church offers panoramic views from its tower. Climb up (if open) for a breathtaking view over Oxford’s spires, twinkling with Christmas lights below.

  • Oxford Covered Market: Head to the historic Covered Market, where you can warm up and enjoy treats from local bakeries or shop for holiday crafts. This vibrant market, dating back to the 18th century, is full of seasonal goodies.

  • Christ Church Meadow: Conclude your tour with a peaceful stroll around Christ Church Meadow, where Oxford’s grand architecture meets natural beauty. This winter walk offers serene views along the Thames and glimpses of Christ Church College, rounding out a perfect Christmas day in Oxford.

Tour Stops To Explore at Your Own Pace

Starting Point: Oxford Train Station

Head east out of the station toward the city centre, following the signs to Frideswide Square and walking toward your first stop. You can open the map on any device using this link.

1. Oxford Castle & Prison

  • Time: 20 minutes
  • Begin with a quick exploration around the medieval Oxford Castle & Prison. The surrounding area will often have festive decorations and seasonal photo ops. The Christmas decor here adds to the charm of the historic stone towers.
Oxford Castle and Prison - Image courtesy of Meraj Chhaya

Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford Castle is a partly ruined Norman medieval castle on the centre of Oxford. The castle then became a prison which closed in 1996.

Oxford Castle and Prison - Image courtesy of Meraj Chhaya

2. Broad Street - “Christmas in Oxford” Market

  • Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Walk along New Road and George Street to reach Broad Street, where the Oxford Christmas Market takes place. Explore wooden stalls filled with handmade gifts, festive food, and mulled wine, all against the backdrop of Oxford’s historic architecture. Enjoy carols, live music, and the central Christmas tree.
Visiting the Oxford Christmas Market - When, Where, and What

Oxford Christmas Market

This festive market lights up Broad Street every December, offering various seasonal goods, handcrafted gifts, food, and drinks.

Visiting the Oxford Victorian Christmas Market - When, Where

3. Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library

  • Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Stroll along Broad Street, past the Sheldonian Theatre, and head to Radcliffe Square. The Radcliffe Camera and surrounding buildings are iconic Oxford landmarks, especially beautiful in winter light. It’s a great photo spot, with the impressive Bodleian Library on one side.
A view of Oxford Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera is a neo-classical style building inside Oxford University, built from 1737 to 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library.

Bodleian Library - Entrance. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

A view of Oxford Radcliffe Camera

4. University Church of St Mary the Virgin

  • Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Located in Radcliffe Square, St. Mary’s Church has a café with a lovely view over Oxford and a tower you can climb (if open) for sweeping views over the city’s spires. Take a moment to enjoy the church’s Christmas decorations or grab a coffee to warm up.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin

5. High Street and Covered Market

  • Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Walk along the High Street, often beautifully decorated for the season, until you reach the Oxford Covered Market. This charming market has been in operation since 1774, with independent shops offering everything from Christmas treats to artisanal gifts. Don’t miss Ben’s Cookies for a seasonal sweet!
Oxford's Covered Market

The Covered Market

The Covered Market is a gorgeous historic market in Oxford. It has several shops and permanent stalls. Here are some of our favourites.

Oxford's Covered Market

6. Christ Church College and Meadow

  • Time: 30 minutes
  • Continue south on St Aldate’s to reach Christ Church College. While entry fees apply to tour inside, you can enjoy a free, scenic walk around Christ Church Meadow. This area, with the Thames running through, provides tranquil winter views and beautiful spots for photos of the college and surrounding nature.
Oxford Christ Church Meadow - Image courtesy of Matthias Rosenkranz

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Oxford Christ Church College - Image courtesy ofArnaud Malon

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Oxford Christ Church College - Image courtesy ofArnaud Malon

7. Merton Street and Magdalen College

  • Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Head east along Merton Street, one of the most picturesque streets in Oxford, lined with historic colleges. At the end of Merton Street, you’ll reach Magdalen College, known for its beautiful tower and medieval charm. While the college itself requires an entry fee, the area around it is lovely for a festive stroll.
Oxford's Merton Street - Beautiful Passages, Lanes & Streets

Oxford’s Merton Street

Merton Street is one of the city’s historic thoroughfares. The cobbled street retains much of its medieval character

Oxford University - Magdalen College. Image courtesy of Tejvan Pettinger.

Magdalen College

Established in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Magdalen College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford.

Oxford Quadrangles: Magdalen College, Oxford. Image courtesy of Pjposullivan via Flickr Commons.

8. End Point: The Botanic Garden and High Street Finale

  • Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Conclude your tour at the Oxford Botanic Garden, located just across from Magdalen College. While entrance requires a fee, it’s a beautiful final stop to explore seasonal plants or simply enjoy the winter atmosphere near the garden. Finish with a walk back along High Street to see the festive decorations in the shop windows one last time.
Oxford's High Street - Beautiful Passages, Lanes & Streets

Oxford’s High Street

Often referred to as “The High,” this street is one of Oxford’s main thoroughfares and has been central to the city since medieval times.

Oxford Botanic Gardens: The Pond. Image courtesy of JR P via Flickr Commons.

Organised Christmas Tours

These tours, led by knowledgeable local guides, often include unique stories, historical insights, and behind-the-scenes access to some of Oxford’s iconic locations. 

Many tours focus on Oxford’s rich traditions, like the Christmas Markets on Broad Street, where guides introduce you to the best stalls, holiday treats, and hidden treasures. Others may dive into the city’s history, such as Christ Church College, where you can see Hogwarts-inspired architecture dressed up for the holidays. Some walking tours offer seasonal touches, like mulled wine stops, choir performances, or visits to lesser-known holiday-themed exhibitions, making them a festive, immersive option for experiencing Oxford!

Learn More About Oxford

Organised and Specialised Walking Tours

Oxford also offers specialized tours for those with particular interests. For example, food tours combine historical exploration with stops at local eateries, allowing you to sample traditional British fare and local delicacies. There are also ghost tours that explore the darker, more mysterious side of Oxford, taking you to sites associated with legends and spooky tales.

Do you want to feature your tours? Check out our advertising plans or use our contact form to find out more.

These tours were designed by me (an Oxford resident) and include maps and detailed descriptions of the key sites, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. I’ve included some options for routes through the historic university colleges, literary trails, walks along the scenic River Thames, museum tours, and more.

Things to Do in Oxford

Discover fun and interesting activities in the city of Oxford and its surrounding areas, including sports, entertainment, historic places museums, and much more.