Oxford has many a hidden gem. Do you think you have seen everything the city has to offer? Check this list; you might be surprised! (Related Article: Truly Hidden and Secret Spots in Oxford You Probably Don’t Know About)
Ideas If You Are Bored in Oxford
Oxford is a fascinating, old city with plenty of secrets and undiscovered marvels. We have unearthed some, which we intend to share here — but our advice is: Explore Oxford yourself. Walk its streets, get lost in its passages. Because all places can be made special by your memories of them. If you’re bored in Oxford and don’t know where to start, though, below are some ideas.
Get Lost in Jericho
Jericho is one of Oxford’s prettiest suburbs, known for its charming Victorian terraces and classic red-brick townhouses. A short stroll from the city centre, it offers a village feel with its own green, where you might spot grazing horses and ponies. Jericho’s high street is lined with trendy cafés, boutiques, and pubs, which are perfect for a Sunday roast, making it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. With its blend of historic charm and vibrant, modern culture, Jericho is a delightful escape from Oxford’s cityscape.
Here are some places out can check out:
Jericho Cheese Company
Situated in the charming Jericho neighbourhood in Oxford, this shop specializes in British and Irish farmhouse cheeses.
The Jericho Cafe
The Jericho Café is a beloved local institution well-known for its commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Jericho’s Last Bookshop
The Last Bookshop, located on Walton Street in Jericho, offers a curated selection of both secondhand and remainder books.
Barefoot Jericho
Barefoot offers homemade cakes, pastries and bread, delicious coffee for eat-in or takeaway in the neighbourhood of Jericho, in Oxford.
Enjoy a Ben's Cookies in the Covered Market
You might have heard of Ben’s Cookies, and if you’ve visited Oxford, you probably know about the iconic Covered Market. But did you know these two can be combined for the ultimate Oxford experience? The Covered Market is a lively place, filled with a variety of stalls, from local produce and artisan foods to unique crafts and gifts. Among these treasures, Ben’s Cookies stands out as a beloved favourite. Founded by chocolate enthusiasts, Ben’s Cookies has been serving freshly baked, gooey, and indulgent cookies that have tempted Oxfordians and visitors alike since 1983.
With flavours like a classic chocolate chunk, white chocolate, and ginger, each cookie is made with high-quality ingredients and baked fresh throughout the day, ensuring they’re warm and irresistible.
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.
Explore Alice's Shop
Alice’s Shop is a delightful little store steeped in literary history, sitting in the very spot where Alice Liddell—the real-life inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—used to buy her sweets. Stepping into the shop feels like entering a piece of Wonderland itself, as it’s filled with all sorts of curious, whimsical items inspired by the famous stories. From “Drink Me” bottles to Mad Hatter tea sets, Cheshire Cat trinkets, and beautifully illustrated editions of Carroll’s books, this shop is a treasure trove for fans of Alice in Wonderland.
Visitors often find it hard to resist picking up a souvenir or two, as the array of imaginative items sparks a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Located on St. Aldates, right across from Alice’s childhood home at Christ Church College, the shop brings the magic of Wonderland to life in a way that’s both charming and historically rich.
Alice’s Shop
Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice that inspired the books) used to buy sweets.
Have a Drink at FREVD
FREVD is a unique café, bar, and bistro with a fascinating story and a one-of-a-kind setting. Housed in a deconsecrated 19th-century church in Oxford’s artistic suburb of Jericho, FREUD is as much a cultural landmark as it is a popular social spot. The church building, with its high ceilings, stone pillars, and beautiful arches, adds an atmosphere of grandeur and reverence that makes it stand out from the typical café or bar. Founded in 1998 by David Freud, a former art student from the Courtauld Institute of Art, FREUD was created to be more than just a place to eat and drink; it was envisioned as a community space that would foster creativity, conversation, and artistic expression. Over the years, it has become a favourite destination for locals, students, and visitors alike.
FREVD Café and Bar
FREVD is a café, bar and bistro located in a former 19th century church, in the suburb of Jericho. It was founded in 1998.
Enjoy a Good Story at the Story Museum
The Story Museum is an enchanting and unique cultural gem that goes far beyond a typical museum experience. Situated in the heart of Oxford, this museum is dedicated to celebrating the magic and impact of storytelling across generations. Here, visitors are invited to journey through a vast landscape of tales spanning over a thousand years of Oxford’s storied history—from ancient myths and local legends to beloved fairy tales, timeless literary classics, and imaginative contemporary works. The museum’s approach to storytelling is immersive and interactive, making it a place where people of all ages can experience the thrill of stories in new and surprising ways.
The Story Museum
The Story Museum in Oxford has immersive exhibitions and gallery spaces. They do events and outreach work to celebrate stories.
