Are you planning a visit to the beautiful city of Oxford? Perhaps you’re ready to start University. Or you like Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, and ghost stories. Even if you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area, I created this site to help you explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible and unique corner of the world.
Oxford in the Summer:
Top Activities for 2025
Stroll through the beautiful University Parks, where cherry blossoms and daffodils make everything picturesque. Bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air.
Rent a punt and glide along the tranquil River Cherwell. It’s a classic Oxford experience, best enjoyed with friends and a picnic.
Many Oxford colleges have beautiful gardens that bloom in spring and summer. Magdalen College’s deer park and New College’s wisteria-covered walls are particularly lovely.
The oldest botanic garden in the UK comes to life in spring, showcasing colorful tulips, magnolias, and other seasonal flowers.
Try local summertime treats like fresh strawberries, handmade chocolates, and Oxford’s famous Ben’s Cookies.
Just outside Oxford, Blenheim Palace’s vast gardens burst into color in summer, and the walking trails around the estate are perfect for a sunny day.
Must-See Oxford Attractions
Explore Oxford’s iconic sights, including the historic Bodleian Library and the stunning Radcliffe Camera. Visit Christ Church College, famed for its cathedral and Harry Potter filming location, and get lost through the secret sobblestone streets of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
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.
The Sheldonian Theatre
The Sheldonian Theatre was designed by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon.
Old library (Duke Humfrey’s)
Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester, founded the Duke Humfrey’s Library in 1447 after donating 281 books to the library.
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.
Top Free Oxford Attractions
Curated by Yisela A.
Free Self-Guided Walking Tours
If you prefer to explore at your own pace and delve into the charm of Oxford independently, consider embarking on a free self-guided walking tour. I’ve created a few options based on places I enjoy visiting!
Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace
If you’re visiting Oxford just for the day, you might want to explore the city and its colleges and museums at your own pace. Here’s how.
Free Self-Guided Tour: Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum of Archaeology
The Ashmolean is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological museums. Plan your visit, what to see, best treasures, and when to go.
Oxford Free Self-Guided Museums Waking Tour (+ Map)
If you’re visiting Oxford just for the day, you might want to explore the city and its colleges and museums at your own pace. Here’s how.
Oxford Neighbourhoods Self-Guided Walking Tour and Map
If you’re moving to Oxford (or within it) and you’re feeling adventurous, here are some walking tours to get familiar with the neighbourhoods.
Oxford City Centre Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Explore at Your Own Pace
This Oxford City Centre walking tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights. An ideal self-guided tour if you’re in Oxford for just a few hours.
Other Tours and Experiences
If you enjoy a pre-planned wander, though, you will probably prefer some of these experiences offered by various reliable companies in Oxford. For instance:
Harry Potter in Oxford
If you love the Harry Potter books or movies, you’re probably well aware a lot of the latter were actually filmed in Oxford. And there’s little doubt Hogwarts takes enormous inspiration from the University, too. So, if you’re visiting and you like the series, you should definitely check these out:
All of Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations and How To Visit Them
A lot of Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Oxford. Explore the exact locations, what they were used for, and how to visit them.
Oxford Harry Potter Free Self-Guided Walking Tour
A free self-guided walking tour allows you to discover the enchantment of Oxford at your own pace. Includes colleges, shops, and more.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ The Great Hall
A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s The Great Hall in Christ Church, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Hospital Wing
A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Hospital Wing or Infirmary, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Hogwarts’ Staircase
A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Staircase in Christ Church, Oxford. Tickets, opening times, and all the must-see details.
Oxford Ghost Stories
From haunted colleges to mysterious apparitions in public spaces, Oxford’s ghost stories reflect both the city’s historic significance and its darker, more mysterious side.
Latest Stories & Articles About Oxford
We LOVE Oxford and everything it has to offer. People come to the city for different reasons, though, so we’ve created a few guides that can give you ideas to plan your visit. For example, you can explore Oxford Harry Potter filming locations or places that are ideal for a date. Or you can do a deep dive into the University and its traditions – some of which will probably surprise you (turtle racing? Yep. That’s a thing!). Take a look at some of our articles below.
Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations: Lacock Abbey & Village
Lacock Abbey was a major filming location for the Harry Potter movies. Here’s everything you need to see and how to get there from Oxford.
Renting a Car in Oxford, England – The Complete Guide
Renting a car in Oxford is very easy and especially useful if you’re planning trips outside the city. Here are your best options.
Wanders, Flowers, and Facts About Oxford in the Spring
If you’re coming to Oxford and the spring, you will find this a particularly magical time to visit. Here are some ideas to enjoy the city.
Oxford True Crimes: Two Cases and a Lasting Mystery
Read about the quieter, darker side hidden beneath the spires and cobblestone streets of Oxford with three true crime cases.
The Complete List of Grade I Listed Buildings in Oxford
Oxford is home to numerous Grade I listed buildings, recognized for their exceptional architectural and historical significance. Here’s a list.
The Most Beautiful Victorian Buildings in Oxford
While Oxford is often celebrated for its medieval buildings, it also boasts some stunning Victorian structures. Here are the best.
The University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the leading academic institutions in the world – and the home of many unique traditions. If you want to learn more about the University, its different colleges, fun facts, ceremonies, terms, and much more – follow the links below!
Oxford Quadrangles: What Are They and Why Are So Popular in Colleges?
Most Oxford University Colleges are built around one or more quadrangles. But what are they, exactly? And how did they become so popular?
What is the Oxford University Tortoise Race and Fair?
The Tortoise Race is the chance for Oxford University Colleges pets to prove their mettle against rival schools. Facts, history, how to see one.
What is it Like to Study at Oxford University (and Live in Oxford)?
Living and studying in Oxford is quite the experience. The city has a vibrant social life and endless activities and things to explore. Take a look!
J. R. R. Tolkien at Oxford – Hobbits, the Inklings, and the University
Tolkien, creator of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, taught English Language at Merton College in Oxford.
How Do You Get Into Oxford University? Is It Hard? What Grades Do You Need?
A detailed guide to help you get into Oxford. The grades you need, how hard it really is, and everything you need to apply to the University.
Oxford University Formal and Informal Halls. What and When Do They Take Place
Traditional collegiate colleges like Oxford and Cambridge hold formal and informal dinners many times a year. Learn more about this tradition.
Oxford Colleges
The University of Oxford has 39 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and six permanent private halls. Some of them include:
St Cross College
The College of St Cross is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. Founded in 1965, it is an all-graduate college.
St Hugh’s College
One of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, St Hugh’s College is situated on St Margaret’s Road, north of the city centre.
Balliol College
Balliol College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford and one of its oldest. It was founded around 1263.
Harris Manchester College
Harris Manchester College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford founded in 1757 as a college for Unitarian students.
Lady Margaret Hall
Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall (LMH) was founded in 1878 and is located on the banks of the River Cherwell.
Things to Do in Oxford
Bored and looking for something to do in Oxford? These are some of our suggestions and ideas for unique activities you can try:
South Oxford Farmers and Community Market and Café
The South Oxford Farmers and Community Market (or Sofacoma) is a weekly market selling locally grown and produced food and non-food goods.
Turf Tavern Pub
The Turf Tavern is hidden away and accessed only by two small alleys. This historical pub has been around since the 16th century!
Dirty Bones Oxford
Known for its bold, New York-inspired menu, Dirty Bones in Westgate Shopping Centre brings a taste of American comfort food to Oxford.
Ivy Oxford Brasserie
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie is a stylish and elegant restaurant located in the heart of Oxford, offering a refined dining experience.
Norah’s Antiques
Norah’s Antiques is a charming and well-loved antique shop offering a delightful blend of old-world charm and carefully curated treasures.