Last updated on August 5th, 2023
Oxford is a remarkable city best known as being home to Oxford University. Located around 60 miles from London, Oxford is a popular day trip activity with much to do.
It is not only a magnificently beautiful campus with centuries of history but former home to some of the most famous writers of all time, including Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, and JRR Tolkien, to name a few. Walking down the same corridors of some of the greatest writers of all time is one of the most memorable experiences any literary lover can have.
No London to Oxford day trip is complete without visiting the historic campus. Oxford University is open to the public for both self-guided and guided tours, and there are many other things to do in the area.
From lush gardens, medieval castles, and old shops, the charming city is full of spectacular attractions. And since the city center is walkable, you can fit a lot into your one-day itinerary.
Whether you want to visit Oxford for the day or prefer a quiet weekend getaway, this guide covers all the top things to do in and around the area for first-time visitors.
How to Get to Oxford from London
Oxford is located around 60 miles from London in the county of Oxfordshire. Due to its proximity to the city, Oxford is one of the top day trips from London. Here are the best ways to get from London to Oxford.
Rent a Car
If you feel comfortable driving in and around London, a car can get you to Oxford in about an hour and a half. Once in Oxford, there are several different paid parking areas for you to use. Unless you are planning to leave the city center, you will not need a car once you are there.
London to Oxford Tour
Another option for visiting Oxford for a day is by joining a guided tour. Tours take the guesswork out of travel, including transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes lunch. You also have the added knowledge of a guide throughout the entire journey.
Guided Tours also make sense if you want to visit multiple locations in one day. In addition, you can visit other famous places such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds villages nearby.
Take the Bus
Another popular way to get to Oxford is by bus. Buses take a little longer than driving but are a much cheap alternative. Oxford Bus Company is the main bus company in the city. You can also purchase tickets through Omio, an excellent resource for finding inexpensive tickets. Buses run every 20 minutes with routes available from early morning to late at night.
Ride the Train
The train is the quickest option if you are traveling from London. It takes about an hour to reach Oxford this way. The easiest route from the city is from Paddington Station, which offers direct train access to the university, with trains running every 30 minutes.
The Oxford train and bus stations are just a 10-minute walk from the city center. To save money on tickets, purchase yours in advance. The prices will be much higher if you wait until the day off to buy them. For example, a one-way ticket costs £14 if you purchase ahead of time, and £32 with a return ticket.
Getting Around Oxford
Walking is the best way to get around the central section of Oxford. Most things to do are around the university; if you stay at a hotel nearby, you can walk to almost anything. In addition, you can take a public bus to further out attractions like Blenheim Palace or join a hop on hop off bus tour.
Another way to get around is by bike, as many students do. Bainton Bikes is the leading bike rental company that offers pick-up locations throughout the city. Download their app to find bike rental locations, unlock your bike, and return it to another nearby location when you’re done.
Where to Stay in London
Are you deciding on staying in Oxford for more than one day? There are several accommodations available within walking distance of Oxford University. Depending on the time of year, you can also stay in campus lodging for a convenient budget option.
Here are some great places to stay in Oxford for all budgets. These accommodations are within 1 mile of the city center, making getting around by foot or bus easy.
Old Bank Hotel
The Old Bank Hotel is in an old Georgian-styled home adorned with gargoyles and intricate stonework that reflects the architecture of Oxford University. With modernly decorated rooms, complimentary bikes, a restaurant, and a garden terrace, The Old Bank Hotel is the perfect retreat for your stay in Oxford.
Luxury Hotel | Check Rates
Cotswold Lodge Hotel
Stay in a charming Victorian mansion with cozy rooms, elegant period features, and an award-winning restaurant. The Cotswold Lodge Hotel is a short 12-minute walk to the city center, making it the perfect place for those looking for a quiet stay.
Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates
Royal Oxford Hotel
The Royal Oxford Hotel is close to the top city attractions and within walking distance of restaurants and pubs. It is the perfect budget option for a relaxing weekend in Oxford.
Budget Hotel | Check Rates
London to Oxford Day Trip Itinerary
The following itinerary takes you to all the main sites that anyone should see during their first time in Oxford. I will also highlight other things to do if you decide to stay longer, which I recommend you do! To start your day, you can join a guided tour or visit the sites on your own.
Oxford Day Trip – Morning
Take a Guided or Self-Guided Tour
The best way to start your day is with a walking tour around the city center. You can either join a guided tour or take a self-guided one instead. There are a variety available, including bus and guided walking tours that take you around the city if you are interested in learning the history of the city and its main sites.
These tours take you to many of the city’s and university’s main sites. Depending on which you choose, the time may vary. However, most begin at 11:00 am, with additional availabilities in the afternoon.
Another option is to take a self-guided city tour and join a college tour instead. Some of the most popular colleges, such as Christ Church and Divinity School, have their own guided tours led by Oxford students.
The Oxford: University and City Walking Tour is a great tour to join if you want to learn about the university’s history. Your guide will take you to several iconic spots on campus, including the Radcliffe Camera, Church of St. Mary, Trinity College, and Bodleian Library.
Oxford Walking Tours is another terrific tour company. The City Walking Tour will take you past some of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs. You will also gain access to several university buildings, such as New College and the library.
For Harry Potter fans, this themed tour focuses on all the film locations throughout Oxford. Your guide will take you to the three main filming areas, the Divinity School, New College, and Christ Church College.
The Harry Potter Oxford Tour even grants you access to the Bodleian Library, used as the Hogwarts library in the movies. As a bonus, you will learn how Oxford inspired another famous author, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Prefer to explore the city while relaxing on the water? The Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise takes you on the Thames River past several points of interest. The cruise includes drinks and a picnic lunch in addition to a guide.
Stop by the Radcliffe Camera
If you decide to join a tour, chances are the Radcliffe Camera will be one of your stops. On the other hand, if you prefer exploring on your own, you’ll start your day here. Once you reach Oxford, it will be a short walk to the city center, where you will find Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera.
The Radcliffe Camera is one of the most well-known buildings in Oxford. It is absolutely gorgeous and located in the city center. It was designed in a dome shape with a 140-foot rotunda, one of the largest in England.
The university added the building in 1737 specifically for the Radcliffe Science Library, which is still housed there today. The building can only be visited as part of the 90-minute Bodleian Library tour.
The Bodleian Library is another top thing to do in Oxford, which I will talk about later. If you decide to join the longer library tours, you can visit the Radcliffe Camera later in the day.
Climb up to St. Mary the Virgin Tower
Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sunday.
St. Mary, the Virgin Tower, is one of the best viewpoints in Oxford. It is not precisely known when the original church was built, but St. Mary’s was constructed in the 12th century and has been an essential part of the university ever since.
The old Gothic tower is the only thing that remains of the original church, having been constructed in the late 1200s. The medieval tower allows you to take in the city’s spectacular architecture from above, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera.
For just £5, you can climb the 127 steps to the top. Once you’ve explored the church, purchase your tickets to the gift shop.
Visit the Oxford University Colleges
Oxford University was officially opened in 1248, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is made up of 38 colleges scattered around the campus. Most of these colleges are open to visitors who allow specific areas to be accessed for a small fee.
Entrances times and dates change throughout the year depending on the college’s events, and each building has its own specific calendar. For up-to-date information, check the college’s website for admittance guidelines and availabilities.
The university does have some guided tours available if you’d like to explore inside the university since most city tours do not grant you access. You can also access several buildings on your own.
Christ Church College, Trinity College, New College, and Magdalen College are open to visitors and are three of the most beautiful buildings on campus. If you are only visiting Oxford for one day, these would be the ones to visit.
Christ Church College
Christ Church College is the top on the list to visit while in Oxford. It is the most prestigious of all the colleges, which says something, and was founded in 1525. It is also where some of the top prime ministers went to school as well as Albert Einstein and Lewis Carol.
It is one of the prominent filming locations of the Harry Potter films. The dining hall is mainly famous as it was recreated as Hogwarts Great Hall. In addition to Harry Potter, Christ Church College has close ties with Alice in Wonderland. It was here that Lewis Carroll came up with the idea while he was a student.
He wrote the fictional character after Alice Liddell, the Dean of Christ Church’s daughter. There are several elements in the novels that Alice and the city inspired.
You can access Christ College for a small fee, giving visitors access to several locations. Since this site is popular, the college also offers several guided tours. Tickets are available every Friday at 9:00 am for the previous week online.
Due to the number of available tickets, I recommend purchasing yours in advance. In addition, buying your tickets online will save you a few dollars and allow you to see if specific areas will be closed on the day you plan to visit.
Self-guided tours range from £16-19 for adults depending on the time of year. Family passes are also available from £50-59 and come with four admission tickets.
Multimedia Guides are included in the self-guided tour and come in 12 different languages, with the option of a family multimedia tour that includes interactive activities for children.
Multimedia Tour Sites: Meadow Quad, Hall Staircase, Great Hall, Tom Quad, Peck Quad, Cathedral, Cloisters, Picture Gallery (separate ticket required)
Some of the above sites may be closed to the public for specific dates and times, depending on events. These closures should be indicated at the time of booking.
Guided Tours:
- 30-Minute Highlights Tour – Visit the Hall Stairs, Great Hall, Tom Quad, and Cloister (£10 online/ £12 at the door)
- 60 Minute Past and Present Tour – Includes the same locations as the 30-minute tour, but your guide will go into the history of the college (£20 online/ £22 at the door)
- 30-Minute Cathedral Guided Tour – Cathedral and Cloister (£10 online/ £12 at the door)
- 60 Minute Past and Present Tour – Includes the same locations as the 30-minute tour, but your guide will go into the history of the Cathedral (£20 online/ £22 at the door)
Private Tours: If you are interested in a private tour, email the college at [email protected] for more information. Private tours can accommodate up to 16 people and start at £100 per person for a 30-minute tour and £200 for a 60-minute tour.
Trinity College
Trinity College is known for its extensive, lush grounds and gardens. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope on land which Durham College had previously stood. There were only just over a dozen scholars who’s lived at Trinity College in its early days.
Over the next few centuries, the campus and student population grew with each new president, each adding their own touches to the college. Now, Trinity College is not just one of the most beautiful in Oxford, but offers a large number of undergraduate classes, many associated with the sciences.
A few of the main areas are open to the public for just £4 including the Dining Hall, gardens, and Chapel. Trinity College has some of the prettiest gardens and outdoor spaces in all of Oxford and I highly recommend you see them.
New College
The name can be misleading as the college was established in 1379. However, it is another exquisite example of a Gothic style art picture of the time. One of the most recognizable areas of the college is the cloisters which featured a cameo in the Goblet of Fire as one of the school’s outdoor courtyards.
In addition to the cloisters, the New College chapel is a beautiful area to visit as it has one of the most intricately decorated interiors in all the colleges.
Magdalen College
Magdalen College is another beautiful building with some of the prettiest cloisters on campus as well as the large Magdalen Tower. The tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford and part of the college’s traditional “May Day” celebration.
Every year on May 1st, locals and students meet in front of Magdalen College to listen to the college choir sing from the tower at 6:00 am that morning. May Day was initially used to celebrate the start of spring over 500 years ago and has continued to be an ongoing tradition in the city.
Although the building itself is exquisite, another significant part of Magdalen is its deer park. For over 300 years, a herd of fallow deer has lived here and is easy to spot during the warmer months.
Several notable figures went to Magdalen, including Oscar Wilde and Thomas Wolsey. C.S. Lewis even taught there for over 24 years.
The college is open from 10:00 am to either 7:00 pm or dusk throughout the year, except for the Christmas holiday and special events.
Check the college website for updated times and availability before your visit. Standards tickets are £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, visitors over 65, and students. Many visitors may also be eligible for free admission.
Oxford Day Trip – Afternoon
Grab Lunch
There are lots of different options around Oxford for lunch. One of the most popular places to eat in Oxford for lunch is the Vaults and Garden Cafe.
They have a variety of tasty breakfast and lunch items and afternoon tea. If you can, grab a seat outside with views of the Radcliffe Camera. Another popular cafe is the Grand Cafe.
For something quick, head over to the Oxford Covered Market. The market has been around since 1774, filled with more than 40 food stalls and shops. You can find anything from fresh produce to jewelry and souvenirs here.
There are several coffee shops and cafes in the market, as well as gelato, sandwich shops, and pizza. So grab something tasty and spend some time exploring the unique boutiques.
Buy a Book a Blackwell’s
Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday.
Blackwell’s is a city staple, supplying books to students since 1879. There is literally every type of book available here in the store’s labyrinth of rooms and nooks. The Norrington Room, in particular, is so vast it has been named one of the largest bookselling rooms in the world.
The iconic bookshop is located on Broad Street in the center of town, making it the perfect stop on your way to lunch. For you book lovers, you could spend hours inside looking through the assortment of volumes to purchase.
Stop by the Bridge of Sighs
The Hertford Bridge was first built to connect two sections of Hertford College. Due to its stunning architecture, it has become one of the top things to see in Oxford. Sir Thomas Jackson designed the bridge in 1914, a prominent architect who designed Hertford College, Trinity College, and several other buildings in Oxford.
It has been nicknamed the “Bridge of Sighs” due to its similarity to the one in Venice, although Jackson never attended for the resemblance. Nevertheless, the bridge has become one of the top photo spots in Oxford.
Take a Tour of the Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is a collection of libraries, some of which are the oldest in Europe. Over 13 million books and artifacts are available here, including rare maps and manuscripts.
Although there are several must-see sites for book lovers, the Bodleian Library should be top of your itinerary. Built in 1602, the Bodleian Library is an architectural marvel, but its fantastic assortment of preserved books and documents overshadow its beauty.
It is the second-largest library in Britain, housing over 13 million manuscripts and one of the most valuable books in the world, the Gutenberg Bible. Some documents, including various Egyptian scrolls, are over 3,000 years old. Due to the value of items within the library, visitors are only allowed access through a guided tour.
I had the opportunity to tour the library during a weekend trip to Oxford and was at a loss for words being surrounded by such priceless and important artifacts. Not to mention continuing to other important literary locations such as the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library.
The Duke Humphrey’s Library is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library. It is one of the most beautiful libraries you will ever see and yet another filming location for the Harry Potter movies. As the main Hogwarts library, many will already be familiar with its beauty.
There are three different guided tours available for the library complex that range from 30-90 minutes in length and take place at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm each day (except for the 90-minute tour) and are open for visitors 11 years of age and above.
Although you can purchase tickets the day of, it is best to book them in advance as they tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Here is a detailed look at the different tours available:
- 30-Minute Tour: Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library (£10 per ticket)
- 60-Minute Tour: Divinity School, Duke Humphrey’s Library, Convocation House, and the Chancellor’s Court (£15 per ticket)
- 90-Minute Tour: Divinity School, Duke Humphrey’s Library, Convocation House, the Chancellor’s Court, the Gladstone Link, and the Radcliffe Camera (£20 per ticket)
- The 90-minute tour is available Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
Divinity School
If you join the Bodleian Library Guided Tour, you will be taken around the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library. The medieval building dates back to the 15th century and is another of the university’s buildings with a cameo in the Harry Potter movies.
The Divinity School can also be accessed on its own for just £2.50, with online reservations available. The college is open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Visiting hours may change depending on exams and special events at the college, which will be posted on the college’s website. Parts of the college, such as the Bodleian Library, can only be accessed through a guided tour.
Oxford Day Trip – Evening
Punt Along the River Cherwell
Punting is a popular pass time at Oxford, but it is much more complicated than it looks! A punt is a flat-bottom boat with a square-shaped bow. The punter stands at the bow and uses a pole to push the boat along the riverbed. It is both a fun and scenic way to see Oxford.
You can rent a boat or pay someone to do the work for you! You can rent a punt for £30 per hour or the entire day. Since there are many pubs and restaurants along the way, you can easily spend half the day punting down the river with stops for a refreshing pint.
If you’d rather relax, you can hire a guide to take you down there river instead. A chauffeured punt ride costs £40 for 30 minutes and can also be rented for the day. Head over to Magdalen Bridge for either a rental or a guide.
The Ashmolean Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Ashmolean is one of the top university museums to visit and one of the oldest public museums in Britain, having been founded in 1683. The museum can be found in an old Victorian building that spans six floors and even has a rooftop restaurant. Best of all, the Ashmolean is free to visit, but donations are always appreciated.
You can get free admission tickets at the door or reserve them online. To skip the lines and ensure entry, I recommend booking them online in advance through the museum website.
The museum contains many artifacts, including paintings, antiquities, and musical instruments. They even have an incredible Egyptian exhibit and works from famous artists like Michelangelo. You will also want to see the famous Alfred Jewel, owned by King Alfred the Great.
Once you are done visiting the exhibits, head up to the rooftop for lunch at the cafe. The cafe has an extensive menu, including afternoon tea. The Ashmolean is hands down a must-see attraction while in Oxford.
Other Oxford Museums
If you have time, here are two other exciting museums to visit in Oxford. The Museum of Oxford focuses on the history of the city. Here you can find various items, including archaeological finds and donated items from families who called the city home.
The museum is a great place to learn about the story of the development of the influential city and the people who have lived there since its beginning. If you are interested in stopping by, the museum is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm every day except Sundays.
The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 after General Pitt-Rivers donated his extensive archaeologic and ethnographic collection to the university. The former general hoped to give the public access to these valuable finds through a new museum.
Here you can find an assortment of unique and interesting artifacts which have been added over the years. In addition to the 26,000 given to the university by General Pitt River, there are now over 500,00 objects on display from around the world.
Find a Cozy Pub
England is known for its pub scene, and Oxford is no exception. There are plenty of cozy pubs to stop into for a pint, many of which were popular social spots for some of the most famous writers of all time.
Two that I recommend are the Kings Arms and Turf Tavern. The Kings Arms is the oldest pub in Oxford, dating back to 1607. It boasted of having “the highest IQ per square foot in the world” and has been a popular place for scholars and alumni. Make a reservation if you plan on eating dinner here as they get busy.
Turf Tavern is tucked away in one of Oxford’s old alleys. It is one of the coziest pubs in Oxford and where several famous guests used to go for drinks, including Elizabeth Taylor, Margaret Thatcher, and Ernest Hemingway. Turf Tavern is exactly what you’d expect of a historic English pub, with small rooms, passageways, and a courtyard.
Eagle & Child is another historic pub. J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carol loved spending much of their time here with a small literary circle called “the Inklings” to discuss their writing. Unfortunately, Eagle and Child are currently closed for renovations, but there are plenty of equally historic pubs around the city center.
Other Things to Do in Oxford
Take a Trip to Blenheim Palace
Hours: The place is open daily from 10:30 am – 4:45 pm
The beautiful English country estate is located just 25 minutes from Oxford and is one of the best day tours. It is famous for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to many influential people. It is also one of England’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The palace and gardens are open year-round and offer guided and self-guided tours. Tickets must be purchased in advance and with various options available depending on what parts of the palace you’d like to see. The property also has a cafe, restaurant, pizzeria, and visitor gift shop.
Tickets for the park and garden cost £22.50, while purchasing the palace, park, and gardens pass costs £35. If you plan on buying items at the gift shop or eating at one of the palace restaurants, the privilege pass gives you a 15% discount on your purchases for just eight more.
Getting to Blenheim Palace from Oxford
If you do not have a car, the easiest way to get there is by bus. The Stagecoach Bus S3 and Bus 7 will pick you up from Oxford City Center or Magdalen Street and take you to the palace entrance. From there, it is a scenic stroll through the park to the palace entrance.
TRAVEL TIP: If you purchase a bus ticket, you will receive 30% off admission for traveling green.
Visit Oxford Castle
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Oxford Castle was constructed in the 11th century to defend the city from intruders. However, the castle was mainly used as a city prison for the last few centuries. Parts of the castle remain open to visitors, including the prison area, St Georgie’s Tower, and the crypt.
The tours are extremely engaging and take you back to the castle’s and the city’s interesting past. Your guide will teach you about England’s Civil Wars and the influential people who once called Oxford Castle home. It is the perfect way to learn about the city’s darker history.
Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens
Oxford University is home to the oldest Botanical Garden in England. There are more than 5,000 different plants here which are housed throughout the gardens and greenhouses. The walled garden is the oldest section, dating back to 1621.
They are just £6.30 to enter and offer free tours to visitors between 10:00 and 3:00 pm.
London to Oxford Day Trip FAQs
Is Oxford worth visiting?
Absolutely! Oxford University is one of the most prestigious in the world, and the city is just as charming. There is plenty of great things to do there, especially for those who love history. In addition, Oxford is the perfect day trip from London if you want a break from the busy city.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
You can visit most of the main sites in one day, but if you’d like to experience all the city has to offer, then two days is plenty. One draw of staying in Oxford is its location to other famous destinations such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds.
Can you tour Oxford University?
You can tour a large majority of the colleges. Popular ones like Christ Church College offer both guided and self-guided tours with the ability to purchase tickets online. Others will grant access for a small entrance fee. Other sites such as the Radcliffe Camera and Humphrey’s Library can only be accessed by guided tour my non-students.
Can you walk around Oxford in a day?
Oxford is a small city making it easily walkable. The university and main city attractions are all located in the city center making it easy to see a large number of attractions in one day. Oxford also offers bus tours and bike rentals if you prefer an alternative way to get around.
Conclusion
I’ve included some of the best things to do in Oxford to help you pick and choose how you’d like to spend your day trip. If you’d like to explore more of the city and surrounding area, I recommend spending 1-2 days there. Know of any other attractions or day trips from Oxford? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it.
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Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT |Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS |For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Trainline is the best choice if you are traveling throughout England. They work with 270 companies for 45 countries in Europe and the UK.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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