Also known as the City of Dreaming Spires, I immediately saw why so many people love to visit Oxford, England. You don’t need to spend long in Oxford to appreciate its blend of fantasy and real-world charm. Walk in the footsteps of famous people and literary figures as you wander the city and its well-known university.
I’ve now visited on my own and with family and friends several times, and can help you plan an ideal 1-2 day visit. This guide will help you find the best spots in Oxford, and plan a perfect day or weekend exploring.
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Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
💷 Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.
🕰️ Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST).
🔌 Electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. Make sure you can power your electronics with a universal travel adaptor.
📱 Phone data: Check maps, send messages and utilize your phone apps while you’re in the UK. The easiest and cheapest solution is to buy an e-sim for your trip.
🚘 Car rentals: You can reach Oxford from London Heathrow Airport in just over an hour. Renting a car to see Oxford would make sense if you’re planning to head toward the Cotswolds as well.
Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. I recommend and use Discover Cars to find the best UK car rental prices.
Feel more secure driving on the left with Tripiamo Guides. Their easy to understand video guides will get you up to speed quickly on UK road conditions and driving rules. For more on driving in the UK out my driving guide before you set out!
🚆 Train booking: All major UK cities, and many other destinations in between, can be reached by train. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly through Trainline.
9 Things You Must See When You Visit Oxford
Oxford University is well known all over the world, but thre are excellent reasons to visit Oxford both inside and outside the University’s walls. Here are nine of the top things you should see when you visit Oxford:
1. Marvel at Oxford University Architecture
Iconic buildings like the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library are stunners, and around every turn are more details that seem to be carved straight from a fairytale.
2. Uncover Oxford’s Literary History
A walking tour in Oxford will uncover spots frequented by literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll. Bits that may just be urban myth (like spotting “Mr. Tumnus”) are also a lot of fun.
3. Learn About Oxford’s Political Impact
Oxford University has educated more UK Prime Ministers than any other university in the country. Don’t miss Christ Church if you want to see the college that has educated the most PM’s within the university.
4. Explore Oxford’s World-class Museums and Galleries
The Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History will immerse you in art and history to suit all interests. For something truly unique, don’t miss spotting the stuffed dodo inside the Museum of Natural History.
5. Spot Harry Potter Connections
Many spots in Oxford were used to film the Harry Potter movies, and are just as magical in real life. Don’t miss the Great Hall in Christ Church College or the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School.
6. Shop or Dine in the Covered Market
Excellent for shopping or a quick meal, this market has been a feature of Oxford since the 1770s. Be sure to stop into Alice’s Shop, said to have inspired Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass.
7. Have a Pint in a Historic Pub
Some of Oxford’s pubs date back centuries, and have the tales to prove it. Find your way to Turf Tavern, a 12th century pub that was a regular rest spot for Harry Potter cast and crew while they were filming nearby.
8. Shop Oxford’s Unique Book Shops
Oxford has lots of unique and specialized book shops. Whether you’re looking for a first edition or just want to surround yourself with books, you can spend hours exploring Oxford’s book shops.
It wasn’t until my third visit to Oxford that I discovered the basement in Blackwells Books. Located next door to the Bodleian Weston Library, this shop looks quaint from the outside. Head down to the basement, though, to discover just how far this shop goes.
9. Stroll Through Nature in Christ Church Meadow
Enjoy a leisurely walk or take a picnic out into this open space near the university. They even have longhorn cattle grazing nearby. This is a great place to escape for some quiet if you’re visiting during a crowded period.
Best Oxford Tours
I highly recommend booking a tour during your visit to Oxford. Many parts of the city will only be accessible to you while on a tour, so pick your favourite angle and follow along with one of these.
Best Oxford University Tour
Step inside the gates of an Oxford college with a highlights walking tour of Oxford University and the city. Hear firsthand what it’s like to study in this magical place. Tours are led by Oxford University alumni who share details from the university’s history and current goings-on.
“Ben was a great guide as he is a current masters student (of political history I believe) at Oxford so he was able to give not only excellent context and history of Oxford and the university, but also insight into what it’s like to study and live at one of the colleges in Oxford. Well worth the price as it included entry into two of the sites. Really enjoyed this tour!”
Maggie from Australia (see more reviews)
Best Oxford Harry Potter Tour
There are plenty of Harry Potter tour options to pick from, making it hard to choose just one. For the best blend of Harry Potter film locations and other literary history, this Harry Potter Tour Including New College is a great choice.
“We really enjoyed this tour, which covered some great Harry Potter sights around Oxford. Our guide, Nancy, was wonderful; so entertaining and with heaps of interesting information to share. I took my 11yo Hufflepuff daughter and she described it as the best tour she’d ever been on!”
Ella from United Kingdom (see more reviews)
Best Mix of Harry Potter and Oxford History Tour
For a smaller group and even more access to Harry Potter film locations, don’t miss the Christ Church Harry Potter Film Locations Tour. Christ Church is one of the most famous colleges to see in Oxford, and this one includes your entry fee in the tour price.
“We really enjoyed the tour. It was a nice mix of history and stories about Oxford and the university. We got great insights and walked everything on foot. Isabella is a very friendly guide who can tell you a lot about university life as she studies at Oxford herself. She was accompanied by Peter, an Oxford graduate, who supplemented her stories with his own experiences. Harry Potter was an important, but not the only literary and cinematic theme of the tour. There were lots of great photo opportunities and at the end there were film clips and a Butterbeer recipe and Oxford film tips by email. We were really happy with everything.”
Katja from Germany (see more reviews)
Best Cotswolds Day Trip Tour from Oxford
Venture out to scenic Cotswold villages without the stress of navigating tiny village roads on your own. This Cotswolds Small Group Tour will take you through one of the most beautiful parts of England and gives you time for lunch in my very favourite village – Bourton on the Water.
“The best day trip that I have ever taken. The guide (Jo) was very knowledgeable in the the most accessible and entertaining way. She was pleasant and helpful. We visited seven wonderful spots in the Cotswolds. I knew of a couple of them but not the others, and it was a pleasure to “discover” them. I would recommend this tour and guide to everyone.”
Lynne from United States of America (see more reviews)
Free Things to do in Oxford England
While guided tours are the best way to gain access to Oxford’s treasures, you might want to balance out the expense with some free exploring. These are free things to do in Oxford that are worth your time.
- Ashmolean Museum. Booking a free entry time is a good idea as it can fill up in peak periods. The standard museum exhibits are free to visit, with charges only for special rotating exhibits.
- Oxford Museum of Natural History. Free to visit and no pre-booking is required. The museum often hosts free family-friendly events as well.
- Bridge of Sighs. Part of Hertford College, this arching bridge crosses over New College Lane. You cannot enter the inside of the bridge, but the view from outside is a popular photo spot.
- Radcliffe Camera. Located just outside the Bodleian Library, this iconic round building is actually connected to the main library via underground tunnels. You cannot visit inside, but it’s worth walking around to admire the architecture.
- St. Mary’s Church. Right behind the Radcliffe Camera, this church has been a fixture of Oxford for centuries. The church is free to visit. You can climb the medieval church tower for £6.
- Christ Church Meadow. Christ Church is one of the largest and priciest colleges offering tour bookings. The meadow outside, though, is free to visit and a perfect bit of nature away from the city.
- Alice’s Shop in the Covered Market. See an inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland stories that still stands. Free to browse the shop.
- Weston Library. This modern extension of the Bodleian Library is free to enter and hosts rotating free exhibits in the main lobby.
The Best Time to Visit Oxford
Oxford is open to tourists year round, though different seasons bring different pros and cons to your visit.
Visit Oxford in the Best Weather
Plan your trip during the summer months (June through August) for your best chance at clear skies and long days. As with the rest of the UK, weather can be unpredictable at any time.
Visit Oxford with the Least Crowding
It’s important to pay attention to term times at Oxford University. The university hosts more than 26,000 students, which makes the whole city more crowded when classes are in session. You can avoid some of the crowding by visiting during a term break. These usually fall:
- Between mid-March and mid-April
- Between mid-June and end of September (exception: August brings the most tourist crowds)
- Between early December and mid-January
Visit Oxford at the Best Value
Save money on your Oxford trip with a winter visit. The holiday season can still be pricey, but January and February can be a bargain if you’re willing to brave early sunsets and more chances for rain.
Your next best bet is either later March or early September as this falls over university term breaks, but does not overlap with UK school breaks for children.
Where is Oxford Located?
Oxford is located in Oxfordshire, England, in between London and Birmingham. The city is set on the banks of the River Thames, which also winds its way through London.
Oxford is reachable by train or car in about an hour from London, or in a little under 90 minutes from Birmingham.
How to Get to Oxford
Oxford does not have a public airport, but it is easily reachable by train, car, or bus. Many people visit Oxford as a day trip from London, though there are also fast train routes from Birmingham.
Travel to Oxford by Train
Trains depart from London Paddington to Oxford every 30 minutes. Birmingham International also has direct trains to Oxford departing every hour. Either route will have you in Oxford in about an hour.
I book all of my UK train travel through Trainline. It’s the easiest way to find the best fares, plan your journey, and get updates on any last-minute delays or cancellations.
Travel to Oxford by Car
If you aren’t starting out from central London or Birmingham, you may find driving to be a more direct way to travel. For example, starting at London Heathrow airport will require a train journey into London before heading back out to Oxford, adding about 30 minutes to your trip.
London is a little over 50 miles from Oxford, and the drive typically takes a little over an hour. Driving from London Heathrow is a bit under an hour, while the drive from Birmingham takes a little under 90 minutes.
Once you reach Oxford, there are several park and ride car parks that are open 24 hours. There are also car parks in the city centre, but be careful to check closing times so you don’t accidentally wind up with your car locked in.
Don’t miss my guide to driving in the UK for Americans to learn what to expect from driving here.
I recommend and use Discover Cars for finding the best rates and convenient pick up points for rental cars in the UK.
Travel to Oxford by Bus
Buses are usually the most time consuming route, but also often the least expensive. If you’re on the hunt for the cheapest UK transportation, head to Omio to compare routes and prices between trains and buses.
On a recent Sunday, bus fares from London Gatwick airport to Oxford were roughly half the price of a train ticket for the same journey.
Where to Stay in Oxford
You can see a lot of Oxford’s highlights on a day trip, but there is enough to keep you busy here over a few days. Oxford also makes a good jumping off point for exploring the Cotswolds.
Staying close to the city centre will give you quick access to the University and lots of choices for restaurants. With that said, the city is very walkable, so it is possible to stay a bit further out and still get to everything.
Best Unique Hotel in Oxford – Old Bank Hotel
The Old Bank Hotel is steps away from many of Oxford Universities colleges, set in a lovely historic building. Rooms here are updated and comfortable, and some room rates come with breakfast included.
“Beautiful historic property, great location, nice restaurant, comfortable rooms with a personal touch”
Jennifer from United States of America (see more reviews)
Best Budget Hotel in Oxford – Linton Lodge
Linton Lodge is where I stayed on our first Oxford visit. We knew we had limited time in Oxford and would be out exploring way more than we’d be at the hotel. It is a bit of a walk to get into the city centre, but the hotel is in a quiet area and we found it clean and comfortable.
Most importantly, it tends to be less expensive without feeling like you’ve sacrificed too much on quality. It’s owned by Best Western, and feels like a mid-range American hotel shoehorned into a very non-American building.
“Great little room. Good breakfast, friendly staff.”
Abigail from United States of America (see more reviews)
Best Apartment in Oxford – Urban Living’s The Hawking
Located close to Oxford Castle, this 2-bedroom apartment is perfect for families or groups that want to stay close to the city centre. The apartment has everything you need, including a fully kitted out kitchen.
Do keep in mind that the apartment does not have air conditioning. This is common to most housing in the UK, and will also be the case in smaller hotels.
“Quiet location with a good bed, great pillows, shower with terrific water pressure and plentiful hot water. This flat had everything we needed. We slept very well. It was lovely to have a Nespresso machine, washer/dryer, and dishwasher.”
Laurel from United States of America (see more reviews)
Is Oxford Safe?
Oxford is a safe city where I’ve never encountered or witnessed crime. It is still a city, though, meaning you should follow some common sense travel tips while visiting.
- Keep your cash and phone tucked away as much as possible to avoid someone snatching from your hand.
- Opt for day bags that lie close to your body and don’t have exposed zippers. This backpack from PacSafe is a great option for your academic inspired wardrobe that also boasts anti-theft features.
- Many bars and pubs in Oxford have undergone Ask for Angela training, which can provide help if someone is making you uncomfortable during a night out.
FAQs
Is Oxford England worth visiting?
Oxford is bursting at the seams with literary history and is home to some of the oldest gothic architecture in England. It’s a beautiful place and well worth a visit on your next trip to the UK.
I definitely recommend booking a tour when you visit so you don’t miss details that might otherwise be behind locked gates. The many private spaces here make it difficult to visit spontaneously while also seeing all the sights.
How many days should I spend in Oxford England?
Many people visit Oxford on a day trip from London. You can get a feel for the city and see plenty in that time. Staying two days will let you dive a bit more into the city’s secrets or set off to explore the nearby Cotswolds.
What is Oxford England known for?
Oxford is best known for its famous university. Oxford has hosted literary icons like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, not to mention a slew of Nobel Prize winners and well-known politicians. You can learn a lot about figures who’ve impacted world history here.
The city is also known as the city of dreaming spires for its iconic gothic architecture, which gives many parts of the city a fairytale feel.