Best Things to do in Oxford | Must-see attractions 2025

St Hilda's College

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Cowley Place

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St Hilda's College, founded in 1893, is the only women's college at the University of Oxford, known for its unique architecture and serene riverfront gardens.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may charge a fee.

Museum of Oxford

Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00

Museum

Museum of Oxford St. Aldates Town Hall

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Museum of Oxford illustrates the city's 3000-year history from a Victorian office to virtual tours, with changing exhibitions and community events.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Green Templeton College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

43 Woodstock Road

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Green College, part of Oxford University, focuses on medicine, health, and social sciences, enrolling about 250 graduate students.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some specialized events may incur costs.

St Catherines College Oxford

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Manor Rd

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St Catherine's College, the youngest college at the University of Oxford, admits both undergraduates and graduates and emphasizes inclusivity and modern design.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events or special access may require a ticket.

Somerville College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Woodstock Rd

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Somerville College, founded in 1879, was one of Oxford's first women's colleges. It became coeducational in 1994 and boasts notable alumnae like Margaret Thatcher.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Mansfield College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Mansfield Rd

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Mansfield College Chapel is a constituent college of the University of Oxford, founded in 1838, known for its tranquil setting and historic significance.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Accommodation may have associated costs during vacation periods.

Kellogg College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

62 Banbury Road

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Kellogg College, a graduate-only college of Oxford University, focuses on adult education and offers over 580 courses for part-time students.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free entry for public events and open days; some specific events may charge fees.

Nuffield College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

1 New Rd.

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Nuffield College, founded in 1937, is a postgraduate college in Oxford, specializing in Economics, Politics, and Sociology, affiliated with the University of Oxford.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free access to public areas. Special events may require paid tickets.

St Anne's College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Woodstock Rd

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St Anne's College in Oxford, UK, founded in 1879, is one of the largest colleges, emphasizing inclusivity for students of all backgrounds.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur costs.

Harris Manchester College

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Event hall

Mansfield Road

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Harris Manchester College, founded in 1786, is a part of the University of Oxford, offering a unique educational experience for students and visitors.

Duration: About 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Keble College

Mo-Su 14:00-17:00

University

Parks Road

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Keble College, part of the University of Oxford, features unique red-brick neo-Gothic architecture and a chapel with intricate Venetian mosaics.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Access to the chapel and grounds is complimentary; specific events may be ticketed.

The Story Museum

Mo-Fr 9:00-17:30

Museum

42 Pembroke Street Rochester House

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The Story Museum in Oxford celebrates storytelling through unique exhibits, performances, and a cafe. It is a family-friendly destination showcasing literary heritage.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

St Stephen's House

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

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St Stephen's House is an Anglo-Catholic theological college and former Private Hall of the University of Oxford, located in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Wycliffe Hall

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

College

54 Banbury Rd

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Wycliffe Hall is a Church of England theological college at the University of Oxford, established in 1877, focusing on training for ordained and lay ministries.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free for general access; some events may have fees.

Merton College

10:00 AM–4:30 PM

Architectural Building

Merton Street

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Merton College, founded in 1264, is one of Oxford's oldest colleges, featuring the oldest academic library in continuous use in Europe and a rich architectural history.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

£3 for general entry. £5 for guided tours, £3 for Oxford University members and alumni. Cash or cheque only.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

Museum of Natural History Parks Road

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Houses geological and zoological specimens in a Grade 1 listed neo-Gothic building. Features include dinosaur skeletons and the famous dodo.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street

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The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford's oldest public museum, offers an impressive range of art and archaeology, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary masterpieces. Free admission.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Free admission. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Hinksey Heights Golf Club

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Golf Course

Hinksey Heights

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Hinksey Heights Golf Club in Oxford offers a scenic 18-hole course, designed by James Braid in 1925, set in beautiful countryside with views of the city.

Duration: About 4 hours.

£25 for adults, £10 for juniors. Membership discounts available.

Lady Margaret Hall

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Norham Gardens

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Lady Margaret Hall, founded in 1878, was the first women’s college at Oxford, now a co-educational institution with beautiful gardens by the River Cherwell.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for specific events.

Lincoln College

Mo-Fr 14:00-17:00; Sa-Su 11:00-17:00

University

Turl Street

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Lincoln College, founded in 1427, is a constituent college of the University of Oxford, known for its rich history and notable alumni.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Brasenose College

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Radcliffe Square

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Brasenose College, founded in 1509, is a historic college in Oxford, UK, known for its academic excellence and vibrant community.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free for general entry. Some events may require tickets.

Oriel College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Oriel Square

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Oriel College, established in 1326 by King Edward II, is the fifth oldest college of the University of Oxford, offering rich history and beautiful architecture.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Entry to college grounds is free; however, some specific events may require tickets.

Worcester College

Mo-Su 14:00-16:00

Church

Worcester Street

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Worcester College in Oxford, UK, combines rich history, beautiful gardens, and diverse architecture, serving as a key part of the University of Oxford.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations encouraged for maintenance.

Balliol College

Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

University

Broad Street

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Balliol College, part of the University of Oxford, founded in 1263, is renowned for its academic history and notable alumni, including Boris Johnson and Aldous Huxley.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to certain areas may require paid tickets during special events.

Oxford Castle

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Castle

46 Oxford Castle New Road Oxford Castle Quarter

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Oxford Castle & Prison features 1000 years of history, tours by costumed guides, and the remains of a medieval castle and prison in Oxford, UK.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Adults: £12, Children (5-15): £10, Family Ticket: £36. Discounts available for seniors and students.

University of Oxford

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

University Offices 1 Wellington Square

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Oxford University, the oldest English-speaking university, located in Oxford, UK, is renowned for academic excellence and intellectual growth.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

Primarily free for university grounds; specific colleges and attractions may have entry fees.

Jesus College Oxford

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Turl St.

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Jesus College Oxford, founded in 1571, is a historic college in Oxford, UK, known for its Grade I listed buildings and significant educational history.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some specific events may require tickets.

Carfax Tower

Mo-Su 10:00-17:30

Monument

Corner of Carfax and Cornmarket

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Carfax Tower is a 23m belltower in Oxford, UK, dating back to the 12th century, offering panoramic views of the city and representing a significant historical landmark.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Museum of the History of Science

Tu-Fr 12:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 14:00-17:00

Museum

Broad Street

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The Museum of the History of Science in Oxford showcases scientific instruments from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including Einstein's blackboard and unique astrolabes.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome for special exhibitions and events.

Pitt Rivers Museum

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum South Parks Road

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Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford hosts over 500,000 global artifacts, from shrunken heads to Noh masks, showcasing anthropological and archaeological collections.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

St Peter's College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

New Inn Hall Street

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St Peter's College in Oxford, founded in 1929, features historically rich architecture and small quads. Engage with its vibrant community through public talks and events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Public talks may have specific entrance costs.

St Johns College Oxford

Mo-Su 13:00-17:00

Garden

St. Giles

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St John's College Oxford, founded in 1555, features classical architecture and a vibrant academic community within Oxford, United Kingdom.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Guided tours may require a ticket.

St Peter-in-the-East

09:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Queen’s Lane

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St Peter-in-the-East is an historic chapel in Oxford, UK, dating back to before 1317, featuring art from William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones.

Duration: About 30 minutes.

Free.

Exeter College

Mo-Su 14:00-17:00

Church

Turl Street

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Exeter College, founded in 1314, is a constituent college of the University of Oxford, famed for its 17th-century dining hall and Victorian Gothic chapel.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

The Queen's College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

High Street

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The Queen's College in Oxford, founded in 1341, is renowned for its musical heritage and neoclassical architecture, housing a vibrant community of scholars.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No charge for visiting the college grounds; events may require tickets.

St Anthonys College

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

University

62 Woodstock Rd

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St Antony's College, part of the University of Oxford, specializes in international relations and area studies. Founded in 1950, it is coeducational and located in North Oxford.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free for campus visits; specific events may incur charges.

St Hugh's College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

College

St. Margaret's Rd

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St Hugh's College, a women's college founded in 1886, now welcomes all genders. It's known for its extensive gardens and strong academic reputation.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome for college maintenance.

Bate Collection of Musical Instruments

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Oxford University Faculty of Music St. Aldate's

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The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments in Oxford showcases over 1000 historical instruments, focusing on woodwind, brass, percussion, and keyboard instruments.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Kirtlington Golf Club

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

Kirtlington

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Kirtlington Golf Club, established in 1995, offers a challenging 18-hole course set in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside, catering to golfers of all skill levels.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees apply; exact rates vary based on time and booking options.

St Michael at the North Gate

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Cornmarket St

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Saint Michael At The City Church & Saxon Tower is the oldest surviving stone building in Oxford, founded in the 11th century, featuring regular services and events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance.

Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park

7:30 AM–dusk

Park

Elsfield Way

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Cutteslowe Park in Oxford, UK, features extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, and scenic areas for walking, picnicking, and play.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No fees required for entry or facilities.

Florence Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

94 Cornwallis Rd

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Florence Park in Oxford features lush green spaces, tennis courts, a mini-golf course, and multiple playgrounds, ideal for outdoor recreation.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. All recreational facilities are available at no cost.

Vale And Downland Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

Vale & Downland Museum & Visitor Centre

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Vale & Downland Museum in Wantage, Oxfordshire, showcases local cultural heritage, features community services, and offers a cafe with garden views.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Bury Knowle Park

7:30 AM–8:00 PM

Park

178 London Road

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Bury Knowle Park in Oxford spans 17 acres, offering play areas, sculptures, sports courts, and a zip wire for active visitors of all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

The North Wall Arts Centre

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Wall Arts Centre South Parade Summertown

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The North Wall Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub in Oxford, offering a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Many events are free. Some performances and special exhibitions require a paid ticket, typically ranging from £5 to £25.

Vue Oxford

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Mall

Grenoble Rd

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Vue Cinema in Oxford offers a modern cinema experience with multiple screens, comfortable seating, and a range of films, from blockbusters to indie films.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Standard adult tickets are approximately £10. Discounts available for students, seniors, and children.

Harcourt Arboretum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

Oxford Lodge Peacock Gate Nuneham Courtenay

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Harcourt Arboretum in Oxford, UK features 130 acres of diverse trees, including ancient redwoods and Japanese maples, with beautifully designed landscapes.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Modern Art Oxford

Tu-Sa 11:00-18:00; Su 12:00-17:00

Museum

30 Pembroke Street

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Modern Art Oxford exhibits cutting-edge modern and contemporary visual art, offering free admission to dynamic exhibitions and engaging educational programs.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Headington Hill Park

Open 24 hours

Park

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Headington Hill Park in Oxford offers scenic landscapes, historical significance, and recreational spaces, making it a valuable green space for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No charges for park access.

Wadham College

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

University

17 Parks Road

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Wadham College Moser Theatre, part of Oxford University, is a medium-sized co-educational college located near key landmarks, including the Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free for most events; special performances may require a paid ticket.