oxford university day tour

Visiting Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful city of stunning architecture, history and culture. You'll find ancient and modern colleges, fascinating museums and galleries, and plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces in which to relax. Plus, the city centre is small enough to cover on foot, and only a few minutes walk from the main rail and coach stations.

Things to see and do at Oxford University

Oxford is not a campus university, so it is not all located on one site. It is made up of many different buildings, including academic departments, colleges and halls, located around the centre of Oxford. Many University buildings, such as gardens, libraries and museums, as well as many of the colleges, are open to visitors during the day, although please note that they may have varying opening hours, fees and rules for groups.

You can find more information, including opening times and fees, at the links below:

• Visiting the Colleges
• Visiting Museums, Libraries and Places of Interest
• What's on at the University
• Shopping at the University

To make the most of your visit, bring along a copy of our leaflet, ' Explore the University of Oxford ', which contains a map and information on opening times of colleges, museums and other places of interest. 

Tours of Oxford University

Oxford University does not organise tours but a city walking tour is offered by the Bodleian Libraries in association with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. The tours, all operated by Blue and Green Badge Guides, begin at the beautiful modern Weston Library before heading through the historic and famous streets of the city. Tours take around two hours and can be  booked through the Bodleian Libraries .

A number of independent operators also offer guided tours of Oxford. A range of general and themed tours are available, as are tours by cycle, rickshaw and bus. For a list of tour companies, please visit the  Daily Information  website. 

Please note that all operators are independent of Oxford University. Details are provided here for information only. 

Disabled access

The collegiate University is committed to improving access and is currently continuing to develop its Access guide . As more of our historic buildings are modified the Access guide will become more comprehensive. In the meantime, the Access guide is a helpful first point for information on accessible buildings. Where there are gaps in the information we suggest you contact the places you wish to visit directly.

Information for prospective students

If you're thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree and want to see more of Oxford, our Virtual Open Days are an excellent opportunity to see the University, get to know the city, and meet tutors and students.

Additional information for visitors to the city of Oxford

Experience Oxfordshire  offers advice on walking tours, accommodation, things to do in Oxford, and more.

• History of the University
• Oxford Glossary
• Oxford people

Special offers for alumni

Make sure to bring your Alumni Card with you and see our special offers on the Alumni website

Accommodation in Oxford

• Accommodation at the University and the Colleges
• Visit Oxfordshire - where to stay
• TripAdvisor - hotels near Oxford University

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• Private Family Tours

2 Hour Free Oxford Walking Tour

• Oxford University & City Tour with Alumni Guide
• Christ Church With Extended University Tour
• Harry Potter Tour of Oxford
• Oxford Ghost Tour
• Oxford Bike Tour
• Oxford Bike & Walking Tour
• Oxford to Stonehenge and Bath
• Blenheim Half Day Tour
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• London Day Tour
• Free London Walking Tour
• Private Tours of London
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• Day Trips From London
• Bath Free Walking Tour
• Roman Baths & City Walking Tour
• Private Family Bath Walking Tour
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• York Free Walking Tour
• York Minster & City Tour
• Private Tours of York
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• Oxford City Guide
• London City Guide
• Cambridge City Guide
• Bath City Guide
• Become A Guide

• Authentic Tours By Oxford Students
• The Most Famous Parts Of Oxford University
• The Most Popular Tour In Oxford
• Hear About Student Life, Ceremonies And Rivalries

Duration : 2 Hours Language : English Availability Monday to Sunday: 11am & 2pm Meeting point : All Our Tours Meet At Oxford Tourism Information, 16 Broad Street, OX1 3AS ( see here )

All groups of 8 or over, and any commercially arranged trips, must make a private booking – contact us  for details.

• Is this child-friendly?

Absolutely. Lots of families come on this every day. We keep the content as fun and engaging as possible!

• Is this accessible with a pram? 

Yes, but at one point you may need to collapse the pram to go through a kissing gate. 

• Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but it must not disrupt the tour. 

The Original Famous Oxford Free Tour

For over 10 years we have provided this hugely popular experience. With our fun and engaging guides, its fair to say this tour has revolutionised tourism in Oxford!

The Most Famous Sites At Oxford University

From the Radcliffe Camera to the Libraries, this tour covers a huge amount of sights. These are all covered externally, if you want to go inside you need this tour (click here ). 

A Wealth Of History In A Fun Way

 The tour covers a vast range of different topics, all explained clearly and accessibly by our University-educated guides. We take you through the story of Oxford, from the city’s beginnings as a humble Saxon town through to its current position as a world-famous seat of learning and culture. Oxford has been around for nearly 2000 years. Give us two short hours, and we’ll tell you this amazing story from start to finish!

No Boring Tours

All of our Oxford walking tours are delivered in such a way as to ensure you don’t fall asleep! We hate dry, boring tours that don’t engage their audiences. History doesn’t need to be boring, and with so many big names and events having been tied to Oxford (as well as the University having so many bizarre traditions and funny stories), we see no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy every single minute of your tour experience.

• Christ Church College
• All Souls College
• Trinity College
• Oriel College
• Hertford College
• Merton College
• The Bodleian Library
• The Radcliffe Camera
• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
• University Church of St Marys
• Many More University Sites
• History Of The Town
• Student Life At Oxford
• University Ceremonies
• Famous Graduates And Their Little Known Stories
• Our Famous Finishing Story!

How Much Does All That Cost?

At Footprints, we believe in letting you decide how much your experience was worth. Our free oxford walking tour is solely funded by tips; tips are purely voluntary, and our guides will never pressure you to leave one.

This way of doing business means we are constantly working to provide the best Oxford walking tours we can. If people didn’t love our tours, we’d be long gone! Fortunately, they do – we’re consistently have more reviews than any Oxford tour provider on TripAdviser!

Want to go inside the University?

Previous tour, booking for 2 hour free oxford walking tour.

• Work With Us / Where To Meet Us

New Tours Added for Spring and Summer 2024. Additional tours at 11.30am and 2pm every day.

Oxford Official Walking Tours

Oxford university walking tours, our walking tours.

• Our Most Popular Tour!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Oxford University & City Walking Tour

The best way to explore Oxford is on foot with your friendly and expert guide, who will share stories about this beautiful city and its famous university.

• Hour Glass 1 or 2 hours

Group & Private Tours

Explore Oxford’s points of interest and history with your own private guide, perfect for school groups and families and friends. We’ll personalise your tour to meet your interests.

C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Tour

This is the specialist Oxford walking tour for all fans of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Explore their work and key Oxford locations with an enthusiastic guide.

Inspector Morse Tour Oxford

Join the Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour Tour for a fun look at all the Oxford locations for these popular TV detective series.

About Our Tours

Explore Oxford’s most famous buildings steeped in history and recognised around the world with one of our experienced and knowledgeable guides from Experience Oxfordshire. Our guides will walk you through some of the most famous spots in Oxford, including filming locations for Harry Potter and Inspector Morse.

You will discover the beautiful Oxford settings of some of the most renowned tales in literature and screen, with historical and cultural knowledge throughout.

Group sizes are limited to 20 people for your safety and comfort.

COVID-19: Our tours are VisitEngland #WereGoodtoGo accredited. They take place completely in the fresh air and comply to social distancing. Group sizes are limited for your safety, so you can enjoy a relaxing walking tour, taking in the famous sights and settings.

Your official Oxford guide will be wearing a visor, ensuring social distancing standards are met throughout the tour.

5-Star Walking Tours in Oxford

Lucy was a great tour guide and told us very funny stories along with some really interesting facts. I felt very safe as everyone was social distanced and the tour guide had a visor on ensuring we had a safe experience. I would highly recommend this tour.

Firstly a big thank you to Lucy as she was superb. Her tour was very informative and the 2 hours just flew by. We learnt things about Oxford that only a qualified guide would know. Definitely give this a go.

Really interesting way to get round the beautiful city of Oxford. The guide was great and it all felt very safe. Would definitely consider doing their other tours if I return back to oxford in the future.

I did this tour with my dad last November and even though it was pouring rain, we both remember the experience very positively. Our guide was very knowledgeable and found a great mix between being informative and entertaining.

Visiting Oxford, its University, Pubs, and Museums

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 . Or you’re just looking for day trips around the Oxfordshire area. On this site, you can explore Oxford’s history, find tours, and research what to do and see in this incredible city. 

Must-See Oxford Attractions

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.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Modern Art Oxford

Alice’s Shop

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

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)

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:

Other experiences:

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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’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

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghost of Amy Robsart at Cumnor Place

Oxford ghost stories: the ghostly librarian at duke humfrey’s library.

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Phantom Cavalier of St. John’s College

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Spirit of Sir Thomas Bodley

Oxford Ghost Stories: The Ghostly Choir of New College

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.

Are Oxford Students Allowed To Work? Guidelines & Restrictions

Oxford students are generally allowed to work, but there are some restrictions and guidelines they must follow. Here’s what they say.

All of Oxford’s Michelin Star Guide Restaurants (Ranked!)

Oxford boasts several restaurants recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, offering a diverse array of cuisines and fine ingredients.

Oxford’s Top 5 Modern Buildings for Architecture Enthusiasts

Oxford is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, but it also boasts several modern buildings that are worth seeing.

Everything You Need to Know to Visit Blenheim Palace From Oxford

Located just a short distance from Oxford, Blenheim Palace stands as one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. Here’s how to visit!

In the Footsteps of Genius: Oscar Wilde’s Oxford Journey

The celebrated playwright, poet, and novelist attended Oxford University. Explore the historic sites that shaped Wilde’s academic years.

Free Self-Guided Tour: Tolkien’s Oxford

Explore Oxford as J.R.R Tolkien did and discover all the places that inspired him to write The Lord of Rings and The Hobbit.

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:

New College

Founded by William of Wykeham in 1379, New College is one of the constituent colleges that make up Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

Oriel College

Located in Oriel Square, Oriel College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England.

Mansfield College

Oxford’s Mansfield College was founded in Birmingham in 1838 as a nonconformist college for university students.

Somerville College

Somerville College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, was founded in 1879 as Somerville Hall.

Worcester College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Worcester College was founded in 1714 by Sir Thomas Cookes.

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:

Arcadia Bookstore

Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.

The Isis Winter League Oxford Row Head Race

The Isis Winter League is a series of races in Oxford running through the Michaelmas and Hilary terms. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

The Turl Street Mitre Hotel

The Turl Street Mitre Hotel offers both 17th-century charm and modern comfort for those visiting Oxford.

The Cake Shop

The Cake Shop offers ready-made designs and bespoke masterpieces and has been trading since 1986 in Oxford’s Covered Market.

Westgate Oxford

Westgate Oxford has more than 100 stores featuring prestigious luxury brands and beloved high-street choices.

Everything about Oxford and its surrounding areas, including places to see, things to do, and information about all the colleges, libraries, and museums. 

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Day Trip To Oxford: Things to Do in Oxford for a Day

Last updated: May 17, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 15 Comments

I spent a good deal of my childhood in Oxford, and it has long been one of my favourite cities in the UK. As you can imagine, we’ve explored the city in great detail! In today’s post, I want to help you plan your own day trip to Oxford, with a guide to all our favourite things to do in Oxford.

Being so close to London, Oxford makes for a popular day trip from the English capital. I t’s only an hour by rail from central London, with trains running regularly. So it’s easy enough to stay in London and just visit Oxford for the day. Oxford is also very compact and easy to get around, so you’ll be able to take in a good many highlights in a day.

Of course, there’s plenty to do for more than just a day if you’d prefer to spend longer in Oxford, so I’ve also included some tips on accommodation for a longer stay as well.

Here are some ideas for things to do on an Oxford day trip, based on both our recent visit and my previous experience living there. There’s also a section on how to get to Oxford from London to help you plan.

Things to do in Oxford on a Day Trip

Here’s a list of all our favourite things to do in Oxford which you should be able to do in a day trip from London, or other nearby location.

1. Take a walking tour

One thing Jess and I did this time round that was different to my previous visits was to take an official walking tour. This was an excellent way to get oriented (I always get lost in Oxford, the place is a maze!), learn about some of the history of the city, as well as see some University Colleges, of which there are many!

We took the Official University and City Tour , which started at the visitor centre and which is run by the official Oxford Tourism Board. Tours run a number of times a day, and are led by  licensed blue badge guides, which means they really know their stuff.

The tour lasted a couple of hours, with our guide taking us to some of the highlights of Oxford, including the covered market, the high street, the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and of course, a number of the university colleges.

It was excellent value for money, and a wonderful way to quickly get a handle on the layout of Oxford, the history of the town, and to learn more about the university colleges. We also went in to a number of the universities, and were given advice and tips as to which ones we should come back to to visit independently.

Finally, our last port of call was the optional Divinity School, a stunning building which also doubled up as the location for the Hogwarts Sanatorium in the Harry Potter movies.

Film buffs will know that Oxford was featured in many of the Harry Potter films – see our guide to Harry Potter filming locations for more of these. Plus you can take a specific Harry Potter walking tour if that’s what you are interested in.

All in all, a very worthwhile couple of hours of exploration! If you’re interested in doing a walking tour of Oxford, this is a link to the tour we took  so you can book in advance now.

Alternatively, you can also take a tour of Oxford which is led by an Oxford student , which is a fun way to get more of an insight into what life here is like as a student. These tours cover similar ground and last around the same amount of time – you can see the reviews and book online here .

2. Visit the University Colleges

We visited a number of the colleges on our walking tour, and they are just stunning. Our guide had given us some ideas as to which we could visit by ourselves, including some of his personal favourites, and I would very much recommend setting aside a bit of time to explore the colleges by yourself.

A little bit about Oxford University. One of the oldest Universities in the world, Oxford University is made up of thirty eight colleges, each of which is independently governed. There’s no campus, with all the colleges, halls, faculties and departments set throughout the city centre.

Visiting the colleges is a bit hit and miss depending on the time of year. In addition, some of the colleges (notably Christchurch), do charge an entry fee. Since opening times vary depending on the time of year and the exam schedule, your best bet is to draw up a shortlist of colleges you would like to visit, and pop into the porter’s office for each college to see if it’s open. The porter’s office is pretty much always at the entrance, and we found that they were always more than happy to help us out.

We visited a number of the colleges, including David’s College, Exeter College and Trinity College. I particularly liked the chapel at Exeter College, arguably one of the most picturesque of all the college chapels, and the gardens at Trinity College was also gorgeous to walk in.

Christchurch, which is generally regarded as one of the more spectacular colleges, was unfortunately closed on the day we visited, but if it’s open when you’re in town, I’d highly recommend popping by.

3. Go Punting

Punting is a classic pastime in Oxford, and one that is best enjoyed over a lengthy period of time, where you can learn how to actually do it, and maybe even reach a pub somewhere on your journey.

I’ve punted a few times before, but usually in the company of a competent punting friend. On this visit, it was just Jess and I, so I was given the task of figuring out how to make the boat move along the river in the direction I wanted it to go.

After a slightly confusing start where I confused the front and back of the punt, and following some helpful advice from the punt house as to my technique, we set off upstream, with the theory being that this would make for an easier return journey. I settled into a vaguely efficient rhythm, managing to avoid both the riverbanks and other punters, and we had a lovely time, even if we didn’t get quite far enough to find a pub.

For punting, I’ve always gone with the Cherwell Boathouse . It’s a great location, there are pubs in both directions, and they have a lovely bar and restaurant on-site if you don’t quite make it the half hour upstream that’s required to find a pub. We went this time, and were thankful for the friendly service and helpful punting advice! Punts are hired either by the hour, or the day, with the most up to date prices on their website.

4. Imbibe a Beverage

If you struggle to punt your way to a pub, don’t worry. Oxford has no shortage of fantastic watering holes, with some personal favourites including The Eagle & Child (popular with Tolkien), The White Horse, the Lamb and Flag, and the King’s Arms.

At the top of my list though is The Turf Tavern . A little tricky to find, being as it is down a tiny alley just next to the Bridge of Sighs, if you’re struggling just find a local to give you directions. This is one of the oldest pubs in Oxford, and has a lovely outdoor beer garden as well as plentiful indoor seating and a wide selection of beers as well as food.

It’s popular with University students, and has had it’s fair share of famous faces over the years, including former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who downed a yard of ale in 11 seconds. Not as easy as it sounds. Other famous visitors include Bill Clinton, and legend has it that it was at the Turf Tavern that he “did not inhale”. Whatever you think of that story, you’re bound to love this venue.

5. Visit Oxford Castle

If you are travelling with children, they’ll likely love a visit to Oxford Castle . Originally built in the 10th century, the castle served first as the main defensive centre of the town, back when castles were genuinely useful for that, before being used as a prison from around the 14th century.

Whilst much of the original castle was destroyed in the English Civil War, the parts that survived were incorporated into Oxford’s official prison, and stayed that way until 1996, when it was concluded that it probably wasn’t the most modern of prison constructions, and decommissioned.

Now, the surviving castle complex serves a number of functions, with part of it being a hotel. As a visitor wanting to learn more about the history though, you’ll want to take an Oxford Castle Unlocked tour, which gives you access to the Motte (a big earth mound), St George’s Tower, the crypt and parts of the prison.

The tour, which ran for around half an hour, largely comprised St George’s tower, and was performed by a character actor who assumed the role of King Stephen. From him, we learnt all about the history of the tower and it’s various uses, as well as some notable characters who had been held here.

We also got to go up on the roof of the tower itself, which had great views over the city. After the tour was complete, we were able to explore the prison, where we got a bit of an insight into prison life over the years, which looked pretty miserable! You can buy tickets online here .

6. Climb the University Church

Regular readers will know that one of my favourite ways to see a city is from above, usually by finding a nice tower and climbing to the top of it. It turns out that even in all my years living around Oxford I had never found a suitable tower, which was a bit of a failing as it turns out there’s an excellent view to be had from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera.

It’s a bit of a climb to the top, and there’s an entry fee of £4, but the view is more than worth both the effort and expense.

Practicalities for Visiting Oxford

Where to stay in oxford.

If you want to stay in Oxford for longer than a day, there are plenty of options in Oxford for accommodation to suit the majority of budgets.

We stayed a little way outside of the city centre at the peaceful Hawkwell House Hotel , found in Iffley Village. This is just a short taxi ride from Oxford City centre, or a ten minute bus ride. It’s also walkable via a lovely riverside footpath.

Our room was very comfortable, and the included English breakfast was of course appreciated. Other details like free wi-fi and luggage storage rounded out a solid offering.

If you’d prefer to be more central, there are lots of options for city centre accommodation in Oxford – check out the booking.com listings for Oxford here to get yourself started.

How to Get To Oxford from London

Oxford is very easy to get to, being served by trains and buses, and of course by car. There are direct trains from London Paddington to Oxford multiple times an hour – if you get one of the fast trains the journey time is around an hour.

Avoid the local trains which stop at more than four stations on the route, as this can make the journey more like two hours! We recommend the  Trainline   website for advanced booking reservations – we’ve tried most of the train booking sites in the UK and the Trainline is our favourite for ease of use.

Always book train tickets in advance of your travel for the best prices in the UK, and opt to either have them delivered to your mobile device, or to pick them up from the station, to save on postage fees.

There are also buses to Oxford from the centre of London, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Stanstead Airport, as well as many other destinations around the UK.

Buses (also known as coaches) in the UK are usually a little bit cheaper than the train, although they do take a bit longer. We recommend Megabus for bus travel, see their prices and book in advance for the best deals here .

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, Oxford is between 60 and 90 minutes drive from London. If you’re visiting Oxford as part of my detailed two week UK itinerary , then you’ll know that a hire car is my preferred method of getting around the country, giving you more flexibility and control over your trip. Check here for a competitive car hire quote , sourced from some of the most popular rental providers in the UK.

Finally, if you want to just visit Oxford as part of a tour and let someone else handle all the logistics, there are a number of tours you can take from London. Here are a few options to choose from:

• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . This is a full day out, and means you’ll see a number of popular English attractions
• A tour of Oxford, Stonehenge & Windsor   – another full day of some of the most popular attractions you can visit from London
• A tour of Oxford and the Harry Potter Studios – two popular destinations that you can visit in a day from London
• A tour of Oxford and some of the stone villages of the Cotswolds

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to options for visiting Oxford as a day trip from London, as well as trips incorporating some other popular destinations.

Further reading

We’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you’re planning a trip around the UK, I have both a one week itinerary of the UK and a two week UK Itinerary for you to check out.
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge , another popular day trip from London
• A two day Edinburgh Itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• A 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• Looking for an epic Scottish road trip? Take a look at our guide to the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• Essential Sight-Seeing in London
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds as a day trip from London
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then we suggest the Oxford Insight Guide

So you know: we partnered with Visit Britain for our trip to Oxford, who covered our accommodation, walking tour, punting trip and Oxford Castle visit. As always, opinions remain our own – check out our code of ethics for our disclosure policy.

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SITI MAHINA BINTI ABDUL MANAP says

7th September 2023 at 9:01 am

Tq for the post.Really helpful.Will fly over to London mid December 2023.Any tips on how it’s like in winter?

Laurence Norah says

8th September 2023 at 8:13 am

My pleasure. So in December the UK in general is relatively cold, although this will depend on where you are coming from. Expect temperature to be between freezing and around 10C, with rain likely. The days will also be quite short at this time of year, sunrise in mid-December is around 8am, and sunset is just before 4pm.

As long as you dress appropriately though, with warm layers and a waterproof coat or umbrella, you will be fine. Most cities and towns will have nice Christmas lights and other festivities going on at this time of year, like CHristmas markets, so it can be a lovely time to visit.

I’d suggest reading our UK packing list guide for some tips on what to bring 🙂

Have a great trip!

Isabelle Martinez says

5th November 2019 at 3:44 pm

Very interesting post. Exactly what I need to plan a day trip to Oxford on my next stay in London.

6th November 2019 at 9:02 am

Thanks very much – have a great trip!

Tania Fonseca says

4th April 2019 at 12:37 pm

Thank you for such a helpful guide full of great ideas! Can’t wait to visit Oxford next month and follow your tips. Wish you all the best!

4th April 2019 at 1:13 pm

Our pleasure Tania! Have a great trip – let us know if you have any questions!

6th February 2019 at 1:27 am

I am planning my first trip to the UK (not London- done that). Came upon your blog and really enjoy the frankness and especially the beautiful photos.

6th February 2019 at 10:31 am

Thanks Linda 🙂 Have a great trip and do let us know if you have any questions!

23rd January 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thankyou for a lovely reminder of my home city of Oxford. I have not been home for 23 years ( it’s still home to all of my family, I’m the only one who moved more than 3 miles away) I miss my home city , even though I love my adopted country (USA) it doesn’t have the grandeur and rich history of England.

23rd January 2019 at 9:08 pm

Our pleasure Marie! We hope you get to make it “home” at some point soon 😀

27th November 2018 at 5:34 pm

I tried punting in Oxford and it’s so much harder than it looks >< You need to have a good core and strong arms for that! Well done for finding the front and back of the punt Laurence!

27th November 2018 at 6:19 pm

Thanks Alice! It is definitely a lot harder than it looks, and I have to say we didn’t go in an exactly straight line for most of our voyage 😉

Divya Nelson says

23rd March 2018 at 5:50 am

Thank you for such a lovely, picturesque guide to Oxford . I loved it thoroughly.

23rd March 2018 at 3:10 pm

My pleasure Divya – thanks for your kind comment!

curtis lau says

29th October 2016 at 8:59 am

Thanks for the introduction of the Oxford. Good insight.

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Premium Free Oxford Walking Tour of Oxford University, City & The Old Bodleian Library with University Educated Students & Alumni Guides

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Ultimate Oxford Day Trip: The Perfect One Day in Oxford (2024)

Table of Contents

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Oxford is many things, one being my hometown! Today I’m going to help you plan the perfect Oxford day trip from London (as well as other UK cities) with my lifetime supply of knowledge. While I’d recommend spending longer if you can, I understand time is limited. With one day in Oxford , you can still see the best of this charming, walkable city. There are plenty of things to do, see and eat, which is why I’ve mapped them out so you don’t miss a thing.

OXFORD DAY TRIP ESSENTIALS Oxford & Cotswolds Pocket Lonely Planet guidebook Accommodation: Booking.com Activities: GetYourGuide Must read: my UK budget travel guide Getting there: Train ( Trainline ) / Busbud

For more UK day trips , check out: – 10 Cotswolds day trips from London – A perfect Bright on day trip – How to visit Bath as a day trip – The ultimate London to Margate day trip – How to spend 1 day in Liverpool

Stops during this Oxford one day trip :

Day trip to Oxford from London – how to get there

There are many of advantages of spending one day in Oxford, for example that you don’t have to pay for accommodation. There’s a train and coach station within a 10-minute walk of the city centre. A one day trip to Oxford from London is the easiest option because of the transport connections between the two cities. Getting to Oxford by train: You can catch a train from many UK cities directly into Oxford. For an Oxford day trip from London, services run as often as every 30 minutes, going directly into Paddington. Book a ticket on the Trainline for as little as £12 per way. Alternatively, you can book an open return if you’re not sure what time you’ll be returning. It’s almost always cheaper to book a ticket in advance so I’d suggest doing this if possible. Browse trains from London Paddington to Oxford .

The Oxford Tube: If you’re taking a one day trip from London to Oxford, you’re particularly well connected by the Oxford Tube . This coach runs up to every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Catch it from Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate or Shepherd’s Bush in London. On the way back, board from Gloucester Green bus station or Oxford High Street. Tickets are as little as £13 each way and valid for three months. Local tip – when arriving into Gloucester Green, don’t miss the fantastic Gloucester Green Market just a few minutes away. There’s food from around the world, shopping and great coffee. Getting to Oxford by bus: The National Express, Megabus and Flixbus coaches are cheaper than the train although take a bit longer. Compare prices and book tickets to Oxford with Busbud .

Staying over in Oxford?

If you decide to stay over in Oxford, there are plenty of options. The city centre is optimal but if you’re on a budget, stay a twenty-minute walk away near the quirky Cowley Road or pretty St Clements Street. This is one of my favourite neighbourhoods of Oxford with lots of amazing Cowley Road restaurants , bars and live music venues. Hotel: For a lovely hotel just a moment’s walk from all the attractions, I would recommend George Street Hotel. Check availability from £97pn . Browse Oxford hotel s here .

Top activities in Oxford

• 2 hour Harry Potter walking tour inc Bodleian Libraries (£25)
• Sunset boat cruise & 3 course meal with Prosecco (£80)
• Sightseeing river cruise (daytime, £20)
• City and University tour with alumni guide (£25)

Oxford in one day

There are loads of amazing places to see, although you won’t have time for absolutely everything during one day in Oxford. Having spent many years living here, I’ve whittled down the top attractions that can’t be missed. Follow this Oxford day trip itinerary:

10am – arrive for coffee

Coffee is life, after all. There are plenty of cute cafes in Oxford serving expertly blended coffee from around the globe. After an early start, you’re probably in need of a boost before you start sightseeing.

Check out my Oxford cafe guide and my Oxford brunch guides!

I would recommend the Missing Bean , a cosy cafe on Turl Street always wafting out the smell of freshly-brewed coffee. This Oxford institution is always busy but don’t worry if you can’t get a table; the best seat in the house is along the window bar. Here you can watch Oxfordians wander and cycle by as you get a real feel for the city.

11am – self-guided walking tour

From Oxford city centre, you’ll be moments away from most of the key buildings and monuments. Follow this Oxford one day itinerary to see the best bits. Radcliffe Camera & Radcliffe Square: Dating back to 1737, the ‘Rad Cam’ belongs to Oxford University (like most things in Oxford) and students go inside to study and borrow books. The interior is stunning so it’s a shame tourists can’t go inside, but you can snap photos from the outside.

To see these sights with an Oxford alumni, take this city and University tour. University Church of St Mary the Virgin: A must for your Oxford day trip, this church offers unbeatable panoramic views from the tower. From one side you can look down over the Rad Cam and from the other, the colourful houses of the High Street. It’s £56to climb to the top; well worth it for photographers.

Have longer in Oxford? Read next: how to spend a weekend in Oxford

The Divinity School: Just off Radcliffe Square, you’ll find one of my favourite buildings in Oxford. It’s the oldest surviving structure built specifically for Oxford University, dating back to 1427. The gorgeous ceiling is a great addition to an Oxford day trip, especially since it was used in Harry Potter filming.

Sheldonian Theatre: Used for Oxford Uni events, this impressive building is worth passing by for the famous ‘Sheldonian Heads’ on the outside with different, characterful expressions. Bridge of Sighs: This beautifully bizarre bridge links up two parts Hertford College. Wikipedia describes it as a skywalk which sounds extremely glamourous and futuristic: it’s not. Over 100 years old, it’s another place only staff and students can go inside. Visit New College Lane to wander underneath it.

Local tip – take the tiny alleyway off New College Lane and you’ll come out in the garden of the Turf Tavern, a creaky old British pub where Bill Clinton allegedly smoked a spliff.

Related read: best Oxford pubs with gardens

Oxford day trip itinerary – lunch

My favourite market in Oxford is by far the Covered Market . This quirky collection of shops and cafes is a great place to browse, support local businesses and most importantly, eat lunch during your Oxford day trip. Don’t miss Sasi’s Thai , an authentic Thai cafe with daily changing dishes including pad Thai and red squid curry. You can eat lunch for £7.50 which is a bargain for Oxford. There are also plenty of cafes serving sandwiches and salads if you fancy something lighter.

Read next: What to eat & buy at Oxford Covered Market

Make sure to leave space for dessert because the flagship store of Ben’s Cookies is inside Oxford Covered Market. I dream about the dark chocolate and ginger cookies, freshly-baked and oozing warm chocolate. If you don’t have space after lunch, you can purchase a box to take home… I promise they’re not paying me to say this!

Want to eat outdoors? Here’s where to eat outside in Oxford this summer !

Day trip to Oxford from London – afternoon

To explore historic Oxford or just seek out Harry Potter spots during your Oxford day trip itinerary, there are plenty of options. You won’t have time for everything with one day in Oxford so this is what I would suggest:

2pm – Visit a college

There are no less than 45 Oxford colleges so you have plenty of choice. They vary in size so why not pop into a couple of the best ones? A must for Harry Potter fans spending one day in Oxford is Christ Church College . Here you can venture inside the Dining Hall which is thought to have inspired the movie location of Hogwart’s Great Hall. Better yet, you can wander the exact staircase that young Harry stood on while speaking to Professor McGonagall in the first film.

Read next: A self-guided tour of the Harry Potter Oxford locations

My only reservation about visiting Christ Church College during your one day Oxford itinerary? The entrance fee has tripled in recent years, probably because of the popularity of the Harry Potter movies. Nowadays it’s £16 to go inside. As an Oxford local, I can tell you about a few equally pretty but much cheaper colleges to explore while seeing Oxford in 1 day. These include: Balliol College: The gardens at Balliol are so beautiful with purple wisteria climbing over golden stone. This college has been around since the 12th century when it was a little fortress of protection because locals tried to kill the students. Balliol and Merton today quibble over who is oldest. Entrance is only £5. Magdalen College: This Oxford college can be found towards the end of High Street, far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Inside you’ll find enormous grounds, herds of deer, and flowers growing out of red English phone boxes. Entrance is £9.50.

Read next: a complete visitor’s guide to the Oxford colleges

3pm – Go punting

Well, you can’t take a day trip from London to Oxford and not go punting! Well, actually you can. It would be pretty miserable in bad weather. However if you’re visiting between May and November and the sun’s shining, there’s no better way activity for a one day Oxford itinerary than falling out (of the boat) with your loved ones, quibbling about who’s the worst at punting. You can also hire a guide, usually local students, to punt while you sit back and picnic or drink or an entire bottle of wine. I’m not judging! To add punting to your Oxford one day trip, factor in £25 per hour which can be split between up to five people. For a chaffered ride with a pro punter, it’s £35. Visit Magdalen Bridge Boathouse website for more details.

Rainy day option – The Pitt Rivers Museum

For some culture during your day trip to Oxford, explore one of the city’s museums. My favourite is the Pitt Rivers Museum , a 15-minute walk from central Oxford along Parks Road. Oxford University Museum of Natural History can be found within the same building. Entrance is free and you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm. View more than half a million items, including the world’s only tissue remains of a dodo. A fun fact is that the real Alice in Wonderland used to come here with her godfather, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (pen name, Lewis Caroll). Maybe some of the things they saw inspired his famous stories!

Alternative museum – The Ashmolean

Another of my favourite museums in Oxford is the Ashmolean . Rather than natural history, here you can explore art and archaeology including a particularly interesting Egyptian mummy exhibit. The Ashmolean is Oxford’s oldest museum opened in 1683 but today, it’s anything but stuffy, using modern technology to tell stories about days gone by. Another reason to visit the Ashmolean? Cocktails on the roof! What better way to finish your Oxford 1 day itinerary? I love The Ashmolean Cafe which is a light and bright spot on top of the museum, serving world cuisine. Menu highlights include chilli, garlic and lime calamari, portobello mushroom burgers, and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream.

If you’re visiting the Ashmolean at the end of your day trip to Oxford, it would make a lovely dinner spot before heading home. If you’re there mid-afternoon, they serve afternoon tea for two for £29 including sandwiches, cakes, macaroons and tea. Add £6 each for Prosecco. So worth it!

Relax in University Parks

If you find yourself with spare time during your Oxford day trip and have good weather, one of my personal favourite places in Oxford is University Parks. There are several entrances but I usually enter via Parks Road. This huge oasis of greenery is totally hidden away and many day visitors don’t even know it’s there. Inside, you’ll find a cricket ground, swimming area, duck pond and an exotic garden. Sitting by the river with an iced coffee makes for the perfect summer’s day.

Related read: Best walks near Oxford

Walk through Jericho

Although there isn’t a whole load to ‘do’ in Jericho, this pretty area of North Oxford is one of my favourites. If you have time, take a walk from Little Clarendon Street to Walton Street. There are boutique shops, cosy cafes (don’t miss Barefoot!), stylish bars like Raoul’s, lots of excellent restaurants and the beloved Phoenix Picturehouse, an arthouse cinema with 100 years of history. Jericho is a 10-minute walk from the largest green space in Oxford, Port Meadow. Use my Jericho Oxford area guide to get the best out of the neighbourhood!

Oxford day trip – dinner

With just 1 day in Oxford, you’ll be out of time after punting, visiting a college and a museum after lunch. But if you have time for dinner, there are so many spots I’d recommend. The White Rabbit serve tasty wood-fired pizza and f antastic local beers inside a cosy British pub. Zheng is a really fantastic Chinese and Malay restaurant in Jericho , even rated by Times food critic Giles Coren as the best in the country (and prices aren’t even too steep). Since it’s near Oxford Train Station, it’s the perfect end to your day trip to Oxford.

Read next: Complete Oxford food guide – 20 best restaurants

Banana Tree – head here for affordable Asian food. The laksa noodle soup is almost as good as the real deal in Singapore hawker markets. The rendang curry is so tasty too, as are the cocktails and Vietnamese coffees.

Costs for visiting Oxford in one day from London

You might be wondering how much one day in Oxford will cost you.

The pay-for attractions in this guide include St Mary’s Church (£6) and any Oxford Colleges you visit (prices included above). The museums are free but you might want to splash out £25 per hour for self-drive punting or £35 including someone to do the arm work! Then there’s any food and drink you choose to consume, as well as your train or bus ticket from London (or elsewhere).

Read next: 32 free things to do in Oxford

Getting around Oxford

It’s easy to see Oxford on foot and not pay a penny for transport, something that helps keep the costs down. The furthest you’ll need to walk is 15 minutes to Pitt Rivers Museum. The Train Station is less than 10 minutes from the city centre.

Best season for a day trip to Oxford

Well, that really depends on what the British weather feels like doing. Summer in Oxford can occasionally be hot and I’d also vouch for spring as a lovely time to visit Oxford in one day. Winter in Oxford can be cold but nothing a warm coat and scarf can’t deal with. England doesn’t have huge temperature extremes compared to countries like Canada so you can visit year-round, although prepare for it to be busy with coach parties in the summer months, especially at weekends.

Visiting the UK?  Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for reading my Oxford day trip itinerary!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Check out my (many) Oxford blogs:

• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• A self-guided Harry Potter Oxford tour
• A guide to the Oxford markets
• Best food in Oxford: 18 restaurants
• Cafes and coffee shops in Oxford
• Where to eat and drink outside in Oxford
• Visiting Oxford colleges
• 10 amazing Asian restaurants in Oxford
• My top 20 Instagrammable spots in Oxford
• Where to find the best brunch in Oxford
• Where to eat and drink in Jericho, Oxford
• The best walks in Oxfordshire
• AND my guide to backpacking the UK

See you next time,

Ps. Liked this day trip to Oxford? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Celebrate the solar eclipse with one of these five campus and Oxford watch parties

Enjoy one or all three watch parties on Miami University’s Oxford campus; stop by the two parties at City of Oxford parks

The solar eclipse will enter Ohio at approximately 1:53 p.m. on Monday, April 8. 

Totality in Oxford will start at 3:08:23 p.m. and will last 2 minutes and 51 seconds. 

Miami has purchased 30,000 eclipse glasses ; residential students should have received glasses delivered to their room over spring break. Anyone else can pick up a pair at Armstrong Student Center, at the outdoor seal from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, or during the MAP watch party at Cook Field. NASA offers helpful tips on eye safety during a total solar eclipse.

University managers and supervisors should be flexible as appropriate with any staff who wish to take a few minutes to observe the eclipse and encourage the use of appropriate eye protection, said Dawn Fahner, associate vice president for Human Resources.

Though classes will be held that day, faculty are encouraged to take their students outside to watch with appropriate eye protection and discuss, said provost Elizabeth Mullenix. Glasses are available at the front desk at the Armstrong Student Center.

If you are on campus or in town and would like to experience the celestial event with others, stop by one of the handful of Eclipse Watch Parties:

Oxford Campus 

King library: eclipse viewing party.

• 1-4 p.m.,  Solar eclipse-themed crafts, telescope access, and more.  Sponsored by University Libraries. 

Cook Field: Eclipse Watch party 

• 2-3:30 p.m.,  Free food, eclipse glasses, games, and more .  Sponsored by MAP, Late Night Miami.

Art Museum Sculpture Park: A Total Eclipse of the Parks

• 2-5 p.m., Sculpture Park tours with an astronomical theme. Sponsored by the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum and Sculpture Park. 

City of Oxford ‘Total Eclipse of the Parks’ 

Oxford uptown parks watch party.

• 1-5 p.m.,   Food trucks, live music featuring the Thumbtack Mechanics.

Oxford Community Park, 6801 Fairfield Road 

• 1-5 p.m.,  Mobile D.J. and other activities 

Eclipse Festival April 6 

Eclipse festival.

• 1-10 p.m., Oxford Uptown Parks.  Food trucks, live music, space-themed activities, a kids corner with inflatables, games, and more.  

*Note that Park Place, Main Street between the parks, and HIgh Street between Beech and Poplar Avenues will be closed during this family-friendly event.

Total Eclipse of the Parks events are sponsored by the Oxford Community Arts Center, Miami University, Enjoy Oxford Visitors Bureau, the Oxford Chamber of Commerce,  Oxford Lane Public Library, and the City of Oxford. 

501 E. High Street Oxford, OH 45056

• Online: Miami Online
• Main Operator 513-529-1809
• Office of Admission 513-529-2531
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7847 VOA Park Dr. (Corner of VOA Park Dr. and Cox Rd.) West Chester, OH 45069

• Main Operator 513-895-8862
• From Middletown 513-217-8862

Chateau de Differdange 1, Impasse du Chateau, L-4524 Differdange Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

• Main Operator 011-352-582222-1
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• Website https://miamioh.edu/luxembourg

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• Main Operator 513-529-8600

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