how to visit oxford university from london

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Planning an Oxford Day Trip: A Guide to Visiting Oxford from London

Last updated: November 11, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 38 Comments

Oxford is a university city situated about 60 miles from London, making a Oxford day trip an ideal way to get out of the bustling capital for a day or weekend to explore this compact historical city. Nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is best known as the home of England’s oldest university, the University of Oxford, which is still one of the most respected in the country.

A trip to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without touring a couple of university buildings, but Oxford has much else to offer. A visitor might go on a walking tour of the downtown, browse for souvenirs at the Covered Market, go punting on the River Cherwell, take a tour of a medieval castle, stroll in a pretty garden, enjoy a drink in a historical tavern, or even take a short drive to visit one of England’s most beautiful and famous country homes.

Laurence spent a lot of time in Oxford growing up and we’ve visited it a few times now over the past several years and really love this university city. We’ll share our advice and tips on planning a perfect Oxford day trip from London, and also offer plenty of things to do if you want to stay over and spend a few days in this history-filled city.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information about Oxford

Below we share all the planning information to help you get to Oxford from London, how to get around Oxford, where to stay if you decide to spend the night, and further travel resources.

Where is Oxford? 

Oxford is located within the county of Oxfordshire in southeast England. It is about 60 miles northwest of London and 73 miles east of Bristol. 

How to Get from London to Oxford?

You have a variety of options for getting to Oxford from London (or elsewhere in the UK), including by car, bus, or train. You can also visit Oxford via a guided tour or by booking a taxi or private transfer from London. 

Oxford by Car

If you have your own car, it is about a 1.5 hours drive from Oxford to central London. You can check and compare rental car prices across companies at Auto Europe  if interested in renting a car for the trip. We often find that Enterprise has the best car hire rates.

If you are driving, there  are a number of paid  public car parks in Oxford, just be sure to stay out of permit-only parking zones. 

Oxford by Bus

If you are interested in traveling by bus it is about a 1.5 journey and you can check prices at National Express as well as the Oxford Bus Company .

Oxford by Train

It is also convenient to get from London to Oxford by train and the journey takes about an hour, check National Rail for train schedules and prices. 

Oxford by Taxi

It is about a 1.5 hour taxi ride from London to Oxford. If you want to book a taxi during your time in the UK, we recommend comparing prices and booking via minicabit .

Taking a Guided Day Tour to Oxford from London

Another option if you don’t want to drive or take public transportation is to take a guided tour. These will include your transport to and from London, a guide, and many tour prices include some entrance fees.

Some day tours may also only go to Oxford, but most also include other attractions like Windsor Castle, the Cotswolds villages, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Cambridge, and/or Blenheim Palace.

Here are some options:

• This full day tour from London visits Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds.
• This tour includes Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Oxford.
• This guided tour visits both Oxford and Cambridge, England’s oldest and most prestigious university towns.
• This private tour by Oxford Alumni visits Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge and allows you to customize the itinerary as you wish.

Getting around Oxford?

The best way to get around central Oxford is on foot as most attractions are centrally located. But you can also take a public bus , drive, or taxi to get around the town or explore the wider Oxfordshire area.

Staying in Oxford? 

If our articles temps you to decide to spend the night in Oxford rather than visiting as a day trip, there are a number of lodging option in and around Oxford, from luxury hotels to comfortable  bed-and-breakfasts to budget-friendly  hostels . You can compare all the lodging options here .

If you are visiting by train or bus, you’ll want to choose something in central Oxford and within easy walking distance of most of the city’s main attractions.

Here is a list of suggested options for those exploring on foot for all budgets (lowest to highest):

• Central Backpackers – This well-rated hostel offers dormitory style beds and lives up to its name with a central location in Oxford. Located near the train station and a 8 minute walk from the center of Oxford. A great option for those on a tight budget.
• The Richmond – A good value hotel that offers budget-friendly rooms, breakfast, and a restaurant. A 15 minute walk from the center of Oxford.
• Museum Hotel Oxford – This popular midrange hotel offers one of the best locations in  Oxford in a building dating back to the 16th century. Centrally located; a 2 minute walk from Carfax Tower.
• Macdonald Randolph Hotel   – A  5-star hotel within a landmark city building. It is located across from the Ashmolean Museum and offers a restaurant, bar, and popular spa.
• Old Parsonage Hotel – A 5-star luxury boutique hotel set in a historical 17th century house, offering a garden library, bar, and restaurant. It is located within a short walk of the city center.

Those with a car can also choose from lodging outside the city center which is often a bit less expensive. Here are a few more options further away from the town center:

• Green & White House – A well-rated good value B&B that offers free bike hire, on-site parking, and breakfast. Located a bit outside the center. A 4 minute drive or a 25 minute walk to the city center.
• Noa Residence – A well-rated self-catering apartment hotel that offer well-equipped kitchens, free parking, and daily cleaning services. Located 1 mile from the city center.
• Swinford Manor Farm B&B – A beautiful countryside B&B set in a historical manor farmhouse located along the River Thames. Offers a free breakfast, extensive woodland views, and free parking. A 12 minute drive from central Oxford.
• Hawkbill House – A 4-star hotel made up of two 19th century manor houses in the nearby village of Iffey. Hotel offers a restaurant, bar, 24-hour room service, and free parking.  A 7 minute drive from the town center.

Further Information on Oxford? 

The local tourism office offers a variety of information and can help you make any bookings as needed. While you are in the city, stop by the Oxford Visitor Information Centre (telephone: 01865 252200), located at 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS in central Oxford for information, maps, public transit schedules, luggage storage, and tour bookings.

You can also visit the tourism website  Experience Oxfordshire  for planning your time in Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area.

If you have the time, we’d also recommend staying over and spending a couples of days in the city and then exploring the area further afield. Oxford also makes a great jumping off point to continue your exploration of this part of England to visits places such as Stonehenge , Bath, and the Cotswolds villages.  You can read our  one-week UK itinerary  and 2 week UK itinerary for even more recommendations.

Planning your Oxford Day Trip from London

We’ll share a number of great things to do in Oxford so you can put together an itinerary for your own Oxford day trip from London no matter what your interests.

Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is almost always a great way to get a good introduction to a new city. There are a number of walking tours, bike tours, and bus tours that you can take while in Oxford, including some that are free with a requested donation. 

We decided to take the 2-hour Oxford University and City Tour , which starts at the visitor center and is run by the tourism board . Another popular option is to take a tour of Oxford with a student , which will give you another perspective on living and learning in the city.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and guided us through part of the historical downtown, The Covered Market, Radcliffe Square, and two of the university buildings, including an optional stop at the beautiful Divinity School. Our guide was great at pointing out shops, university buildings, and museums along the way that might be of interest for us to visit which helped us better plan the rest of our time in the city.

In addition to these more general city tours, there are also other Oxford tours focused on the town’s history,  Inspector Morse , literature,  Harry Potter , architecture, etc.

Get a Bird Eye’s View of Oxford

Getting a good view of a city is always a great way to gain a better sense of its layout and to get some great cityscape photos. Some of the best city vantage points can be found by visiting the iconic St. Martin’s Tower, known to most residents as Carfax Tower (the only remaining part of the 12th century St. Martin’s church), the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, and St. Michael Northgate.

We enjoyed an excellent view from the top of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin , which is right next to the Radcliffe Camera. 

All of these vantage points charge small admission fees and require visitors to climb a number of stairs. There is also a decent city view from the tower during the Oxford Castle tour we did.

Feed Your Inner Scholar at the Museums

As you might suspect with a city best known for its university, there are a lot of museums to be found in the city, most associated with the university. They are numerous and range from the broad in focus to the very narrow, so you are sure to find at least one that is of interest. The best thing is that just about all the city’s museums offer free admission!

The Ashmolean Museum  was the first ever public university museum, starting as a small 17th century collection of curiosities and portraits and now containing a wide collection of paintings, coins, musical instruments, antiquities, and statues housed in a beautiful old building.

The  Museum of Oxford , located in the Town Hall, focuses on the history of Oxford and tells the story of the city’s development through a range of archaeological and social history objects. You can also book a tour of the Town Hall for a small fee. 

For modern art lovers there is the Modern Art Oxford museum and those who love drawings should check out the Christ Church Picture Gallery .  Oxford University Museum of Natural History includes the university’s collection of zoological, geological, entomological, paleontological, and mineralogical specimens and artifacts.

The  Pitt Rivers Museum , adjacent to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, is a museum devoted to ethnographic and archaeological objects from around the world.

Others include museums devoted to printing , musical instruments , and the history of science  ( housed in the original historical Ashmolean Museum building).

There are also regular exhibitions (often free and open to public) happening all over the city, both in and out of museums, so be sure to check to see what is on during your visit. T he Bodeleian Libraries in particular often seem to have public exhibitions, and while we were visiting one of the original Magna Carta copies (the library has 4!) and related objects were on display to commemorate the 800th anniversary of this important document. 

Get Locked up at Oxford Castle

On the western side of central Oxford, you’ll find the ruins of Oxford Castle dating back to the 2nd century. Much of the castle was destroyed during the 17th century English Civil War and in the 18th century, the building was turned into the city prison. It actually continued to serve as a prison until 1996!

Today, you can book guided tours of  Oxford Castle Unlocked of the remaining safe historical sections of the castle/prison, namely St. George’s Tower and the crypt. Costumed guides will take you around the castle and tell you about its history, with a focus on the castle’s role in two of England’s civil wars (The Anarchy and the Barons’ War) and you’ll hear tales about Empress Matilda, Robert D’Oyly the Younger, and King Stephen.

After the tour, you can explore the outdoor areas, mainly the Motte (a big earth mound), on your own. Even if you decide to forego the tour, the castle is worth a look from the outside if you are nearby.

Try Punting on the River Cherwell

Oxford sits at the confluence of two rivers, the mighty Thames and the Cherwell, and the city owes it early development to the presence of these two rivers. In the past, a male-only bathing spot (Parson’s Pleasure) and female-only nude bathing spot (Dame’s Delight) were to be found along the river although these have been closed in recent decades.

Today, visitors can still enjoy river boat trips as well as punting on the rivers. During our visit, Laurence decided to try to teach me about punting. We headed to the Cherwell Boathouse  to rent a punt, which looks a bit like a canoe except it is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow. One person sits down and the other stands on a section of the boat with a pole and pushes the pole against the river bed and sides with a pole. It turns out that a punt is more difficult to steer and navigate than a canoe, at least in our inexperienced cases!

A good thing about punting is that it is quite a slow-going process and you can easily stop off along the trip for a picnic, to take a walk, or to visit one of the local bars along the river. Just ask the boathouse for tips about where to go before you set off.  We had a female duck climbing in and out of our punt during part of the trip which kept me very amused while Laurence was doing the hard punting work!

Have a Drink

Like any university town, you won’t find a shortage of bars and pubs in Oxford. Laurence recommends The Eagle & Child (popular with Tolkien), The White Horse, the Lamb and Flag, and the King’s Arms (oldest pub in Oxford).

During my first trip to Oxford, we sought out The Turf Tavern   which is down a little alley called St Helen’s Passage (originally Hell’s passage), between Holywell Street and New College Lane, next to Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs. 

The Turf Tavern 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 is something of a pilgrimage site with university students, famous visitors, and us average tourists all venturing into this back alley haunt. One of the more famous visitors was Bill Clinton who was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford.

If you are looking for something less alcoholic and a bit more civilized, a you might want to have a traditional afternoon tea experience at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel  (reservations strongly recommended) or   The Grand Cafe (served all day). Or grab a Tawainese bubble tea from the  Formosan Tea Bar.

Go Shopping 

Oxford is also a great place for some retail therapy. Along Oxford’s High Street you’ll find a number of local and independent boutiques, gift shops, and handicrafts that are popular with both students and visitors. Book lovers will want to make a stop at the famous Blackwell’s book store which has been selling books and textbooks in Oxford since 1879.

Most people make their way at some point to Oxford’s Covered Market which has been around since 1774. You’ll find everything from butchers to fishmongers ready to serve up fresh food and produce and bakers and baristas serving ready-to-eat treats and coffee. In addition to food, you’ll also find shops selling clothing, flowers, toys, souvenirs, jewelry, and pet supplies.

For those seeking discounted luxury goods, you might head a bit out of town to Bicester Village  which boasts over 100 retail shops. You can get to the shopping village by public bus (about 35 minutes), taxi, or by car (about a 20 minute drive) from Oxford.

Visit Blenheim Palace 

The English countryside is full of beautiful historical country homes, and just outside of Oxford you’ll find one of the most famous English homes, Blenheim Palace . Blenheim Palace is the official residence of the Duke of Marlborough and is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill .

This famous 18th century country house is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands in a romantic park created by the famous landscape gardener Lancelot “Capability'” Brown. Both self-guided and guided tours are available of different sections of the house.

There are also restaurants, cafés, a gift shop. There is a lot to see and do here so we’d recommend allotting at least a few hours for your visit. 

If Blenheim Place sounds interesting, you can read our separate post about our tips for visiting Blenheim Palace and on finding Winston Churchill’s grave located nearby.  

You can reach Blenheim Palace by car, public bus, or as part of  a guided tour from Oxford .

Explore the University Buildings

Although no one actually knows when the University of Oxford started, there is evidence of teaching here since 1096 and the university received an official charter in 1248. It is believed to be the oldest English-speaking university in the world and the second oldest university in the world still in operation!

The university buildings would give the city its nickname “City of Dreaming Spires” and the university still remains one of the most prominent features of the city.

Oxford University is made of thirty-eight colleges, each of which is independently governed, and a visit to at least one of the colleges is a must-do on a Oxford day trip. Many of the colleges allow visitors (usually for a small fee) to visit some of the buildings, such as the main square, gardens, chapel, and/or dining hall. But whether a college is admitting visitors depends a lot on the time of year and time of day and what is happening at the college at the time (e.g., exams, graduation, meals, summer break) and each college has its own schedule and policies.

During our time in Oxford, we specifically visited several colleges either as part of our city walking tour or later on our own including Wadham College, Jesus College, Exeter College, and Trinity College. We also visited the beautiful Divinity School which is a 15th century medieval building used for lectures and exams in theology, and today forms part of the Bodleian Libraries .

While the interior is normally closed to the public, visitors can get a good view of the interesting circular Radcliffe Camera (used as student library and reading rooms) from Radcliffe Square.

Harry Potter fans may be particularly interested in visiting both the Divinity School and Christ Church college which were both used as prominent film locations in the Harry Potter films. You can also book a specific Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford of course !

Before your visit, I would make a list of colleges you’d like to visit and then when in town you can stop at each college’s porter’s office (near the entrance of each college) and check to see if the college is allowing visits and check visiting hours.

You can also book a tour that includes university buildings on the tour as we did at the tourism office.

Note that you can even stay in one of the university residence halls which are rented out in some colleges during holiday and summer breaks – you can search for available rooms here .

Attend a Performance or Festival

There is almost always a play, concert, festival, recital, film, lecture, or art exhibition happening on any given day in Oxford. Many of those that are connected to the university are free or low-cost and make a perfect way to enhance an Oxford day trip. This is a great way to experience the wonderful cultural offerings of Oxford and see inside some of the lovely venues.

Going to the theater is a popular activity in Oxford, especially the outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays in the summer. You can check what is happening during your visit at the Oxfordshire Tourism Board and the Oxford City Guide websites or by stopping by the tourism board.

If you intend to see a show or performance while in town, you should check the listings at the individual theaters (such as the Oxford Playhouse and the Old Fire Station ) and buy your tickets in advance. 

Explore Oxford’s Gardens & Parks

Oxford has a number of lovely green spaces and gardens that can be explored when you need a break from museums, shopping, and the university buildings. For instance the 70-acre University Park offers a great place to walk and stretch your legs, watch a free cricket game, or spy on the ducks at the duck pond.

You’ll also find several other parks and meadows in the area, including the oldest botanical garden in England . The Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum was founded back in 1621!

We found some lovely flowers and views while walking along the River Cherwell and some of the University of Oxford colleges such as Trinity College have gardens that are open to the public. 

Which of these would be on your list if you were planning an Oxford day trip? Have you made an Oxford day trip from London? Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Oxford? As always, feel free to comment and we’re happy to answer any questions about Oxford day trip. 

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**Disclosure: We’ve visited Oxford numerous times. On one of our trip to Oxford Visit Britain covered our accommodation, walking tour, punting trip, and Oxford Castle visit and Auto Europe provide a complimentary rental car during a separate visit to Oxford; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**

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shane sterling Post author

July 10, 2023 at 10:59 am

Hi what a great blog on a day trip from London to oxford. i am so glad you mentioned the covered market as so many people leave that hidden gem out. its a great place with some quirky shops. also the walking tours i have been on quite a few of the walking tours and thought they need something that bit extra.. i have come up with my own walking tour, oxford magic tours, which i am just launching. its a tour with live entertainment. if ever your back in oxford and would like to join the tour please let me know. it would be great if you could make it and maybe write about it. keep up the great work regards Shane

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

July 12, 2023 at 5:54 am

Yes, the covered market in oxford is definitely a place we recommend to those visiting Oxford. Glad you are starting your own tours company, we have done the Harry Potter magical tours, like this one , with Visit Oxford but haven’t done a live entertainment magic tour before so sounds like a new type of offering. Hope it goes well and we’ll definitely consider checking it out next time we are in Oxford.

Best, Jessica

Udita Post author

January 5, 2020 at 1:33 pm

Hi we would like to visit Oxford with our two kids aged 9 and 7 . James aged nine and a half is interested in the exploring the university so we would appreciate suggestions and will visit from London. We also need to decide if to do car or train as Stonehenge is also on the itinerary. Thanks Udita

January 6, 2020 at 1:46 pm

We’d recommend train as it is really easy to get from central London to Oxford by train and most things in Oxford can be reached on foot. If you are just going for a day trip, I’d definitely recommend train.

Some parts of the university are open to the public, those that are open often charge a fee for visitors to view a few of the public areas. It also depends on the academic year and school events if certain buildings are open to the public or not. So if there are specific colleges he is interested in seeing, you might want to check in advance if they allow visits and what you can see. But if you are just generally interested in the university, joining a walking tour is a great way to see some parts of the university and learn more about it and the city. We recommend 2 of them in the article above, both which are great for those specifically interested in the university. Or you can arrange a private tour if you want one that is just for your family and they can then adjust it to be a bit more kid friendly.

If there are a lot of things you want to do in Oxford, I’d recommend spending most of the day there as there is plenty to keep you busy for a day out. But if you are just interested in spending a few hours, then you can definitely combine it with a visit to Stonehenge on the same day if you want. Or you can do it on a separate day.

For Stonehenge, if you go by public transit, you can take the train from Oxford (or London) to Salisbury. Then there’s a shuttle bus that goes directly from Salisbury train station to Stonehenge, and it leaves about every 30 minutes. You can use it to just get to and from Stonehenge or you can buy a ticket that includes entry to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral and can also stop at Old Sarum if you have more time. You can see the shuttle bus timetable here . For more tips, this article about visiting Stonehenge as part of a day trip might be useful to you as well.

When visiting Stonehenge just make sure that if you are doing it as part of a day trip and plan to also stop elsewhere that you keep the schedules in mind as you want to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy the visitor center and displays and the stones themselves. A lot of people end up rushing around.

Hope that helps and enjoy your trip to London! Jessica

Selina Post author

July 9, 2019 at 1:11 am

For a 1-day trip to Oxford, when do things generally close in Oxford? I’m trying to plan my return train trip. Would 8pm be too late?

July 9, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Hi Selina, It depends, but yes, most of the museums and tourist attractions close around 5pm or 6pm. But there will still be shops and other places open in Oxford and you can have a drink or dinner before heading back. So I think a 8pm train back would work fine if you want to spend the day in Oxford and end with a drink or meal. Otherwise, you could book your train a little earlier. Best, Jessica

Sophie Post author

September 22, 2018 at 8:10 am

Fantastic and informative post, guys – great work! I think some tourists who come to London have so many other things they want to see in the city that they might not get round to visiting Oxford. But Oxford is a fantastic place to visit! It’s so pretty and there’s so much history there. It’s a perfect place to go for a day trip if you’re an international student who is living in London, or someone who has come to stay in London for a few months rather than just a week! I’d definitely recommend to anyone if they have the time.

September 25, 2018 at 8:14 pm

Hi Sophie, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, we really love Oxford as well. Laurence used to live and go to school nearby when he was younger and likes to return to visit. It makes a great day trip from London for those interested in seeing a historic university town in England. We need to return again soon ourselves 😉 Best, Jessica

Vandana Post author

May 23, 2017 at 4:43 am

Hello dear,

such a apt write up with lovely pictures.

Me and my husband are planning to be in London next month. We will be in London / or around London for a week and then will be moving to Scotland post that. we plan to visit Oxford or cambridge or both, Stonehedge and York… Could you please suggest which of these places I can visit as day trip from london (i ll be staying with friends in paddington , london) and where I need to spend time overnight. we are young couple interested in architecture, fun, music and pubs

Appreciate your help! Vandana

May 25, 2017 at 3:38 am

Hi Vandana, If you have a week in London, I would probably not want to do more than two day trips from London if you also want to explore London since there is already so much to do there. We’re recommend getting a London Pass which covers most of the London attractions you’ll likely want to see and then consider a couple of the places you listed as day trips.

For the day trips, you can either drive yourself, take a local bus or train, or book a tour. Oxford and Cambridge are both fairly easy day trips from London (about 45 minutes to 1 hour on the train). Stonehenge is also a fairly easy day trip from London and best if you either have a car or book a bus tour – many of the bus tours also stop in the town of Bath as well. York is further away and you’ll need to take the train (2 hours each way) or bus and won’t have a lot of time to explore if you have to return so I’d recommend you stay overnight if you want to visit York or skip it on this trip.

Hope this helps. Best, Jessica

Leah Post author

May 14, 2017 at 1:52 am

Dear Jessica,

This is an excellent post!! We are planning our visit according to it, looking forward to get to Oxford, finally! 🙂 Just one technical question please- there’s a link to Oxford Tourism Board that doesn’t work. I looked it up and came up with this one: http://www.experienceoxfordshire.org/ It matches pretty much everything you mention, Is it indeed the same one..? Also, you mentioned the walking tour you took costs £9, but here the only tours i see start with £16. Not trying to scrimp or anything, just trying to find the one you recommended on 🙂 Would appreciate your advice.

Thanks a bunch!

May 14, 2017 at 2:18 am

Yes, thanks for pointing that out. It appears that one of the websites for Oxford tourism is now gone and whomever took it down did not do any redirects (frustrating for those who have linked to anything on their site!). I will update my links!

So yes, the Experience Oxfordshire is probably the best website in terms of official tourism info as it covers the entire region and I could not find an official one for just Oxford. In terms of the walk, the one we did is this one: Oxford University and City Walking Tour and appears to have risen in price a bit (this one is £14 if booked online). This one is sort of the “official” one and leaves from the visitor center. There are other Oxford city walks through companies such as Footprints , which offer paid and free walking tours in the city but I can’t speak to the quality as we haven’t taken any of them.

Hope this helps you book your tour in Oxford and do let us know if you have any other questions!

Mr. Mahmud Post author

April 19, 2017 at 10:00 am

Thank you for this thorough list about places to see in Oxford England! I’m going to London for the first period next weekend break. With one totally free day I now have various choices to pick for my day journey from London.

April 20, 2017 at 7:24 am

Hi Mr. Mahmud, You’re very welcome. If you only have one day, I would probably spend it in London but if you are there for 6 days or more, I would venture out to do some day trips and Oxford is a really great choice! Best, Jessica

budget jan Post author

May 21, 2016 at 3:56 pm

I’d like Trinity College Gardens, punting and antique shopping. Lovely photos of course 🙂

travelcats Post author

May 22, 2016 at 10:53 am

Hi Jan, those are all great places to visit while in Oxford!

Zaria Post author

May 8, 2016 at 3:21 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence,

What an amazing experience! I would love to take a tour at the castle, so enchanting! The antique shops along with the architecture are fantastic. I hope one day I will be able to visit Oxford. Great post, thank you!

May 12, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Hi Zaria! Thanks for taking the time to comment on our post. Yes, Oxford is a great place to do some shopping and has some great museums and architecture! I hope you have the opportunity to visit some day. Best, Jessica

Mathavan Post author

May 2, 2016 at 4:34 am

I am really like the London and its places for the architectural style and its heritage building. Your one day trip plan and advice is very useful for who planing to a visit to Oxford from London! Thanks!

May 3, 2016 at 6:46 am

Hello Mathavan, Glad you found our article helpful in helping you plan your time in London. If you have already enjoyed a lot of the attractions in London, then a day trip to Oxford is a perfect way to get out of the city and see something new! A great excursion for those who love history, literature, and architecture. ~ Jessica

eileen g Post author

April 21, 2016 at 6:42 am

A lot of these sites look familiar to me from watching Morse on the BBC. It seems the show made the most of its Oxford setting. It seems like a very charming small city to spend a day or two in!

April 21, 2016 at 12:41 pm

Hi Eileen, Yes, I bet you do. I have never seen Inspector Morse but a lot of the show takes place in Oxford and so you probably are familiar with many of the main sights from watching the show. You would probably enjoy some of the walking tours that are themed around Inspector Morse! Oxford is a great city to explore over a weekend! ~ Jessica

Marcia Post author

April 17, 2016 at 6:34 pm

I love the bird’s eye view of the city. Must have to do that next time. Oxford is such a beautiful city – there’s something to see and do around every corner.

April 18, 2016 at 2:50 am

Hi Marcia, Yes, climbing up towers and getting good views (and photos) is one of Laurence’s favorite things to do in a new place. Luckily, there are a few ways to get good city views in Oxford:) ~ Jessica

Ruth Post author

April 17, 2016 at 3:40 pm

I like all your suggestions. How many days did you spend on the city? I will like to try punting. Well, I will let somebody else do the “rowing” since I do not thing I will be able to maintain my balance ;0)

April 18, 2016 at 2:47 am

Hi Ruth, Laurence actually went to boarding school just outside Oxford so we have stayed in or near Oxford a few times. But in order to get a good overview of Oxford, I would recommend 2 full days or 3 nights. That would give you time to visit a few of the university buildings, climb a tower or two, go punting for a couple of hours, visit the castle if you wanted, see the Covered Market, and visit a couple of museums. Yes, I was nervous about punting as I was afraid of our punt would flip and get all our camera gear wet! But lucky we never tipped over:) ~ Jessica

Rob Post author

April 16, 2016 at 3:37 pm

Have not visited Oxford, but would love to! Particularly to see Trinity and Exeter Colleges. I did not know staying in one of the dorms was an option! That’s something we’ll definitely check into. Great photos – they are certainly adding to the wanderlust we’re feeling!

April 17, 2016 at 1:56 pm

Hi Rob, Yes, it is a great way to visit the city if you don’t mind staying in a dormitory style room (many don’t have kitchen facilities and have shared bathrooms down the hall) and a fairly well-priced option. We have never visited at the right times of year but we’d love to do this in the future as well! ~ Jessica

Jackie Post author

April 16, 2016 at 6:28 am

Thanks for this great post, I linked it up on my Facebook page. We haven’t been to Oxford since the 1990s and were just saying we need to go back.

April 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm

Hi Jackie, Thanks so much for sharing our article on your FB page! Yes, we keep returning to Oxford so I am sure you’d enjoy a return visit as well:) ~ Jessica

Lyn Post author

April 15, 2016 at 9:50 pm

I’ve never been to Oxford but after seeing this now want to go. I just love the photo inside the chapel. There looks like a lot to see and do in Oxford, sounds like maybe more than a daytrip if we want to see it at its best. Thank you for sharing with us!

April 17, 2016 at 1:53 pm

Hi Lyn, oh yes, the Exeter Chapel is fairly small but so beautiful! Many of the chapels, dining halls, and gardens of the university buildings are definitely worth exploring if they are open during a visit. It is amazing how old some of the university and museum buildings are in the city. Yes, I think many people visit Oxford as a day trip from London or elsewhere but I think you could easily spend 2-3 days exploring the city more in-depth. We’ve been a few times together and are planning to return again later this month actually to visit a couple more places. ~ Jessica

Kerri Post author

April 15, 2016 at 9:08 pm

A very comprehensive guide to all things Oxford. I would love to go punting. I’ve been to the UK many times now but have never managed to fit this in.

April 17, 2016 at 1:49 pm

Hi Kerri, Punting is a very good thing to do in the UK. Some of Laurence’s friends from Oxford are very skilled at it! We did OK but it definitely takes some getting used to the steering. I’d definitely advise trying it if you are in the Uk in the Spring or Summer and have a day of good weather – great way to see an area slowly and to spend the afternoon with a picnic. ~ Jessica

Michael Woods Post author

April 14, 2016 at 7:33 am

So jealous! I’ve wanted to tour around London for a looong time. Haven’t found the time yet though..

April 17, 2016 at 1:47 pm

Hi Michael, there are many great places around London that are wonderful places to go – we’ve done many day and weekend trips in the London area. Laurence spent a lot of time growing up around Oxford so we return to that area quite often. I hope you find the time to explore some of these places on future trips! ~ Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

April 13, 2016 at 5:39 am

I’ve never been to Oxford and would love to go. I need to stay long enough in London to allow for it. Such a beautiful city. I would try the punting just for the experience, but learning about the history of places is my favorite part. And climbing towers – I love a good view!

April 17, 2016 at 1:45 pm

Yes, there are so many things to do in London that a lot of people don’t leave the city, especially if time is short. But I think Oxford is a great city to explore if you have the time and want to see a great historical university city in the UK. Yes, there are a few places that you can get a great view of Oxford and some exercise climbing all those steps! 🙂

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12 Things To Do On A Day Trip To Oxford From London! By Train or Bus!

Categories England , London , U.K

Oxford is a great city to spend the day in and due to the short journey time, it’s very possible to do a day trip to Oxford from London getting there by Bus or by Train.

There are so many things to do in Oxford in one day so in this list I have included things to see in Oxford like famous historical buildings that are must-visits in Oxford, especially if you are visiting for the first time!

But, I have also given you a few  different and unique Oxford Day Trip things to do that you can’t miss and that will make you feel like a local in Oxford!

Day Trip To Oxford From London

How to get to Oxford from London.

London to oxford by train., london to oxford by bus..

It’s possible to get a bus from London to Oxford too. It takes slightly longer at about 2 hours but it will more often than not be cheaper than the train with prices starting from £5.00 each way through The Train Line too .

I would definitely check both train and bus options though as the bus may actually be more expensive if you are looking to go within the next few days!

Oxford Day Tours From London.

If you’re short on time, you want to visit more than just Oxford in one day, or you want things organised for you, a  day tour from London to Oxford is a good idea:

This tour combines Oxford and the Harry Potter Studio!

This tour combines Oxford with the nearby Cotswolds from London ,

This tour visits Oxford and Cambridge in one day from London.

Oxford Day Trip Things To Do!

1. visit oxford castle first.

Oxford Castle is well located right next to Oxford Train Station, therefore if you want to visit, it’s a good idea to go when you get off the train to save you time because you only have one day in Oxford.

Oxford Castle is number one on my list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip to Oxford from London because if you start off here, you’ll get to witness some of Oxford’s oldest (and scariest) history!

2. Brunch at The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

After getting to Oxford by bus or train if you’re like me you’ll be very hungry, especially if you did visit Oxford Castle first, and it will be the perfect time for brunch or lunch, and The Handle Bar Cafe is a great place to head to.

Oxford train station is right in the centre of the city which is another reason why it’s easy to do a day trip to Oxford from London!

The Handle Bar Cafe is a 10-minute walk into the centre . It’s very deceiving as the downstairs entry is a bike shop, however upstairs is a beautifully decorated, light, quaint but modern cafe with a bike theme.

Their menu is amazing for brunch and lunch options. I had the Vegan Avocado on Toast but I did get food envy over the pancakes.

This is a great way to start your oxford day trip and get planning your route around Oxford.

3. Snap the Colourful Houses on Holywell Street

For one of the unique things to do in Oxford on your day trip from London, head Holywell Street which has a beautiful row of pastel-coloured terrace buildings.

It’s also home to many more beautiful houses and what I loved perhaps more, is that this street was so quiet compared to the busy main streets on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely visit Holywell Street if you need some colour and calm!

4. Visit the Famous Colleges and Universities

Oxford is known for its beautiful buildings and especially those of its colleges and universities!

Merton College is in the centre of Oxford which makes it easy to visit on a day trip to Oxford from London, it’s one of the oldest college’s in Oxford and is only £3.00 to enter!

Christ Church College is where you should head if you are a Harry Potter fan as it was used as a filming location!

Magdalen College is another beautiful building and college right in the centre of Oxford. It’s right near the river too which makes it a great place to go punting from. Keep reading for more information on that!

5. Check out a View of Oxford from the University Church of St Mary’s

I love visiting a viewpoint in a new city for a viewpoint in Oxford, going up the spire of the University Church of St Mary’s seems like the best way to see Oxford.

It’s right in the centre, opposite the very iconic and beautiful Radcliffe Camera (my next point) and best of all its pretty inexpensive at £4.00 , which is great considering Oxford is a popular city for tourists!

• More Day Trip from London Ideas:
• 25 Day Trip From London By Train Ideas!
• 10 Things To Do in Brighton on a Day Trip from London!
• 10 Things To Do in Bath on a Day Trip from London!
• Visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs on a Day Trip from London!
• Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover on a Day Trip from London!
• A Day Trip to Stonehenge & Bath from London!

6. Marvel at the Radcliffe Camera

Ok, this is a famous historic building in Oxford, not a hidden gem, but it has to be on my list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip, you can’t go on a day trip to Oxford from London and not see it!

I think the Radcliffe Camera is the most iconic building in Oxford and it’s not hard to see why as it’s really beautiful! It’s part of the University and was built in 1737–49 to house the Radcliffe Science Library.

It’s not possible to go inside but the outside makes up for it I think!

7. Explore the Historic Covered Markets

Oxford is all about the big beautiful buildings so I was surprised to come across the historic covered market full of indie shops and small alleys. It’s another nice break from the busy main streets and tourist attractions of Oxford.

For more ways to see Oxford, have a look at these walking tours, bus tours and boat tours which you can book online in advance so your day is planned out for you!

8. Drink on the Rooftop of The Varsity Club like a Local!

The Varsity Club is right next to the covered market so if you go to one, you should go to both!

It’s a buzzing bar and beautifully decorated but the real selling point, in my opinion, is the rooftop! Whether you’re in need of an alcoholic drink or not I would try to get up there for some kind of drink during your day trip to Oxford from London!

I went on a Saturday in Spring and the streets were busy however we got a table on the rooftop within 10 minutes at lunchtime and I would say it’s because The Varsity Club is more popular with locals rather than tourists so it’s perfect for your day in Oxford and one of the best things to do in Oxford on a day trip!

Once you get to Oxford, if you want a guide to show you around so you can learn more about the city, these would be really great tours to go on:

9. Afternoon Tea at Vaults and Garden Cafe

This is Oxford’s most unusual Cafe as it’s based inside the University’s Old Congregation House from 1320 amongst gravestones, and right opposite the Radcliffe Camera! Vaults and Garden Cafe offer’s breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using local and fresh products.

We had the afternoon tea which was really yummy and they were able to accommodate me with vegan alternatives. You do have to pre-book the afternoon tea but you can just turn up for breakfast or lunch. If the sun is shining try to sit outside too!

If you’d rather have Afternoon Tea on a Sightseeing River Cruise, you can book that here!

10. See an Alternative side of Oxford on Cowley Road

Cowley Roadmile-longe long street which runs South-East from Oxford’s Magdalene Bridge.

It’s gone from being a very poor area of the city to a very bohemian area of Oxford thanks to its young, international influence, and many international bars and restaurants.

I didn’t get to visit when I was there but I would try to if I was you as it sounds very interesting and it’s home to a lot of history, but in different ways than the rest of the city. It seems like the perfect place for dinner before heading back home and to London.

11. Get Green in the Botanical Gardens

The University of Oxford Botanical Gardens is the oldest Botanical Garden in England and it’s located right in the city centre so if you’re over the architecture and need some greenery then head here.

It costs £4.50 to enter and there are free tours available too. All of the plants are named so you know what you’re looking at. I didn’t go but after reading this post on the gardens I wish I had so add this to your Oxford day trip things to do.

12. Punting, because you’re in Oxford!

I couldn’t leave punting off of the list of things to do in Oxford on a day trip could I!

We didn’t go punting on my day trip to Oxford from London and I wouldn’t think it’s much fun if you’re on your own but if you’re in a group and it’s not too much of a wait for the boats (we saw some big queues) then its worth going as it is very English and very Oxford!

FAQ About Day Trips to Oxford from London

How do i spend a day in oxford.

There are so many things to do in Oxford for one day including visiting Oxford castle, visiting famous collages and universities, going punting on the river, visiting the markets and shops in Oxford and enjoying the good cafes and restaurants.

What is the best way to get from London to Oxford?

The best way to get from London to Oxford is via train as there is a quick and easy train route and Oxford train station is in the centre of the city. There is also a bus that runs from London to Oxford, or you can drive.

How much does it cost to travel from London to Oxford?

The bus from London to Oxford starts at £5.00 each way and train tickets start at £13.00 off peak.

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Yes! Oxford is one of the most famous cities in the UK so whether you live in the UK or you are visiting from abroad it is worth visiting this beautiful and charming city to see the famous sights and things to do in Oxford.

Is Oxford worth visiting for one day?

Yes! Oxford is a vert walkable city therefore it is possible to see a lot of Oxford in just one day. If you arrive to Oxford by train the train station is in the centre so it is easy to walk from the train station around the rest of the city and back again in one day.

I hope you’ve found this list useful and it gives you some ideas on what to do in Oxford!

To book your train ticket to Oxford check out The Train Line here.

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Tilly Jaye Horseman

Friday 15th of February 2019

Found your post on Pinterest when looking for things to do in Oxford - I'm going tomorrow. Not been to Oxford since 2011 so looking forward to it! Think I may head to the Handle Bar Cafe for breakfast - sounds like a great place to start. And would love to go up the church tower for the views! Fingers crossed the weather will be clear enough to make it worthwhile!

TheWanderingQuinn

Saturday 16th of February 2019

Hello Tilly, so glad you found my post, thank you for letting me know! That sounds like the perfect way to start the day! They do a great brunch! And I hope the weather does clear for you!! Enjoy it :)

Margie Miklas

Sunday 9th of September 2018

Love your posts, Ellie. So glad I came across your blog I'm hoping to visit the UK and Oxford soon

Ah thank you so much Margie. I’m so glad you came across my blog and I hope you get to the U.K. soon! :) If you have any other questions just let me know :)

Wednesday 20th of June 2018

I've never been to Oxford before but would love to visit. The coloured houses and stunning architecture are a big draw for me!

The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London

Last Updated on June 19, 2024

by Paola Drexler

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve spent time in the city before, planning a day trip to Oxford is definitely a must-do! While the well-known and prestigious University of Oxford might intrigue you to visit, there’s so much more to explore in the city. 

Oxford is located only about 90km from London and is easily accessible. The city is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in the UK. It is also a major city for innovation, arts, technology and science.

Table of Contents

How to Get From London to Oxford

By organised tour.

Of course, you don’t have to explore Oxford all on your own, there are some organised Oxford tours that can lead the way if you’re in need of some guidance. As an added bonus, all your transportation needs will be taken care of as well.

For instance, this guided tour and this day tour of Oxford and Cotswolds Villages are good options. You’ll be able to see all that the English charm these areas have to offer, including Bibury, the Great Hall at Christ Church College and, of course, Oxford University.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland , you might like this full-day tour. While you’ll get information about these books and movies, you’ll also learn the history surrounding the dreamy English Countryside.

Other options include this full-day tour and this guided tour that visits Oxford, Stonehedge and Windsor or this full-day tour that combines a trip to Oxford with a Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Travelling by train is probably the most convenient way to get there. You can catch a train from Paddington Station in West London, with trains usually passing every 30 minutes or if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can expect to get a train every 60 minutes.

The journey will last roughly an hour and from the station, you’re only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre. It is recommended that you purchase a ticket beforehand to save money. You can buy tickets and view schedules here .

The Oxford train station is located about a fifteen-minute walk from central Oxford. Make sure that you get off here rather than at the further out Oxford Parkway station.

If you prefer getting to Oxford by bus, your travel time will be a bit longer amounting to an hour and forty minutes. However, the bus frequency is better with only 10 to 15 minutes in between buses.

Buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and the main Oxford bus station is Gloucester Green, which is located in the centre of the city making is very convenient to get sightseeing. You can buy tickets and view schedules here .

Alternatively, you can also use the Oxford Tube that you can get at certain stations like Victoria, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Shepherd’s Bush.

If you wish to travel by car, your journey will take longer than by train or bus with the estimated time to be over two hours. You’re also going to have to account for parking while in Oxford – it’s better to find a car park to leave your car for the day and explore on foot.

One benefit of having a car when you visit Oxford is that you can make a few stops along the way. For instance, you have the flexibility to explore places like Windsor Castle or other attractions in this area of England .

If you’re thinking of renting a car for the trip you can browse options here .

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

You’ll start your adventures in the city centre on High Street near the Carfax Tower, where you’ll be minutes away from most of the main sights. Here you’ll take in the city’s extraordinary beauty.

If you’ve travelled to Oxford independently and want to learn more about the history of the city and university, you can book a walking tour here on GetYourGuide or book it here on Viator.

Carfax Tower and Oxford Covered Market

The Carfax Tower is all that remains of the official Oxford church, St Martin’s Church, which dated back to 1122. The tower is the highest building in the city since others are prohibited from building anything higher than the Carfax Tower. So after you climb up 99 steps, you’ll be sure to have the most breathtaking view of the city.

Near the tower you’ll see the Oxford Town Hall which hosts various events, you can admire the building from the outside then you’ll follow Cornmarket Street to Golden Cross and continue walking until you reach the Covered Market.

Here you’ll find so many delicious food, treats, clothes and more. The market itself is a beautiful sight to see and no matter how the weather is you’ll manage to stay dry while exploring the market.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Once you’re done at the market, you’ll go back to High Street heading east towards the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

The stunning church marks the beginning of the University of Oxford and has continued to thrive for more than seven hundred years. Next, you’ll continue passed the church on St Mary’s Passage until you reach Radcliffe Camera.

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera is both an impressive landmark and library, with its history dating back to 1737. The landmark is actually England’s first known circular library and is now part of the Bodleian Library on the university grounds, as a reading room.

You might be wondering where the “camera” comes from but the meaning of the word used is the Latin word for “room.” Close by, you can also view the Bridge of Sighs, which is a great way to experience the beauty of Oxford’s unique architecture.

After taking a look around, you’ll walk towards the University of Oxford.

University of Oxford

The famous University of Oxford is the world’s second-oldest university but the very first in regards to the English-speaking world, with its first teachings dating to 1096. As prestigious as it is, people from all over the world apply in hopes of joining one of its 39 colleges.

The colleges are not all in one place, which is why Oxford is such an interesting university city with the different colleges spread all throughout the city centre. The section of the university close to Radcliffe Camera is closest to resembling the main campus and is known as the Science Area.

As you walk south on Broad street, passing Clarendon Building, you’ll come across Sheldonian Theatre. The building that was built from 1664 to 1668 is not only used for lectures and university-related ceremonies but also for music concerts.

Next to the theatre, you’ll find the History of Science Museum also known as the Old Ashmolean which is the oldest museum in the UK and the oldest purpose-built museum in the world.

Some iconic and historical items you’ll see here include the blackboard Albert Einstein used while lecturing at Oxford and about 18,000 other objects that represent the history of science.

Blackwell’s

Just across the street from the museum, you’ll find the original Blackwell’s book shop which was founded in 1879. Now with 18 shops and owned by Waterstones, Blackwell is a chain that can be found all over the UK.

If you’re in need of a new book, music, art or just want to explore, you can roam the 144-year-old bookshop until you discover what you’re looking for.

University Parks

If you continue north on Parks Road, there is another charming part belonging to the university which is the University Parks. The massive grounds include many beautiful gardens like the Botanic Garden which is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and is located on High Street.

Additionally, the grounds are also home to the Wytham Woods which are used for research at the university, along with the Harcourt Arboretum, Bagley Wood and Christ Church Meadow.

You will end this part of your journey in the stunning Botanic Garden and once you’re done exploring you’ll continue to your last stop.

Christ Church

From the garden, you’ll back to the starting point on High Street near Carfax Tower and down A420 to end your London to Oxford day trip at the Christ Church. The church, or college, is often referred to as “The House” and the University of Oxford’s constituent college, as well as part of the Christ Church Cathedral.

King Henry VIII founded Christ Church in 1546 and today it’s both one of the wealthiest and largest colleges at Oxford.  Here you can visit the cloisters that were seen in many scenes of the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Christ Church is certainly one of the best things to do in Oxford and an unmissable stop when visiting the city.

Now that you’ve completed your one day in Oxford you can return to London with fond memories. However, if you still haven’t had enough and have more time to spend in Oxford, then continue to learn what else there is to do in the area.

Have more time?

If you’ve enjoyed your day trip to Oxford and have decided to stay longer, there are plenty of activities to fill up an extra day or two. Whether you prefer exploring outdoors or indoors, the city filled with history and beauty will have what you need.

Explore Oxford on the River

After exploring the city on foot, you can enjoy the sights and experience a different side of Oxford from the river with a river cruise.

There are many options you’ll have like an afternoon tea, picnic, evening cruise with a 3-course meal or even just a simple sightseeing cruise . Whatever you decide on, it’ll be a grand time!

Blenheim Palace

Just about 16km northwest of the city centre you’ll find the magnificent Blenheim Palace and its impressive gardens. The palace’s construction was completed in 1722, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

You can walk through the same rooms and grounds Sir Winston Churchill once walked through or get lost in the Marlborough Maze. The palace has activities for people of all ages.

Port Meadow

Travellers who want to see more of the city can leisurely walk around Port Meadow located right beside the Thames river. On a warm day, visitors can take a swim right where the Thames and Castle Mill Stream meet.

Ghost Trail and Museums

If you visit the prison and want to experience other spooky parts of Oxford, you can join one of the many ghost tours to discover all the city’s paranormal stories. If you would prefer to stay away from anything scary, the city has many fascinating museums for you to explore.

For example, at the unique Story Museum, you’ll jump into an enchanting storybook and can let your imagination run wild. The museum is perfect for families and visitors who are young at heart.

Oxford Castle and Prison

In the centre of the city, you can tour the ancient medieval castle and its prison. Visitors will learn about its significant history over the last 1000 years since the castle was built. Today, on its grounds you’ll also find a boutique hotel, apartments, bars, restaurants and even an education centre.

An additional day or two to your Oxford itinerary can help give you a better overview of the area and you can leave having seen all there is to see in the beautiful old city. No matter if you plan to see Oxford in one day or two or more, the city is definitely worth the visit.

Are you planning to visit Oxford? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

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

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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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One Day in Oxford: the Ultimate Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

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Taking an Oxford day trip from London is one of the most popular things to do for visitors from abroad and from within the UK.

Not only is Oxford gorgeous, but it’s within easy reach of the capitol and has the perfect amount for a day trip.

The best day trip to Oxford includes some top notch sightseeing, including things to do in Oxford for free if you’re on a budget, as well as some wonderful dining options and cultural experiences like afternoon tea.

In this guide, let’s assume that you’ve got one day in Oxford for an Oxford day trip from London (or surrounding areas), and you want to make the most of it.

⭐️Editor’s choice!⭐️

The best thing to do in Oxford in one day is this alumni-led Oxford University and city walking tour . (4.8 out of 5 ⭐️, 1,400+ reviews)

>> Click here to book in advance (recommended)

To help you narrow down what to see in Oxford in a day, follow this list to build your itinerary.

Firstly, if you specifically want things to do in Oxford with kids , make sure to check out that resource before moving on.

Essentials for 24 Hours in Oxford

• Best tour to take with just one day in Oxford: Oxford City Sightseeing Tour
• Where to book Oxford train or bus tickets: Omio
• Best travel backpack for a day out in Oxford: this one

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Day Trip to Oxford: The Basics

Oxford is in the southeast of England, just about an hour from London.

While we spend a lot of time in places like the Lake District and Stratford-upon Avon, Oxford is one of my favorites.

The architecture is classically gorgeous, the food is quintessentially English, and the city is compact enough to walk most places.

What’s not to love?

The history of Oxford starts in the Saxon period, when it was a settlement on the River Cherwell.

It was in the late 12th century that the University of Oxford was founded and started encompassing the town.

Industrially, the city boomed in the 19th century with printing and car manufacturing.

These declined in the 1970s and 80s, but what remained was a city with a strong educational background and a lot more going on than just the university.

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How to Get to Oxford from London

If you’re traveling on your Oxford day trip from London, I’ve got a full guide on how to get to Oxford from London .

The basic options for one day in Oxford are taking the train or taking a bus, but I’ve compared both options for you in the guide on getting to Oxford so you have all of the information you need to make the right decision for you.

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in Oxford?

My favorite hotel in Oxford for all visitors is the Randolph Hotel ( click here to check prices ).

What to Do on an Oxford Day Trip with 24 hours

Morning on a day in oxford: punting on the river.

If you’re looking for the most quintessential thing to do on an Oxford day trip, this first suggestion is for you.

No day out in Oxford is completely without some punting on the river.

Punting is basically rowing a canoe-looking contraption, except you’re standing up at the back desperately trying not to fall over and have people relying on you to not tip them head first into the water.

It sounds terrifying, which it is, but it’s also a perfect experience for a warm day.

You’d look a bit silly doing it on your own, so bring some friends and befriend some strangers who might like you to take them on a water tour of the sights!

I always use the Oxford Boathouse for punting.

The staff are super nice, very knowledgeable about punting, and there’s a little shop where you can buy snacks or gifts while waiting for your turn.

They’re located right off of Magdalen Bridge.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

Late morning: taking a Harry Potter Tour

Want to know what to do in Oxford for a day?

Did you know that much of Harry Potter was either filmed in Oxford or used Oxford as an inspiration for the look of the movies?

There are some fantastic Harry Potter tours in Oxford that you could easily fit into an Oxford day trip, and I would highly recommend it.

My husband was actually an extra in the Harry Potter films, and he has fond memories of traveling to Oxford for filming days.

I really love this Harry Potter tour of Oxford , as it also includes the Bodleian Library which is another must-see that you can wrap all in one into the 2-hour tour.

Early afternoon: Have a Wander Down Side Streets

Oxford is just plain beautiful, so basically on your Oxford day trip itinerary you can walk almost anywhere in the city and be standing in front of amazing architecture or historical statues or these super cute colorful buildings.

Even if you’ve just got one day in Oxford, prepare to set off in a general direction, take a few turns to get yourself purposefully lost, and I guarantee you’ll find something to love.

New visitors may be surprised how many countryside-feeling walks there are not that far away, as Oxford has plenty of green space.

If you would prefer to take another form of transportation, Oxford has a big cycling culture so you can rent a bike and carry on your way.

The buses are also popular, as parking limitations and traffic make it less likely that people want to drive into the city.

Afternoon snack: Grab Food in the Covered Market

Before we go any further, I would just like to say that I am not in any way being paid to say this, but the best milkshake I’ve ever had in the world I had at “Moo’s” in Oxford’s covered markets, so if you value all that is good in the world, go there.

Also the covered markets have a lot of other fresh produce and cafes to take in, but I am always too invested in my milkshake to care, so please tell me how it is.

Afternoon: Walk on the Cobblestones in Radcliffe Square

To discover a quintessentially English square on your Oxford day trip and have some free things to do in Oxford , head to Radcliffe Square.

In the center is Radcliffe Camera (spoiler alert: it’s a building, not a camera), and surrounding is Brasenose College of the University of Oxford, as well as the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and All Souls College.

There aren’t places to sit down within the square, but Radcliffe Camera makes for great photos against a blue sky, and it is fully pedestrianized so you don’t have to worry about traffic or looking the wrong way.

If a University of Oxford graduation has just taken place, you may spot recent graduates donning their caps and gowns attempting to take photos in front of Radcliffe Camera.

I’ve seen this multiple times, but sadly a security guard usually comes along and asks them to leave if they have a tripod set up.

Late afternoon of 1 day in Oxford: Ashmolean Museum

One of the most famous museums in Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum was the first university museum and was opened in 1678 as a museum holding a “cabinet of curiosities.”

It grew and developed over the years, and most recently it was reopened in 2009 after a period of renovation to bring it up to modern day.

Ashmolean really stands out in its collections of archeological artifacts and art.

It’s got paintings, pottery, old coins, swords, books, letters and more.

In particular, it has drawings done by Leonardo da Vinci and a death mask of Oliver Cromwell, as well as Greek antiquities that give us insight into Greek society.

In the past, they’ve hosted exhibitions on Andy Warhol, Islamic Art, treasure from shipwrecks and more.

This is truly one of the best things to do in Oxford on a day trip if you want value for money (or no money, as it were – it’s totally free).

Other Oxford day trip options: Pitt Rivers Museum

Step into Pitt Rivers and you’ll soon see that this free museum in Oxford isn’t like the others – instead of its artifacts and collections being displayed by year or location, they’re displayed in collections of their “use,” in other words, objects of the same type are placed together no matter where in the world they came from.

This is due to the founder, Augustus Pitt Rivers, wanting to show both a cross-cultural understanding of the world as well as make it easier for visitors to more easily understand the progression in human development, tools, and society.

One of my favorite thing about the Pitt Rivers Museum is just how interesting its specimens are – you won’t walk in and feel like you’ve seen it all before.

From totem poles to shrunken heads, there’s just a bit of wonderful weirdness waiting around every corner.

The Pitt Rivers is free to visitors of all ages, and there are special guidebooks for the kids to help them explore the artifacts and understand them in a fun way.

Oxford Day Out: Take a City Sightseeing Tour

Much like London and other big cities around the world, Oxford has sightseeing bus tours that are a great way to make sure you’ve seen all the major landmarks on an Oxford day trip without having to navigate.

This is particular good if you have people on your Oxford day trip who have mobility issues and would prefer to sit rather than walk the whole town, as well as parents with kids.

I recommend this sightseeing Oxford bus tour for the best experience.

Evening in Oxford in one day: Seeing an Open-Air Theatre Show

If you thought London had the monopoly on great theatre, think again.

Oxford has some great indoor theatre venues.

But in the summer months, open-air theatre productions are popular and you can fit it in in the evening of your day trip to Oxford.

One summer, Creation Theatre did Hamlet in the park, and OH MY GOODNESS YES!

I’ve seen Hamlet with Jude Law, and I love me some Jude Law, but this version knocked it out of the park. (GET IT!?! Park!? Open-air theatre?! Sorry, couldn’t help myself).

The Creation Theatre often stages plays in venues such as Westgate Shopping Center and University Parks.

These plays typically involve a degree of audience participation as well, so if you’re an extrovert and the theatre is on your list of things to do in Oxford, make it a point to check out what the Creation Theatre is up to on your day trip to Oxford.

Where to Eat on an Oxford Day Trip

If you’ve only got one day in the Oxfordshire area, you’re not going to have time to try every pub or café that comes your way.

So I’ve listed my favorites to help you take your own culinary tour of the city without spending hours messing around on Trip Advisor as you’re standing in front of some historic landmarks (been there, done that).

Vaults and Garden for Breakfast

Start your day with an organic breakfast in a building dating back to 1320 for the true Oxford experience.

Vaults and Garden is located in the Old Congregation House and has both indoor and outdoor seating.

It’s been voted as the most sustainable restaurant in Oxfordshire, and they operate a seasonal menu so you’re always eating fresh.

In addition to breakfast staples like eggs and toast, they have vegan and vegetarian full breakfast plates, as well as salmon and breakfast soups.

The Bear Inn for Lunch or Dinner

Dating back to 1242, The Bear Inn is a fantastic choice for a pub dinner with classics such as fish and chips, as well as hamburgers, sausages and mash, and baked potatoes.

Walk around and you’ll see collections of ties, old university shirts and sports team paraphernalia.

If you’re visiting Oxford on a Sunday, be sure to stop by for a traditional Sunday roast.

You’ll be inundated with your choice of meat, usually roast vegetables like swede (if you don’t know what swede is, check out my post on British food versus American food ), yorkshire pudding (not actually pudding) and potatoes!

Afternoon Tea in Oxford on a Day Trip

A day trip wouldn’t be complete without some kind of afternoon tea in Oxford!

I recommend booking at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel .

This hotel is right in the heart of Oxford and is a 5-star luxury hotel that serves a great afternoon tea filled with wonderful sandwiches, delicious scones, and all the tea you desire.

The prices are cheaper than London afternoon tea prices, as well, at about £40 a person rather than the £60+ you would pay in London for some of London’s best afternoon teas.

Is Oxford Worth a Day Trip?

There are some places that are technically a “day trip” from London that aren’t worth going to at all, but Oxford is one of the must-do day trips from London.

No matter what you’re into, Oxford is absolutely worth it as a day trip.

You’ve got history, museums, beautiful architecture, great food, and some awesome Harry Potter sites.

In fact, I think it’s much more beautiful than London and more representative of what classic English cities look like, so you would be remiss to pass it up!

Is a Day Trip Long Enough in Oxford?

I would recommend either a day trip or a weekend trip to Oxford, though most people can feel like they’ve seen the city enough in a day trip.

You obviously won’t be able to spend hours at each museum or attraction, but you will be able to see enough to make it worth your trip out there.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Oxford

Packing for an Oxford day trip doesn’t require too much, since you won’t be spending the night, but here are some key day trip essentials I highly recommend when in the UK.

Day bag or backpack

You’ll want to have some sort of day bag or backpack to carry things in, as usually I find a purse isn’t sufficient.

I like ones like these that are cute and comfortable , but you can also get more basic ones like these that can be passed around the family to take turns wearing it.

You don’t need a money belt when in Oxford or in the UK, so you can just make sure your wallet is in a safe place in your bag and that you keep an eye on it at all times.

Portable Phone Charger

I always carry a portable phone charger like this one out with me when I’m on a day trip, as if your phone loses battery, you may find that you’ve lost confirmation for activities, train tickets, or, perhaps more importantly, the ability to use a mapping app to find directions places.

If you’re super paranoid, you can also bring your actual charger with you that plugs into a wall in case of an emergency, but I find that my portable charger always works well.

Refillable Water Bottle

To avoid having to purchase water bottles all day, I like to bring a refillable water bottle like this one.

Not only is it way more eco-friendly, but it saves you money and allows you to make sure you always have a full bottle of water with you even if you end up in a park or field where there are no water bottles on sale around.

Lots of places in Oxford and across the UK now will have refillable water bottle stations near bathrooms or other public facilities, you just have to keep an eye out.

There’s nothing better than sitting on a train to Oxford, watching the world go by and listening to music.

Public transportation is such an integral part of life in the UK that I always carry headphones with me so I can listen to music while being whisked from place to place.

Okay, it’s not like you’re going somewhere without food on your day trip to Oxford, but having some fruit and other snacks packed is always super handy.

Maybe you need a snack while you’re on the bus and stuck in traffic.

Maybe someone is hungry earlier than you plan to eat the meal and is desperate for something to eat.

Maybe someone has a food allergy and you want to make sure there is something that they can have in a pinch.

Whatever the reason, coming prepared for your day trip to Oxford with some snacks has never been a bad idea!

You can purchase them at any supermarket, with plenty of options ranging from fruit to crisps (potato chips) to candy bars to healthier options like nuts and raisins.

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

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Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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How to Travel From London to Oxford by Train, Bus, and Car

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

The University of Oxford is famous as one of the most prestigious schools in the world, but the town itself has much more to offer than just this 12th-century college. Oxford is one of the most popular towns to visit from London, since they're separated by less than 60 miles and are easily connected by bus and train. This quaint city makes a great day trip if you need a break from the hectic grind of London, offering visitors another look into English life outside of its largest and capital city.

The train is the most convenient method of transportation from London to Oxford, but this can get pricey unless you buy tickets in advance. The bus takes a little longer, but it's still a quick ride and brings you from city center to city center at an affordable price. It's also a quick drive, but you're better off taking public transit rather than dealing with London traffic and parking.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From London to Oxford?

The bus is the cheapest way to get from London to Oxford, with service available via National Express or Oxford Tube starting at roughly $7. Buses leave from both companies all throughout the day, always starting at Victoria Station and arriving in Oxford at Gloucester Green Station. It's recommended to buy tickets online in advance, guaranteeing you a seat on the bus you want. However, tickets can also be purchased directly from the driver and buses leave so frequently that you shouldn't have a problem finding a seat.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From London to Oxford?

For just a few pounds more than the bus, you can catch a train from Paddington or Marylebone stations in London to Oxford Station. Most travelers would consider the train a more comfortable option than the bus, and it also gets you into Oxford in just under an hour—about 40 minutes faster than the bus. Fares start at roughly $13 for a one-way ticket but get more expensive as the travel date gets closer and tickets sell out, so it pays to make reservations in advance (last-minute tickets usually cost $35 or more). If you're flexible with your travel date and time, look around at different times of the day and a day before and after as well. Trains depart to Oxford about every 15 minutes, so flexibility is crucial for finding the best deals.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

If you have your own car, driving from London to Oxford takes about an hour and a half in ideal conditions. However, with all of the traffic in London, it can often be much longer. The drive between London and Oxford is a popular commuter route, and rush hour time is especially difficult. Unless you plan on road tripping through other parts of Britain after Oxford, driving yourself isn't likely worth the headache of having your own vehicle. Parking in London and Oxford is expensive and complicated, and you'll also have to pay tolls on this relatively short drive. Oxford is small enough to explore on foot, and you'll be happier if you stick to the train or bus.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Oxford?

If you're looking for ideal weather, the summer months are without a doubt the best time to visit Oxford. From June to August, expect sunny days and comfortably warm temperatures, perfect for walking around and exploring all that the town has to offer. The summer months are also, unsurprisingly, the high season. The city will be much more crowded with visitors and hotel rooms are more likely to be booked if you plan on spending the night. Winter is cold, windy, and wet, but because of the temperate climate, snow is uncommon. April and May are also a great time to visit, not only because the weather is finally beginning to warm up but because the city hosts all types of events in the spring—such as the Oxford Jazz Festival, Wood Festival, English Music Festival, Chocolate Festival, Oxfordshire Artweeks, and Dorchester-on-Thames Festival.

What Is There to Do in Oxford?

Oxford is a town full of old English charm, perfect for a day trip from London or a relaxing weekend out of the big city. This fascinating city is home to the world's oldest English language university, and many of the colleges are open to the public or offer tours of their historic buildings. Oxford also has one of the world's oldest public museums, the Ashmolean , which is free to enter. Stop for a pint at one of the city's atmospheric pubs, like the Turf Tavern or the Eagle and Child Pub—once frequented by writers such as Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. Fans of the Harry Potter series will come across sites all over the city used in the films, and a Harry Potter walking tour is the best way to find them all.

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Visiting Oxford City

What to expect on a visit to the university city of oxford.

The big draw for most visitors to Oxford is of course the world famous University of Oxford and its colleges, the largest and most famous being Christ Church .

Situated only 55 miles west of Central London, Oxford is an easy day trip independently with frequent bus and coach services.

The River Thames runs through Oxford in the early stages of its flow down to London through the Thames valley. At Oxford, for a distance of some 10 miles, it is known as the Isis.

Today, Oxford is also famously known for its Harry Potter and other literary connections .

Oxford City attractions   Blenheim Palace   Getting to Oxford from London   Oxford and Cambridge Tour  

Oxford City attractions

Most things to see are directly or indirectly associated with the University. Once you have arrived in Oxford the only practical way to get around is to walk, though many of the locals prefer bicycles.

Everything you will want to see is in a compact, well sign-posted central area and it's also easy to pick up a street map to find your way.

Oxford University

As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford University is an historic institution and the single main draw for visitors to Oxford.

The 38 colleges are spread throughout the city but the oldest and most historic are clustered together in the ancient centre of Oxford.

Christ Church is the largest college and is the single most popular destination with its connections to  Harry Potter  and Lewis Carroll.

BOOK: OXFORD OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY AND CITY TOUR

BOOK: OXFORD HARRY POTTER WALKING TOUR

Bodleian Library

One of the great libraries of the world since the 17th century with every new book published in the UK here. A total of nearly 6 million books clearly needs a great storage area, much of it spreading underground.

Radcliffe Camera

Camera is the medieval name for a room. The earliest example of a round reading room and still in use today as the reading room of the Bodleian Library. Over 600,000 books are stored alone in its underground store. Can be visited by prior arrangement.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Historically this is at the heart of the start of the University. Built in the 14th Century, the early colleges started up within and all around this church. The earliest library for example was within the church.

Today the most popular attraction is climbing to the Tower for panoramic views of the City of Oxford.

Museum of History of Science

Home to an unrivaled collection of scientific instruments from medieval times to the 17th century. Its collection of 18th and 19th-century instruments is also substantial. It is the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building. Notable exhibits include Einstein's blackboard.

Sheldonian Theatre

The Theatre, built in 1664-9, was the very first work of Sir Christopher Wren. The Theatre is much used today for University occasions, including degree ceremonies.

Oxford covered market

Today Oxford is a regional shopping centre meeting the every day needs of the local population. It is little different to other similar sized cities with the usual chains and mix of retail outlets.

The Covered Market takes you back in time and is worthwhile even if shops aren't your scene. The Covered Market was opened in 1774 and is very atmospheric with a thriving community of stall holders covering a wide range of subjects.

Blackwell’s book shop

Blackwell's main bookshop is comprised of four old shops in Broad Street: Nos. 48, 49, 50, and 51. All four are Grade II listed buildings. The resulting retail shop is a maze to negotiate.

Stocking more than 200,000 titles this is Oxford's largest bookshop. It includes as part of its basement the Norrington room which gained a place in the Guinness Books of Records with the largest single display of books for sale in the world.

Alice's Shop

In Oxford a popular place to visit is the world famous 'Alice's Shop', selling all sorts of Alice related souvenirs. Located just opposite Alice’s childhood home, just across the road from Christ Church College , Alice's Shop is in fact the actual shop where the real life Alice would have gone for her sweets and groceries.

Lewis Carrol wrote the shop into his story Through the Looking-Glass, (the little dark shop run by an old sheep?), and it soon became a place for tourists on the 'Alice trail' to visit. At some point it moved on from being an ordinary grocers to a shop specialising in all things Alice related.

A real gem of a place.

Blenheim Palace

Just a few miles north of Oxford is Blenheim Palace , a World Heritage Site, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Frequent public buses run out to Blenheim from Oxford City Centre. Be warned, you can easily spend most of the day here.

Getting to Oxford from London

For a day trip to Oxford from London, its a choice between cheap and frequent bus services operating a 24x7 service or taking the train from London's Paddington Station.

Trains leave broadly every 30 minutes (60 minutes Sunday) and take approximately 60 minutes to perform the journey. The alternative is by the Oxford Tube or Oxford Express coaches from Victoria Coach Station. Scheduled time by bus is 100 minutes, but clearly you are at the mercy of London's traffic. Frequencies are very high, every 10-15 minutes for much of the day and the service is 24 x 7.

Oxford by train

Oxford Station is about ten minutes walk to the west of the city centre. It is on the line for express trains from London Paddington to Hereford via Worcester. It also has local trains to Reading, Worcester and Bicester Town.

For fares and timetables use ' The Trainline ' website where you can also order tickets for delivery to your home address or collection from a self-service ticket machine on the day of travel.

The Oxford Tube bus service from London Victoria

The most popular bus service between Oxford and London is the Oxford Tube bus service. The Oxford Tube buses are large double decker buses that run a 24x7 service from London's Victoria Coach Station.

The buses also pickup at Marble Arch and Notting Hill Gate. In Oxford, the bus terminates at Gloucester Green Bus Station, 5 minutes walk west of the centre. The buses also pick up and drop off in the High Street at Oxford. The buses are air conditioned, have reclining seats and have washrooms on board. The service is true 24x7, with hourly services in the very early hours and frequencies every 10-15 minutes much of the day.

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The Perfect Day Trip to Oxford Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Oxford

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Looking for an easy day trip from London? Consider taking a day trip to Oxford!

Visiting the University of Oxford is probably every super nerd’s dream. It’s where scenes from Harry Potter where filmed, where JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis crafted their literary genius, and where some of the most famous academics attended University. If you’re looking to admire the life of the famed playwright, Shakespeare, consider a nother great day trip from London to  Warwickshire . Even if you aren’t a nerd or bookworm, visiting Oxford is a great day trip from London ! 

Here is your guide to visiting Oxford in one day if you’re taking a day trip from London!

Taking a Day Trip to Oxford from London

How to Spend One Day in Oxford

Practical information for visiting oxford university.

Transportation to Oxford from London is fairly easy, you can take public transit or take the 90-minute drive to the city.

Bus:  The Oxford Tube  and the X90 leave London’s Victoria Station every 12-20 minutes

Train:  Trains from London leave Paddington every half hour

Suggested Oxford Day Trip Tours

JRR Tolkien and the Inklings Walking Tour: a walking tour of Oxford highlighting the works and friendships of JRR Tolkien while he was a professor at Oxford

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide : Get an inside look of Oxford from the lens of an alumni

From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour : See more than just Oxford with this full-day tour including Windsor Castle and Stonehenge!

From London: Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip

London: Oxford, Stratford Upon Avon, Cotswolds, and Warwick

Explore Oxford University

Did you know Oxford isn’t just one school? It’s actually composed of 38 constituent colleges! Oxford has been a place for education and teaching since 1096 making Oxford is the oldest English speaking university. It continued to grow rapidly after Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.

Since Oxford is famed for its rich academic history, notable alumni, and influence in literature and movies, it’s worth the visit! Some of Oxford’s notable alumni include JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll and Oscar Wilde.

See the Bridge of Sighs

Because the colleges at Oxford are so old, they are full of interesting architecture. The Hertford Bridge, or “the Bridge of Sighs”, is a skyway joining Hertford College over New College Lane. This bridge is one of Oxford’s famous landmarks.

Consider a Tour of Oxford

If you visit Oxford, taking a tour is a great way to see some of the highlights. You can take tours themed on Harry Potter and JRR Tolkien if you’re interested in taking the nerdy route! Oxford has so much to see because of it’s rich history and beautiful architecture so even just walking around on your own with a map is a great way to see the town!

See the Radcliff Camera

Completed in 1748, the Radcliffe Camera is a neoclassical style library and study for students at Oxford University. The word “camera” is most often associated with photography, though in this context, the word is used in its original meaning, which is simply “room.” The Radcliff Camera is one of the most iconic sites at Oxford because, well, look at it! It’s so beautiful! Another library at Oxford worth visiting is the Bodleian Library.

Across from the Radcliff, Camera is the Univesity Church. If you climb to the top, you can get a great view of the Camera!

Climb the Tower of University Church

After you stop by the Radcliff Camera, stop by the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin . Here, you can climb the tower of the church to get an panoramic view of the Radcliff Camera and Oxford.

Hours : Monday-Saturday • 9:30am – 5.00pm Sunday • 12noon – 5.00pm

Admission   £5.00

See the Ornate Door and Lamp Post that Inspired CS Lewis

Nearby the Radcliff Camera is an interesting site with a fun story to go along with it! Apparently, on a snowy night, CS was inspired by this doorway and lamp post for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Although it might just be a story, it would make sense by the looks of it!

Have Lunch with JRR Tolkien at The Eagle and Child

For the fans of Lord of the Rings, you can see many sites at Oxford that are notable for their association with JRR Tolkien. For lunch, stop at the Eagle and Child, where JRR Tolkien and his friends, like CS Lewis, would meet to discuss their works. Interestingly, JRR Tolkien wasn’t a big fan of CS Lewis’s work! At the Eagle and Child, or known as the Bird and the Baby, you can see where Tolkien would engage with his friends. You can also visit Tolkien’s former home, resting place, the Botanic Gardens that inspired his work, the Merton College where he taught, and the Exeter College where Tolkien attended college.

What : JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis’s Meeting Place at Oxford

Where : 49 St. Giles, Oxford OX1 3LU, UK

Hours : Everyday 11-11

View Einstein’s Handwriting at the Science Museum

At the Museum of the History of Science , you can view scientific artifacts, but the most interesting is Einstein’s handwriting! Einstein gave a talk at Oxford on May 16, 1931. The blackboard displays the equations taken from a model of the universe, the Friedmann-Einstein universe,  that Einstein proposed in May 1931.

Where : Broad Street Oxford OX1 3AZ

What : A Science Nerds Heaven

Cost : Free

Hours : Tuesday to Sunday 12 — 5pm

Visit Harry Potter Film Sites at Oxford

The architecture and beauty of Oxford University inspired the scenes of the Harry Potter films. So much so that many of the scenes from the movies were filmed at Oxford!

Learn More About Things to Do in London

Learn more about visiting London in our other posts!

• Five Days in London Itinerary
• Your Ultimate Guides to the Museums of London

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A Day Trip to Oxford: The Perfect One Day Itinerary

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 13th June 2023  - Last updated: 10th February 2024

Categories Oxford , Travel , UK

Planning a day trip to Oxford and want to know what the very best things to do are that you simply cannot miss? This Oxford day trip itinerary shares what to do in Oxford in just 24 hours.

Oxford is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities and it’s the perfect city to visit as a day trip from London. One day in Oxford is just enough time to get a flavour of what this wonderful city has to offer. There’s a great food scene, stunning architecture, and lots of places to explore on an Oxford day trip.

Some things to do in Oxford include visiting the “Harry Potter” college, drinking at J R R Tolkien’s old haunt, exploring the Natural History Museum and more. If you’ve only got 24 hours in Oxford, make sure to check out these top Oxford attractions first.

I’ve also included advice on how to get to Oxford at the very end of this post so make sure to scroll to the bottom before planning your Oxford day trip.

Now let me tell you how to spend one day in Oxford!

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

How to get to oxford from london, best time to visit oxford, where to stay in oxford.

Breakfast at The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

The first thing to do on an Oxford day trip is grab a filling breakfast. If you’re coming to Oxford on a day trip from London then you’ll either be coming from Gloucester Green bus station or the train station.

The Handle Bar is in the centre of Oxford, just a few minutes away from the bus station and less than ten minutes from the train station. It’s on your way to all the good stuff so it’s the perfect place to start the day.

RELATED: The Best Brunch in Oxford

The Handle Bar is one of my favourite brunch locations in Oxford and where you’ll find the best avocado on toast in the city.

A slice of sourdough bread is topped with a healthy dollop of smashed avocado as well as feta cheese, paprika and chilli. It’s so damn good!

The name hints at this cafe’s unique decor and inside you’ll find a number of bikes hanging from the ceiling as decor. It’s located above a bike shop in a bright, airy space that is a lovely place to start the day.

RELATED: The Best Cafes in Oxford

Address : 28-32, St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2EB Opening Hours : 8am – 6pm Monday and Tuesday 8am – 11pm Wednesday to Friday 9am – 11pm Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday Website : www.handlebaroxford.co.uk

Climb University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Now that you’ve fuelled up, it’s time to see just what Oxford is all about. And what better place to see the dreaming spires of Oxford than from the skies?

No, unfortunately, you won’t be going up in a hot air balloon (though Virgin do offer hot air balloon rides over the city!), instead, you’ll be climbing the narrow, windy steps of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

That probably doesn’t sound quite so appealing but you’ll thank me when you get to the top and see the amazing view over Oxford. Given that the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is on one side of Radcliffe Square you’ll get a wonderful view of the iconic Radcliffe Camera and the city of dreaming spires from the top.

With only one day in Oxford, you sadly won’t manage to zip around the entire town so a trip up here is a great way to get a wide look at the city.

To your right, you’ll see right into All Souls College, one of Oxford University’s most elusive colleges with only around 10 post-graduate students each year.

Address : High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ Opening Hours : 9:30am – 5pm Monday to Saturday; 12pm – 5pm Sunday Price : £5 Website : www.universitychurch.ox.ac.uk/content/opening-times

Admire the Radcliffe Camera

You’ve seen the Radcliffe Camera from the top, now it’s time to get up close and personal. From Radcliffe Square, you’ll be able to walk around this rotund library and appreciate the sheer size of this structure.

It was built in the middle of the eighteenth century and has a neo-classical design. This sandy-coloured stone is iconic of Oxford as most of the university’s buildings are this colour.

The square surrounding it is paved with cobblestones, another typical feature of Oxford, though it’s rather uncomfortable to walk across!

Inside, the library is usually packed with Oxford University students and there are a whopping 600,000 books inside. Impressive stuff!

The only way for tourists to visit the inside is on a 90-minute guided tour and it’s well worth adding this to your Oxford day trip itinerary. More on the Bodleian Library tours below.

This is probably the most popular photo spot in Oxford so make sure you get lots of good pics here!

RELATED: Where to Get the Best Views of the Radcliffe Camera

Address : Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 3BG

Take pictures of the Bridge of Sighs

Less than a minute from the Radcliffe Camera is another iconic Oxford landmark – The Bridge of Sighs. This is a floating passage joining two parts of Hertford College and is named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

Whilst it looks like something from times gone by, this structure is actually much newer than a lot of other parts of Oxford as it was completed in 1914.

Taking pictures of the Bridge of Sighs is an absolute must on any Oxford day trip and if you’re really lucky you might snap a shot of a student cycling through underneath too!

Address : Bridge of Sighs, New College Ln, Oxford OX1 3BL

Go on a tour of the Bodleian Library

Not only are the libraries of Oxford stunning on the outside, but they’re also all stunning on the inside. Whilst the Radcliffe Camera is the iconic symbol of Oxford, the Bodleian Library is actually a group of libraries that are spread across the city.

For a glimpse inside some of the historic reading rooms, you’ll need to book yourself a guided tour. These are very popular and sell out quick so make sure to book this in advance of your day trip to Oxford!

RELATED: Inside 8 of Oxford University’s Most Beautiful Libraries

There are a number of different options available with a 30, 60 and 90-minute tour.

As a book lover, I will, of course, recommend the full 90-minute tour. This includes Radcliffe Camera, Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellors Court and Duke Humfrey’s Library.

If you’re only here for Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations then the 30-minute tour will suffice.

This consists of just the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library. The former served as the hospital wing at Hogwarts and the latter was the restricted section of Hogwarts library.

RELATED: A Guide to Harry Potter in Oxford

Address : Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG Price: £6-15 Website : https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours/tours-for-individuals

Grab a Bite to Eat

If you’re visiting Oxford in the summer then the Vaults & Garden is the perfect place for lunch as they have outdoor seating with amazing views of the Radcliffe Camera. You can order your food inside then bring it out on a cute, floral tray to enjoy your meal in the sunshine.

The menu is short and sweet and varies on a day-to-day basis since the ingredients are delivered fresh each day. There’s slow-roasted lamb shoulder or Oxford cheese rarebit, for example. It’s also vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Check out the menu for yourself here .

RELATED: Things to Do in Oxford in the Summer

Address : University Church, 1 Radcliffe Square, Oxford, OX1 4AH Opening Hours : 8am – 6pm every day Website : www.thevaultsandgarden.com

If you’re visiting in the winter then I’d recommend visiting Quod instead. It’s just a few minutes away on the main high street and is one of Oxford’s more luxurious restaurants.

However, on weekdays you can enjoy a set course at this wonderful restaurant for just £19.95 for 2 courses or £23.95 for 3 courses.

No 1 Ship Street is also close by with a lunch set menu from Monday to Saturday.

For something more casual, pop back to the Covered Market for a variety of different sit-down and takeaway food options.

RELATED: Best Cafes in Oxford

It’s quite a large space but it is also very popular with students and locals alike so you may find that it’s quite busy at lunchtime. Fortunately, you can easily book a table online via Open Table .

Address : 16-17 Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DH Opening Hours : 8am – 4pm every day

Browse the Covered Market

After lunch, have a wander through Oxford’s covered market. It’s full of small, independent shops and you may find a cool souvenir or two. It’s a labyrinth of shops and you never know what you might find so just explore!

With a local florist, butchers, fruitmongers and more, the Oxford Covered Market feels like a slice of time gone by. You’ll also find leather crafts, homemade cakes and other trinkets worth browsing.

And if you’ve still got room after lunch, pick up a gloriously gooey cookie from Ben’s Cookies or a super sweet milkshake from MooMoo’s Milkshake, also in the covered market.

Address : Market Street, Oxford, OX1 3DZ Opening Hours : 8am-5:30pm Monday to Friday; 8am-6pm Saturday; 10am-5pm Sunday Website : oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk

Visit Christ Church, Oxford

Now it’s time to go on a tour of one of the best Oxford colleges . Christ Church is one of the most famous colleges and is very popular with tourists because it’s home to a number of Harry Potter filming locations. The Great Hall in the Harry Potter films was modelled on the Great Hall at Christ Church, where students dine every evening.

What’s more, the steps leading up to said dining hall were used in the first Harry Potter film. You may remember that McGonagall stands tapping her fingers at the top of a flight of stone stairs whilst she awaits the arrival of the new students. That’s these very stairs!

Check out my free self-guided Harry Potter Oxford tour for more information on these filming locations.

However, there’s more to Christ Church than Harry Potter. For book lovers, this college is also where Lewis Carroll first met the real-life Alice in Wonderland.

There’s also Oxford’s (only) cathedral hidden away in this college. The front quad is one of the largest quadrangles in Europe. You’ll have to visit to find out all the secrets of Christ Church!

RELATED: The Best and Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges

If you’ve got time, check out Christ Church Meadow too. It’s a huge patch of green taking you all the way down to the river and makes for a wonderful walk. If you’re lucky, you may even see some Oxford rowers out on the water!

Address : St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP Price : £15 Opening Hours : 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, 2pm – 5pm Sundays Website : https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/

Explore the Museum of Natural History

The Ashmolean is an amazing museum, no doubt about it. But if you’re only in Oxford for one day, then my personal recommendation would be to visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History instead. It’s much smaller but full of intriguing exhibits.

It’s a beautiful neo-gothic building but if you think the outside is impressive, just wait until you step inside!

The skeleton parade is eerily beautiful and one of my favourite photo spots in Oxford. This a small but fascinating collection of animal skeletons which are displayed along the length of the museum.

Another one of my favourite things to see here is the Dodo. Yes, that mythical bird from Alice in Wonderland was once real.

In fact, the specimen here supposedly has just enough matter on it for scientists to be able to one day recreate the Dodo and maybe bring it back from extinction! Pretty cool, huh?

RELATED: A Guide to Alice in Wonderland in Oxford

If you head towards the back of the museum, you’ll find that there’s actually another museum hidden inside the museum.

This is the Pitt Rivers Museum, which has to be one of the unique places to see in Oxford. There are over 600,000 objects in this space, which come from just about every corner of the world! Look out for the shrunken heads.

Yes, the shrunken heads.

RELATED: The Best Free Things to Do in Oxford

Address: Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW Price: FREE Opening hours : 10am-5pm every day Website : www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk

Have Dinner at The Rickety Press

The Rickety Press is one of my favourite places to eat in Oxford and I always try to pop in for either brunch, lunch or dinner when I’m in this city. It’s the place to go for pizzas and burgers in Oxford.

The burgers are oh so juicy and you can get an enormous portion of fries on the side. As for the pizzas, the dough is just amazing. I always buy the dip for £1 extra just for the dough.

There’s a range of seating from intimate booths to tables for two or even a large table for groups. No matter who you’re dining with, the Rickety Press is a great option in Oxford.

There’s usually a great atmosphere inside in the evenings with lots of drinks on offer and the staff are great too.

What’s more, there are some great offers here throughout the week. On Mondays, there are half-price burgers all day and the pizzas are half price at lunchtime from Tuesday to Friday! Dreamy.

Looking for something a little fancier? Head to Gee’s instead.

Address : 67 Cranham St, Oxford, OX2 6DE Opening Hours : 9am – 11pm every day (12am Friday/Saturday) Website : dodopubs.com/locations/the-rickety-press

Grab a pint at a traditional Oxford pub

Normally I’d recommend the historic Eagle & Child pub without reservation. But unfortunately, that pub is temporarily closed as it seeks to raise funds for a refurbishment.

Instead, check out The Bear, a tiny, cosy little pub nestled behind Christ Church, Turf Tavern, a favourite amongst film crews who have graced Oxford, or the King’s Arms, for both indoor and outdoor seating. If cocktails are more your thing, I’d recommend House Bar behind Christ Church.

More about the Eagle & Child:

There are so many wonderful pubs in Oxford. Almost as many as there are cafes in Oxford . However, one of my favourites will always be the Eagle & Child on St Giles’ because of its literary history.

You may have heard of authors Lewis Caroll and J R R Tolkien. They were part of a literary circle called “The Inklings” where they would share their work with like-minded individuals and critique each others’ writing.  

In fact, it was at one of these meetings that C S Lewis first handed out the proofs for  The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe !

The Inklings used to gather at the Eagle & Child on Tuesdays at midday but I’d recommend saving this stop for the end of your Oxford day trip. You deserve a pint after all that exploring and can really sit back and relax!

This pub is only a 7-minute walk from Gloucester Green bus station and a 14-minute walk from Oxford train station so you’re well placed to make the journey home after a jam-packed day trip to Oxford!

RELATED: Things to do in Oxford in the Evening

Address : 49 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LU Opening Hours : 11am – 11pm every day (closes 10:30pm Sundays) Website : www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

I hope you find my Oxford day trip itinerary helpful and you have a wonderful day in the city of dreaming spires! If you’d prefer to explore the city on a guided tour then you can go on a walking tour of Oxford, such as one of the below.

Getting from London to Oxford couldn’t be easier and either the train, bus or car are all very convenient routes.

By Train 

There are regular trains from London Paddington to Oxford. The station is a little way out of the city centre but you can then take a bus or walk into town. Book via the Trainline  for the cheapest tickets.

The Oxford Tube is a super convenient and cheap bus service that’ll take you from the centre of London straight into the heart of Oxford. If you’re taking this route, I’d recommend getting off at the High Street so that you can walk to Radcliffe Square in just 3 minutes. 

Oxford is only an hour / hour and a half drive from the centre of London. It’s a very easy drive down via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

Oxford is a university town and is therefore much busier during term times. Oxford University terms are very short and only last eight weeks.

The autumn term, known as Michaelmas, usually stretches from early October to early December. The spring term, known as Hilary, usually stretches from mid-January to mid-March. The summer term, known as Trinity, usually stretches from the end of April to mid-June.

If you want to visit Oxford when it is quieter, you may wish to avoid going on an Oxford day trip during Oxford University term times. You may also find that more things are open whilst the students aren’t there as some sites may have restricted hours for tourists during term time.

That said, if you are keen to catch glimpses of Oxford University student life, you may prefer to visit whilst the city is filled with students. If you manage to figure out what dates matriculation or graduation are on, you may even spot the students wandering around in their big black gowns.

Personally, I would visit when the students aren’t around, but it’s really up to you!

In terms of which season to visit Oxford in, as with most of England, the summers are much, much more pleasant. Summers in Oxford are glorious with freshly mown lawns, sunny outdoor spaces and the option to go punting.

If you liked this post, check out these: Best Brunch in Oxford Coffeeshops and Cafes in Oxford Free Things to Do in Oxford Things to Do in Summer in Oxford Things to Do in the Evening in Oxford Bookshops in Oxford Best Oxford Colleges to Visit Harry Potter in Oxford Alice in Wonderland in Oxford Saltburn Filming Locations in Oxford

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Friday 11th of December 2020

As someone who has been living in Oxford since 2014 and who is a newbie blogger, I cannot tell you how excited I am to find you and this post! Love this! -Elizabeth xx

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Tuesday 4th of February 2020

This makes me miss Oxford! Can't wait to be back there!

Oxford Travel Guide (Practical tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 6, 2024

Our Oxford Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most famous university cities in the world. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Oxford!

Plan your visit to Oxford

Located only 60 miles (90 km) north-west of London in the county of Oxfordshire is the city of Oxford, home to arguably the world’s most famous and prestigious university.

Nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires” Oxford is a compact city with many of its main sights situated close to each other.

Oxford is one of England’s most beautiful cities and a popular day trip from London easily reached by train from the capital. Plan to spend the day exploring the University’s famous colleges, magnificent medieval buildings & museums.

What you will find in this complete Oxford Travel Guide

Map of Oxford

When is the best time of year to visit oxford, how many days do you need in oxford, what is the best way to explore oxford, which city should i visit – oxford or cambridge, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to oxford, attractions and things to do in oxford and the surrounding area, accommodation in oxford, tickets, tours & attractions in oxford, best day trips from oxford, books to read before visiting oxford, enjoy your visit to oxford.

Oxford travel guide – Visiting Oxford FAQ’s

Oxford is a beautiful destination whatever time of year you plan to visit.

The summer months are busy with visitors from the UK and abroad flocking to explore the sights.

If you plan to stay in Oxford we recommend booking accommodation in advance during peak season.

During the winter Oxford is quieter but a truly magical experience when frost or snow covers the city.

Spring heralds in blossom-covered trees and colourful flowers across the city whilst visitors during the Autumn will be greeted by multi-coloured leaf displays of golds and reds. Oxford is simply stunning whenever you choose to visit.

It is possible to see the main sights and attractions of Oxford in a day but if you are an art or history lover we recommend 2 days to fully explore the cities museums and colleges.

Oxford is also a great base for further exploration of Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds by car or tour.

The historic centre of Oxford is easy to explore on foot. Alternatively consider buying tickets on the Oxford hop-on-hop-off bus tour and enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off for 24 or 48 hours.

I would say visit both if you can fit them into your itinerary. Both cities have their own unique charms.

Oxford is the larger city and has lots of things to see and do so could easily fill 2 days if you wish to explore all its colleges and museums. It is also the perfect destination to visit if you are considering a road trip to the Cotswolds. If you are a Harry Potter fan head to Oxford where you will find several film locations used in a number of the movies.

Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford. There is less to do and see but it is a beautiful and easy city to explore in a day and well worth visiting. Enjoy a stroll along the river Cam, try punting, and enjoy the cities stunning architecture. Read more about Cambridge in my Cambridge Travel Guide .

As I have mentioned both cities are doable day trips from London by train. If you only have one day and want to see both cities take this Oxford & Cambridge Day Tour from London .

What is the best way to travel to Oxford from London?

Oxford is an easy day trip from London but with so much to do and see it is worth considering spending a few days there to fully appreciate the city.

It is also the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds . The UNESCO World Heritage listed Blenheim Palace is also close to Oxford.

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Oxford for the day or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

• Distance from London: 52 miles / 83 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour
• Leave from: London Paddington/ London Marylebone

Although located only 54 miles and an hour drive from London I recommend taking the train! Oxford is one of the least car-friendly cities in the UK and it is not worth the hassle if you can avoid it.

If you are planning to visit Oxford as part of a UK road trip and it is your first destination after London I recommend travelling to Oxford by train and picking up a rental car at the station.

If you are travelling to Oxford by car from other UK destinations note that car parking in the city centre is limited and expensive. 5 Park and Ride sites are available if you plan to visit for the day but do take into consideration the additional time you will need. Alternatively, if you plan to stay for longer book accommodation which includes parking.

🚙 Considering a road trip around Scotland? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to familiarise yourself with it before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK 🚗

There are many day tours available which include Oxford in their itinerary. If you are pushed for time we recommend considering booking a tour from London to see the highlights of the city.

• Day Trip to Highclere Castle and Oxford – Relive scenes from Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, set in 1000 acres of beautiful countryside, followed by a visit to the university city of Oxford.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip – Escape the hustle and bustle of London and spend the day exploring the historic city of Oxford and the traditional stone villages of the Cotswolds. Travel in comfort through the countryside on a small group tour with a knowledgeable guide.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Tour from London – Depart London for a magical day out on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour–The Making of Harry Potter, followed by a visit to the University of Oxford. The full-day trip includes admission to the studio tour and a professional guided walk in Oxford.
• Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip – Discover Oxford on a guided walking tour from London. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see William Shakespeare’s birthplace as well as his schoolroom and guildhall. Explore inside Warwick Castle.

Click the links for more information about the best things to do in Oxford plus places we recommend visiting in the surrounding area.

ONE DAY IN OXFORD ITINERARY – BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

VISITING BLENHEIM PALACE

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN OXFORD

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

There are numerous walking tours of Oxford available. Choose the tour that interests you the most – for fans of Inspector Morse and Harry Potter there are excellent themed tours available.

If you prefer to tour the city with a university graduate this is also possible and a great way to learn about life for students at this hallowed university.

• University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide – Learn about life at the prestigious university from your student guide. This tour is also available as a private walking tour if you prefer to customise your tour.
• Making of Harry Potter Tour – Explore Oxford through the eyes of Harry Potter and other characters from the Harry Potter movies on a 1.5 to 2-hour tour. Discover how student life at Hogwarts compares with an Oxford education. Test your knowledge with a Potter-mania quiz.
• Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Walking Tour of Oxford – Follow in the footsteps of the fictional Inspector Morse and his sidekick Lewis on a TV locations tour of Oxford. See sites from the books and TV shows created by the author Colin Dexter.
• Private Punting Trip with Optional Walking Tour – Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour outing on the river and learn all about Oxford university, student life, and its proud rowing traditions. Have the option to also add on a guided walking tour afterward.

Oxford is the perfect base for day trips to surrounding areas including the Cotswolds and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace.

I have handpicked the best tours available from Oxford through Get Your Guide (we book most of our day tours and organised activities through Get Your Guide due to their great customer service and cancellation policy)

• Cotswold Explorer Full-Day Tour – Take an unforgettable drive through the glorious Cotswolds, visiting sleepy stone villages, hidden valleys, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy hearing the history and stories of the old wool and market towns and browsing in the quirky shops and cafes.
• Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace Small-Group Tour – Meander through the quaint villages of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water, and explore the rich history of Blenheim Palace.
• Blenheim Palace Guided Tour – Enjoy a guided tour of one of England’s most famous palaces and gardens and home to the Churchill family and Duke of Marlborough. Learn about the events which led to the creation of Blenheim Palace. Enjoy a private tour for a maximum of 4 persons.

Oxford is proud of its literary heritage and connections with many famous authors who have studied or taught at one of its colleges. To fully appreciate and enjoy your visit to Oxford we recommend reading some of their works.

These include

• Lewis Carroll
• Oscar Wilde
• JRR Tolkien
• John Betjeman
• Philip Pullman

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Oxford. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

• Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Liverpool Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
• York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has lots of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Escape to Britain

England, Scotland, & Wales Travel and Culture Blog

South East · April 22, 2019

An Oxford Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Oxford Itinerary

Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

Easy to visit as a day trip from London and well worth a visit in its own right, the City of Dreaming Spires (a.k.a. Oxford) deserves a place on any UK bucket list. And with highlights such as the oldest university in England, many a museum, and some stunning architecture, there’s no shortage of things to do in this fantastic British city. Here’s your perfect guide and itinerary for how to spend one day in Oxford !

Morning in Oxford

Start your day the right way by heading to one of Oxford’s many quaint cafés for a spot of tea or a well-brewed coffee. Personal recommendations for coffee shops in the city include The Grand Café (the oldest café in England is so old that it was even mentioned in Samuel Pepys’ diary of 1650) and Vaults and Garden. 

The latter café, as its name would suggest, is tucked away beneath the vaults of a 14th-century building and provides excellent views onto the Radcliffe Camera (known also as the RadCam). There are indoor and outdoor seating options available. After your morning brew, head out to explore the city.

A walking tour is often the best way to get to know a city, including its many hidden gems, secret spots, and offbeat destinations. On your stroll around Oxford, be sure to spot the Oxford Castle district, the Bodleian Library (you can enter the Divinity school for a few pounds) , and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. For the best view of the city, be sure to go up the tower of St Mary the Virgin!

Afternoon in Oxford

Feeling peckish? Oxford has no shortage of fantastic cafés, brasseries, and restaurants to suit every budget. Thanks to its status as a student city, there’s plenty of cheap eats. Some of the best speciality brunch spots in the city include The Rickety Press (67 Cranham St, Oxford OX2 6DE) and The Missing Bean (14 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DQ) , which features literary-inspired steps to actually get inside the establishment!

Post-lunch, it’s time to explore some of the University Colleges that the city is so famous for. What you may well not know before visiting Oxford, is that you can actually visit the colleges, admire their architecture, and soak up the rich history and ambience of the buildings.

Some colleges are more expensive to visit than others, while a few colleges are actually entirely free to enter! Fancy seeking out some Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford? Well, for a glimpse of the location that inspired the Harry Potter ‘Great Hall,’ head into Christ Church College (which is also where the Cathedral that makes Oxford a city can be found) .

Otherwise, entrance into Exeter College is free and provides a glimpse of university life without the price tag of many of the other colleges! Following your visit to the University, there are a few different things you could do.

Following on from the wizarding Harry Potter theme, why not scout out some other film/ book inspiration locations such as those from Alice in Wonderland? Otherwise, there are a plethora of museums to enjoy, including the free to visit Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Evening in Oxford

Thanks to its status as a student city, there’s no shortage of drinking establishments around Oxford in the form of bars, pubs, taverns, and inns. Many of these are incredibly historical, with the Lamb & Flag alleged to be the place where Thomas Hard wrote much of Jude the Obscure and The Eagle and Child, which was once frequented by the likes of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.

However, if you’re looking for one of the most unusual things to do in Oxford, then you should undoubtedly head to the FREVD bar. Located within the walls of a former 19th-century Neo-Classical Church, this bar serves reasonably priced cocktails and has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Things to know before visiting Oxford for the first time

The city is small and compact, making it easy to walk around and enjoy all of the major Oxford attractions on foot. With this being said, there are plenty of uneven pavements and cobbled lanes, meaning you’ll want to leave your high heels at home. Instead, wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in!

Next, if you want to enjoy the city without the crowds, then you should consider a visit during the shoulder seasons. What this means is making a trip to Oxford in the late spring or early autumn, i.e. just before/ after the summer months when tourist numbers (and prices) in the city are at their highest.

Finally, the best way to enjoy Oxford is over the course of several days, meaning that you’ll likely want to book a place to stay in the city, even if it’s just for one night. Thanks to its status as a must-see destination, many of the best places to stay fill up fast. Check here for the best accommodation rates in Oxford.

How to visit Oxford as a day trip from London

Have just one day in Oxford and don’t want to miss out on anything? Be sure to wake up early! You’ll want to catch a train as soon as you can so as to pack in as much as possible during your day trip to Oxford from London. Located around 60 miles Northwest of London, there are a few ways to reach the City of Dreaming Spires from the UK capital.

Of course, you can always take a car! However, since transport links between the city are so great, and the cost of parking a car is so high, I would recommend not using this option. The cheapest way to reach the city is via bus and both National Express and the Oxford Bus Company offer service between the cities.

Last but not least, the most convenient way to get to Oxford is by train. The journey takes around an hour each way and if you purchase open-end tickets, then you’ll be free to come and go as you please. Check this website for times, prices, and further information.

Finally, if you have a little more time to explore the area, then there are plenty of wonderful side excursions and day trips to take from Oxford. The Cotswolds is on the doorstep of the university city and provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy chocolate box villages and stunning scenery. From Oxford, you can easily also visit the villages of Witney, Burford, and Bibury!

London to Oxford day trips, tours & excursions

Oxford, stratford, and cotswolds: day trip from london.

If you’re looking to enjoy multiple cities (as well as the beautiful British countryside) as a day excursion from London, then you might consider booking this tour. Included in the ticket is a full ten-hour trip to Stratford-upon-Avon (birthplace of William Shakespeare), followed by a drive through the stunning Cotswolds, and then a visit to the city of Oxford.

Check prices and availability here.

From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour

For those who are short on time but who still wish to discover some of the most iconic day trips from London, this full day trip is for you! First up, there’s the chance to see Windsor Castle (the official residence of the Queen). Next, there’s a wander around the legendary Stonehenge and finally there’s a visit to the city of Oxford.

Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip from London

Though some of the other day trips from London are wonderful if you’re looking to see everything in one go, if you prefer to travel at a slower and more relaxed pace in order to soak up each destination, then you might consider focusing on just one or two. This day tour from London to Oxford includes a chance to see picture perfect Bibury, as well as soak up the sights of Oxford itself.

Full-Day Downton Abbey, Oxford and Bampton Tour from London

Fancy seeing the real-life Dowton Abbey? Well, Highclere Castle is where the series was filmed and this day trip will take you to the country house, as well as Bampton Village, which is also featured in the hit TV series. The excursion from London will also take you to Oxford where you can enjoy the university city!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Oxford and spending one day in the city

Is oxford worth a day trip.

In our opinion

Oxford is worth more than a day trip and you should aim to spend a long weekend in the City of Dreaming Spires if you truly want to soak up the sights and attractions that this stunning UK destination has to offer. With this being said, if you’re short on time, then a day trip from London to Oxford is well worth it and offers an exciting insight into the historic university town.

Is Oxford walkable?

Due to its compact nature (with most of the main attractions within a short distance of one another), Oxford is easily one of the most walkable cities in Europe. With this being said, there are plenty of cobbled lanes and so you’ll want to pack a good pair of shoes which are easy to walk around in (such as sneakers). Alternatively, you can see the city via a hop-on-hop off bus tour like this one.

Is Oxford expensive?

Though perhaps not quite as expensive as strolling around London for a weekend, it’s certainly fair to say that Oxford is one of the more expensive cities to visit in England, if not all of the UK. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Oxford so that you can have fun in the city, no matter what your travelling budget.

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About Sophie Nadeau

Sophie Nadeau is a travel, history, and culture writer based in the UK. With a love of all things photography-related, castles, and sweet food, she runs her popular blog, solosophie.com when she's not chasing after a sunset or hiking in the English countryside.

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Cafes and Getaways

Ultimate london to oxford day trip itinerary.

Last updated on August 5th, 2023

Oxford is a remarkable city best known as being home to Oxford University. Located around 60 miles from London , Oxford is a popular day trip activity with much to do.

It is not only a magnificently beautiful campus with centuries of history but former home to some of the most famous writers of all time, including Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, and JRR Tolkien, to name a few. Walking down the same corridors of some of the greatest writers of all time is one of the most memorable experiences any literary lover can have. 

No London to Oxford day trip is complete without visiting the historic campus. Oxford University is open to the public for both self-guided and guided tours, and there are many other things to do in the area. 

From lush gardens, medieval castles, and old shops, the charming city is full of spectacular attractions. And since the city center is walkable, you can fit a lot into your one-day itinerary.

Whether you want to visit Oxford for the day or prefer a quiet weekend getaway, this guide covers all the top things to do in and around the area for first-time visitors. 

How to Get to Oxford from London

Oxford is located around 60 miles from London in the county of Oxfordshire. Due to its proximity to the city, Oxford is one of the top day trips from London. Here are the best ways to get from London to Oxford.

If you feel comfortable driving in and around London, a car can get you to Oxford in about an hour and a half. Once in Oxford, there are several different paid parking areas for you to use. Unless you are planning to leave the city center, you will not need a car once you are there. 

Check Rates & Availability

London to Oxford Tour

Another option for visiting Oxford for a day is by joining a guided tour. Tours take the guesswork out of travel, including transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes lunch. You also have the added knowledge of a guide throughout the entire journey. 

Guided Tours also make sense if you want to visit multiple locations in one day. In addition, you can visit other famous places such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds villages nearby. 

London to Oxford Day-Trip Tours

• Cotswolds and Oxford Guided Day-Trip
• Harry Potter Studies and Oxford Day Trip from London
• Warwick Castle, Oxford, and Stratford Full-Day Tour
• Oxford and Windsor Castle Day Trip

Take the Bus

Another popular way to get to Oxford is by bus. Buses take a little longer than driving but are a much cheap alternative. Oxford Bus Company is the main bus company in the city. You can also purchase tickets through Omio , an excellent resource for finding inexpensive tickets. Buses run every 20 minutes with routes available from early morning to late at night.

Ride the Train

The train is the quickest option if you are traveling from London. It takes about an hour to reach Oxford this way. The easiest route from the city is from Paddington Station, which offers direct train access to the university, with trains running every 30 minutes. 

The Oxford train and bus stations are just a 10-minute walk from the city center. To save money on tickets, purchase yours in advance. The prices will be much higher if you wait until the day off to buy them. For example, a one-way ticket costs £14 if you purchase ahead of time, and £32 with a return ticket. 

Getting Around Oxford

Walking is the best way to get around the central section of Oxford. Most things to do are around the university; if you stay at a hotel nearby, you can walk to almost anything. In addition, you can take a public bus to further out attractions like Blenheim Palace or join a hop on hop off bus tour. 

Another way to get around is by bike, as many students do. Bainton Bikes is the leading bike rental company that offers pick-up locations throughout the city. Download their app to find bike rental locations, unlock your bike, and return it to another nearby location when you’re done.

Where to Stay in London

Are you deciding on staying in Oxford for more than one day? There are several accommodations available within walking distance of Oxford University. Depending on the time of year, you can also stay in campus lodging for a convenient budget option. 

Here are some great places to stay in Oxford for all budgets. These accommodations are within 1 mile of the city center, making getting around by foot or bus easy. 

Old Bank Hotel

The Old Bank Hotel is in an old Georgian-styled home adorned with gargoyles and intricate stonework that reflects the architecture of Oxford University. With modernly decorated rooms, complimentary bikes, a restaurant, and a garden terrace, The Old Bank Hotel is the perfect retreat for your stay in Oxford. 

Luxury Hotel | Check Rates

Cotswold Lodge Hotel

Stay in a charming Victorian mansion with cozy rooms, elegant period features, and an award-winning restaurant. The Cotswold Lodge Hotel is a short 12-minute walk to the city center, making it the perfect place for those looking for a quiet stay. 

Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates

Royal Oxford Hotel

The Royal Oxford Hotel is close to the top city attractions and within walking distance of restaurants and pubs. It is the perfect budget option for a relaxing weekend in Oxford. 

Budget Hotel | Check Rates

London to Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

The following itinerary takes you to all the main sites that anyone should see during their first time in Oxford. I will also highlight other things to do if you decide to stay longer, which I recommend you do! To start your day, you can join a guided tour or visit the sites on your own.

Oxford Day Trip – Morning

Take a guided or self-guided tour.

The best way to start your day is with a walking tour around the city center. You can either join a guided tour or take a self-guided one instead. There are a variety available, including bus and guided walking tours that take you around the city if you are interested in learning the history of the city and its main sites. 

These tours take you to many of the city’s and university’s main sites. Depending on which you choose, the time may vary. However, most begin at 11:00 am, with additional availabilities in the afternoon. 

Another option is to take a self-guided city tour and join a college tour instead. Some of the most popular colleges, such as Christ Church and Divinity School, have their own guided tours led by Oxford students. 

The Oxford: University and City Walking Tour is a great tour to join if you want to learn about the university’s history. Your guide will take you to several iconic spots on campus, including the Radcliffe Camera, Church of St. Mary, Trinity College, and Bodleian Library. 

Oxford Walking Tours is another terrific tour company. The City Walking Tour will take you past some of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford, including the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs. You will also gain access to several university buildings, such as New College and the library. 

For Harry Potter fans, this themed tour focuses on all the film locations throughout Oxford. Your guide will take you to the three main filming areas, the Divinity School, New College, and Christ Church College.

The Harry Potter Oxford Tour even grants you access to the Bodleian Library, used as the Hogwarts library in the movies. As a bonus, you will learn how Oxford inspired another famous author, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.  

Prefer to explore the city while relaxing on the water? The Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise takes you on the Thames River past several points of interest. The cruise includes drinks and a picnic lunch in addition to a guide.

Stop by the Radcliffe Camera

If you decide to join a tour, chances are the Radcliffe Camera will be one of your stops. On the other hand, if you prefer exploring on your own, you’ll start your day here. Once you reach Oxford, it will be a short walk to the city center, where you will find Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera. 

The Radcliffe Camera is one of the most well-known buildings in Oxford. It is absolutely gorgeous and located in the city center. It was designed in a dome shape with a 140-foot rotunda, one of the largest in England. 

The university added the building in 1737 specifically for the Radcliffe Science Library, which is still housed there today. The building can only be visited as part of the 90-minute Bodleian Library tour.

The Bodleian Library is another top thing to do in Oxford, which I will talk about later. If you decide to join the longer library tours, you can visit the Radcliffe Camera later in the day.

Climb up to St. Mary the Virgin Tower

Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Sunday.

St. Mary, the Virgin Tower, is one of the best viewpoints in Oxford. It is not precisely known when the original church was built, but St. Mary’s was constructed in the 12th century and has been an essential part of the university ever since.  

The old Gothic tower is the only thing that remains of the original church, having been constructed in the late 1200s. The medieval tower allows you to take in the city’s spectacular architecture from above, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera.

For just £5, you can climb the 127 steps to the top. Once you’ve explored the church, purchase your tickets to the gift shop. 

Visit the Oxford University Colleges

Oxford University was officially opened in 1248, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is made up of 38 colleges scattered around the campus. Most of these colleges are open to visitors who allow specific areas to be accessed for a small fee.

Entrances times and dates change throughout the year depending on the college’s events, and each building has its own specific calendar. For up-to-date information, check the college’s website for admittance guidelines and availabilities. 

The university does have some guided tours available if you’d like to explore inside the university since most city tours do not grant you access. You can also access several buildings on your own. 

Christ Church College, Trinity College, New College, and Magdalen College are open to visitors and are three of the most beautiful buildings on campus. If you are only visiting Oxford for one day, these would be the ones to visit.

Christ Church College

Christ Church College is the top on the list to visit while in Oxford. It is the most prestigious of all the colleges, which says something, and was founded in 1525. It is also where some of the top prime ministers went to school as well as Albert Einstein and Lewis Carol.

It is one of the prominent filming locations of the Harry Potter films. The dining hall is mainly famous as it was recreated as Hogwarts Great Hall.  In addition to Harry Potter, Christ Church College has close ties with Alice in Wonderland. It was here that Lewis Carroll came up with the idea while he was a student.

He wrote the fictional character after Alice Liddell, the Dean of Christ Church’s daughter. There are several elements in the novels that Alice and the city inspired. 

You can access Christ College for a small fee, giving visitors access to several locations. Since this site is popular, the college also offers several guided tours. Tickets are available every Friday at 9:00 am for the previous week online. 

Due to the number of available tickets, I recommend purchasing yours in advance . In addition, buying your tickets online will save you a few dollars and allow you to see if specific areas will be closed on the day you plan to visit.

Self-guided tours range from £16-19 for adults depending on the time of year. Family passes are also available from £50-59 and come with four admission tickets.

Multimedia Guides are included in the self-guided tour and come in 12 different languages, with the option of a family multimedia tour that includes interactive activities for children. 

Multimedia Tour Sites: Meadow Quad, Hall Staircase, Great Hall, Tom Quad, Peck Quad, Cathedral, Cloisters, Picture Gallery (separate ticket required)

Some of the above sites may be closed to the public for specific dates and times, depending on events. These closures should be indicated at the time of booking.

Guided Tours:

• 30-Minute Highlights Tour – Visit the Hall Stairs, Great Hall, Tom Quad, and Cloister ( £10 online/ £12 at the door)
• 60 Minute Past and Present Tour – Includes the same locations as the 30-minute tour, but your guide will go into the history of the college ( £20 online/ £22 at the door)
• 30-Minute Cathedral Guided Tour – Cathedral and Cloister ( £10 online/ £12 at the door)
• 60 Minute Past and Present Tour – Includes the same locations as the 30-minute tour, but your guide will go into the history of the Cathedral ( £20 online/ £22 at the door)

Private Tours: If you are interested in a private tour, email the college at [email protected] for more information. Private tours can accommodate up to 16 people and start at £100 per person for a 30-minute tour and £200 for a 60-minute tour.

Trinity College

Trinity College is known for its extensive, lush grounds and gardens. It was founded in 1555 by Sir Thomas Pope on land which Durham College had previously stood. There were only just over a dozen scholars who’s lived at Trinity College in its early days.

Over the next few centuries, the campus and student population grew with each new president, each adding their own touches to the college. Now, Trinity College is not just one of the most beautiful in Oxford, but offers a large number of undergraduate classes, many associated with the sciences. 

A few of the main areas are open to the public for just £4 including the Dining Hall, gardens, and Chapel. Trinity College has some of the prettiest gardens and outdoor spaces in all of Oxford and I highly recommend you see them.  

New College

The name can be misleading as the college was established in 1379. However, it is another exquisite example of a Gothic style art picture of the time. One of the most recognizable areas of the college is the cloisters which featured a cameo in the Goblet of Fire as one of the school’s outdoor courtyards. 

In addition to the cloisters, the New College chapel is a beautiful area to visit as it has one of the most intricately decorated interiors in all the colleges. 

Magdalen College

Magdalen College is another beautiful building with some of the prettiest cloisters on campus as well as the large Magdalen Tower. The tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oxford and part of the college’s traditional “May Day” celebration.

Every year on May 1st, locals and students meet in front of Magdalen College to listen to the college choir sing from the tower at 6:00 am that morning. May Day was initially used to celebrate the start of spring over 500 years ago and has continued to be an ongoing tradition in the city.

Although the building itself is exquisite, another significant part of Magdalen is its deer park. For over 300 years, a herd of fallow deer has lived here and is easy to spot during the warmer months. 

Several notable figures went to Magdalen, including Oscar Wilde and Thomas Wolsey. C.S. Lewis even taught there for over 24 years. 

The college is open from 10:00 am to either 7:00 pm or dusk throughout the year, except for the Christmas holiday and special events. 

Check the college website for updated times and availability before your visit. Standards tickets are £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, visitors over 65, and students. Many visitors may also be eligible for free admission.

Oxford Day Trip – Afternoon

There are lots of different options around Oxford for lunch. One of the most popular places to eat in Oxford for lunch is the Vaults and Garden Cafe.

They have a variety of tasty breakfast and lunch items and afternoon tea . If you can, grab a seat outside with views of the Radcliffe Camera. Another popular cafe is the Grand Cafe.

For something quick, head over to the Oxford Covered Market. The market has been around since 1774, filled with more than 40 food stalls and shops. You can find anything from fresh produce to jewelry and souvenirs here. 

There are several coffee shops and cafes in the market, as well as gelato, sandwich shops, and pizza. So grab something tasty and spend some time exploring the unique boutiques.

Buy a Book a Blackwell’s

Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday.

Blackwell’s is a city staple, supplying books to students since 1879. There is literally every type of book available here in the store’s labyrinth of rooms and nooks. The Norrington Room, in particular, is so vast it has been named one of the largest bookselling rooms in the world. 

The iconic bookshop is located on Broad Street in the center of town, making it the perfect stop on your way to lunch. For you book lovers, you could spend hours inside looking through the assortment of volumes to purchase.

Stop by the Bridge of Sighs

The Hertford Bridge was first built to connect two sections of Hertford College. Due to its stunning architecture, it has become one of the top things to see in Oxford. Sir Thomas Jackson designed the bridge in 1914, a prominent architect who designed Hertford College, Trinity College, and several other buildings in Oxford. 

It has been nicknamed the “Bridge of Sighs” due to its similarity to the one in Venice, although Jackson never attended for the resemblance. Nevertheless, the bridge has become one of the top photo spots in Oxford. 

Take a Tour of the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is a collection of libraries, some of which are the oldest in Europe. Over 13 million books and artifacts are available here, including rare maps and manuscripts. 

Although there are several must-see sites for book lovers, the Bodleian Library should be top of your itinerary. Built in 1602, the Bodleian Library is an architectural marvel, but its fantastic assortment of preserved books and documents overshadow its beauty. 

It is the second-largest library in Britain, housing over 13 million manuscripts and one of the most valuable books in the world, the Gutenberg Bible. Some documents, including various Egyptian scrolls, are over 3,000 years old. Due to the value of items within the library, visitors are only allowed access through a guided tour. 

I had the opportunity to tour the library during a weekend trip to Oxford and was at a loss for words being surrounded by such priceless and important artifacts. Not to mention continuing to other important literary locations such as the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library. 

The Duke Humphrey’s Library is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library. It is one of the most beautiful libraries you will ever see and yet another filming location for the Harry Potter movies. As the main Hogwarts library, many will already be familiar with its beauty.

There are three different guided tours available for the library complex that range from 30-90 minutes in length and take place at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm each day (except for the 90-minute tour) and are open for visitors 11 years of age and above. 

Although you can purchase tickets the day of, it is best to book them in advance as they tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Here is a detailed look at the different tours available:

• 30-Minute Tour: Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library (£10 per ticket)
• 60-Minute Tour: Divinity School, Duke Humphrey’s Library, Convocation House, and the Chancellor’s Court (£15 per ticket)
• The 90-minute tour is available Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays

Divinity School

If you join the Bodleian Library Guided Tour, you will be taken around the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library. The medieval building dates back to the 15th century and is another of the university’s buildings with a cameo in the Harry Potter movies. 

The Divinity School can also be accessed on its own for just £2.50, with online reservations available. The college is open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Visiting hours may change depending on exams and special events at the college, which will be posted on the college’s website. Parts of the college, such as the Bodleian Library, can only be accessed through a guided tour. 

Oxford Day Trip – Evening

Punt along the river cherwell.

Punting is a popular pass time at Oxford, but it is much more complicated than it looks! A punt is a flat-bottom boat with a square-shaped bow. The punter stands at the bow and uses a pole to push the boat along the riverbed. It is both a fun and scenic way to see Oxford. 

You can rent a boat or pay someone to do the work for you! You can rent a punt for £30 per hour or the entire day. Since there are many pubs and restaurants along the way, you can easily spend half the day punting down the river with stops for a refreshing pint.

If you’d rather relax, you can hire a guide to take you down there river instead. A chauffeured punt ride costs £40 for 30 minutes and can also be rented for the day. Head over to Magdalen Bridge for either a rental or a guide.

The Ashmolean Museum

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Ashmolean is one of the top university museums to visit and one of the oldest public museums in Britain, having been founded in 1683. The museum can be found in an old Victorian building that spans six floors and even has a rooftop restaurant. Best of all, the Ashmolean is free to visit, but donations are always appreciated. 

You can get free admission tickets at the door or reserve them online . To skip the lines and ensure entry, I recommend booking them online in advance through the museum website. 

The museum contains many artifacts, including paintings, antiquities, and musical instruments. They even have an incredible Egyptian exhibit and works from famous artists like Michelangelo. You will also want to see the famous Alfred Jewel, owned by King Alfred the Great. 

Once you are done visiting the exhibits, head up to the rooftop for lunch at the cafe. The cafe has an extensive menu, including afternoon tea. The Ashmolean is hands down a must-see attraction while in Oxford.

Other Oxford Museums

If you have time, here are two other exciting museums to visit in Oxford.  The Museum of Oxford focuses on the history of the city. Here you can find various items, including archaeological finds and donated items from families who called the city home. 

The museum is a great place to learn about the story of the development of the influential city and the people who have lived there since its beginning. If you are interested in stopping by, the museum is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm every day except Sundays. 

The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 after General Pitt-Rivers donated his extensive archaeologic and ethnographic collection to the university. The former general hoped to give the public access to these valuable finds through a new museum. 

Here you can find an assortment of unique and interesting artifacts which have been added over the years. In addition to the 26,000 given to the university by General Pitt River, there are now over 500,00 objects on display from around the world.

Find a Cozy Pub

England is known for its pub scene, and Oxford is no exception. There are plenty of cozy pubs to stop into for a pint, many of which were popular social spots for some of the most famous writers of all time. 

Two that I recommend are the Kings Arms and Turf Tavern . The Kings Arms  is the oldest pub in Oxford, dating back to 1607. It boasted of having “the highest IQ per square foot in the world” and has been a popular place for scholars and alumni. Make a reservation if you plan on eating dinner here as they get busy. 

Turf Tavern is tucked away in one of Oxford’s old alleys. It is one of the coziest pubs in Oxford and where several famous guests used to go for drinks, including Elizabeth Taylor, Margaret Thatcher, and Ernest Hemingway. Turf Tavern is exactly what you’d expect of a historic English pub, with small rooms, passageways, and a courtyard. 

Eagle & Child is another historic pub. J.R.R Tolkien and Lewis Carol loved spending much of their time here with a small literary circle called “the Inklings” to discuss their writing. Unfortunately, Eagle and Child are currently closed for renovations, but there are plenty of equally historic pubs around the city center.

Other Things to Do in Oxford

Take a trip to blenheim palace.

Hours: The place is open daily from 10:30 am – 4:45 pm

The beautiful English country estate is located just 25 minutes from Oxford and is one of the best day tours. It is famous for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to many influential people. It is also one of England’s most stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The palace and gardens are open year-round and offer guided and self-guided tours. Tickets must be purchased in advance and with various options available depending on what parts of the palace you’d like to see. The property also has a cafe, restaurant, pizzeria, and visitor gift shop. 

Tickets for the park and garden cost £22.50, while purchasing the palace, park, and gardens pass costs £35. If you plan on buying items at the gift shop or eating at one of the palace restaurants, the privilege pass gives you a 15% discount on your purchases for just eight more. 

Getting to Blenheim Palace from Oxford

If you do not have a car, the easiest way to get there is by bus. The Stagecoach Bus S3 and Bus 7 will pick you up from Oxford City Center or Magdalen Street and take you to the palace entrance. From there, it is a scenic stroll through the park to the palace entrance. 

TRAVEL TIP: If you purchase a bus ticket, you will receive 30% off admission for traveling green.

Visit Oxford Castle

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Oxford Castle was constructed in the 11th century to defend the city from intruders. However, the castle was mainly used as a city prison for the last few centuries. Parts of the castle remain open to visitors , including the prison area, St Georgie’s Tower, and the crypt. 

The tours are extremely engaging and take you back to the castle’s and the city’s interesting past. Your guide will teach you about England’s Civil Wars and the influential people who once called Oxford Castle home. It is the perfect way to learn about the city’s darker history. 

Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens

Oxford University is home to the oldest Botanical Garden in England. There are more than 5,000 different plants here which are housed throughout the gardens and greenhouses. The walled garden is the oldest section, dating back to 1621. 

They are just £6.30 to enter and offer free tours to visitors between 10:00 and 3:00 pm.

London to Oxford Day Trip FAQs

Is Oxford worth visiting?

Absolutely! Oxford University is one of the most prestigious in the world, and the city is just as charming. There is plenty of great things to do there, especially for those who love history. In addition, Oxford is the perfect day trip from London if you want a break from the busy city.

How many days do you need in Oxford?

You can visit most of the main sites in one day, but if you’d like to experience all the city has to offer, then two days is plenty. One draw of staying in Oxford is its location to other famous destinations such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. 

Can you tour Oxford University?

You can tour a large majority of the colleges. Popular ones like Christ Church College offer both guided and self-guided tours with the ability to purchase tickets online. Others will grant access for a small entrance fee. Other sites such as the Radcliffe Camera and Humphrey’s Library can only be accessed by guided tour my non-students. 

Can you walk around Oxford in a day?

Oxford is a small city making it easily walkable. The university and main city attractions are all located in the city center making it easy to see a large number of attractions in one day. Oxford also offers bus tours and bike rentals if you prefer an alternative way to get around. 

I’ve included some of the best things to do in Oxford to help you pick and choose how you’d like to spend your day trip. If you’d like to explore more of the city and surrounding area, I recommend spending 1-2 days there. Know of any other attractions or day trips from Oxford ? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it.

Enjoyed this post? Here are some other UK destinations!

• Simple Tips for Visiting London on a Budget
• 100+ London Captions to Inspire You
• The Most Charming Towns in the Cotswolds
• Guide to Game of Thrones Ireland Locations
• 25 Best Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel Planning Resources

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. 

VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.

PLAN TRANSPORTATION

• Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
• Trains: Trainline is the best choice if you are traveling throughout England. They work with 270 companies for 45 countries in Europe and the UK. 
• Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals. 

SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies.  It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens. 

Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.

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Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Cafes and Getaways

One Day In Oxford England Itinerary, What To See and Do In A Day

Oxford is a beautiful and bustling university town. It’s a 1,000 year old scholarly city with film set grandeur and ambience.

Oxford is home to the world’s oldest English-speaking university. The town is nicknamed the “Town of Dreaming Spires.” It’s full of creamy honey-toned architecture, neat lawns, and the feel of cloistered academia.

Oxford is located just 56 miles from London, making it an easy day trip from the UK’s capital.

Here’s my recommended one day itinerary for visiting Oxford. It covers all the top attractions and and best things to do in the city. I also give you sightseeing and day trip options if you have more time in Oxford.

Oxford is renowned for the 39 separate colleges that constitute Oxford University. They are sub-communities where the students live and eat in their own worlds, developing their own history and customs.

There is no official date when Oxford University was founded.

The earliest Oxford colleges were founded in the mid 1200s. By the mid 16th century, the whole collection was complete.

Together, the colleges form an incredible square mile warren of old world stone architecture and bristling spires, all made of pretty Cotswold limestone. Bells chime all the time, as if the city is celebrating.

You definitely can’t see all the colleges with just one day in Oxford. You’ll have to pick and choose.

But you can glimpse many of them just by strolling the city center, as you take in the bookstores, pubs, and punting.

What To Do In One Day In Oxford Itinerary

Here are my picks for the top attractions and best things to do with one day in Oxford.

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this one day in Oxford itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

I also give you tips for visiting and options for other things to see near Oxford if you have more than a day.

One Day In Oxford Morning

1. breakfast.

If you haven’t had breakfast when you arrive in Oxford, pop into the Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen on St. Micheal’s Street for some avocado toast or a smoothie.

You can also grab a specialty coffee at Society Cafe . It’s a pretty bright white cafe with passionate baristas and nummy baked goods.

2. Walking Tour

You may want to start your one day in Oxford with a guided talking tour to get the lay of the land.

You can book a small group tour with a university alumnus or a private 2 hour guided walking tour . You can also book a 3 hour tour that combines walking and biking .

A guided tour will be efficient and make sure you see things or details you might otherwise miss. Then you can figure out what you specifically want to go back and see.

Some walking tours have special themes you may enjoy. For example, you could book a Tolkien and CS Lewis walking tou r or a Harry Potter tour . There’s also a hidden histories tour , which is one of the all in vogue “uncomfortable” tours.

3. Ashmolean Museum

If you didn’t book a guided walking tour, start with the venerable Ashmolean Museum . Established in 1683, the Ashmolean is one of Britain’s oldest public museums. Plus, it’s completely free to visit.

Housed in an early Victorian building, the Ashmolean has an international art and archaeology collection spread out over six floors. There’s also a fairly new rooftop terrace and restaurant where you have stunning views over the city.

The museum’s “Ancient World” galleries house collections of Islamic art, Egyptian mummies, Indian textiles, ancient documents, and even Oliver Cromwell’s death mask.

There’s an extraordinary collection of artifacts from Minoan Crete. It came courtesy of Arthur Evans, the archaeologist who excavated Knossos Palace .

Upstairs in the Italian Renaissance area, you’ll find sketches by Michelangelo and Raphael . There are also masterpieces by Uccello, Mantegna, and Bellini. The museum’s acknowledged masterpiece is Uccello’s The Hunt in the Forest .

At the Ashmolean, you can also get your Pre-Raphaelite fix.

The museum holds preparatory sketches for William Holman Hunt’s  The Light of the World , a famous painting on display in London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral .

You can also find sketches and watercolors. One of the museum’s most remarkable works is a painted wardrobe by Edward Burne-Jones.

After your museum visit, head east down Broad Street to see some of Oxford’s attractions.

4 . Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s is Oxford’s famous bookstore. It’s located on Broad Street, which some think is (yet another) location that inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Founded in 1879 by Benjamin Henry Blackwell, it’s one of the world’s largest academic and specialty bookstores. It’s a book lover’s paradise. If you’re not careful, you could be sucked in for hours.

You’ll find almost 3 miles of books on every imaginable topic. Don’t forget to take a peak in the Norrington Room downstairs.

It’s not uncommon to see famous authors in here reading from a recent novel or delivering a lecture.

5. Sheldonian Theater

Broad Street ends at the Sheldonian Theater . This is a little architectural jewel that was one of architect Sir Christopher Wren’s first big commissions. He was then a professor of astronomy at Oxford.

The theater was built from 1663 onward to serve as a setting for Oxford’s degree ceremonies.

The theater is modeled on the Theater of Marcellus in Rome . It has a distinctive white cupola, from which you’ll have panoramic views.

The theater is surrounded by 12 busts of Roman emperors who all look rather startled and sport different style beards. They were commissioned by Wren and carved by Christopher Bird. The busts have been nicknamed “the Philosophers” and “the 12 Apostles.”

Inside the theater are 17th century murals depicting the triumph of truth over ignorance. They were painted during the reign of Charles II.

Click here for prices and tours for the theater.

7. Radcliffe Camera

The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s top attractions and its most photographed landmark.

The “Rad Cam” was built as an addition to the Bodleian Library in 1737. Funds were donated by Dr. John Radcliffe, a physician to King William and Queen Mary.

Camera is a Latin word for chamber or room. The Rad Cam has a towering 140 foot rotunda that wouldn’t seem out of place in Rome . It’s the third largest dome in the U.K.

Inside, you’ll find a light-filled, circular, and columned library. It was the first of its kind in Britain and perfectly exemplifies Palladian principles, using a symmetrical, repeating pattern.

Today, the Rad Cam serves as a reading room for the Bodelian Library. You can only go inside the Rad Cam by joining the 90 minute tour of Bodleian library.

8. Bodleian Library

The venerable Bodleian Library is Oxford’s spiritual core. It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

In the UK, it is second in size only to the British Library in London . It receives a copy of every book published in the UK.

The Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items in three reading rooms. Book worms will be in seventh heaven.

The library houses many rare books and maps. One of its most famous items is the Gough Map , which is a medieval map of Great Britain.

Other famous items include manuscripts of 18 plays by Shakespeare, a copy of Handel’s Messiah, and four 13th century original manuscripts of the Magna Carta.

The Bodleian is not a lending library though. No book every leaves the space.

Students who enter have to make the “Bodley Oath,” whereby they swear not to bring fire or flames into the library.

The Bodleian Library complex also includes the Weston Library, the Divinity School, and Duke Humphrey’s Library.

Weston Library

The Weston Library initially opened in 1946 as the New Bodleian Library. In 2015, it was given a major renovation and re-christained as the Weston Library by Prince William.

The Weston has an ornamental 17th century Ascott Gate salvaged from an estate. It reads “If you are good, enter. If wicked, by no means.”

The Weston Library is free to visit. It also has miles of books and some precious treasures. You’ll find a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, manuscripts from famous authors, and the Oscar Wild’s infamous court summons. Wild was the novelist who was put on trial for “gross indecency” in 1895.

Divinity School

The Oxford Divinity School is a sublime space with a beautiful and intricate vaulted ceiling.

This medieval building was built in the 1400s to be used for lectures, oral examinations, and discussions on theology. This makes it the oldest surviving purpose-built part of  any  university.

Entry to the Divinity School is £2.50 per person. This room doubled as the infirmary in the Harry Potter movies. Click here for a Harry Potter tour with a divinity school entry.

Duke Humphrey’s Library

The Duke Humphrey’s Library is upstairs above the Divinity School. Completed in 1488, the sumptuously decorated library takes its name from the youngest brother of Henry V, of Agincourt and Shakespeare fame. It’s lined with portraits of Oxford founders.

Even on a tour, you can’t enter the the magnificent medieval room or pick up the ancient tombs. But you can peer into the library from an extension on one end.

In the Harry Potter films, Duke Humphrey’s was the Hogwarts Library.

9. Tours of Bodleian Library

To visit the Bodleian Library, you have to pre-arrange a guided tour. You can book a 30, 60, or 90 minute tour of the library on its website . Here’s what you can see:

• 30 minute tour: € 9, covers the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library
• 60 minute tour: € 12, covers the Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court, and Duke Humphrey’s Library
• 90 minute tour: € 18, covers everything on the 60 minute tour plus the Gladstone Link (underground library and passageway) and Radcliffe Camera.

If you have time, I recommend the 90 minute tour. It’s the only one where you can go inside the Radcliffe Camera.

You can book tours online up to 30 days in advance. A few tickets are reserved for same day visitors.

10. New College

New College isn’t really new, as its name implies. The college was established in 1379 as an Oxford undergraduate college.

The college buildings were built in the Perpendicular Gothic style. The college is also renowned for its beautiful 15th century cloisters. The medieval dining hall is the oldest in Oxford.

You may also remember New College from the Harry Potter movie, Goblet of Fire . Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret in the cloisters.

One Day In Oxford Afternoon

For lunch, you can join the queue at Vaults and Garden Cafe , which serves up a changing menu of salads, curries, and stews under vaulted ceilings. If it’s nice out, you can dine in the garden and admire the Rad Cam up close.

You can also settle in at The Grand Cafe . It’s an Oxford institution on High Street and the site of the oldest coffee shop in England.

Alternatively, if you’re a market person, head to Oxford’s Covered Market on Market Street. This is Oxford’s answer to the bazaar.

It’s the go to place in Oxford for fresh produce, meat, flowers, and baked goods. You can sidle up to a sandwich counter or sit down at one of the cafes.

12. Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge is part of Hertford College on Queen’s Lane. It dates from 1874. The mini-bridge links two buildings of the college.

It’s a photogenic bridge nicknamed the “Bridge of Sighs” because of its similarity to the more famous bridge in Venice .

While it’s small like the Bridge of Sighs, stylistically, it looks more like the Rialto Bridge.

13. All Souls College

Then at least dip into All Soul’s College . The college was founded as a center of prayer and learning in 1438.

It has a beautiful Gothic facade, with eye catching towers on the north quad. Inside, the chapel has a 15th century fan vaulting in the vestibule and and a medieval hammer beam roof.

14. University Church of St. Mary The Virgin

Right next door to All Souls College is the University Church of St. Mary . Some think it’s the dreamiest of Oxford’s “dreaming spires.”

From the tower, you have the best bird’s eye view of Oxford and the facade of the Radcliffe Camera. You can also snap a photo of the Bridge of Sighs.

The climb isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s 127 steps up a medieval spiral staircase. There is no elevator.

Tickets may be purchased from the shop at the Radcliffe Square entrance. They’re £5.

15. Christ Church College

If there’s only one college you visit, make it Christ Church College . It’s an absolute must visit attraction with one day in Oxford.

The grand college simply oozes history. It’s the largest and most prestigious of Oxford’s colleges.

The college was founded in 1525 by Henry VIII’s chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey. The college is the alma mater of 13 British prime ministers, Albert Einstein, and Lewis Carroll.

Established in 1525, the college comes complete with its own cathedral and art gallery.

The main entrance to Christ Church is the 17th century Tom Tower, which was designed by Christopher Wren. The 6 ton bell, dubbed “Great Tom,” rings 101 times every night at 9:05 pm.

It seems nonsensical, but there’s a reason for the madness.

In 1663, Oxford had only 101 students. Curfew was at 9:00 pm.

“Oxford Time” was then 5 minutes behind the now used GMT time. Hence, the bells tolled at 5 minutes after 9:00 pm.

The Great Hall in Christ Church College is a spectacular Renaissance space. It once served as Charles I’s parliamentary seat during the English civil war.

The hammer beam roof hovers above. Around the room are portraits of bygone scholars and prime ministers.

The Christ College Picture Gallery features an exceptional collection of works from the 14th to 18th centuries. It’s behind the college cathedral.

It boasts paintings and drawings by Italian Renaissance painters Filippino Lippi, Tintoretto, and Michelangelo .

Christ Church served as the filming inspiration for the Harry Potter movies. It doubled as the Great Hall of Hogwarts, though the producers built a studio replica to use for filming.

Apart from the Harry Potter films, Christ’s Church College may be best known for its association with Alice and Wonderland. It was here that Lewis Carroll began conjuring the story about a girl who follows a rabbit down a hole and ends up at a mad tea party.

To book a tour of the college, head to the Meadow Gate entrance.

16. Christ Church Cathedral

The lovely Christ Church Cathedral serves a dual purpose. It’s both the Christ Church College chapel and the cathedral of Oxford.

The cathedral is the world’s smallest cathedral and is a gorgeous treasure house of architecture. It began life as a simple priory church. During the Reformation, Henry VIII decreed it a cathedral.

Like practically every building in Oxford, the church has an elegant fan vaulted ceiling.

There are beautiful stained glass windows. And you’ll find a lovely painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist and Oxford student Edward Burnes-Jones.

This is a wonderful place to go to Choral Evensong. It happens daily at 6:00 pm.

One Day In Oxford Evening

17. sample the oxford ale.

In the evening on your one day in Oxford, do what the Oxfordians do — settle in at one of the city’s many boozers. Strong ale is Oxford’s signature drink and a long standing tradition.

You can have a pint at the creaking timbers of the Eagle and Child . (Please note the pub is under renovation at the moment and is expected to re-open late in 2022.)

The historic pub is the place where C.S.Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein once slacked their thirst. They met there for almost 30 some years.

They nicknamed the pub the “Bird and Baby” and called their literary group “the Inklings.”

The pair later moved their conversions to the 500 year old Lamb & Flag in Oxford’s Jericho neighborhood (which is also being renovated).

Many an Oxford scholar took a liquid break at the King’s Arms . Turf’s Tavern is a 13th century hole in the wall pub that was frequented by Bill Clinton.

You can also take a historic pub tour with a student guide .

18. Dinner In Oxford

Where to eat dinner in Oxford?

If you’re staying for dinner, you can try: Gees Restaurant (Mediterranean in a twinkly light-filled conservatory) or The Punter (modern vegetarian and vegan).

For a splurge, you can check out Pompette (French) or Arbequina (Spanish tapas).

19. Harry Potter In Oxford

Are you a Harry Potter fan traveling to Oxford?

As I mentioned above, scenes in the films were inspired by or filmed at Christ Church, the Bodleian Library, the Divinity School, and New College.

Click  here  to book a tour of Harry Potter-themed tour of Christ Church College. Click  here  for a Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford that includes Christ Church.

From London, you can book a guided tour that includes Oxford and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio . Or, you can book a private tour from London to Oxford .

READ : Guide To Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

Tips For Spending One Day In Oxford

Here are some tips and things to know about visiting Oxford.

1. Plan In Advance

You’ll have a more efficient visit to Oxford if you plan in advance. Decide whether you want to do a DIY one day tour or book some guided tours.

If you opt to fly solo, be sure to consult a map and plan your itinerary in advance, so you aren’t wasting time figuring out which places you need to visit and where they are. 

You should also determine your mode of transportation in advance and book any necessary tickets online.

1. How To Get To Oxford

Leave as early as possible so that you can make the most of your one day in Oxford, from wherever you are arriving from in the UK.

Oxford is 62 miles northwest of London. It takes about an hour and a half to drive.

Once there, you can book a  walking tour with a university guide  to get oriented.

Traveling by train is probably the fastest way to get to Oxford. Trains leave from London’s Paddington Staton for Oxford every 5-10 minutes.

The journey takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive at the Oxford train station, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the city center.

By Guided Day Tour :

If you want someone else to take care of the logistics and transportation, you can easily visit Oxford on a guided day trip tour from London.

Here are some tour options to consider:

•   a 10 hour day tour that visits Oxford, Straford-Upon-Avon & the Cotswolds
• a 10 hour tour of historic colleges in Oxford & Cambridge
•   7 hour day trip tour of Oxford
• a 7 hour private day trip from London

2. How To Get Around Oxford

Oxford is a very walkabout pocket sized city. It’s really more like a small town.

The main attractions are all clustered in the city center, which makes it possible to see much of Oxford in one day.

But you can also take the hop on hop off tourist bus or take a city bike tour . Cycling is a popular activity in Oxford. Watch out for cyclists as you walk around.

3. Where To Stay In Oxford

For a splurge, try the Old Parsonage Hotel . The charming hotel is a country-esque crash pad. It’s housed in an 17th century building built of Cotswold stone covered with ivy. It has creaking floors, a private garden, sweet library, and an exceptional breakfast.

The Old Bank Hotel is in a Georgian townhouse with rooftop gargoyles. It has luxury bedrooms, an art collection, and a prime location with views of Oxford landmarks.

The Randolph Hotel has been give a makeover and is now colorful, with Oscar Wild prints.

More Than One Day In Oxford?

If you have more than one day in Oxford, there are some other amazing things to do in the city.

1. Magdalen College

Magdalen College (pronounced maud-lin) is in the southeast section of Oxford. It has a pristine green quad, 15th century cloister, and flowery water meadow.

The Great Tower is 145 feet tall. This is where the college choir sings to launch May Day festivities .

Magdalen College is where C.S. Lewis lived and taught. The cloister’s grotesque carvings appeared in Chronicles of Narnia novel.

Next to Magdalen are the Oxford Botanical Gardens.

There are over 5,000 different types of plants. It’s lovely, but mostly used for research.

2. Pitt Rivers Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum is a quirky Victoria-era museum housed in a Neo-Gothic brick building. It focuses on anthropology and archaeology.

The museum is a dimly-lit maze. It houses a madcap array of curiosities from the farthest reaches of the British empire.

You’ll find a witch trapped in a bottle, shrunken heads, monkey skulls, totem poles, weapons, and witching paraphernalia. Canoes of every kind hang from the ceiling.

3. Oxford Castle & Prison

With more than one day in Oxford, history buffs will want to tour Oxford Castle .

You can learn all about the history of this castle, climb St. George’s Tower for views, descend to the 900 year old crypt, and explore the 18th Century prison. The prison remained in use until 1996.

4. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is a castle-like Gothic pile built in the 1850s. It was financed through the sale of bibles.

You’ll see dinosaur skeletons and a stuffed dodo that was immortalized in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland .

The museum was famously the site of a great debate over evolution between Bishop Samuel Wilberforce and Thomas Huxley. Huxley was a student of Charles Darwin.

Floating down one of Oxford’s canals is a time honored tradition in Oxford. You can rent a flat bottomed boat, called a punt, under Magdalen Bridge.

But believe me; it isn’t easy to drive one. Mastering the long wood pole takes practice.

If you want someone else to do the rowing, you can book a tour with an Oxford student .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Oxford itinerary. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Best Museums in London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the National Gallery of Art
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Guide to the Tate Britain
• Guide to Wesminster Abbey
• London Tourist Traps To Avoid
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms

If you’d like to spend one day in Oxford, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on July 25, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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: April 19, 2024 . 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.

Table of Contents:

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. We recommend searching for your car rental on Discover Cars here . They compare a range of providers so you can find the best deal for your trip.

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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There are 15 comments on this post

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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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One Day in Oxford Itinerary — How to Spend a Perfect Day in Oxford, United Kingdom

Just 75 miles to London’s west sits Oxford, home to the world-renowned Oxford University and known as “The City of Dreaming Spires.” Many people may be unfamiliar with what the city has to offer, but Oxford’s historic heritage, beautiful architecture, and abounding opportunities for learning are sure to appeal to anyone! Oxford is the perfect escape from the bustling London lifestyle, so why not book a quaint B&B, find a good book, and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the West’s most historically rich city centers?

What’s the Best Time to Visit Oxford?

Like much of England, it’s best to visit Oxford in summer. The winter months are fantastic for people looking to avoid the crowds that tourist seasons bring, but temperatures stay around 4-10 degrees Celsius (for American visitors, that’s 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit), and are prone to dip. Snowfall varies, but rain is year-round in Oxford. In fact, Oxford has never gone a full month without at least a drizzle! That said, October is traditionally the wettest month.

May, June, and July are the best months to visit Oxford for those looking for sunshine and warmth. The summer months usually sport temperatures ranging from 15 and 22 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and days in June offer around five more hours of sunshine than days in December. July and August are peak visiting times for tourists, but the earlier months of April and May host over six festivals, including the Chocolate Festival and the English Music Festival . Between late spring and early summer, any visitor to Oxford is sure to find what they want.

A Few Facts About Oxford

Oxford is a small city with roots deep in English history. Formal education began in Oxford sometime around the 11 th century, making Oxford University the oldest English-speaking university in the world and the second oldest university overall. Oxford’s reputation for great scholars and thinkers is worldwide. Albert Einstein, Adam Smith, J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, and John Locke all spent time studying at Oxford, just to name a few. Of the city’s estimated 155,000 residents, 25,000 attend one of Oxford’s thirty-nine colleges.

Oxford is wonderfully easy to navigate, and Carfax Tower is a great place to get your bearings. Visitors can climb to the top and take in a bird’s-eye view of Oxford’s city center. The River Thames and the River Cherwell both run through Oxford, providing great waterside walks and green areas for picnics and lazy afternoons. The city center is a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, museums, and libraries, all scattered among Oxford University’s college buildings.

Due to the colleges being built at separate times in Oxford’s history, the buildings all display different styles of Western architecture. Wary visitors should glance up every once in a while—the gargoyles hide secrets! If they look closely, tourists might even catch a gargoyle picking its nose…

One Day in Oxford Itinerary

If you have just one day in Oxford, this guide is a great resource to guarantee you see the best of what this great city has to offer!

Tour the Colleges

No trip to Oxford would be complete without taking a look at some of its historic college buildings. But, with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! Here are a few of the must-visits when it comes to Oxford’s college scene.

Christ Church College

There’s no denying that Christ Church College is exceptionally beautiful. Something about this college captures people’s imaginations and sends them to worlds of magic, mystery, and intrigue. In fact, Christ Church was the inspiration for Hogwarts’s Great Hall in the Harry Potter movies! A glance into the college’s dining hall will explain why.

The college’s beautiful spires and grounds also influenced a man named Charles Dodgson—more commonly known by his pseudonym, Lewis Carroll—to write the story of a girl named Alice, who follows a white rabbit into a world filled to the brim with adventure. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland teems with allusions to Christ Church, and Alice was actually named after the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church, Alice Liddell! The college costs fifteen pounds to enter, but the cost is well worth it.

Exeter College

Unlike Christ Church, Exeter College is free to enter! You can find it on Turl Street, less than a five-minute walk from Carfax Tower.

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , was a student at Exeter, and it isn’t hard to see how the college influenced his worlds of magic and lore. Dating from 1314, Exeter is Oxford’s fourth oldest established college and was originally meant to educate clergy. Now, the college’s chapel and Fellow’s Garden are beautiful pieces of Oxford’s landscape and are a must-see for tourists!

New College

“New” is a relative term; New College was actually founded in 1379! Like Christ Church, New College requires an entrance fee, but the five-pound donation pays for itself quickly. The cloisters, chapel, and gardens found in New College are incredible sites for visitors to see, and New College is truly a wonderful place for anyone visiting Oxford to experience.

Harry Potter fans might even recognize some more parts of Hogwarts! All Oxford University tours are self-guided, but the brochures provided are informative and allow visitors to go at their own pace.

Head to Oxford’s Covered Market for Lunch

Walking around Oxford’s colleges is sure to work up an appetite. A stroll to Oxford’s Covered Market is a great chance to appease your hunger and see another one of Oxford’s top attractions! The market was established in the late 1700s and continues its tradition of providing Oxonians and visitors with the freshest, most delicious food in the city. Bakeries, cafes, delicatessens, produce stalls, and a variety of other restaurants and vendors fill the market every day. It’s open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and is particularly busy on Saturdays. It’s conveniently located on Market Street, just between Carfax Tower and Exeter College.

Visit The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Consistent with the city’s historical dedication to knowledge and learning, Oxford is home to the world’s oldest university museum : The Ashmolean. Inside, visitors can see a broad range of art and cultural artifacts.

The museum has everything from Egyptian mummies to art made completely from gunpowder! Located on Beaumont Street, the museum’s entrance is only a five-minute walk from the markets, making it a great place to saunter to after lunch!

Sit down for a drink

Even though Oxford’s academic tradition emits an air of importance, every college town has its collection of bars and pubs. After an entire day of walking around and taking in the history and beauty of Oxford, there’s nothing more relaxing than finding a nice pub to enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine along with some traditional English fare. The city center is riddled with great eating establishments, but The Bear Inn (Oxford’s oldest pub), The Eagle and the Child , The Jam Factory , and The Old Bookbinder are all great options.

Where to Stay in Oxford, England

The Old Bank

91-94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

Situated in the heart of Oxford’s historic city center, The Old Bank offers beautiful amenities and views of the city. Right across the street from All Souls College, The Old Bank boasts incredible reviews and is one of the best places to stay in Oxford.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Bear and Ragged Staff

28 Appleton Road, Oxford, OX2 9QH

The Bear and Ragged Staff is an inn located five miles outside the city proper. It offers visitors great food, king-sized beds, a cozy atmosphere, and the building itself dates back hundreds of years. This inn is another fantastic option for anyone visiting Oxford.

Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge

11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, OX2 6UJ

Within walking distance from the city center, Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge offers a great stay for your money. The staff is very helpful, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and the breakfast is quite filling. Everything for a nice stay is readily available.

Central Backpackers

13 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH

No university city is complete without a good hostel, and Central Backpackers fulfills that role nicely. The hostel is located conveniently close to the main railway station and the city centre, plus it has a nice rooftop terrace. Great for those visiting Oxford on a budget.

Day Trips from Oxford

Blenheim palace.

Located thirty minutes from the city, Blenheim Palace is a spectacular world heritage site that all travelers to Oxford should check off their list. It was Winston Churchill’s ancestral home , and the estate’s extensive wings, gardens, and halls are straight from the likes of Downton Abbey . Tours of the estate, tickets to historical exhibits, and events are available for purchase to interested visitors. Truly, words can’t describe the atmosphere of the palace. It’s something you’ll need to see for yourself!

As mentioned, Oxford is not far from the capital city, so if you have the time, why not go and spend one day in London ? This city and its sights really don’t need too big of an introduction – Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower Bridge… so many incredible architectural feats, so many places with incredible amounts of history. Not to mention the incredible museums. If you haven’t been to London, a day trip from Oxford is your golden opportunity.

Cotswolds is an incredibly picturesque area full of quaint little villages you can visit and simply let all the stress ooze out of you. Thatched roofs and incredible scenery will make you stand in awe of the nature around here. It’s like a fairy tale. Head to Great Tew or Bourton on the Water to see the English countryside at its very best, and sit down in a pub to get that genuine feel of the places. Or just go for romantic walks with your significant other – you can’t go wrong with that, either.

Stonehenge & Bath

Stonehenge is probably well known to all tourists who come to the city and a great day trip from Oxford. Less than an hour and a half by car, this magnificent structure is fairly easy to reach. See for yourself the famous stone circles that have withstood the test of time and within which a centuries-old secret still lies hidden.

After that, head to the famous town of Bath whose Roman heritage and magnificent architecture will provide plenty of great photo opportunities. Both locations are listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Extra Tips for Visiting Oxford

University Closings

During the school year—and even sometimes in summer—it’s not uncommon for Oxford colleges to “close” to visitors. Before planning your trip, be sure to check if your top colleges have any upcoming events or exams that might prevent you from entering!

While it’s fairly easy to walk around the Oxford city center, there are multiple bus services that also help make traveling in Oxford easy! Oxfordshire Stagecoach is responsible for must local services, and a Dayrider pass allows unlimited travel for one day. Oxford Bus Company handles most inter-city travel in the Oxford region. 

Pin for later!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Oxford Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Andy Earle is a researcher who studies parent-teen communication and adolescent risk behaviors. He is the co-founder of talkingtoteens.com, ghostwriter at WriteItGreat.com , and host of the Talking to Teens podcast , a free weekly talk show for parents of teenagers.

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• DESTINATION GUIDE

The essential guide to visiting London

Here’s what you need to know about England's capital city—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit London

Architectural landmarks such as the   Tower of London ,   Westminster Cathedral , and   Kensington Palace , as well as revived modern buildings like   Tate Modern   and the   Battersea Power Station . Some of the finest theaters in the world, from the   Old Vic   to the rebuilt   Globe . Brown ale, fish’n’chips and weekend markets from Greenwich to Camden.  

Best time to visit London

Spring : The Gulf Stream warms up the city early. Flowers start blooming in February and trees follow with their blossoms in March. The   Chelsea Flower Show   is a major draw in May.  

Summer : The tourist season peaks between mid-July and late August. Music festivals play out in   Somerset House ,   Hyde Park , and   Victoria Park .  

Autumn : Fall kicks off with the   London Design Festival , and the weather stays temperate into late October. Halloween is gaining importance throughout the city, though Guy Fawkes Night—a festival of fireworks and bonfires on November 5 – is more widely celebrated.   Battersea Park , by the Thames, has a great display.  

Winter :   Shopping streets   switch on their festive lights in early December. While some cultural life slows down during the dark, wet winter months,   Kew Gardens   launches its winter fair and skating rink. And Hyde Park hosts a   Winter Wonderland .    

Lay of the land

The Thames River, lined with grand public architecture like   St Paul’s Cathedral , the   London Eye ,   and Westminster (the seat of government), divides the city into north and south. The oldest enclaves lie to the east, around the   City of London , the old financial center also known as the “square mile.” Cultural energy revolves around   Soho ,   Covent Garden ,   Mayfair , Bloomsbury, and the   South Bank , a riverfront strip of modernist theaters and galleries.    

Historically, wealthy residents settled in West London communities like   Belgravia , Kensington, and Chelsea, gravitating to Holland Park and Notting Hill. The picturesque Georgian streets around   Hampstead Heath   have always been popular among literary types, with nature-lovers hiking up   Parliament Hill   for the city view. The neighborhood becomes more fashionable as you descend toward   Primrose Hill , with its pastel-colored townhouses and ivy-clad pub gardens.  

Younger Londoners congregate in East London, in gentrifying working-class neighborhoods like Dalston and Clapton. Postindustrial Hackney Wick has reinvented itself as a hub for live music, clubs, and inventive restaurants. Just over the River Lea is the former Olympic Park, a sports mecca that’s been rewilded and developed with museums and restaurants.  

( 11 must-do experiences in London. )

Getting around London

By public transport:   The   London Underground , or Tube, is an extensive subway network that reaches from Heathrow Airport in the west, to Greenwich, the Olympic Park, and northern suburbs. The system incorporates an above-ground network called the Overground, and the new inter-city Elizabeth Line. Fares start at £2.70 ($3.50) and rise according to distance.   London buses   follow more winding routes between neighborhoods and start at £1.75 ($2.25) with a daily cap at £5.25 ($6.75). Seniors and students 11 and over are eligible for discounts. Children 10 and under travel free. Riders can pay with any contactless card or device, but cash is no longer accepted.

By train:   Trains beyond London are found at larger stations like Paddington, Euston, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Victoria, and Charing Cross. Riders must purchase tickets ahead of travel at the station or with an app like   Trainline .  

By taxi:   London’s famous   black cabs   can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Typical fares start at about £7.60 ($9.75) for a mile-long journey. Minicabs, or privately run taxi services, can be booked in advance or hired from a licensed purveyor, found on most main streets. Uber operates throughout the city.    

By boat:   The   Thames Clipper   boat service, now operated by Uber, runs along the Thames between Putney, in southwest London, and Barking, in the east, stopping at Battersea, Westminster, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, Greenwich, and other piers. Prices start at £5.60 ($7.20) one way, with discounts for children and families. Riders can pay with a contactless card or with the Uber app.

( Going underground: a subterranean tour of London's abandoned tube stations. )

By bike:   Transport for London operates the   Santander bikeshare program , with bike docks in place across the city. A day-pass costs £3 ($3.85) for unlimited 30-minute rides; payment can be made through the   app   or at a docking terminal.   Lime operates an e-bike- and scooter-share program. Vehicles are GPS-equipped and located via the   app ; prices vary.    

By car:   Only confident drivers familiar with England’s road laws should operate a private car in London. There is a daily £15 ($19.25)   Congestion Charge   in effect for most areas of central London, which must be paid on the day of travel. New   emissions rules   impose additional fees on non-compliant motor vehicles, and “ultra-low-emission zones”   (ULEZ)   make it tricky to enter some neighborhoods during the day.  

By foot:   London neighborhoods are highly walkable, but the distance between them can be vast. Most roads have sidewalks that are well populated into the night. Always look both ways before crossing, even at a green light. Traffic normally comes from the right.  

Know before you go

Diversity:   London is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, with 37 percent of residents born outside London—many from South Asia, West and East Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Hundreds of languages are spoken here, and most neighborhoods have a mix of residents.    

LGBTQ+:   The most recent   Open For Business index   gave London a top AAA rating as a “stalwart supporter” of LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality, and its universities rank highly among gay students. Soho is, historically, the LGBTQ+ hub of the city, though gay bars pop up in several neighborhoods, notably in East London and Lambeth.  

( Best hotels for every type of travele r. )

What to read and watch

The most fascinating London-based books and films transport the reader to a specific neighborhood and historical period and focus on its rich diversity.    

Oliver Twist , by Charles Dickens. Tragic, romantic, and surprisingly funny, this classic exposed the underbelly of Victorian London and prevails on high school reading lists everywhere.  

Bridget Jones’s Diary , by Helen Fielding. The titular Jones is a sad, sardonic, desperately funny 20-something single woman working for a London publisher. The book centers on West London while the film adaptation transports most scenes to the southeast. Both will get you in the mood to explore.  

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes , by Arthur Conan Doyle. The book series and the companion TV show Sherlock take place around Baker Street in central London but investigate further afield into Piccadilly, New Scotland Yard, and the Tower of London  

London: The Biography , by Peter Ackroyd. Possibly the greatest contemporary history of the city, the weighty tome reaches back with wisdom and wit through Victorian London to the Plague and the Great Fire.  

Brick Lane , by Monica Ali. This instant classic, published just after the millennium, is an evocative peek into the lives of Bangladeshi immigrants in East London, based firmly in reality.  

Notting Hill , written by Richard Curtis of Four Weddings and a Funeral (and others), this 1990s hit comedy capitalized on the vulnerable charm of Hugh Grant—and the undeniable charm of bohemian London—and inspired generations of tourists to seek out that blue door.  

Rye Lane . Set around the eponymous market in Peckham, South London, this post-Covid romance begins with a meet-cute in   an   gender-neutral   bathroom.  

My Beautiful Launderette . An enduring favorite that introduced a young Daniel Day-Lewis to the world, this romance by Hanif Kureishi was set in South London during the Thatcher years and emerged as one of the first “queer fairytales” to reach a wide audience.

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• CITY GUIDES

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'Will be brilliant to see him...': Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan applies to be Oxford chancellor

“Imran Khan had given instructions that he would like to submit his application and now the application scrutiny will take place,” said Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the London-based spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party read more

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has applied to become the next chancellor of Britain’s prestigious University of Oxford, his party said.

Khan, prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has just marked one year in prison on various charges from corruption to inciting violence that he said are politically motivated and designed to keep him from power.

“Imran Khan had given instructions that he would like to submit his application and now the application scrutiny will take place,” Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the London-based spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told AFP .

“It’s a ceremonial post but one with utmost prestige and importance and Imran Khan, being one of the larger or more popular names coming out of Oxford, it would be brilliant to see him as chancellor,” he said.

Conservative peer Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, announced in February he was stepping down as Oxford chancellor.

The list of candidates for the 10-year term will not be made public until October, according to the university’s website, with voting taking place at the end of the month.

Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975 after studying philosophy, politics, and economics.

He led a playboy lifestyle during his career as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricket players, regularly gracing the pages of Britain’s gossip magazines.

Married three times, including to British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith, he later turned to philanthropy and politics.

He faced a backlash from women’s rights groups while prime minister for linking Pakistan’s high rates of sexual violence to the clothes that women wear.

Khan was ousted in 2022 and then launched a comeback campaign in which he criticised Pakistan’s powerful military, whose leading generals had once backed him, and drew massive crowds onto the nation’s streets.

“If he does become the chancellor, he would be the first of Asian descent. It wouldn’t be something only for Pakistan, but it would be a great achievement for all of Asia and the rest of the world,” Bukhari said.

Other prominent applicants and Oxford alumni include former foreign secretary William Hague and former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, according to British media reports.

Related Stories

Second Pakistan-Bangladesh Test moved to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at Karachi stadium

Pak govt says Imran Khan conspired with ex-ISI chief to spread unrest

Why extreme weather in Pakistan has given rise to 'monsoon brides'

China's BYD wants car plant in Pakistan that can't charge its EVs yet coz...

Travel advice

• From abroad
• Around Oxford
• Help with travel costs

Oxford is a beautiful city with a huge amount to offer visitors of all ages and we strongly recommend a visit if you are considering applying to the University. For maps and further details about travel, please visit our  Maps and directions  information.

Travelling by car

Oxford is a small city with many traffic restrictions and parking is limited. If at all possible, please do not drive into the city centre. We recommend that you use the Park & Ride system.

If driving into Oxford cannot be avoided, please refer to up-to-date traffic information for details of all local road works and advance notice of any disruptions. Please note that there is no visitors' parking available at colleges or University buildings (unless you are a Blue Badge holder).

If you are travelling by car, please be aware that the A420 to the west of the city, on Botley road, is currently closed to traffic while maintenance on a railway bridge is carried out. You will not be able to travel via this route by car, so please plan an alternative route. 

Oxford City Council has some advice about parking in the city for visitors with disabilities.

Distances from Oxford

• London - 56 miles
• Southampton - 65 miles
• Bristol - 72 miles
• Birmingham - 78 miles
• Cambridge - 85 miles
• Nottingham - 103 miles
• Cardiff - 106 miles
• Brighton - 106 miles
• Sheffield - 143 miles
• Norwich - 148 miles
• Manchester - 161 miles
• Leeds - 172 miles
• Liverpool - 173 miles
• Plymouth - 193 miles
• Aberystwyth - 196 miles
• Lancaster - 206 miles
• Middlesbrough - 226 miles
• Newcastle - 258 miles
• Carlisle - 269 miles
• Glasgow - 364 miles
• Edinburgh - 366 miles
• Aberdeen - 498 miles
• Belfast - c.450 miles
• Londonderry / Derry - c.500 miles

Park & Ride

We recommend using one of the following four Park & Rides conveniently located on the outskirts of Oxford. 

Please follow the links below for full details:

Please be aware that due to maintenance taking place elsewhere in Oxford, the Park & Rides are likely to be extremely busy. We recommend arriving early.

There will be additional services running on the Open Days, although please be aware that some Park & Ride services on these days will operate as express services to the city centre. 

*Resurfacing works taking place at Thornhill Park & Ride mean that parking capacity is limited, with visitors encouraged to use another site where possible.

Paying for parking:

You can also pre-pay using RingGo  for Redbridge, Thornhill, and Pear Tree Park & Rides.

We strongly advise you to pay in advance to avoid lengthy queues at the ticket machines.

View a pdf version of the map . 

Paying for the Park & Ride bus:

You will need to buy a return bus ticket to and from Oxford city centre. You can pay by cash or contactless on the bus. A peak adult day return ticket costs £5 for two adults travelling together. Up to 3 under 16s can travel free when accompanied by at least one fare paying adult.

There is also a Freeflow  system that allows you to 'tap on' the driver ticket machine at the start of each journey  and 'tap off' at the end of each journey using a contactless payment method.

How to pay for a combined ticket:

A combined parking and bus ticket is available to purchase at specific combined ticket machines at each Park & Ride. The cost of a combined ticket is £6.80 and covers two adults and three Under 16s. Combined tickets can only be purchased on the day.

School groups travelling by coach or mini-bus

There is no general coach parking in Oxford city centre, so if you are travelling with a large group of students, we recommend dropping them in the city centre and parking at Redbridge, which offers parking for coaches and mini-buses.

On-street pick-up and drop-off points are provided by Oxfordshire County Council at the following locations:

• St Aldate's South (northbound) - just south of the Combined Court OX11TL
• Beaumont Street (westbound) - just outside the Playhouse OX1 2LW
• St Giles' (northbound) - in the lay-by by the Taylorian OX1 3NA

Travelling by train

There are two railway stations in Oxford:  Oxford station  and  Oxford Parkway station.

Oxford Station

Oxford parkway station, general rail information.

The National Rail website  has a number of  travel tools  available to alert passengers to any changes or disruptions in service, including the  National Rail app  and Train tracker: 03457 484950 or text 84950 (charges apply).

Find your way from the station

Find your way from Oxford's railway station to the Examination Schools (Open Day information centre) on foot by following along with our quick video of the route. 

Travelling by coach

Coach services run to Oxford from many parts of the UK. The city's coach station is located centrally and within a short walk of many colleges and other facilities. More information about coach services can be found at:

• Oxford Tube
• National Express

School groups travelling by private coach or mini-bus

Please read our advice on the 'by car' tab.

Travelling from abroad

Oxford is well-connected to the UK's international airports.

• The Airline

London Stansted

Travelling around oxford, 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.

The  Oxford City Council website  provides further information on accessibility. The council also runs a scheme enabling visitors to hire self-propelled or battery operated wheelchairs and scooters for free.

There are taxi ranks at Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Coach Station and St Giles' in the city centre. A list of taxi companies can be found on Oxfordshire's Visitor Information Centre website. 

Some Open Day venues that are located outside of the city centre can also be accessed via bus. Please visit the Oxford Bus Company's  journey planner  to plan your route.

Help with the cost of travelling to an Open Day

It can be expensive to get to Oxford so some colleges are now offering to help with the cost:

• Christ Church college travel scheme  - typically for UK students at UK schools and colleges
• Keble college travel scheme  - open to UK students at UK schools and colleges
• Magdalen college travel scheme  - open to UK students at UK schools and colleges
• Merton college travel scheme  - open to UK students at UK schools and colleges
• Somerville college travel scheme - open to UK students at UK schools and colleges

Terms and conditions apply. Further travel assistance schemes may become available and details will be announced on this page.

If you are travelling far, you might be able to stay the night at an Oxford college . Unfortunately colleges are usually unable to accommodate parents - the  Conference Oxford  or  Experience Oxfordshire  websites may help you find somewhere else to stay.

Our 2024 undergraduate open days will be held on 26 and 27 June and 20 September.

Register to find out more about our upcoming open days.

Follow us on social media

Follow us on social media to get the most up-to-date application information throughout the year, and to hear from our students.

Deadly storms batter the Northeast and cause severe flash flooding, submerging cars and prompting water rescues

Severe thunderstorms and showers across the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast triggered deadly flash flooding in the tristate area, where roads were turned into rivers, cars were submerged in fast-rising waters, and water rescues unfolded on Long Island and in Connecticut.

Heavy rain pounded New York, Connecticut and New Jersey overnight. Two locations — Suffolk County, New York, and parts of Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut — experienced historic rain, reaching the threshold of 1,000-year rainfall event.

About 10 inches of rain fell in 12 hours around Oxford and Southbury, Connecticut; meanwhile, Suffolk County clocked an estimated 7 inches in three hours near Stony Brook.

In Long Island, a flash flood emergency was declared Sunday evening for Suffolk County and expired early Monday. The National Weather Service office in New York reported that locally over 10 inches of rain were recorded in some areas in the storms from Saturday night through Monday morning.

Multiple water rescues were taking place Sunday night in parts of Nesconset, Ronkonkoma, Smithtown and St. James, in Suffolk County, the weather office said.

Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine said Monday morning he would sign an order declaring a state of emergency after having surveyed storm damage. 

Meanwhile, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Sunday called the deluge a "historic storm in some areas" of the state, noting urban search-and-rescue teams helped evacuate at least 100 people.

On Monday he declared a state of emergency in response to “significant flooding” that “has caused extensive structural damage to roadways.” He said more than two dozen roads will be closed for an extended period and urged locals to avoid driving through flooded roads.

At least three people have died.

Two women died after they were "swept away from their vehicles" in floodwaters Sunday in Oxford, Connecticut, Connecticut State Police said in a news conference Monday morning.

State police had responded to Route 67 in Oxford around 5 p.m. Sunday for a report of two missing people amid intense flooding. The bodies of Ethelyn Joiner, 65, and Audrey Rostkowski, 71, both of Oxford, were recovered Monday, police said in a news release .

In Henrico County, Virginia, a man was found dead Sunday afternoon after large tree fell on top of his vehicle, the Henrico County Police Division said. 

In Danbury, Connecticut, video showed cars submerged in knee-deep flooding.

Multiple buildings in Danbury were evacuated Sunday after city officials described a “mudslide situation” triggered by flooding. Emergency crews also evacuated 100 people from a housing complex for older people, and fire officials said at least 20 people were rescued from flooded cars, the Danbury Fire Department said. 

In New York City, video on social media showed water pouring down from the ceiling of the popular tourist destination Chelsea Market. 

The deluge has also affected transit. The Metro-North Railroad suspended the Waterbury Branch service in both directions early Monday because of a mudslide near Seymour. Amtrak also suspended rail traffic Sunday night between New York and Philadelphia because of flooding.

Ground stops were issued at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, and departures were grounded at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey because of the thunderstorms Sunday night.

The intense Northeast rain is connected not to Hurricane Ernesto but to a slow-moving summer cold front producing thunderstorms.

Even more rain is on the way with more thunderstorms forecast across the Northeast and New England on Monday afternoon and evening.

Flooding rain is most likely from Connecticut north into Vermont and New Hampshire, where additional rain amounts of 1 to 4 inches will be possible. Cities likely to be affected by flooding include New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Montpelier and Burlington, Vermont.

Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Kathryn Prociv is a senior meteorologist and producer for NBC News. 

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Slatter's new map of the country twenty-five miles round Oxford. Neele Sculp. London. Drawn by G. Pawley.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library > Slatter's new map of the country twenty-five miles round Oxford. Neele Sculp. London. Drawn by G. Pawley.

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• Mississippi

14 Best Things To Do In Oxford, Mississippi

The North Mississippi college town of Oxford, Mississippi is a destination for culture, dining, and more.

Things To Do On Campus

Things to do off-campus, where to eat, where to stay.

Life in Oxford may be in tune with the seasons and semesters of The University of Mississippi, but it is no ordinary college town. It is a literary town, a food town, a music town, an historic town, an art town. Equally celebrated for college sports and its cultural scene, this place attracts all kinds of residents, creating a vibrant community unlike any other.

When you consider the stately old homes (including Rowan Oak, the former residence of William Faulkner), a charming town square packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and welcoming locals , you’ve got a pretty ideal place to live or to visit. Unlike most  small towns , there’s more to discover in Oxford than you can fit into a single weekend. Which is a good thing, because after one visit, you’ll definitely be back. Read on for the best things to do while you're visiting Oxford, Mississippi.

Tour The University Of Mississippi

This North Mississippi town’s academic roots run deep. In 1837, it incorporated and named itself after Oxford, England, with the hope that it would also be home to a great university one day. About 10 years later, The University of Mississippi opened, and in time, Oxford became the South’s quintessential college town. For 110 years, it was the state’s only comprehensive university, and it was also one of the first in the South to admit and hire women. Today, Oxford—on campus and off—reflects the diversity and creativity of our region.

It's a beautiful campus, and a stroll among Ole Miss's sprawling acres of magnolia trees and live oaks is well worth your time. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon admiring the gorgeous landscape of the university. Visit the Lyceum, the gorgeous Ionic Greek Revival-style administration building completed in 1848, which was utilized as a hospital during the Civil War.

olemiss.edu

Get Lost In History At The University Of Mississippi Museum

While you're on campus, visit the University of Mississippi Museum to dive deeper into the history of the school, Mississippi, and beyond. View one-of-a-kind exhibitions and participate in educational activities hosted by the museum.

museum.olemiss.edu , University Ave. & S. 5th St., Oxford, MS 38655

See William Faulkner's Home

While you are at the museum, take a 30-minute peaceful walk on Bailey Woods Trail over to William Faulkner's Rowan Oak , the former residence of the celebrated author. Originally labeled "The Bailey Place" when Faulkner purchased the home in 1930, he later renamed it Rowan Oak after the rowan tree which symbolized security and peace.

rowanoak.com , 916 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, MS 38655

Spend Game Day At The Grove

If you're looking to experience an Ole Miss game day while in Oxford, do it the right way by setting up your tent at The Grove , a popular tailgating spot where up to 100,000 gather on game days. The Grove is named for the beautiful magnolia, elm, and oak trees it's surrounded by. Arrive early to set up to ensure you get a spot.

olemisssports.com , The Grove, 1848 University Ave., University, MS 38677

Explore The Historic Town Square

Known to locals as "The Square," the Historic Oxford Square is the place to go for wonderful restaurants, shopping, art galleries, bookstores, museums, boutiques, and more. There is something for everyone at The Square. Check out Bottletree Bakery for fresh daily pastries, or hop on over to City Grocery for an "interesting" twist on Southern food and cocktails.

instagram.com , 923 Van Buren Ave, Oxford, MS 38655

Shop At The South's Oldest Store

As the oldest documented store in the South (and the 16th oldest in the nation), Neilson's has a reputation for offering Oxford the latest fashion and specialty gifts. Shop for women's, men's, and children's clothing, or look for a gift for an upcoming celebration. The store located on The Square also sells cosmetics, accessories, and shoes. Feel free to shop till you drop.

neilsonsdepartmentstore.com , 119 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655

Browse The Shelves At Square Books

The South's beloved independent bookstore, and the heart of Oxford's literary scene (on The Square), Square Books regularly attracts a wide range of celebrated authors for readings and signings. (Or tune into Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, the store’s weekly live radio show that features musicians, writers, and other artists.)

squarebooks.com , 160 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 

Admire Local Art

Nearby, Southside Gallery has been a community hub for the visual arts since 1993. Check out their monthly exhibits and participate in one of the frequent artist receptions.

To really experience art in Oxford, join the Oxford Arts Crawl which is hosted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and held on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Besides the Southside Gallery, you will also get to stop by The Powerhouse Community Arts Center, The University of Mississippi Museum, and Gallery 130 in Meek Hall on campus via double-decker bus. Start at any location and wait till the bus comes along.

southsideartgallery.com , 150 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 oxfordarts.com , 413 S 14th St, Oxford, MS 38655 artolemiss.edu , 116 Meek Hall, University, MS 38677-1848

Listen To Live Music At The Lyric Theatre

If it's music you're after, head to the historic Lyric Theatre . The theatre, which has been a staple in Oxford since the late 1800s didn't begin as a theatre. In fact, the now-theatre was first a livery stable owned by William Faulkner's family. In the 1920s, the stable was turned into a theatre for live performances and silent films—and was then when it was named The Lyric Theatre. Later, The Lyric became solely a movie theater, and in 1949, William Faulkner walked from his Rowan Oak to the livery stable from his childhood to watch MGM's "Intruder in the Dust," a movie adaptation of one of his novels.

Today, after an extensive renovation in 2007, The Lyric Theatre is Oxford's center for performing arts —mostly concerts. While you're in town, check out the venue's calendar for events.

thelyricoxford.com , 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford, MS 38655

Go Hiking At Holly Springs National Forest

If you're looking for some rest and recreation, head on out to Holly Springs National Forest for a day surrounded by pine trees and cerulean lakes. Take some lunch with you and eat by one of the lakes, and after, go on a beautiful hike and experience Mississippi wildlife. You can fish and take a boat out on Chewalla Lake, Lake Tillatoba, or Puskus Lake, all lakes within the national forest's 155,000 acres.

fs.usda.gov

Grab A Sandwich Or A Slice

Oxford’s dining scene continues to gain national acclaim. Pop over to James-Beard-semifinalist Saint Leo for wood-fired pizzas and sophisticated small plates. At lunch spot Good Day Cafe, the humble sandwich gets an upgrade. The Good Burger, for instance, uses local ground beef, fried shallots, and house-made pickles and is served on a brioche bun.

eatsaintleo.com , 922 Jackson Ave. East, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 gooddayoxford.com , 766 North Lamar Blvd., Oxford, MS, 38655

Nibble Small Bites

Head to Snackbar for raw oysters and a plate of Sweet Potato Chaat, one of chef Vishwesh Bhatt’s glorious international spins on Southern cooking. Wine and tapas bar The Sipp is an ideal spot to sample small plates and an Elderberry Martini.

citygroceryonline.com , 721 North Lamar, Oxford, MS 38655 thesippms.com , 400 S. Lamar Blvd. Suite A2, Oxford, MS 38655

Enjoy Fried Catfish

Ajax Diner specializes in Southern comfort food, like a heaping plate of fresh fried catfish or Mississippi pot roast. Or, for a classic Mississippi experience, head just outside of town to Taylor Grocery, which has long served some of the best fried catfish around.

ajaxdiner.com , 118 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 taylorgrocery.com , 4A Depot Street, Taylor, MS 38673

Sip A Craft Cocktail

Head to Bar Muse for Joseph Stinchcombe’s constantly changing, refreshingly creative takes on craft cocktails. Bar Muse is located inside Lyric Theatre and focuses on locally sourced ingredients that keep in step with the season.

barmuseoxford.com , 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford, MS 38655

Relax In A Boutique Hotel

Newly renovated in 2023, The Oliver Hotel still boasts old-school charm. Rest your head in one of 40 well-appointed rooms and enjoy features like Juliet balconies, a cozy library, and the grand ballroom. Other favorites with a collegiate feel include Hilton's Graduate Oxford and The Inn at Ole Miss.

oliveroxford.com , 425 S Lamar Blvd. Oxford, MS 38655 hilton.com , 400 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655 theinnatolemiss.com , 120 Alumni Drive, University, MS 38677

Rent A Local Cottage

The Z Luxury Rental is a three-bedroom, eclectic cottage located close to Oxford Square. Decorated in olives and pops of pink, you'll feel right at home in this "warm and romantic" abode.

thez-oxford.com , 1405 Pierce Ave., Oxford, MS 38655

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Scottish and Irish rocks confirmed as rare record of ‘snowball Earth’

16 August 2024

A rock formation spanning Ireland and Scotland may be the world’s most complete record of “snowball Earth”, a crucial moment in planetary history when the globe was covered in ice, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

The study, published in the Journal of the Geological Society of London , found that the Port Askaig Formation, composed of layers of rock up to 1.1km thick, was likely laid down between 662 to 720 million years ago during the Sturtian glaciation – the first of two global freezes thought to have triggered the development of complex, multicellular life.

One exposed outcrop of the formation, found on Scottish islands called the Garvellachs, is unique as it shows the transition into “snowball Earth” from a previously warm, tropical environment.

Other rocks that formed at a similar time, for instance in North America and Namibia, are missing this transition.

Senior author Professor Graham Shields, of UCL Earth Sciences, said: “These rocks record a time when Earth was covered in ice. All complex, multicellular life, such as animals, arose out of this deep freeze, with the first evidence in the fossil record appearing shortly after the planet thawed.”

First author Elias Rugen, a PhD candidate at UCL Earth Sciences, said: “Our study provides the first conclusive age constraints for these Scottish and Irish rocks, confirming their global significance.

“The layers of rock exposed on the Garvellachs are globally unique. Underneath the rocks laid down during the unimaginable cold of the Sturtian glaciation are 70 metres of older carbonate rocks formed in tropical waters. These layers record a tropical marine environment with flourishing cyanobacterial life that gradually became cooler, marking the end of a billion years or so of a temperate climate on Earth.

“Most areas of the world are missing this remarkable transition because the ancient glaciers scraped and eroded away the rocks underneath, but in Scotland by some miracle the transition can be seen.”

The Sturtian glaciation lasted approximately 60 million years and was one of two big freezes that occurred during the Cryogenian Period (between 635 and 720 million years ago). For billions of years prior to this period, life consisted only of single-celled organisms and algae.

After this period, complex life emerged rapidly, in geologic terms, with most animals today similar in fundamental ways to the types of life forms that evolved more than 500 million years ago.

One theory is that the hostile nature of the extreme cold may have prompted the emergence of altruism, with single-celled organisms learning to co-operate with each other, forming multicellular life.

The advance and retreat of the ice across the planet was thought to have happened relatively quickly, over thousands of years, because of the albedo effect – that is, the more ice there is, the more sunlight is reflected back into space, and vice versa.

Professor Shields explained: “The retreat of the ice would have been catastrophic. Life had been used to tens of millions of years of deep freeze. As soon as the world warmed up, all of life would have had to compete in an arms race to adapt. Whatever survived were the ancestors of all animals.” 

For the new study, the research team collected samples of sandstone from the 1.1km-thick Port Askaig Formation as well as from the older, 70-metre thick Garbh Eileach Formation underneath.

They analysed tiny, extremely durable minerals in the rock called zircons. These can be precisely dated as they contain the radioactive element uranium, which converts (decays) to lead at a steady rate. The zircons together with other geochemical evidence suggest the rocks were deposited between 662 and 720 million years ago.

The researchers said the new age constraints for the rocks may provide the evidence needed for the site to be declared as a marker for the start of the Cryogenian Period.

This marker, known as a Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), is sometimes referred to as a golden spike, as a gold spike is driven into the rock to mark the boundary.

GSSPs attract visitors from around the world and in some cases museums have been established at the sites.

A group from the International Commission on Stratigraphy, a part of the International Union of Geological Sciences, visited the Garvellachs in July to assess the case for a golden spike on the archipelago. Currently, the islands are only accessible by chartering a boat or by sailing or kayaking to them.

The study involved researchers from UCL, the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, and Birkbeck University of London. The work was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). 

• The paper in the Journal of the Geological Society of London
• Elias Rugen’s academic profile
• Professor Graham Shields’s academic profile
• UCL Earth Sciences
• UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences
• Top: In the foreground are limestone beds of the pre-glacial Garvellach Formation. The image looks north from Garbh Eileach over to Dun Chonnuil. Due to tectonic tilting, the sedimentary layers get younger, and closer to the onset of glaciation, as you move to the right. Credit: Graham Shields
• Middle: Tony Spencer, co-author of the latest study and of a classic 1971 memoir about the rocks, standing in 2023 on glacial till of the Port Askaig Formation on Garbh Eileach, the largest of the Garvellach islands. Credit: Graham Shields.
• Bottom: An outcrop called ‘the Bubble’ on Eileach an Naoimh (Holy Isle). It shows a huge white rock fragment, tens of metres across, which was originally part of the underlying rock sequence. The layering in the carbonate rock has been squeezed tightly under immense pressure and transported by thick ice sheets to its final resting as one of many different rock fragments within a moraine. Credit: Graham Shields

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Mark greaves.

m.greaves [at] ucl.ac.uk

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