oxford day tour from london

The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London

Last Updated on June 19, 2024

by Paola Drexler

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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.

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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.

Meadow Building at Christ Church College

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.

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.

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!

Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages 1 day tour

A relaxed day out exploring Oxford and the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds.

Tour Highlights

Oxford University - Take in the stunning spire-studded skyline of the English speaking world’s oldest University.

Great Hall of Christ Church College - It’s the only college in the world that’s also a cathedral. What’s more is it’s absolutely gorgeous!

Traditional Cotswold Villages - These picturesque villages will fill up your camera’s memory in seconds.

Bibury - This town arguably boasts the most charming village views in all of England.

Your journey

The Cotswolds are like stepping into a landscape painting. Vivid green colours, lush waterways and the most delightful cottages. And Oxford needs no introduction. The city of students, spires and sumptuous cathedrals is as inspirational as it is fascinating. Join this tour and experience two of England’s most deservedly-famous locations.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
Air conditioning as standard
The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Entry fees to visitor attractions

You head northwest out of London, passing through the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The picturesque countryside here has inspired the television shows Midsomer Murders and Vicar of Dibley.

Your first stop is Oxford, where you have time to explore the precincts of the many colleges, climb to the vantage points to admire the skyline, or see the art and antiquities collections in the Ashmolean Museum.

You stop in Burford, the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. This is a small market town with enormous character and depth. The main street is lined with all those quaint properties that you’ve dreamt of owning. You have time here to take in the local charm and hospitality; and if you’re hungry, you can try a traditional English ‘Afternoon Tea’.

Then, you make the short journey to Bibury. This place was described by William Morris as the prettiest village in England, and Henry Ford wanted to dismantle it and ship it back to the USA. You have time here to stroll to the famous and fairytale-like Arlington Row.

After a full day exploring the city of Oxford and the villages of the Cotswolds, you embark on the comfortable return journey to London.

This route may be reversed on some occasions.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

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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.

Radcliffe Camera Oxford day trip from London England UK

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.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford day trip from London UK

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.

Oxford Castle Oxford day trip from London England UK

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.

Turf Tavern Oxford day trip from London England UK

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 .

Zestrip day trip from London Blenheim Palace Cotswolds Lacock Abbey

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.

Trinity College garden Oxford day trip from London England UK

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.

Want to visit Oxford? PIN this article on Pinterest to read later:

Our guide to planning the perfect Oxford day trip from London. Oxford is a compact historical 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. We share advice and tips on how to get to Oxford from London, what to see and do, where to drink, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time. #London #Oxford #Oxforddaytrip #OxfordUniversity #Londondaytrip #Londontravel #UK #travel #England

**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.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Day Trip to Oxford from London, handle bar cafe

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!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Day Trip to Oxford from London, holywell street

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!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog day trip to oxford from London, oxford college

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.

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Day Trip to Oxford from London, covered market

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!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Day Trip to Oxford from London, the varsity club

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!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Day Trip to Oxford from London, afternoon tea

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!

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog oxford things to do punting

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!

One Day in Oxford: the Ultimate Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

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?

Stained glass window inside Oxford building

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.

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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

A decorative light from outside the London theatre show, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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

Radcliffe Square in Oxford with round old building

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

Oxford from above with colourful buildings in front

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!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

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.

Oxford & Cambridge Tour from London

Our Oxford and Cambridge day tour from London takes you to two of England’s most famous university towns . Departing London early in the morning we start the day in the city of Oxford, nicknamed the city of dreaming spires. Accompanied by our friendly and knowledgeable guide, our visit begins with a guided walking tour of the city where we pass the world famous Bodleian Library . From here we visit Christ Church College , a 450-year-old college famous for its architecture and Harry Potter connection. The afternoon is spent in Cambridge and includes entrance to the magnificent Kings College Chapel . We will also have the chance to walk around the city admiring the Mathematical Bridge and really beautiful university college courtyards. Our Oxford and Cambridge day tour from London includes entrance fees, luxury transportation and an experienced guide. We offer English, Spanish & Mandarin tour guides.

Highlights:

Depart London at 08:30 on a luxury air-conditioned coach
Arrive at the ancient university town of Oxford
Visit Christ Church College, where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. Sites include the Bodleian Library and Oxford college courtyards
Head to Cambridge, university town and great rival to Oxford.
Explore the majestic Kings College Chapel
Guided walking tour of the city including the Senate House and ‘Mathemetical Bridge’
Return to London at around 19:00

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin of the building of All Souls College

The tour begins in Oxford where studies began in 1096AD. This is an impressive city, with its ancient University buildings contrasted by the young and vibrant students who make up a large part of the city’s population.

Our tour guide will take you along ancient cobblestone squares and alleyways and pass 14th and 15th century university buildings with their famous spires. Famous alumni of Oxford who would have taken these paths include Lewis Caroll, Oscar Wilde, JRR Tolkein and Bill Clinton.

The first stop is Christ Church College founded in 1548 by King Henry V111 . This is one of the most impressive Oxford colleges, with some extraordinary architecture. Its iconic bell tower was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and its cathedral spire is a city landmark. And for those Harry Potter fans, the dining room was used in many of the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts dining room. From here we continue the guided tour passing the iconic Bodleian Library, the oldest library in Europe, with over 12 million items.

2. Cambridge

Kings College Chapel Cambridge and punting on the River Cam

The second half of our Oxford and Cambridge day tour from London is spent in Cambridge where the University was founded in 1209.. Cambridge has a very different feel to Oxford. It is a smaller town surrounded by countryside with the picturesque River Cam running through the centre of the town, where students and visitors gently go ‘punting’ along the river.

We start the guided tour with a visit to the neo-classical Senate House, one of the most famous buildings in the University of Cambridge, today used for graduate degree ceremonies. From here, we visit the extraordinary Corpus Clock that was designed by Stephen Hawking. Next stop is the Chapel at Kings College built in 1486 by King Henry VI. It is an architectural masterpiece, with extraordinary acoustic properties, beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent fan-vaulted ceiling. From here, our guide takes you into the city itself which boasts many impressive university courtyards with their lush green lawns surrounded by ancient university buildings. The tour will continue on to one of Cambridge’s most famous landmarks,the Mathematical Bridge, spanning the River Cam. First built in 1749 it remains a mathematical puzzle.

Cambridge has many hundreds of famous alumni including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, King Charles III and Rachel Weisz.

Footnote: There has always been great rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and there are iconic annual sporting events between them, including a boat race on the Thames and a cricket match at Lords and in the competition for Nobel laureates, Oxford has 69 while Cambridge wins with a huge 118.

Tour Details:

Our Oxford & Cambridge day tour departs at 08:30 from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH. . Check-in time is 8am
Return at around 19:00 to Central London
Tour includes entrance to Christ College and Kings College (if chosen at checkout), a professional guide and luxury transportation with wifi
English speaking guides are available on all tour dates. You can see availability for Spanish & Mandarin guides on our book now page
Cancelled bookings up to 24 hours before travel receive a full refund

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

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Day Tours to Oxford From London

Day tours to oxford from london ultimate guide.

With cheap and frequent services running between London and Oxford 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a lot of first-time visitors in London head to Oxford for a quick day trip to explore the famed literary city.

Luckily Oxford’s main attractions like Christ Church University and the Radcliffe Camera are within walking distance to each other, and you could easily spend a few hours wandering around Oxford’s central area and still see all that there is to see.

However, it’s the actual “travel” part of getting to and from Oxford that can be tricky, or even chaotic during peak travel times. That’s why many visitors choose to go with a tour company so the hassle of getting to and from Oxford is figured out for you.

If you’re hoping to do a quick day trip to Oxford while you’re in London, here are the many different tours and tour companies to choose from. And remember that you can also book one of the many free tours in Oxford available.

From London to Oxford with International Friends

International Friends have tours that include everything from overnight trips to Paris to a quick day trip to Downtown Abbey, so naturally, they’re going to have a tour from London to Oxford that’s worth checking out.

Their Oxford Day Trip tour includes entry into Christ Church University, an Oxford walking tour with an expert guide, and return travel between Oxford’s city centre and London’s Paddington train station. The tour starts at 8:45 a.m. from Paddington and finishes sometime between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in London. Tickets for this tour cost £49 for adults, however, there are no discounted tickets available for seniors, students, children or families.

If you’re hoping to see the Cotswold villages along with Oxford, they also have a Cotswolds Villages and English Country Pub Lunch tour , but it’s only available on Saturdays during the spring, summer and early autumn months. Tickets for this tour cost £119 for adults and £99 for children (between the ages of three and 15).

From London to Oxford with Golden Tours

As always, Golden Tours has a wealth of different options in terms of all the places you can see in a one-day tour from London. From visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle, to making short stops in Stratford and Cambridge, you could easily customize your own tailor-made day tour to go to all the places you want to see around England.

For the ultimate literary experience, if you want to see Cambridge along with Oxford, they offer a great deal on a London-Cambridge-Oxford tour that costs £86, and even special tours during the holidays as well.

But if you’re just looking for a simple tour from London to Oxford, they have a Day Trip to Oxford by Rail with Open Top Bus tour which includes open return train tickets to Oxford, a ticket for Oxford’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour, as well as free time to explore Oxford on your own.

Customers must head to Paddington Station to check in with a Golden Tours representative at the Information Desk at 8:50 a.m., and then catch a train to Oxford at promptly 9:21 a.m. Customers are free to choose what time they’ll return, as trains return to London every ten to 15 minutes until 10 p.m. Tickets for this tour cost £58.65 for adults, and £54.40 for children (between the ages of three and 16).

From London to Oxford with Anderson Tours

Anderson Tours may not be as well known as other tour companies based out of London, but they offer a ton of great deals on tours from London to places like Cardiff, Bruges, Loch Ness, the Isle of Wight, Edinburgh and much more.

Anderson Tours offer two different tours from London to Oxford, however, both include additional trips to places like Cambridge, Stratford and the Cotswold villages.

Their Oxford and Cambridge Tour includes a guided walking tour of both cities as well as additional time to explore them at your own pace, and cost £57 for adults, and £51 for children.

They also have an Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds Villages Tour for those hoping to explore more of the English countryside, which includes a guided walking tour of Oxford, entry into Shakespeare’s birthplace, and a quick visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Customers are picked up from various locations in central London like King’s Cross, London Bridge and Victoria between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., and tickets cost £55 for adults and £50 for children.

From London to Oxford with Evan Evans Tours

Evan Evans may not have tours directly from London to Oxford, but they do have a ton of great combo tours to Oxford that are worth checking out if you want to see more than one city while you’re in London.

There’s an Oxford and Cambridge tour which lasts for ten hours and includes a guided walking tour of Oxford as well as a visit to Christ Church College, the Bridge of Sighs, and King’s College Chapel. The tour also includes a walking tour around Cambridge, and there are a ton of different pick-up points for the tour scattered all around central London. Tickets for this tour cost:

£105 for adults
£95 for children
£100 for seniors and students
£390 for families (consisting of two adults and two children)

If you’re interested in checking out other cities or monuments as well as Oxford, they have great deals on combo tours to Warwick Castle, Stratford and the Cotswolds (£110) as well as Windsor Castle and Stonehenge (£159).

From London to Oxford with The English Bus

The English Bus is another reputable tour company operating out of London, however, they only have one tour to Oxford which also includes visits to Stratford and the Cotswold villages.

If this is your cup of tea, however, then the Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds Villages tour may be right down your alley, although be forewarned that the tours only usually run twice a week, which means tickets can be hard to come by.

The tour departs at 8:45 a.m. from The London Eye, and takes you to Stratford-Upon-Avon, and through the scenic English countryside surrounding the villages of the Cotswolds before being dropped off in central London around 8:30 p.m. Tickets for this tour cost £79, however, no discounted tickets for seniors, students or family bookings are available.

If you are planning to visit Oxford from London, you might also be interested in the many free tours in London departing every day.

Free Tours in Your Language

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Day trips to Oxford from London

There’s lots to do and see in this historic Thameside town – and you needn’t be enrolled on a degree...

Day trips to Oxford from London grant you access to one of the UK’s most scenic, quaint and haphazardly beautiful cities. It’s obviously best known for being – along with its rival Cambridge – home to one of the two great universities in the country, but you don’t have to be a student to enjoy yourself in this most English of English cities. If you plan a day trip out of London soon, there’s plenty to see and explore.

RECOMMENDED: Day trips to Stonehenge from London

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Oxford day trips

Oxford, warwick castle and stratford-upon-avon day trip from london.

As well as a visit to the undeniably pretty Oxford, this day trip from London incorporates two more gems. Warwickshire's twelfth-century Warwick Castle and Shakespeare’s hometown in Stratford-on-Avon.

Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford day trip from London

Potter fans, listen up! This tour takes in various locations that appear in the boy-wizard film series – starting in London before making its way out to the very Potterish town of Oxford.

Oxford and Cambridge day trip from London

You may as well as go for the double-whammy while you're in the south of England, right? Hop on this day trip that takes you to the two great university towns of Oxford and Cambridge. Just don’t mention one when you’re in the other…

Day trip to Windsor, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames from London

Take a leisurely trip down the Thames to Oxford, passing Henley-on-Thames and Windsor along the way. After admiring the oh-so-genteel scenery, take a walking tour around Oxford.

Stonehenge inner-circle access day trip from London, including Oxford and Windsor Castle

Delve into classic England on this tour, which takes you from Windsor to Oxford, before moving over to Stonehenge in Wiltshire. FYI: you get access to the inner stone circle, which is normally roped off to the public. Very VIP.

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Day trips from london.

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Perfect day trips, weekend breaks and getaways to help you relax, unwind and get the hell out of London

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Evan Evans Tours
Day Tours From London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford

We Recommend

On this fascinating day tour from London, we take you to Windsor Castle before heading to Stonehenge and Oxford. Discover the charming city of Windsor and Windsor Castle, the longest-occupied castle by any British Monarch, Stonehenge, a marvel constructed over 5,000 years ago and Oxford, home to the world-famous university.

Throughout the tour, our expert guide will give you insights into the history and significance of each destination. Travel comfortably aboard our coaches and absorb the beauty of the English countryside between stops. Book your seat now, immerse yourself in history and ancient mysteries, and bask in the intellectual aura of Oxford on an enchanting journey.

This tour is available in other languages, find them here , alternatively please contact us for more information.

Victoria Coach Station

Our team will be waiting to greet you by our Welcome Desk at Victoria Coach Station and will direct you to the correct departure gate.

Victoria Coach Station is a 10-15 minute walk from London Victoria Station and Victoria Underground Station, and our Welcome Desk is located in front of Gates 1 and 2 .

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.

Days of operations: except 24-26 December

English: Apr-Mar: Daily Spanish: Apr-Mar: Tue, Thurs & Sun Japanese: Apr-Mar: Monday

The tours, including entry to Windsor Castle, are not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 2023.

Steeped in centuries of history, Windsor has long been revered as the quintessential home of kings and queens, with its cobbled streets echoing the footsteps of royalty. Windsor's cobbled streets have charming shops, cosy cafes, and lively pubs. Take a leisurely stroll along the Thames Promenade to enjoy this enchanting city.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle globally, with roots tracing back to its founding by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Hosting a regal lineage of 40 monarchs, this historic fortress emulates British history and grandeur. On select mornings, start your day with a display of typical British pomp and pageantry at the Changing of the Guard ceremony, an opportunity not to miss!

Venture into the grandeur of the State Apartments , which are unparalleled in England. These rooms, utilised by His Majesty The King and the Royal Family today, boast walls adorned with masterpieces from history's most renowned artists and showcase priceless treasures from across the globe.

Guests choosing the option to enter the Castle will also see St George's Chapel , the scene of some of the most famous royal weddings of recent times. These include TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank. Within the Chapel are the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, Henry VIII and Charles I.

Designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is perhaps one of the most famous Neolithic monuments in the world. Plenty of mystery and intrigue surrounds this ancient site , and its construction and origin have divided opinion and stirred controversy over the many years since its discovery.

As you navigate through the site, our guide will shed light on the profound mysteries surrounding these colossal stones.

At a glance:

Take a walk around the perimeter of the Stone Circle, an essential part of any visit
Step inside reconstructed Neolithic houses to see how people lived 4,500 years ago
Watch a display of ancient domestic skills, including flint knapping, rope making and grinding grain
Visit the 360-degree audio-visual display at the visitor centre and see what it feels like to stand in the middle of the Stone Circle
Visit the world-class exhibition centre, where over 250 objects and treasures are on display, including jewellery, pottery and even ancient human remains

Conclude your day with a visit to Oxford , also known as 'The City of Dreaming Spires,' renowned for its prestigious university and remarkable architecture, making it a captivating destination steeped in history. Oxford University , dating back to the 11th century, proudly holds the title of the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Oxford's timeless beauty has not only inspired generations but has also served as the enchanting backdrop for numerous movies and TV series , including the beloved Harry Potter films . Immerse yourself in the city's rich history and charm with a guided walking tour led by our expert guide. Wander through cobbled streets, where architectural marvels from various periods in English history come to life – from early Saxon to the resplendent Gothic Revival.

London Victoria Train Station

Your Tour will finish outside London Victoria Train Station, centrally located and easily accessible by national rail and underground, it is serviced by the Victoria, District and Circle Lines and is in Travel Zone 1.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tour Starts: 8:00 am, Victoria Coach Station (boarding commences at 7:30 am)
Tour Finishes: approx. 7:30 pm, Victoria Train Station
Important: the lift from Windsor Castle Coach Park to the upper level is out of order until May 2024 due to refurbishment. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us ahead of your tour.
Entrance to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge is only included in this tour if the option including these entrances is selected at the time of the booking
Windsor Castle is closed to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 2024
St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle is closed to visitors on Sundays. On rare occasions, the State Apartments may be closed
We encourage guests with e-tickets to bring these on their smart devices
Guests are provided with personal audio headsets so distancing can be maintained when listening to commentary
Our coaches are operating at normal capacity
Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols
English: Apr-Mar: Daily
Spanish: Apr-Mar: Tue, Thurs & Sun
Japanese: Apr-Mar: Monday
The tours, including entry to Windsor Castle, are unavailable on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout 2024.

PACKAGE OPTIONS

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford (including all entries):

Windsor Castle and Stonehenge entries
Walking Tour of Oxford

Expert Guide

Superior coach with free wi-fi and usb charging on board.

Personal Audio Headset

Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford (Stonehenge entry only):

Stonehenge entry

Walking tour of Oxford

Personal Audio Headset
See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor
Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option including all entrances is selected)
See St George's Chapel where Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest (if option including all entrances is selected)
Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected)
Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an Expert Guide
See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University

What's Included

Windsor castle and stonehenge entries (if option chosen), personal audio headset, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off, windsor castle & stonehenge entries (unless option chosen).

Stonehenge, a world Heritage Site and the best known prehistoric monument in Europe, has over one million visitors per year. In order to reduce the site’s impact on the environment the visitor facilities use innovative technology in recycling and to reduce freshwater use.

No Cancellation Fees
No Change Fees
No Booking Fees
Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of departure
Our team, including our guides and drivers have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures, Please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms see Our Flexible Promise to You

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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.

The Handle Bar Oxford - Where to Eat on an Oxford Day Trip

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/

Oxford University Natural History Museum

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

Where to eat on an Oxford day trip: Rickety Press.

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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Editor of What’s Hot?

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

Catherine Marie

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

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

13 BEST Day Trips from Oxford, England

From the stunning blenheim palace to visiting bath & london, these are the best day trips from oxford to keep anyone entertained..

From its world-class university to gorgeous riverside walks to amazing independent restaurants and pubs, it’s no secret that Oxford is one of the best places to visit in England.

Personally, I love it for its architecture and old-world vibe. Just walking around here feels like you’re stepping back in time. It really is one of those cities that you can feel the history just from walking around.

However, if you’re looking to mix it up, there are tons of day trips from Oxford that’ll make your city break even better.

Whether you’re looking to experience magic and wonder at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, want to hit up the beach at Bournemouth, or spend the day hiking in the Cotswolds , these Oxford days trips offer up plenty of variety.

There’s a little something for everyone in this part of the country, and the train connections mean that you can actually get pretty far in under two hours! If not, I’ve included a couple of tours for you too.

So, what kind of amazing day trips from Oxford can you look forward to? I’ve collated some of my favourites to help inspire your next Oxford itinerary. Let’s dive in and find out more!

If you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself while in the city, then check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Oxford !

Day trips from Oxford

Explore the grandeur of blenheim palace.

With a history spanning over 300 years and being the birthplace of legendary UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace attracts visitors from all around the world.

Join a guided tour around the stately home and the impressive grounds to get the most out of your trip. Located just 40 minutes away from Oxford and surrounded by acres of lush countryside, Blenheim is often the perfect tonic to the city.

Every time I’ve been to Blenheim Palace (I’ve clocked up a few visits now!), I’m always taken aback at how big the place is. You could easily spend a whole day here and still not see everything.

Enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds

If you’re looking for a day out in the quintessential English countryside, there is no better place than the Cotswolds and its outstanding natural beauty. Spread across 800 miles of gorgeous landscape, the Cotswolds are filled with picture-perfect villages.

I love wandering around the Cotswolds and and seeing all the cute villages. One of the best things is that you can be there in around 30 minutes from Oxford. It’s the perfect short day trip out, and a great way to see and experience rural England.

If you’re a fan of countryside walks that wind between old-world pubs, where you can imagine you’re the only one in the world, you’ll feel right at home in the Cotswolds.

If you’re short on time and don’t have your own transport, then check out this amazing full-day tour of the Cotswolds from Oxford. On this tour everything is taken care of for you, so you can just have a good time.

Taste history and delicious chocolate at Cadbury World

I don’t know about you, but I am a chocolate fiend. Just outside Birmingham to the north of Oxford lies Bourneville, the home of Cadbury’s chocolate. Now a tourist attraction that’s half museum half factory tour, Cadbury World is a smash hit with visitors of all ages.

Bring your appetite for the free samples, learn about the Aztec roots of chocolate, and have tons of fun in the interactive zone. There’s even a short ride where you sit in a cartoon cocoa bean, complete with a commemorative photo! It’s a perfect full day out, especially if the English weather isn’t cooperating…

Stare in awe at the Living Rainforest

Now, I wouldn’t expect to find a rainforest in England, but that’s precisely what the Living Rainforest is! Here you can unleash your inner Attenborough at this favourite Oxford day trip.

At the Living Rainforest you’ll find a series of extravagant glass houses where you can spot iguanas, lizards, sloths, toads, and more. It’s a haven for conservationists, as the Living Rainforest is actively protecting endangered wildlife and plant life. Again, this is perfect for the little ones and they’ll learn loads about wildlife too.

Get your fill of magic at the Harry Potter Studio Tour

Oxford is pretty great for Harry Potter fans, with some of the interior Hogwarts scenes being filmed at some of the University of Oxford colleges, but you can find even more magic close by.

Nestled in Watford, just outside London, you’ll find the Harry Potter Studio Tour . Filled with props, costumes, sets, and facts about the beloved film series, it’s a must for any Potterhead.

Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for the gift shop – it’s huge and the choices can keep you there for hours on end!

Embrace the hustle and bustle of London

What can I say about London that hasn’t already been said? You can take a day trip to the iconic capital from Oxford in around an hour on a direct train.

Take in the sights of the London Eye, the Thames River, Hyde Park, and more. Honestly, you could spend your whole trip here and not see everything there is to see.

If you’ve got time, join a group tour around the spooky side of London on a Jack the Ripper tour , or go on a river cruise with afternoon tea for a calmer vibe. Of course, another great London evening excursion is to hit the West End. Head to the Leicester Square box office to see what shows are available!

Hit the beach in Bournemouth

Who doesn’t love a day out at the beach? Although the old architecture of Oxford might seem a million miles away from the British coast, you can actually reach Bournemouth in around two hours on the train.

Enjoy a full day out, filled with sun, sea, and sand. Bournemouth’s sandy beaches are massively popular with visitors of all ages. Bring your bucket and spade, grab an ice cream from one of the many shops on the promenade, or take a dip in the sea – the perfect day!

Feel regal at Highclere Castle

We all have our guilty pleasures, and for many of us, it’s Downton Abbey. Head to the real-life Grantham Estate by visiting the gorgeous Highclere Castle. For me, this is definitely one of the best day trips from Oxford.

Spread across five stunning acres, you can reach Highclere Castle in just over an hour from Oxford, making it a great option for getting out of the city. Jump on a guided tour of the house and learn all about the regal history of this amazing stately home.

Check out the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath

From one cultured city to another, enjoy a full-day trip from Oxford by jumping on the train to the Roman city of Bath. Known for its Roman spa, it’s Georgian architecture, and amazing independents, Bath is a charming city to spend your time in.

Whether you’re visiting the Jane Austen Centre, walking along the Royal Mile, or joining a tour of the Roman history and architecture of the city, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.

Get cultured in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Fans of the Bard, this Oxford day trip is for you! Located just under an hour and a half away from Oxford, you’ll find Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare.

Jump on the sightseeing bus to get a general overview, or check the schedule at the Royal Shakespeare Company to see what plays are on while you’re there. It’s really common for some big names to be taking on iconic roles here, and often for a fraction of the cost of the London theatres.

You can also check out the birthplace of Shakespeare too if you’re feeling inspired!

Marvel at the majesty of Stonehenge

There are so many iconic sights in the UK, but Stonehenge is one of the big ones. The instantly recognisable stone circle has posed questions for centuries. How did they get here? Why are they here? Who did it?

Journey across from Oxford for the day and take in these majestic stones for yourself. I’d recommend trying to go on one of the Solstice days for an extra magical excursion.

Failing that, visiting at either sunrise or sunset provides unforgettable views!

Shop till you drop at Bicester Village

I love a bargain as much as the next person, so one of the best places to go on an Oxford day trip if you love shopping is Bicester Village . This designer shopping outlet is a bargain-hunters playground.

With amazing designer brands like Burberry, McQueen, Dior, and more for up to 60% off, you can look the part without spending a fortune. It’s so popular that small group tours go straight from London airports to the shopping village and back again!

Discover the Jane Austen Centre

Located in the stunning Roman city of Bath, the Jane Austen Centre pays tribute to one of Britain’s best and most famous writers. Wander around at your own pace or join a private tour with an Austen expert.

Learn all about Austen’s life, works, and legacy in this world-class museum. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the Regency-era tearoom that’s attached to the museum and pretend you’re a character in an Austen novel.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the gift shop either! There are plenty of beautiful editions of Austen’s works and lo

So there you have it, the best day trips from Oxford! I told you there was something for everyone here. Which excursion is your favourite from the list?

Maybe you have alternatives that you love and want to share. Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to my next itinerary!

How to Plan a Day Trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London

I f you are spending a week in London , you will have time to take at least one or more day trips to see more of England. There are many destination options such as Bath , the Cotswolds , Stonehenge, and Oxford. Some are easily accessible by train, such as Bath or Oxford, but to combine destinations, you can either rent a car, take a coach bus tour, or hire a private driver guide.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to take a day trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London, and what to do while you are there.

Since we had our hearts set on seeing both Stonehenge and Oxford on our day trip, a bus trip was out of the question. Not that I would recommend a bus trip with a family anyway, but they are cost-effective. Unfortunately all the bus trips usually add in another spot like Windsor Castle — nothing was exactly what we wanted.

Also, after driving on the left in Ireland , I wasn’t excited about the prospect of driving through the English countryside on this trip. And there was no way I wanted to attempt to drive within London.

I scoured the Internet for hours looking for an option until we eventually decided it would be worth it to book a private tour to provide us with exactly the trip we were looking for. I wanted to make sure we included a Harry Potter tour on our Oxford day trip, since we were planning the ultimate London trip for Harry Potter fans .

But I also wanted someone that could explain Stonehenge’s rich history to us, versus just exploring the world’s most famous stone circle on our own. I found just what I was looking for with British Tours .

StoneHenge and Oxford Day Trip from London

British Tours offered me a media rate for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Day Trip to Stonehenge Tour

Located about 1.5 hours from London, a Stonehenge day trip is one of the most popular for families. There is just something about those mysterious prehistoric stones that fascinates kids and adults alike — especially families like ours that have a special interest in sci-fi and fantasy. After all, isn’t it fun to imagine that those stones were placed there by aliens? (But don’t worry, they weren’t.)

If you are visiting Stonehenge on your own, you will want to spend some time in the visitor center to understand its history. You will park at the visitor center up the road and then take a shuttle over to the stone circle. You can no longer walk right up and touch the stones, as barriers have been erected to preserve this historical site.

Our driver-guide Michael from British Tours filled us in on the history of Stonehenge on the ride up from London. We don’t really know the purpose of the stones, since they are 5100 years old (built around the same time as the pyramids) and pre-date written history.

We don’t know what is special about the area, but we have to assume that the whole area was considered sacred as there is also another mini Stonehenge nearby. The smaller stones are 5,000 lbs. and they came from Wales 125 miles away. It is mind-boggling to consider how the ancient Druids crafted and moved these stones when the wheel hadn’t even been invented yet and there was no metal yet to use to shape the stones. The larger stones came from only 25 miles away but they are tens of thousands of pounds!

They even rounded the stones slightly to make them fit the circular shape of Stonehenge (henge meaning circle.) In the middle is what they call the Slaughter Stone. There is no real evidence of ritual sacrifice at Stonehenge but it does make for a good story. You see, when it rains, the stone looks reddish. But it isn’t blood, just iron in the stone that causes the coloration.

Our Stonehenge private tour just happened to fall on one of the most popular days to visit — the Winter Solstice. The longest and shortest days of the year are popular to visit and if you get there early on the longest day of the year, you can see the sun rise above the Heel Stone (a stone that actually predates Stonehenge that the Druids may have thought was put their by the Gods.) Even though there were plenty of pagans and other visitors camping out to see the sunrise and sunset over the stones, overall it really wasn’t very crowded for our Stonehenge tour.

Day Trip to Oxford Tour

Oxford is another great London day trip pick for families. There is enough to see that you could spend a weekend in Oxford . This university town is both quaint and rich in history. In warmer weather, families can enjoy taking a punting boat out on the river.

But one of the main draws for us (and other families) is that it was the filming site for many scenes in the Harry Potter movies. If you visit on your own, you can join a Harry Potter walking tour. But since I told British Tours that this was important to us, our driver guide Michael was able to focus much of our visit on seeing these sites.

Oxford used to be called Oxenford (where oxen crossed or forded the Thames to be brought to market), but it became a place for study after students were thrown out of the Sorbonne in France because of a war in the 1200s. They came to Oxford to study and it grew until it was granted status as a University. Today, the University of Oxford has 38 individual colleges.

There is so much to see in Oxford you can really spend at least a full day but our Oxford tour started off at New College, where Michael pointed out the Cloisters, which were used for many hallway scenes in the Harry Potter movies. You can also see the tree where Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret.

After lunch at the Turf Tavern, which has fed any number of famous people from Bill Clinton in the 1960s to Elizabeth Taylor, Ben Kingsley, and the cast and crew of the Harry Potter movies, we moved on to Christchurch College.

The Great Hall at Christchurch College was where they filmed scenes for the dining hall at Hogwarts. And the staircase was where McGonagall greeted all the first year students in the first movie. Something about it just makes you want to put on a robe, head into the library and start studying (magic or something else!)

Oxford is such a wonderful place to visit for those with a literary bent. Famous authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, Lewis Carroll and others have spent time in Oxford and it is fun to follow in their footsteps.

Visiting both places was a full day, departing at 8am and returning to our central London hotel by 6pm. In the summer, it would be light longer and attractions would stay open later. If that was the case, we would have included a stop in the village of Lacock in the Cotswolds, another Harry Potter filming site.

This day tour with British Tours was exactly what we had hoped for with a warm and informative guide that was as comfortable explaining ancient history as describing filming sites for Harry Potter movies. Michael was able to connect with our teen and she was so enchanted with Oxford, that she wanted to apply to go to college in Oxford. We would definitely recommend working with British Tours for a group trip or, even better, hiring a private driver guide for your own custom trip from London.

British Tours offers all types of day tours from London including private and group tours to Windsor Castle, Bath, Stratford Upon Avon, Blenheim Castle, and Highclere Castle (the real Downton Abbey.) SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave SaveSave

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The post How to Plan a Day Trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London appeared first on We3Travel .

Have some extra time in London? Plan a custom day trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London (here’s how and what to do!)

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9 Best Day Tours to Oxford from London in 2024 (ranked!)
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THE 10 BEST Oxford Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)
from. $127. per adult. 3. Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London. 332. Historical Tours. 6+ hours. Visit Oxford and the Cotswolds in a small group and enjoy more time to explore and see the sights that interest you most….
Best Oxford tours from London
Depart from central London by train, directly to Oxford, for a day of sightseeing in this historic town.After you've arrived, jump aboard a hop-on-hop-off bus and tick off the top landmarks, listening to the recorded commentary as you go between stops.With trains back to London running every 10 to 15 minutes, you can choose your own return time for maximum flexibility on the day.
The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London
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 ...
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Oxford in one day. 10am - arrive for coffee. 11am - self-guided walking tour. Oxford day trip itinerary - lunch. Day trip to Oxford from London - afternoon. 2pm - Visit a college. 3pm - Go punting. Rainy day option - The Pitt Rivers Museum. Alternative museum - The Ashmolean.
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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 ...
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Don't let limited time in London stop you from visiting Oxford and Cambridge, home to two of England's oldest and most prestigious universities. Enjoy a hassle-free, time-saving way to explore both historic cities on a full-day tour from London, ideal for travelers short on time. On a walking tour of Oxford, you'll see the University of Oxford and its colleges before heading to Cambridge ...
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The University City of Oxford and the idyllic countryside of The Cotswolds are two of the most popular day trips from London, but visiting on a large group tour can mean less time to explore. This full-day small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, with free time to admire Oxford landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, Christchurch Cathedral, and the Ashmolean Museum, and visit the ...
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Half-Day Oxford Day Trip from London (4.84) See all 92 reviews From US$522 privately Favorite All Photos (8) Book this tour Book a Tour Tour Details Duration 3 hours Product Type ... We offer a Cambridge tour that can also be done as a day trip from London. Experts Isabella. William. Victoria. Elizabeth. Christophe. Allison. Sean. Sam. Bella ...
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How to get to Oxford from London. London to Oxford by Train. I took the train to Oxford which leaves London Paddington Station, it takes 1 hour and costs about £13.00 return when booking off-peak times. I always use The Train Line to book tickets and I like to book slightly in advance so the prices don't suddenly go up closer to the date!. London to Oxford by Bus.
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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 ...
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Tour Details: Our Oxford & Cambridge day tour departs at 08:30 from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SH. . Check-in time is 8am. Return at around 19:00 to Central London. Tour includes entrance to Christ College and Kings College (if chosen at checkout), a professional guide and luxury transportation with wifi.
Day Tours to Oxford From London
Their Oxford Day Trip tour includes entry into Christ Church University, an Oxford walking tour with an expert guide, and return travel between Oxford's city centre and London's Paddington train station. The tour starts at 8:45 a.m. from Paddington and finishes sometime between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in London. Tickets for this tour cost £49 ...
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Oxford Full-Day Tour From London 2024
See three of England's architectural treasures on a full-day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford from London. First, check out Windsor Castle, second home to the Queen of England, and opt to upgrade with a guided tour. Next, head to Stonehenge to uncover the mystery behind this UNESCO-listed site (upgrade to include an entry ticket), and then explore the scenic streets of Oxford ...
Oxford Day Trip
Oxford Day Trip Itinerary - spend a perfect day in Oxford exploring the must-visit attractions and local hidden gems + tips & map. ... but there is also a bus and plenty of tours. London to Oxford Bus — The Oxford Tube bus service leaves from London's Victoria Station every 20 minutes and collects passengers at Marble Arch, Baker Street ...
5 Essential Oxford day trips from London
Day trip to Windsor, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames from London Take a leisurely trip down the Thames to Oxford, passing Henley-on-Thames and Windsor along the way. After admiring the oh-so-genteel ...
How to Plan the Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London
This is one of the biggest bus operators in the UK, with daily buses from London to Oxford leaving at different times. The average ticket price is £12 for a one-way trip. Of course, another way to get from London is by renting a car. The trip from London to Oxford takes between 60 and 90 minutes by car. You can expect to spend around £30 on ...
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour
On this fascinating day tour from London, we take you to Windsor Castle before heading to Stonehenge and Oxford. Discover the charming city of Windsor and Windsor Castle, the longest-occupied castle by any British Monarch, Stonehenge, a marvel constructed over 5,000 years ago and Oxford, home to the world-famous university.
Full Day Oxford & Cambridge Tour From London
Departure time: 8:30am. Return time: approximately 7:00pm. Departure point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR. For more details see the map below. Return point: Due to ongoing roadworks between Gloucester Road and Victoria, these tours will end within a 3-minute walk of Gloucester Road Underground Station.
Day Trips from London to University of Oxford
Harry Potter In Oxford: Private Full Day Trip from London. 2. Discover the highlights of Oxford University and "the City of the Dreaming Spires"—and visit real-life "Harry Potter" filming locations—on this private, full-day tour. In the morning, depart directly from your London accommodation via private vehicle.
Oxford Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Oxford (2023)
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.
13 BEST Day Trips from Oxford, England
Contents: Day trips from Oxford. Explore the grandeur of Blenheim Palace. Enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds. Taste history and delicious chocolate at Cadbury World. Stare in awe at the Living Rainforest. Get your fill of magic at the Harry Potter Studio Tour. Embrace the hustle and bustle of London.
How to Plan a Day Trip to Stonehenge and Oxford from London
Oxford is another great London day trip pick for families. There is enough to see that you could spend a weekend in Oxford . This university town is both quaint and rich in history.

The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London

How to Get From London to Oxford

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

Carfax Tower and Oxford Covered Market

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Radcliffe Camera

University of Oxford

Blackwell’s

University Parks

Christ Church

Have more time?

Explore Oxford on the River

Blenheim Palace

Port Meadow

Ghost Trail and Museums

Oxford Castle and Prison

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

Day trip to Oxford from London – how to get there

Staying over in Oxford?

Top activities in Oxford

Oxford in one day

10am – arrive for coffee

11am – self-guided walking tour

Oxford day trip itinerary – lunch

Day trip to Oxford from London – afternoon

2pm – Visit a college

3pm – Go punting

Rainy day option – The Pitt Rivers Museum

Alternative museum – The Ashmolean

Relax in University Parks

Walk through Jericho

Oxford day trip – dinner

Costs for visiting Oxford in one day from London

Getting around Oxford

Best season for a day trip to Oxford

Thanks for reading my Oxford day trip itinerary!

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Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages 1 day tour

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

Basic Information about Oxford

Where is Oxford?

How to Get from London to Oxford?

Oxford by Car

Oxford by Bus

Oxford by Train

Oxford by Taxi

Taking a Guided Day Tour to Oxford from London

Getting around Oxford?

Staying in Oxford?

Further Information on Oxford?

Planning your Oxford Day Trip from London

Take a Walking Tour

Get a Bird Eye’s View of Oxford

Feed Your Inner Scholar at the Museums

Get Locked up at Oxford Castle