From lush quads and world-class museums to a vibrant arts and music scene, here are the top five things to do in Oxford, whether during the day or at night.
Whether you have visited Oxford or not, you are likely aware of its reputation. Oxford has a rich history, a thriving gastronomy scene, and a reputation for comedy; it boasts some of the most beautiful universities and bars in the world; and it pulls off the unusual trick of being both calm and exciting at the same time.
You can optimise your experience in this distinctive city by adhering to our suggested places to visit, whether you are in town for two weeks or just a day.
Oxford in the Daytime
Become captivated by the historic Blenheim Palace
This is a large rural estate including meticulously designed formal gardens and expansive parkland. It is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is currently home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, as well as hosting frequent festivals and events.
Leave the city to experience the lifestyle of the affluent at this baroque estate situated in the Oxfordshire countryside. While it is not technically a palace, its dimensions and grandeur are sufficient for it to be perceived as one. Explore the lavish State Rooms, visit Churchill's birthplace, traverse the parklands, navigate the yew maze, and admire Ai Weiwei’s enormous Gilded Cage.
Visit Britain’s Oldest Museum: The Ashmolean
The Ashmolean is the oldest public museum in Britain, housing a collection that encompasses several countries and civilisations.
A makeover transformed this great, neo-classical museum, once perceived as stuffy, into a contemporary, luminous environment loaded with treasures. Select a category and explore the historical development of Chinese ceramics, medieval musical instruments, or European art.
Collections include paintings by Michelangelo, Turner, Raphael, and Pissarro, as well as Samurai armour, a Stradivari violin, Japanese netsuke, and several other items. Additionally, the restaurant offers an exceptional view.
Visit Britain’s Oldest Botanic Garden
The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum is the oldest botanical garden in the UK, with 130 acres of forest that contains species from throughout the world.
Founded 400 years ago for the cultivation of plants for medical study, Oxford's botanical gardens and expansive glasshouses house over 6,000 plant species, including those used for cancer and cardiovascular treatments, alongside carnivorous plants and tropical marvels.
While in the area, consider visiting the Harcourt Arboretum, located just a ten-minute drive away, to experience the springtime splendour of magnolias, rhododendrons, and bluebells, or the fall brilliance of acers and redwoods.
See the inspiration for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Up Close on the water
A river excursion via Oxford's boathouses and meadows into the picturesque English countryside is essential. Fun fact: It’s the same landscape that inspired 'Alice in Wonderland.'
Similar to its intellectual competitor, Cambridge, Oxford is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. You may don your walking boots or choose to unwind on a vessel navigating the same river that Alice Lidell and Lewis Carroll traversed, encountering white rabbits, drowsy dormice, and red queens.
Have a drink or lunch in Port Meadow
Regarded as Oxford's oldest landmark, the Thames borders this expansive meadow, serving as a favoured outdoor area.
Require expansive sky vistas? Proceed to Port Meadow, a historic meadow frequented by horses and cattle, cherished by walkers, picnickers, birdwatchers, and photographers. Acquire a picnic in Jericho en route, carry a blanket, and recline to unwind.
While enjoying the fresh air is pleasant, why not rejuvenate with a beverage at The Perch, a historic thatched inn on the river featuring a beautiful garden.
Oxford at Nighttime
Test your luck at Merkur Casino
The thrill of the spin and the excitement around potential casino profits is always a fun way to spend an evening, so long as you play responsibly. We know that, according to BonusFinder UK, it’s simple to find great online casinos and bonuses, but what does Oxford have in store regarding physical gambling establishments?
In all honesty, not much. However, Merkur Casino, located in Oxford, is a multifaceted entertainment establishment that operates around the clock. It offers a comprehensive selection of games, featuring both contemporary and classic titles from various developers, ensuring a diverse gaming experience.
The casino features contemporary and inviting decor, regularly updated to enhance the customer experience. Accessibility is paramount, with the majority of facilities being wheelchair-accessible and devoid of steps.
Get spooked on an Oxford ghost tour
An engaging, theatrical, and macabre tour of Oxford's past, complete with eerie antics, is readily available for exploration.
This walking tour, maybe one of the most captivating nighttime activities in Oxford, is conducted by costumed actors who unveil the city's macabre history and violent crimes, while invoking the numerous spectres who inhabit its streets. Explore the narratives of fallen cavalry and the origins of Dead Man’s Walk, culminating in one of Oxford's most renowned pubs.
Pizza and beer at the Tap Social Taproom
The Tap Social Taproom is a small brewery dedicated to social justice, employing individuals who have been incarcerated and former inmates, with a stylish taproom located in Botley, just outside downtown Oxford.
Situated a 30-minute walk or brief bus ride from the station in the Botley district of Oxford, Tap Social offers an excellent opportunity to escape the hustle of Oxford's more crowded areas and immerse oneself in the local atmosphere. There is a superb selection of draft beer, sourced from Tap Social and several other artisanal breweries. Enjoy exceptional pizza on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Be sure to check out the weekly events, which include movie nights, comedy shows, and live music.
A candlelit musical experience you’ll never forget
At Magdalen College, you can catch a glimpse of college life and enjoy beautiful music during the 40-minute candlelit Evensong choral service.
What is the rationale for going? One need not be religious or musically inclined to appreciate Evensong at an Oxford college church. The subdued ambiance, majestic architecture, and grave sense of purpose create an impression well before the initial chord is played. As the organ starts and the voices ascend, you will experience the hairs on your neck standing as you are elevated to a higher spiritual realm.
