On a trip to Oxford be sure to squeeze in a visit to a world-class museum before a picnic in one of the city’s tranquil parks. Stroll along Oxford’s pastel-hued High Street lined with independent boutique shops and coffee bars, or take a leisurely punt along the river. Take a walking tour of Oxford city centre, where ornate University of Oxford buildings in distinctive golden stone can be found around every corner. Make sure that you leave time to explore and enjoy the eclectic variety of places to eat and drink, from chic five-star restaurants to buzzing pubs and cafés. This two day Oxford itinerary will show you the highlights of this historic city.
Day 1
Morning
Kickstart your weekend in the heart of it all. Get your bearings by climbing the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for the highest view over Oxford’s skyline. As you exit the church, take a stroll around cobbled Radcliffe Square to drink in 360° views of the Radcliffe Camera, part of the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
To maximise your time, pre-book an Oxford Official Walking Tour for a guided walking tour around more of Oxford’s iconic sites and locations. Tours are led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who will tell you all the hidden secrets and quirky stories of the city and the University of Oxford’s 39 colleges.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to walk, the City Sightseeing Oxford open top bus tour is a great way to see Oxford. Listen to your guide as you are driven around, with the option to hop-on and hop-off at 20 different stops across the city.
It’s now time to get some food – Oxford has so many amazing options to eat and drink. Experience an explosion of Sri Lankan street food at The Coconut Tree on St Clement’s Street or if you prefer a light meal, head to The Ashmolean Café on Beaumont Street!
Bodleian Libraries
Oxford Official Walking Tours
City Sightseeing Oxford
The Coconut Tree
Afternoon
Whilst in the heart of the city, don’t miss Oxford’s incredible museums. Choose from the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s first public museum and home to world-famous artefacts and collections, the History of Science Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and neighbouring Pitt Rivers Museum, the University of Oxford’s quirky museum of anthropology and world archaeology.
Ashmolean Museum
History of Science Museum
Museum of Natural History
Pitt Rivers Museum
Evening
Fill your evening with world-class Choral Evensong in an Oxford college chapel. These take place every evening during University of Oxford term-time and start between 5:15pm and 6:45pm depending on which college you visit. We recommend joining the Choirs of the grand Christ Church Cathedral for an unforgettable evening.
Looking for a fun unique experience? Take your family and friends to Junkyard Golf Club, home of crazy golf and fun cocktails.
Relax in the elegant Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels, an icon of Oxford. Enjoy a tipple at the famous Morse Bar in the hotel, before heading to the Alice Restaurant for outstanding seasonal British cuisine.
Hotel Options
Malmaison: The Malmaison Hotel is a former prison now converted into a boutique hotel situated in the centrally located Oxford Castle Quarter.
The Buttery Hotel: situated in the heart of Oxford on historic Broad Street, the Buttery offers six deluxe and well-furnished en-suite bedrooms with many rooms overlooking some of the beautiful Oxford colleges.
Day 2
Morning
Start your day with an exhilarating morning on the water. Take a punt on the river – a truly timeless Oxford tradition – from Cherwell Boathouse to see the city from a different perspective. Alternatively, from Folly Bridge take a chauffeured cruise down the River Thames from Salter’s Steamers or Oxford River Cruises and admire the views of Christ Church College in the distance.
Take a guided tour of Oxford Castle & Prison and discover the fascinating stories of the building’s 1,000-year history. Explore the Saxon St George’s Tower and descend deep underground to the 900-year-old crypt.
Cherwell Boathouse
Salter's Steamers
Oxford River Cruises
Oxford Castle & Prison
Afternoon
Close to Oxford Castle & Prison is Westgate Oxford, the city’s shopping and entertainment centre – and here you will find an eclectic mix of global fashion brands, restaurants, bars and a boutique cinema. Grab lunch with a spectacular view of Oxford’s dreaming spires on Westgate’s rooftop terrace or visit Pho for some healthy Vietnamese street food.
For a more grown-up afternoon, treat yourself to an afternoon tour of The Oxford Artisan Distillery. One of the world’s very few craft distilleries, they use ancient heritage grain to create the finest spirits. Discover the principles and production processes that make their spirits, from their bespoke copper stills to the grain they grow themselves. Finish with a chance to taste their wonderful spirits.
Evening
After this spirit tasting experience, walk up Oxford’s winding High Street, bordered with imposing college walls and independent shops, restaurants and cafés.
Take a moonlit walk around central Oxford and see the historic University buildings from a different perspective, without the bustle of the city around you. Stroll along the winding lanes often used as shortcuts by students dashing to classes. Stop for a relaxed drink in one of Oxford’s sophisticated bars, or settle in for a cosy evening in a historic pub.