Welcome to Oxfordshire, residence to fairly villages, cosy pubs, historical church buildings, legendary college cities and stately houses. We have been right here to find one of the best days out in Oxfordshire.
Are you planning your journey to Oxfordshire final minute?
You’ll want to e-book your lodging and excursions forward of time to make sure availability!
Listed below are our high suggestions for excursions in and round Oxfordshire:
Listed below are our high picks for locations to remain in Oxford:
The place is Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is an English county situated in South East England. Town of Oxford sits within the coronary heart of the county and is residence to Oxford College, “The Metropolis of Dreaming Spires”.
Oxford has a wealthy historical past, beautiful structure and is inside straightforward attain of London and a stepping stone to a number of the most picturesque countryside in England.
Easy methods to plan your go to for days out in Oxfordshire
There are such a lot of issues to see in Oxford, the regal splendour of its buildings, vibrant gardens, historical schools, quiet laneways, lush inexperienced meadows, the Cherwell and Thames Rivers.
All the explanation why Oxford ought to be in your checklist of finest locations to see in Oxfordshire England. Listed below are a couple of of our favorite sights on what to see in Oxford.
Oxford Strolling Excursions
Oxford College is large, it’s made up of 38 totally different schools that are unfold out throughout Oxford. To get one of the best out of your time in Oxford it actually pays to take a strolling tour.
Oxford Strolling Excursions are perfect for discovering the historical past of is fascinating metropolis. There are a number of strolling excursions accessible, together with the Harry Potter tour, Inspector Morse tour and foods and drinks tasting tour. Within the night, you may be part of the chilling twilight ghost tour or strive a number of the finest pubs in Oxfordshire by taking a pub tour.
The excursions are informative, enjoyable and it’s awe-inspiring to be following within the foot-steps of so many well-known folks.
Oxford Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
Should you don’t really feel like strolling, take the Oxford Hop-on Hop-Off Bus, it’s an informative and entertaining different with a alternative of 24 hour or 48 hour durations.
The Hop-on Hop-off bus stops at a mess of areas throughout town, together with the railway station which is handy for anybody travelling from London.
Click on right here to e-book the Oxford Hop-on Hop-OFF Bus Tickets
Oxford Cruises and Oxford Punting
To really expertise Oxford, you have to take to the river, what higher approach to uncover the fantastic thing about town than by taking an Oxford cruise. There are a selection of river cruises to select from together with sightseeing, picnic and dinner cruises, all excellent for viewing the splendour of Oxford.
From Christ Church meadow to the College Regatta course and boat homes, punting and rowing eights, you’ll uncover a metropolis whose traditions are firmly linked to the river.
Punting and Oxford go hand in hand, think about a lazy sunny day, the splash of the oar as you slowly make your manner alongside the tree shaded river, having fun with the peace and watching geese float leisurely alongside beside you. Punting will be loved by everybody and is a well-liked pastime for household days out in Oxfordshire.
Christ Church Faculty and Meadows
Based in 1546 by King Henry the VIII, Christ Church Faculty must be one in all Oxfords most spectacular schools. It featured within the Harry Potter movies and has connections to Lewis Carrol the writer of Alice in Wonderland.
Although the grand buildings of the faculty take centre stage, the Christ Church Conflict Memorial Gardens are a shifting and delightful tribute to those that fell throughout WWI.
Christ Church meadow stroll is a peaceable strolling path alongside the Cherwell and Thames Rivers, a stunning place for a picnic and to look at the folks rowing and punting on the river.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum must be one in all my favorite museums in Oxfordshire. This fascinating Museum of Artwork and Archaeology is a spot you would fortunately spend hours. The Ashmolean Museum has a large assortment of artefacts and ornamental arts in addition to visiting exhibitions.
Oxford Coated Market
Oxford Coated Market is an enthralling old-world market that homes a group of outlets that showcase fine quality native produce, vogue, jewelry, items and crafts, high quality meals and desserts. The market ought to be on any checklist of locations to see in Oxford.
The Museum of the Historical past of Science
In case you are fascinated by science that is the place for you. There are free excursions that showcase the museum’s assortment of early scientific devices and memorabilia, together with the astrolabe of Queen Elizabeth I, the ornate microscope of King George III and a blackboard with the equations of Albert Einstein’s Idea of Relativity.
The place to remain in Oxford
The Macdonald Randolph Resort or “The Randolph” was opened in 1866. This grand previous woman is among the finest resorts in Oxfordshire and stands proud amid the splendour of Oxford.
Positioned instantly throughout from the Ashmolean Museum and inside strolling distance to the Oxford Playhouse, The Randolph’s historically appointed rooms welcome you to coronary heart of Oxford.
For the last word in conventional model and luxurious we suggest The Macdonald Randolph Resort Oxford.
Test right here for the most recent costs of “The Randolph” and extra particulars.
Afternoon Tea in Oxford
Be transported again in time with a standard afternoon tea in The Drawing Room at The Macdonald Randolph Resort. Get pleasure from a full or celebration afternoon tea with a number of scones with jam and clotted cream, sandwiches, desserts and pastries.
Close by Oxfordshire Sights and Villages
In case you are searching for attention-grabbing locations to go to, Oxfordshire will shock you, picturesque villages and sights could have you falling in love with this quiet nook of England.
The Mini Plant Tour
The Mini Plant is situated on the outskirts of Oxford and a should see for complete household. We totally loved this tour; our tour information was a Mini plant veteran of 52 years and he gave us an attention-grabbing perception into manufacturing previous and current.
It was fascinating to see the method of manufacturing, an engineering feat of human and robotic precision which produces a automobile each 62 seconds.
Aston Martin Museum
Tucked away in a nondescript barn within the village of Drayton St Leonard, is a treasure that’s certain to place a light-weight in any man’s eye, the Aston Martin Heritage Belief Museum.
This small museum is devoted to preserving the historical past of Aston Martin and homes a automobile assortment that features an early Aston Martin Ulster and for the racing automobile fanatic, an Aston Martin Nimrod.
The museum has a group of mannequin Aston Martins, trophies and racing memorabilia. Nicely price a go to for any automobile lover.
Procuring in Oxfordshire – Bicester Village
Ladies simply wish to have enjoyable and a 46-minute prepare experience from London’s Marylebone Station could have you procuring at Bicester Village, world well-known for its an intensive vary of designer clothes, jewelry, ornamental gadgets and cosmetics.
With manufacturers like Alexander McQueen, Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren and Valentino, you’ll be spoilt for alternative. After a busy morning of procuring, cease and revive in one of many many eating places that line the streets on this village model setting.
Brightwell Baldwin
Positioned in South Oxfordshire, Brightwell Baldwin is a fairly village surrounded by inexperienced fields, rolling hills and wooded areas that stretch out to the horizon.
Brightwell Baldwin has been featured in episodes of Midsomer Murders, a well-liked British tv program and is just 25 kilometres from Oxford.
What to see in Brightwell Baldwin
The Church of St Bartholomew is a grade I listed 14th Century church, although sections are believed to be of 13th Century origin. Church relics embody a 14th Century church warden’s chest depicting St George and 14th Century stained glass, each of which have been painstakingly restored.
We have been lucky sufficient to be invited to look at the winding of the clock. Strolling up the spiral staircase of the turret, I felt like I used to be being transported again in time and puzzled what number of ft had made this journey in the course of the lifetime of the church.
The place to eat in Brightwell Baldwin
I like English village pubs, they aren’t simply locations to go and drink, they’re the centre of village life, the place to return in out of the chilly, meet up with all of the gossip, whereas having fun with a scrumptious meal. They’re cosy, welcoming and charming.
The Lord Nelson Inn is a lovely white washed pub embellished with English flags, hanging flower baskets and a distinguished portrait of Lord Nelson hangs on the pub signal. The Lord Nelson Inn has additionally starred in episodes of Midsomer Murders.
As soon as contained in the pub, you’ll be greeted by a blazing hearth, a comfortable ambiance and welcomed by the Lord Nelson’s pleasant Workers.
The Lord Nelson Inn has a fame for high quality eating and has patrons gathering from close to and much to get pleasure from their menu, that’s the reason the Lord Nelson Inn is on our checklist as of locations to eat in Oxfordshire.
Walks round Brightwell Baldwin
After a standard Sunday roast lunch on the Lord Nelson Inn, I can’t consider a greater approach to finish the weekend than to take a sunny afternoon stroll from Brightwell Park to Chalgrove. Alongside the best way, you’ll go others additionally having fun with an ideal Sunday afternoon.
At Brightwell Baldwin stroll all the way down to Glebe Farm, throughout the highway there’s a stile, climb over and comply with the monitor throughout the meadows.
To your left, you will note the kitchen wing and stables, the one remaining buildings of Brightwell Park Home to outlive. As you stroll throughout the meadow you will note the 17th Century dovecote, grade II listed walled gardens and a peaceable stream that’s residence to geese and swans.
Stroll on till you come to a area of rapeseed vegetation, comply with the monitor and watch the fields shine golden throughout you. Climb the stiles on the sheep meadow and stroll by way of shady woodland till you come to the nation lanes that may take you to the village of Chalgrove.
The place to remain in Brightwell Baldwin
The Lord Nelson Inn has attractively embellished self-contained rooms which might be useful for these wanting nation resorts in Oxfordshire. The Lord Nelson Inn is ideal for many who wish to get pleasure from extra time strolling and exploring this lovely space.
Click on right here for critiques on the Lord Nelson Inn
Go to Charming Cuxham
A brief stroll from Brightwell Baldwin is the village of Cuxham. Strolling by way of this village you will discover the Norman belltower of the Church of the Holy Rood and picturesque thatched homes that may make you want you had extra time to discover.
The place to eat in Cuxham
The Half Moon is within the village of Cuxham. With white washed partitions and thatched roof, the Half Moon is a basic English pub. A well-liked assembly place for the locals and out of towners alike. The Half Moon serves a good selection of pizza and pasta dishes.
Benson is nicely price a go to on days out in Oxfordshire
The village of Benson sits on the banks of the River Thames and is among the many cities alongside the Thames Path. Benson is 27 kilometres from Oxford, the X39 bus leaves from cease H5 on St Aldates Avenue Oxford and stops at Benson Marina.
Walks round Benson
The Thames Path follows the River Thames on its 297-kilometre journey from its supply to the ocean.
There’s a 5-kilometre Thames Path stroll between the cities of Benson and Wallingford, simply comply with the Thames Path indicators close to the Waterfront Café at Benson.
Cross the river at Benson Weir and go to Benson Lock. We have been fortunate sufficient to see the lock in motion when the slender boat “Olivia” handed by way of the lock. We had a chat with the homeowners who reside on their boat and are loving their life exploring the rivers and canals.
We walked alongside the financial institution watching the peaceable waters of the River Thames work its manner down stream.
It was a ravishing morning and as we walked we noticed luxurious waterfront houses, boats of all sizes moored alongside the water’s edge, swans gliding gracefully on the river and canines taking part in in Wallingford Fortress meadow.
Wallingford Fortress is lengthy gone, like many castles, it was a casualty of the English Civil Conflict, however these lush inexperienced meadows are standard with joggers and canine lovers alike.
We saved strolling alongside a path of timber and wild flowers till we caught a glimpse of St Peter’s church spire and we knew we had reached the city of Wallingford.
Locations to eat in Benson
The Waterfront Café at Benson is on the banks of the River Thames. This standard Bistro will get busy on the weekend with folks enjoyable within the solar watching the river go by or stopping off for a chilly drink after strolling the Thames Path.
Boat Rent Oxfordshire – from Benson
Whereas sitting on the Benson Waterfront Café you’ll discover Le Boats bobbing within the water, these boats are for rent on the kiosk subsequent to the café.
The boats are available in numerous sizes, sleeping 2 – 8 folks, with cooking services and showers. There are numerous vacation packages to select from and it’s a excellent approach to discover the River Thames.
Wallingford
After strolling the Thames Path from Benson, we arrived on the city of Wallingford.
Wallingford has a protracted vibrant historical past, it was settled by bronze and iron age farmers and the primary city was constructed by the Anglo-Saxons.
William the Conqueror was so impressed with Wallingford’s place on the River Thames that he ordered the huge Wallingford Fortress to be constructed on its banks. Virtually 600 years later in the course of the English Civil Conflict, Wallingford Fortress was captured and later demolished by Cromwell.
What to see in Wallingford
If you wish to be taught extra about Wallingford’s fascinating historical past, the Wallingford Museum on the Excessive Avenue is price a go to.
The Wallingford Bunk Fest, is among the hottest occasions in Oxfordshire. Held yearly round August and September the Bunk Fest is a household celebration of music and workshops that guarantees one thing for each member of the household.
Should you love antiques the Lamb Arcade has over 40 outlets promoting a variety of vintage and classic wares. We loved a day shopping, the vintage furnishings, classic clothes and bric-a-brac.
Locations to Eat in Wallingford
The Boat Home Pub sits on the River Thames at Wallingford. A magical place to have a leisurely lunch overlooking the light waters of the River Thames because it makes its manner below Wallingford’s medieval bridge.
These peaceable views make the Boat Home among the finest nation pubs in Oxfordshire for sitting again and enjoyable after a Thames Path stroll.
Dorchester (on Thames)
We stumbled upon Dorchester and determined to discover this charming little village. Dorchester is a stunning village, of whitewashed, purple brick and wattle and daub model buildings and a alternative of pubs and tea rooms.
What to see and do in Dorchester
The Dorchester Abbey was constructed on the location of two earlier Saxon Cathedrals, the grounds are peaceable, with vibrant gardens. A number of the Abbey’s treasures embody 12th Century Font, thirteenth Century knight effigy, and 14th Century wall work. The Abbey is open every day.
Dorchester Abbey Museum is nicely price a go to. The museum has an attention-grabbing mixture of shows that doc the altering instances and lifetime of a village that has a historical past of settlement that goes again 6,000 years. Dorchester Abbey Museum is open from April to September.
The place to eat in Dorchester
Dorchester Abbey Tearooms has a heat homely really feel and serves a scrumptious vary of do-it-yourself scones and desserts. Within the hotter months sit outdoors and benefit from the solar whereas having fun with a cream tea of freshly made scones. Dorchester Abbey Museum is open from April to September.
Henley (on Thames)
Henley on Thames is among the prettiest cities round, with extensive streets, charming boutiques, trendy eating places and the River Thames on its doorstep.
Issues to do in Henley
Henley Royal Regatta is world well-known rowing occasion which was based in 1839. This nice sporting occasion and social event is held yearly round June and July.
Henley River and Rowing Museum
While you’re visiting this rowing mecca, ensure you take a look at the Henley River and Rowing Museum. Right here you will discover galleries dedicated to the historical past of Henley, rowing, rivers and there’s a cute Wind within the Willows exhibition.
Henley Boat Rent Oxfordshire – Henley Cruises
Take a cruise on the River Thames. Hobbs of Henley have a wide range of themed river cruises that characteristic conventional jazz afternoons, classic afternoon tea, Gin and Fizz cruises. Every day and vacation boat rent are additionally accessible.
Henley Motels in Oxfordshire
Resort Du Vin Henley has remodeled from brewery to one of the trendy lodge in Oxfordshire. This luxurious lodge in Oxfordshire has stayed devoted to its roots holding authentic options inside a contemporary setting. The Resort is nicely appointed with high quality furnishings and linens that make for a peaceable evening’s sleep.
The Bistro Du Vin affords an environment of modern informal eating that showcases contemporary seasonal produce. The Bistro’s menu is French impressed with a contemporary British twist. Afternoon tea is a favorite with a number of miniature sandwiches and desserts and enormous vary of tea varieties to strive.
For one of the best luxurious boutique lodge in Oxfordshire we suggest the Resort Du Vin Henley.
Click on right here for the the most recent costs and extra particulars.
Go to Blenheim Palace
Although there are various stately houses in the UK, none are as grand as Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is near the city of Woodstock in Oxfordshire and is the ancestral residence of the Dukes of Marlborough
Click on right here for the Blenheim Palace guided tour together with transport from Oxford.
Sir Winston Churchill, England’s wartime Prime Minister, was the Grandson of the 7th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and was born at Blenheim Palace on the 30th of November 1874. You’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the lifetime of Sir Winston Churchill in Blenheim’s Churchill Exhibition.
Blenheim Palace is beautiful, from the second you stroll into the grounds you’ll be captivated by views overlooking the nice lake and park, famed landscaper Functionality Brown’s work has change into an enduring legacy.
Trying again towards the palace you’ll be left breathless with the sheer dimension and magnificence of this World Heritage website.
Contained in the Palace you will discover a household residence with a wealthy historical past that’s interwoven into the artefacts and treasures that make up the legend of the Dukes of Marlborough.
Getting from London to Oxfordshire
Getting from London to Oxford is simple, there are a number of transport choices together with coach, prepare and automobile.
You’ll be able to select to rent a automobile in central London, from London Airports or take public transport out of London and plan automobile rent in Oxfordshire.
London to Oxford by Automotive
Oxford is roughly 90 kilometres (55 miles) North West of London, the journey can take simply over an hour relying on the time of day.
London Paddington to Oxford by Prepare
There are frequent every day prepare providers from London Paddington Station to Oxford. The journey takes somewhat over an hour.
London Heathrow Airport to Oxford by Coach
Nationwide Categorical have direct coach providers from Heathrow Airport to Oxford with a journey time of round 90 minutes.
In case you are searching for data on what to see and do in Oxford a go to to the Expertise Oxfordshire Customer Data Centre is a should, the centre will be discovered at 15-16 Broad Avenue in Oxford.
The Expertise Oxfordshire Customer Data Centre has all the knowledge you want on vacationer sights and actions in Oxfordshire.
Abstract of issues to do and see in Oxfordshire
We beloved our time in Oxfordshire, it’s one in all our favorite journey locations in the UK. With each flip there was all the time one thing extra lovely and attention-grabbing to see, we felt cheated by time and left far too quickly. Everybody ought to go to Oxfordshire a while of their life and uncover the issues to do close to Oxford.
Have you ever been to Oxfordshire? What are your favorite issues to do close to Oxfordshire?
PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓