Advice

We'd like to digress for a moment to introduce you to some of the other points of interest that we weren't able to include in our itinerary. One of Oxford's must-sees is the University Botanic Garden. This is the oldest botanical garden in England,founded in 1621 as a medicinal garden for the study of plants for medical research.

With over 6,000 plant species in just 1.8 hectares, it is one of the most diverse collections in terms of surface area. It’s a must for apsiring botanists! When you think of a scholarly city, you think of prestigious museums.

Sounds logical, but it's particularly true in Oxford. And on top of that, almost all of them are free! For enthusiasts, or for rainy afternoons - which, let's be honest, can happen - here are some highlights of the city.

There's the Ashmolean, which you'll come across on your tour, but also the Museum of Natural History, where you can admire the world's most complete tyrannosaur skeleton; the Museum of Anthropology, where you can regain trust in mankind and marvel at the intelligence of our species; the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Museum of the History of Science, where you can discover one of the most interesting collections of scientific instruments from all ages. The Oxford Museum offers a comprehensive tour of the city's history. If you're drawn to the magical world of Harry Potter, then check out our article dedicated to the filming locations of the famous saga, to make sure you don't miss any of the iconic locations featured in the various movies.

Another of the city's top activities is a trip on the "Punts". A trip on these colorful flat-bottomed boats, propelled by a long pole, is a wonderful way to discover the city from another angle. If you still have some time in the area, a must-see is Blenheim Palace, the former royal residence in the town of Woodstock, destroyed during the Civil War.

This masterpiece of Baroque architecture, surrounded by beautiful formal gardens, is packed with history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also take the opportunity to discover the English countryside at Port Meadow. As soon as you leave Oxford city center, you're in the middle of nature.

It's 30 hectares of untamed nature, home to a multitude of nesting birds and grazing wild horses. An ideal place to take a picnic break and feast on local produce bought at a farmer’s market. For a deeper dive into the great outdoors, then go up to the Cotswolds.

Listed by the government as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty", the region is easily accessible from Oxford. For example, 27 km west of Oxford is the small village of Burford, famous for its Ladies' Priory. Visit for the day or longer.

You'll find all the information you need on the various activities mentioned in the Oxford city tips section of our website.