OurLocals
Best Things To Do in Oxford

Best Things To Do in Oxford

The best things to do in Oxford, handpicked by OurLocals.

8 places·Updated July 2026

Oxford is one of England's most captivating cities, where centuries-old university architecture meets a buzzing independent food and culture scene. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime local, this guide highlights the very best experiences the city has to offer.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History
01

Things To Do

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

££

Immense university museum of zoology, entomology and geology set in a grand neo-Gothic building.

Ashmolean Museum
02

Things To Do

Ashmolean Museum

££

Ancient & modern art & antiquities covering world civilisations, plus fine & applied arts.

Escape Hunt Oxford
03

Things To Do

Escape Hunt Oxford

££

Immersive escape room adventures in the heart of Oxford city centre.

The Covered Market
04

Things To Do

The Covered Market

££

Legendary 1770s indoor bazaar packed with artisan grocers, boutique clothing & buzzing cafes.

Oxford Castle Prison
05

Things To Do

Oxford Castle Prison

££

Remains of a large medieval castle, with tours by costumed guides including the 900-year-old crypt.

Oxford Botanic Garden
06

Things To Do

Oxford Botanic Garden

££

Britain's oldest botanic garden, with plants from around the world, both indoor & outdoor.

Pitt Rivers Museum
07

Things To Do

Pitt Rivers Museum

££

A cornucopia of ethnographic treasures from shrines to shrunken heads, packed in according to type.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin
08

Things To Do

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

££

CofE place of worship with an ornate 14th-century spire plus regular musical recitals and events.

More Oxford guides
Best Hotels in Oxford

Oxford

Best Hotels in Oxford

8 places

Best Bars in Oxford

Oxford

Best Bars in Oxford

8 places

Best Cafes in Oxford

Oxford

Best Cafes in Oxford

8 places

Best Restaurants in Oxford

Oxford

Best Restaurants in Oxford

8 places