20 Fun Things To Do In Oxford For An Adventurous Day Trip!

Fun Activities To Do In Oxford

Tour through Oxford Castle, Visit famous filming locations on a Harry Potter tour, Delve into The Story Museum, Uncover the haunted side of Oxford on a ghost tour and many more.
Oxford's world-class heritage is clear to everyone who takes a punt down the Cherwell or experiences candlelit Evensong in a college church. Even the city's galleries and museums are rich with priceless antiquities to explore. The array of castles here, along with the Harry Potter tour and picture palace, is simply amazing. Strolling around its Augustan architecture and relaxing in its green quods are the absolute most fun things to do in Oxford.

In this vibrant metropolis, you may check out world-class museums, dine at some of the best restaurants in the world, simply stroll the laneways, or soak in the history and culture. The best part is that entry to many popular sites is free. However, the city is not all about the university; it also has a vibrant arts and music scene, a historic industrial core, and winding rivers begging to be explored by kayak or paddleboard.

Here are some of the fun activities to do in Oxford:

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Tour Through Oxford Castle

This Castle and Prison have a bunch of fun things to do in Oxford and have been a tourist destination and historical landmark for almost a century.

Visitors can ascend 101 steps for a panoramic view of Oxford from St. George's Tower. Enjoy magic tricks and ghost stories.

Try to jailbreak by deciphering codes and clues in time! Visit the crime scene with the hosts. Your group with detective hats will search for the killer.

Location: 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY, United Kingdom.

Timings: Mon-Sun, first tour at 10 AM and last tour at 5 PM (tours offered every 20 minutes).

Entry fee: £15.25

Also Checkout: Best Museums In London

Visit Famous Filming Locations On A Harry Potter Tour

Several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot in Oxford, and the city itself has plenty of things to do in Oxford for fun.

Visit Christ Church, one such place where many sequences from the series were filmed, particularly in the staircase, cloisters, and dining hall.

Relive the sequence of courtyards from the series at New College Cloisters, Courtyard, and Tree.

Harry is taken to the Divinity School after his first encounter with Voldemort.

Duke Humfrey's Library is where Harry's invisibility cloak scene was filmed.

Location: Christ Church is located at St. Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP

Timing: Every Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an entry fee of £16 for adults

Also Read: Fun Things To Do In London

Delve Into The Story Museum

One of the finest things to do in Oxford for fun with literary connections is to explore The Story Museum.

Explore hobbits, Egyptians, and mad hatters' origins.

Start your journey at the Portal, the story world's formation center, then enter an untapped indoor forest.

Discover cartoons in the Treasure Chamber, picture books, nursery rhymes, and traditional tales in a patchwork nation, and narration and live performance in the Woodshed.

This museum features seminars, an adult-only humor club, and fairy tale evenings.

Location: 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP,

Entry fee:

Galleries: £10

Small Worlds: £5.50 for 60 min session

City of Stories: £5.50 for 27 min film

Story Pass: £40

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Uncover The Haunted Side Of Oxford On A Ghost Tour

Another on the list of fun things to do in Oxford is to experience its haunted side.

Discover all the important haunted spots in and around Oxford on a midnight walking tour based on Rob Walters' book 'Haunted Oxford.'

This tour takes you through central Oxford and the University to see Oxford's ghosts.

Meet your guide at the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street, the scene of murders and religious persecution.

Learn about Oxford's history and hear terrifying Viking tales.

Pass Oxford's Radcliffe Square and see the Harry Potter-famous Old Schools Quadrangle. The Bridge of Sighs recalls the one in Venice where prisoners were sent to their deaths.

Wind down the ancient walled alley to New College, established in the 1300s.

Suggested Read: Things To Do This Weekend In London

Go Fishing At Linear Fisheries Oxford

This day-pass attraction in Europe is possibly the best and among the most fun things to do in Oxford.

Linear Fisheries comprises 16-day ticket lakes and three syndicate waterways, ranging from one-acre ponds such as One Summer Pond, Hunts Corner Pond, and the Float Lake to enormous stretches of water like Brasenose One & Two.

Experience the incredible fishing opportunities with carp exceeding 50 pounds, catfish over 100 pounds, giant tench, and specimen-sized fish of nearly every species present at Linear.

Location: Enslow, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 3AY

Timing: All waters are open for 24-hour fishing

Climb The Saxon Tower Of St. Michael At The North Gate

The Saxon Tower has a lot of fun things to do in Oxford. Isn't it exciting to climb 97 steps to the peak and discover a new piece of history at each landing? Visit the church itself and learn about its history at the Saxon Tower.

From this tower, you can see the beautiful landscape and old buildings of Oxford.

It also holds some interesting historical artifacts.

It features the 15th-century pulpit, 13th Century stained glass, 14th Century font from St. Martin's Church along with the Church Treasury.

Location: Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG

Timing: Every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Test Your Wits At City Mazes Escape Rooms Oxford

Testing your wits at City Mazes Escape Rooms is next on the list of things to do in Oxford for fun. You can test your wits against your friends, family, and coworkers in this arena.

Solve puzzles and find clues to beat the clock. There are four types of real-life escapes you can try.

First, complete the Professor's Predicament to save the wizarding realm.

The second room involves the universe and Spaced X. Star Breaker. Hostage Hostel II places the player in a spooky-looking ancient hostel and gives them one hour to get out.

You have been dispatched to the Atomic Agency, where you will be investigating what appears to be a regular office.

Location: CITY MAZES – OXFORD UNIT 5, OZONE LEISURE PARK, GRENOBLE ROAD, OXFORD OX4 4XP

Timing:

Monday - Thursday 12.00 PM – 9.00 PM, On Friday: 12.00 PM – 11.00 PM, On Saturday and Sunday: 9.00 AM – 11.00 PM

Entry fee: The cost is £35 per person however discounts are available for groups of 3 or more.

Catch A Film At The Ultimate Picture Palace

The UPP is not only one of the oldest cinemas in the UK but also the sole independent cinema in Oxford.

It is one of the unique things to do in Oxford for fun that shows a mix of independent, mainstream, international, and classic films in a cozy, single-screen auditorium.

This gorgeous art-deco landmark was built in 1911, and the original box office window is still in place.

A dedicated crew of part-timers and paid employees keep the lights on at the theater.

Visitors can enjoy a movie while having drinks and snacks at the small bar.

They don't play commercials, only trailers, so the film begins promptly at its scheduled start time.

Location: Jeune Street, Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1BN

Timing: The theater is open seven days a week, 30 minutes before the start of each film, and stays open for another 10 minutes after the end of the show.

Entry Fee: £10.00

Wander Around The Botanic Garden

The Oxford Botanic Garden was established in 1621 and now houses more than 5,000 plant species from all over the world.

Once used as a physical garden, the ancient Walled Garden now serves as a tranquil green space when it comes to things to do in Oxford for fun.

There are seven greenhouses on display, each housing a different type of plant life.

The glasshouses are filled with many beautiful plants and fragrant flowers.

You may enjoy the fresh scents of citrus, hyacinth, bougainvillea, and primula at the Conservatory.

Under the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) in the Walled Garden, you'll find a breathtakingly vibrant scilla, while the Lower Garden is filled with a broad variety of dainty daffodils.

Location: Rose Ln, Oxford OX1 4AZ, United Kingdom

Timing: 10 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day

Entry fee: £6.30, or £7.00 with Gift Aid

Take A Tour Of Oxford University

One of the enjoyable things to do in Oxford is to take a tour of Oxford University, which provides you with the extraordinary opportunity to walk around the halls and chambers of the renowned university.

The Oxford walking tour takes visitors through some of the city's most recognised architectural landmarks, such as the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the Bridge of Sighs, as well as some lesser-known architectural treasures found in narrow alleyways.

Location: Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theater.

Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening.

Try Punting On The River Cherwell

A punting tour down the Cherwell River is one of the most fantastic and fun things to do in Oxford. First, take in the sights of the Christ Church Meadow, the gardens at St. Hilda's College, and the University of Oxford Botanic Garden.

Then, experience the classic Oxford activity of punting with your school, company, family, or friends.

To go to the next level of the river, you'll have to make your way across some shallow water, under some flowering shrubs, and through several low bridges. A satisfying meal is in order after your journey.

Location: Cherwell Boathouse, Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6ST.

Timing: Mid-March to mid-October, opened from 10 a.m.

Entry Fee: £20 per hour (min hire time) / £100 full day

Try Ice Skating At Oxford Ice Rink

The well-known ice rink, located in the center of Oxford and operated by Fusion Lifestyle, can serve as the venue for various exciting events, such as skating sessions, Skate School, and many more!

It is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Oxford.

The Oxford Ice Rink is home to a 56-by-26-meter ice surface, a skate store, a cafe serving various beverages and snacks, and activity rooms that can be rented out for big-day parties and other events.

Location: Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RQ

Timing: Monday 06:15–00:30, Tuesday, 06:15-01:30, Wednesday 06:00-01:30, Thursday 06:15-22:45, Friday 06:15-00:30, Saturday 06:45-00:00, Sunday 06:45–22:30

Entry fee: Adult: £9.50, Junior: £6.10, Skate Hire: £2.10, Skate Aid: £5.20, Spectator: £2.00

Enjoy Contemporary Art At Modern Art Oxford

Indulge in a visit to Modern Art Oxford, a world-class contemporary art venue renowned for innovative exhibitions and extensive public programming.

It promotes the idea that all forms of visual art have the potential to effect constructive societal change.

The Museum's physical and digital events are motivated by our belief in the significance of two-way dialogue between contemporary art and ideas.

There are examples of contemporary art from all over the world on display.

There is also a shop, a cafe, even live music and many other fun things to do in Oxford’s Modern Art.

Location: 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, UK

Timing: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 A.M to 5 P.M and from 12 P.M to 5 P.M on Sunday

Entry Fee: Concessionary tickets cost £7.50 for adults, and children under 12 are eligible for a free ticket.

Explore The Natural History Museum

Visiting the Museum of Natural History is another enjoyable option for those who are looking for things to do in Oxford.

A beautiful neo-Gothic construction shares its home with the Pitt River Museum.

The museum's collection of prehistoric antiquities, which includes the bones of dinosaurs like the Iguanodon and Tyrannosaurus as well as the fossil of the dodo bird that welcomes visitors in the main court, is sure to be popular with kids of all ages.

Everyone is welcome to use the facilities, plus there's a nice cafe and clean restrooms.

Location: Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theater.

Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening.

Visit The Pitt Rivers Museum

Visit the stunning Pitt Rivers Museum to see some truly unique artifacts that are unavailable anywhere else in Oxford.

It's a great place for preteens and teens to spend the day.

The exhibit features shrunken heads, intriguing masks from around the world, toys from other countries, and costumes that formerly belonged to royalty, all of which are sure to fascinate your history-obsessed kids.

On the other hand, the Pitt Rivers Museum has the standard fare of exhibits and interpretive signage expected of a museum of this type.

Location: Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Rd., Oxford, OX1 3PP

Timing: Mondays: 12.00 - 17.00, Tuesdays - Sundays (& Bank Holiday Mondays): 10.00 - 17.00

Escape To Cotswold Wildlife Park

Another on the list of fun things to do in Oxford is the Cotswold Wildlife Park, a great place to get up close with some fantastic animals, and it's just one of the many enjoyable things to do in Oxford for fun.

Over 260 animal species inhabit 160 acres of lovely parks and gardens.

Visit the adventure playground or ride Bella the Train. Dine out for lunch.

Feed the farmyard goats and penguins. Check out the Reptile, Bat, and Insect House.

Finally, walk among free-roaming sloths in our enclosed garden.

Location: 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP,

Timing: 10 to 6 in summers and 10 to 4 in winters.

Entry fee: Adult: £17.50, Children above 3 or citizens above 65: £11.00 And Children below 2 is FREE

Take In The View Of South Park

South Park, which was developed on a gorgeous fifty-acre plot of land, features Oxford's most magnificent panoramas. Everyone in Oxford, whether young or elderly, may have a good day participating in the park's many different recreational activities.

Visit Headington Hill Park for a view of Oxford and the "dreaming spires" while enjoying the park's children's play area and fitness trail, where you can also have a picnic or ride a hot air balloon.

Location: South Park, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 1, England

Timing: Park is open 24/7.

See The Sights On A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The open-top bus tour of Oxford, which has garnered a number of honors, is the most enjoyable and informative way to explore the City of Dreaming Spires and gain knowledge about it.

The itineraries for the City Sightseeing tours that are offered in Oxford are predetermined, and they are designed to highlight the most well-known monuments and attractions in the city.

On-board audio commentary provides insightful and entertaining analysis.

A river cruise with optional walking tours is included in the price of any 24-hour ticket.

Timing: A non-stop circuit takes approx 2 hours

Entry Fee: Cost of ticket is £34.00 to.£39.00 (depending upon the package)

Visit The Sheldonian Theater

The Sheldonian Theater is a magnificent venue located in the heart of Oxford, England.

It is a wonderful example of the classical style that was popular in early English architecture.

The spectacular octagonal cupola, which is easy to recognise due to its green roof, enchants more than sixteen thousand people each year who come to see it.

These are the most famous works of art that England has to offer which are on display here.

Location: Sheldonian Theater, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ

Entry Fee: £4.00

Try Go-Karting

Next on the list of fun things to do in Oxford is the Oxford Karting Circuit, an All-weather, floodlit 360-meter circuit with spectator seating and a computerized lap timing system that is open all year round.

The course takes advantage of Oxford Stadium's central location in the city to feature a wide range of challenges for the 620cc off-road buggies, including humps, bumps, and uneven terrain.

The karting track has its own parking, changing rooms, food and drinks, corporate facilities, spectator area, timesheet prints, online leaderboards, and racewear for its customers.

Location: Oxford Stadium, Sandy Ln, Oxford OX4 6LJ, United Kingdom

Timing: 09:00 am - 10:00 pm

Oxford Top Attractions

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Oxford City Center

Nowadays, Oxford city is a bustling cosmopolitan town and home to a growing hi-tech community. The modern shopping complex in Westgate, located at the end of Queen Street, is the best spot to shop. Further shopping centers are located in Clarendon Street (between Cornmarket and Queen Street) and the Golden Cross arcade, which is next to the well-known Covered Market. The city center has much more to offer shopping enthusiasts, one of the world’s great streets, The High has a variety of independent and high-end chain shops but the majority are university and college buildings.Next comes St Aldate’s to the South of Carfax, you can find local government buildings such as Oxford Town Hall and boutique shops. At St Aldate's, there lies a Christ Church Cathedral, with its impressive Tom Tower, and to the south of Christ Church Cathedral, find an entrance to Christ Church meadow. It is one of the best places to visit oxford.Check This Out: Things To Do In Oxford

University Church of St. Mary

St Mary the Virgin University Church is surrounded by university buildings, and this religious site has a Baroque entrance and spire, which makes it unique from other places. You can enjoy the highest view from the top of the tower and visit the vaults and Garden café to sit and relax whilst sipping a coffee. You can visit the church anytime throughout the year and ask guides for help in case of any queries.If you are someone who yearns for a space of calmness, then this place is the right place to visit in oxford. The church offers a space where visitors can meditate, pray or light a handle. The church is a pet-friendly space and offers easy parking. To climb the tower, you should be at least 8 years old and kids must be accompanied by adults at all times. Recommended Read: Things To Do In London

Christ Church Cathedral

Thousands of people visit the Christ Church Cathedral to enjoy the stillness of the place and the history it inspires. Christ Church Cathedral is considered to be the major place for pilgrimage. If you want to take home some gifts such as Wonderland-themed gifts, Harry Potter memorabilia, and several products related to the University and the Christ Church Cathedral then you can visit the Christ Church shop located in the Visitors center in Christ Church meadow.The Christ Church Cathedral hosts Christmas and other concerts which are held by Music at Oxford. The Cathedral has a truly mesmerizing atmosphere during the time of Christmas. The Christ Church Cathedral has gone through several obstacles in the past and still glows with the glory of God. You can book your tickets online to visit the Christ Church for a multimedia guide tour and the tickets will be released every week. Suggested Read: Places To Visit In London

Places To Visit In Oxford