The 10 Best Things to do in Oxfordshire, England

Starting as early as 1096 with some form of teaching, Oxford is the oldest English-speaking university in the world.

The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. The Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm. Admission is free.

The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. It founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.

The Museum of Natural History houses the University's scientific collections of geological and zoological specimens. The Museum itself is a Grade 1 listed building, renowned for its spectacular neo-Gothic architecture. Among its most famous features are the Oxfordshire dinosaurs, the dodo, and the swifts in the tower.

The Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s most popular attractions, famous for its period atmosphere and outstanding collections from many cultures around the world, past and present.

A moated fortified manor house, about 2 miles west of Banbury. Built in 1300 and then later added to in 1550, the Castle had strong links with the Parliamentary side in the English Civil War (1642-51). Still a family home, Broughton Castle is lived in by the Fiennes family. Beautiful formal garden and park. Public open days will resume from the beginning of April 2017 (2pm - 5pm Wednesdays and Sundays). We are open for group tours at any time of the year by appointment. We have a recently refurbished tea room offering light lunches and delicious afternoon teas,

Bicester Heritage is the UK's first business campus dedicated to historic motoring and aviation. Comprising of a cluster of industry leading specialists, Bicester Heritage delivers a unique customer experience by providing a supportive ecosystem of skills and businesses, geared towards the historic motoring market.

Oxford Castle & Prison explores the 1000-years of Oxford's History. Led by one of our costumed characters, the rich history of the castle with a prison at its heart will be revealed to you. Climb St. George's Tower and take in the stunning views before descending into the atmospheric crypt, along the 18th century prison wing and into archaic man-made mound.

Located less than an hour's train ride from London's Marylebone station, and 20 minutes from Oxford, Bicester Village boasts more than 160 luxury designer outlet boutiques of British and international brands including Alexander McQueen, BOSS, Mulberry, Yves Saint Laurent, MCM and Polo Ralph Lauren - all with reductions of up to 60% on the recommended retail price. Additionally, Smythson and Vivienne Westwood are represented by their only outlet stores worldwide. Shoppers can travel with ease from London Marylebone or Oxford Parkway directly to Bicester Village railway station alternatively the Shopping Express luxury coach service from central London to the Village. A number of luxury services available at the village, which include, valet parking, an award-winning Visitor Centre complete with multilingual hosts, Hands-free Shopping, and a children's play area. Restaurants include Cafe Wolseley, itsu and farmshop restaurant and cafe.