Walking its cobbled lanes feels less like tourism and more like stepping into a living library, where centuries of debate linger in the stone arches and hushed courtyards. Today, Oxford remains a vibrant hub where ancient academic tradition seamlessly blends with modern creativity, inviting you to wander freely between historic colleges and bustling cafes without ever losing that distinct, contemplative atmosphere.
Do Oxford the way locals do: start slow at All Things Wild, eat where the regulars do at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, let the evening run long at Dirty Bones Oxford.
Top things to do in Oxford
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Family-friendly venue with 160-acre parkland for getting up close with more than 260 animal species.
Check tours & tickets2
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Immense university museum of zoology, entomology and geology set in a grand neo-Gothic building.
Check tours & tickets3
Ashmolean Museum
Ancient & modern art & antiquities covering world civilisations, plus fine & applied arts.
Check tours & tickets4
The Covered Market
Legendary 1770s indoor bazaar packed with artisan grocers, boutique clothing & buzzing cafes.
Check tours & tickets5
Crocodiles of the World
Crocodile center with over 15 global species offering hands-on encounters, a cafe & a shop.
Check tours & tickets6
Oxford Castle Prison
Remains of a large medieval castle, with tours by costumed guides including the 900-year-old crypt.
Check tours & tickets7
Oxford Botanic Garden
Britain's oldest botanic garden, with plants from around the world, both indoor & outdoor.
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Pitt Rivers Museum
A cornucopia of ethnographic treasures from shrines to shrunken heads, packed in according to type.
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Christ Church Meadow
Expansive, college grasslands grazed on by Longhorn cattle and strolled on by couples and families.
Check tours & tickets10
All Things Wild
Scenic retreat with farm animals, lemurs, camels & more, plus a train ride past dinosaur statues.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken
Louisiana-inspired fast-food chain known for its crispy fried chicken, chicken sandwiches & fries.
Website12
Dishoom Permit Room Oxford
Website13
Dirty Bones Oxford
Contemporary interiors & art in an elevated bar setting with an array of classic American bar food.
Website14
Banana Tree Oxford
Pan-Asian fare served in a lively, industrial-chic restaurant with a bar & happy hours.
Website15
The Perch
Thatched 17th-century country inn with a large garden serving classic British pub fare.
Website16
Browns Oxford
All-day British chain brasserie & bar with lobster nights & afternoon tea in a grand cafe setting.
Website17
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)
Chain restaurant with classic wooden decor, serving gourmet British beef, chicken or veggie burgers.
Website18
Gusto Italian - Oxford
Polished Sicilian restaurant serving char-grilled dishes, stone-baked pizzas & seafood.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Oxford
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Immense university museum of zoology, entomology and geology set in a grand neo-Gothic building.
Check tours & tickets20
The Covered Market
Legendary 1770s indoor bazaar packed with artisan grocers, boutique clothing & buzzing cafes.
Check tours & tickets21
Oxford Botanic Garden
Britain's oldest botanic garden, with plants from around the world, both indoor & outdoor.
Check tours & tickets22
Footprints Tours Oxford
Check tours & tickets23
Bodleian Library
The UK's second largest library, established in 1602 and containing over 11 million works.
Check tours & tickets24
Oxford River Cruises
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
All Things Wild
Scenic retreat with farm animals, lemurs, camels & more, plus a train ride past dinosaur statues.
Website26
Port Meadow
Unspoilt ancient meadow by the River Thames for walks, wild ponies, bird watching and wildflowers.
Website27
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park
Big green space with playgrounds, train rides, a mini-golf course, a skate park & other activities.
Website28
Shotover Country Park
Protected area made up of hidden valleys, varied landscapes & diverse habitats.
Website29
Hinksey Park
Wooded area with wildlife and walking paths, a lake and sports facilities including an outdoor pool.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Dirty Bones Oxford
Contemporary interiors & art in an elevated bar setting with an array of classic American bar food.
Website31
Turf Tavern
Traditional pub dating back to 1831 with a beer garden, serving classic bar meals & real ales.
Website32
The Perch
Thatched 17th-century country inn with a large garden serving classic British pub fare.
Website33
The Bear Inn, Oxford
Traditional low-ceilinged pub known for its creaky floorboards and large collection of cut-off ties.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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