Things to Do in Oxford
Oxford is a university city of stone streets, green meadows and two rivers. It is best seen at walking pace, with time to stop and look.
Walking the old centre
Narrow streets and lanes wind between old stone buildings, and most of the sights are close together. The middle is busy at weekends and in the school holidays, so an early start gives the quietest views. Stone pavements are narrow in places, and a good pair of shoes helps on the cobbles.
Narrow streets and lanes wind between old stone buildings, and most of the sights are close together.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Colleges, libraries and gardens
Many of the colleges have gardens and courtyards, and some admit visitors at set times. Libraries, chapels and lecture halls are in a similar position. Rules change with the term, so confirm access beforehand. A friendly word with the porter at a gate often settles whether a visit is possible that day.
Every photograph here is reviewed by a person before it goes live, and members who have verified their identity carry the Verified tick. Browse who is online now, or join free to message them.
Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Oxford itself.
Rivers and meadows
The Thames and the Cherwell both flow through the city, and towpaths and open meadows lie a few minutes on foot from the middle. They offer a calm change after the stone streets, and they are the best answer to a fine afternoon. Paths can flood in a wet winter, so choose the higher routes after heavy rain.
The Thames and the Cherwell both flow through the city, and towpaths and open meadows lie a few minutes on foot from the middle.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Jericho and Cowley Road
Jericho, north of the middle, has a village feel with small shops and cafes. Cowley Road, to the east, has a lively mix of food and shops from many places. Both are good for an unplanned wander.
Jericho, north of the middle, has a village feel with small shops and cafes.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Museums and a wet afternoon
The city has a strong range of museums and galleries, many with collections of art, nature and antiquities. They are a good fall back if it rains, and you can fit two or three into a single day.
The city has a strong range of museums and galleries, many with collections of art, nature and antiquities.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Into the Cotswolds by train
Rural stations on the line towards the Cotswolds make easy day trips to small towns and villages. Direct trains also reach London and Reading from Oxford station.
Rural stations on the line towards the Cotswolds make easy day trips to small towns and villages.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Getting about
The station is on the west side of town, a short stroll from the old streets. Traffic is heavy, so bicycles, buses and park and ride are all popular, and a licensed cab suits the evening. Book ahead for late journeys, as demand is high on weekend nights.
The station is on the west side of town, a short stroll from the old streets.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Over 18s only
Entry to this site is for those who are eighteen or older. The same condition runs through every page, this one included.
Entry to this site is for those who are eighteen or older.
- Optional identity check, by a person
- Every photograph reviewed before it goes live
- Free to join, free to list
Oxford areas to know
- The old centreStone streets, best at an early hour
- JerichoA village feel with small shops and cafes
- Cowley RoadA lively street of food and shops
- The riversTowpaths and meadows beside the Thames and Cherwell
Frequently asked questions
A full day covers the old streets, a garden or museum and a riverside walk. If you add a trip to the Cotswolds, plan a second day.
No. It offers general pointers on areas and kinds of outing, so check details directly with each organiser.
Join TheDirectory, free
Every photograph reviewed by a person, identity verification for anyone who wants the Verified tick.
Join free
