Principally known for its prestigious and world-renowned university, Oxford is a city immersed in culture and heritage with plenty to see, do, and explore. Admire the 1,500 historic listed buildings across the city, enjoy the unique shops and retail areas, or take a picturesque walk along one of the many surrounding country paths and trails. There’s a lot on offer in and around ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, browse below our top recommendations of Oxford attractions.
See what Oxford has to offer and book a city break.
Staff Recommends
Best Kept Secret: Climb the 99 steps of the 14th Century Carfax Tower for breath-taking views of Oxford town and its dreaming spires.
Culture
Blenheim Palace
A rare example of English Baroque-style architecture, Blenheim Palace is a stunning building situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. The Palace serves as the home of the Duke of Marlborough, and is connected to a beautiful, expansive park and verdant gardens, the perfect place to relax and soak in the prestigious atmosphere. There are opportunities to explore the grand palace with a number of tours, inside and outside, where you can see the luxurious state rooms, formal gardens, and much more. Visit the indoor cinema to gain an insight into its rich history, or see the Blenheim Art Foundation’s collection of masterpieces.
The park offers a selection of scenic walking routes and a buggy tout, passing the Grand Bridge, the Column of Victory and the Grand Cascades, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the UK. The gardens have a fantastic hedge maze, and an adventure playground that is ideal for youngsters. There is many places to eat, with pizza, pasta, cakes, and ice cream among the selection, as well as an award winning gift shop in the East Courtyard.
The palace and formal gardens are open 10am-5.30pm daily, with the park opening 9am-6pm. To explore the palace, park, and gardens, tickets cost £23 for adults and £12.50 for children. Blenheim Palace is just a ten minute drive from Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford.
Didcot Railway Centre
The Didcot Railway Centre is a staple in Oxford’s rich history, housing a unique collection of steam engines, coaches and wagons of the Great Western Railway in a fascinating and educational exhibit based on the original style of 1930s locomotive engine sheds. The Science, Learning and Railway exhibition offers a captivating insight into the railway centre’s past, and the Great Western Trust museum and archive outlines the immense social and economic impact of the Railway. Of particular interest are the air raid shelter and the Broad Gauge Turntable, reminders of the many purposes the centre had before retiring into a museum.
You can find the Didcot Railway Centre a twenty - five minute drive from our hotel in Oxford.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology houses a number of engaging exhibitions, from a study of fantastic historical British artwork in Great British Drawings, to collections by Adam Buck, Yoshida Hiroshi, and many more. The museum itself is a piece of art, built in the Neoclassical architectural style of the mid-19th century, and it houses, amongst other fine selections, the world’s largest collection of Raphael drawings and the most important pre-dynastic Egyptian materials exhibit
Peruse the many inspiring pieces at your leisure, before visiting the Ashmolean Café for a range of sandwiches, cake and pastries, and a warm cup of tea. Take advantage of the unique museum shop, where you can buy an assortment of beautiful jewellery, clothing, and stationary, as well as other souvenirs of your visit.
The Ashmolean Museum offers free admission and is a ten minute drive from the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford.
Museum of the History of Science
Let your curiosity roam free at The University of Oxford’s Museum of the History of Science, where you’ll find an unmatched collection of historic scientific instruments. From astrolabes and sundials to optical apparatus and equipment for early chemical, philosophical and medicinal science, the numerous displays at the museum lay out the important and interesting history of humanity’s ancient scientific discoveries.
You’ll also get the chance to explore the grand and distinctive reference library, containing an astronomical calendar dating back to 1476, and many classic volumes that can only be found in these archives. The museum shop offers a myriad of replica instruments, ornaments, stationary, and fantastic ‘Make Your Own’ kits that will inspire your interest in the history of science.
The Museum of the History of Science offers free admission and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12-5pm. The museum is situated on Broad Street, a eleven minute drive from our Oxford hotel.
The captivating culture of Oxford stands as an enduring testament to its rich heritage and scholarly tradition. Oxford's cultural tapestry seamlessly weaves together the past and present, inviting all who visit to immerse themselves in its remarkable atmosphere and embrace the spirit of intellectual curiosity that has defined this city for centuries. For those seeking a deeper exploration of this historic city, our Oxford City Guide is a must-read. It serves as a compass to navigate the diverse and captivating offerings of Oxford, ensuring that your visit is a memorable one.
Experience Oxford Tours
Explore Oxfords most famous buildings steeped in history and recognised around the world by joining Oxford Official walking tours, conductied by experienced and knowledgeable guides from Experience Oxfordshire. The guides will walk with you through some of the most famous spots in Oxford, including filming locations for Harry Potter and Inspector Morse.
You will discover the beautiful Oxford setting of some of the most renowned tales in literature and screen, with historical and cultural knowledge throughout. Group sizes are limited to 20 for safety and comfort. Book here.
Days Out
Laser Kombat Oxford
A day of adventure and exhilaration await both adult and child alike at Laser Kombat Oxford. Spend the afternoon with your friends and family in a smoky battlefield, armed with the very latest in high tech laser weaponry! Don the themed jackets and backpack, aim well and enjoy an unforgettable experience wrapped in mystery and action. Once you’ve had enough excitement, drop into the licenced bar for a snack and a drink to round off the perfect day out.
Find Laser Kombat Oxford in Partyman World of Play, just a fourteen minute drive from Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford.
Exciting Game
Offering one of the most unique and exciting experiences in Oxford, the Exciting Game puts you and your friends, or family’s brain to the test as your team attempts to solve a mysterious crime scene. See how well you can coordinate the hidden secrets and tricks as you try to complete your mission, with exciting themes available such as The Mad Scientist and The Time Machine. This experience is truly one of a kind, and perfect for a day out with a difference.
Prices start from £45/team and the game lasts 60 minutes. The Exciting Game is only fifteen minutes by car from our Oxford hotel.
Oxford River Cruise
The city of Oxford is beautiful and scenic, and one of the most relaxing ways to see the sights is to embark on an Oxford River Cruise. Sit back on a luxury vessel and enjoy the views on the University Regatta course, seeing the landmark, ‘Follow Island’s bridge house’, and the stunning architectural display of Christ’s Church College. Take advantage of the detailed knowledge of your guide, as they let you in on the hidden secrets and fascinating history of the University of Oxford and its surrounding city. Oxford River Cruises offer a number of scenic tours and cruise experiences, from picnic and dinner cruises to tours of the town and the university. The 30-minute Sightseeing Tour costs just £8 for adults and £5 for children.
Find the Oxford River Cruises outside The Folly restaurant, just a fourteen minute drive from Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford.
Port Meadow
Port Meadow in Oxford is a beautiful stretch of lush greenery on the bank of the River Thames, very close to the centre of the city. A grazing land for many centuries, untouched by the agricultural market, the site offers the perfect chance for a lazy afternoon in the sun. With plenty of British wildlife, from horses and cattle to squirrels and geese, you can spend the day wondering around and soaking in the pleasant atmosphere.
Try a spot of fishing in the river, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends as you lounge around in one of the classic Oxford hang outs. Port Meadow is only a six minute walk from our Oxford hotel.
Footprints Tours Oxford
One of the most famous tour guides in Oxford, Footprints Tours offer a fantastic variety of sightseeing opportunities, from tours of the university to the city itself. Take advantage of the excellent guides, all students of the university, with their entertaining anecdotes and insider knowledge of all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful city
There’s a range of tour types – see Oxford by bike, or alternatively embark on either the Harry Potter Tour of Oxford or the C.S. Lewis and Tolkien Tour. There’s also an Ale Trail available that matches any pub tour in the country, taking you to some of the oldest drinking establishments in the country as you learn about the history of beer and its importance to humanity.
The meeting point for the tour is opposite Fudge Kitchen, just a twelve minute drive from our hotel in Oxford.
Port Meadow and Wolvercote Common
Entrance from Walton Well Road in Jericho, north Oxford, or from the canal and riverside tow-paths. Used for horse racing in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as grazing land for cattle and horses – the latter still taking place today.
A popular walk (of about an hour) leads to the village of Wolvercote and the Trout Inn for refreshments. Also along the way is the Perch pub, and nearby a pick-your-own farm in Binsey Lane.
Be wary of the Meadow in winter and spring, as flooding is frequent.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Located just off the High Street opposite Magdalen College, and along the river Thames.
It can also be reached from Christ Church Meadow.
Founded by the Earl of Danby, Henry Danvers as a physic garden in 1621, this is the oldest botanic garden in Britain. It houses a good collection of trees and plants, has tropical greenhouses, a Bog Garden and a Rock Garden.
Opening times November – February: 9am to 4pm, last admission 3.15pm March – April: 9am to 5pm, last admission 4.15pm May – August: 9am to 6pm, last admission 5.15pm September – October: 9am to 5pm, last admission 4.15pm
Access: Wheelchair access to all areas with ramp access to glasshouses.
Christ Church Meadow
Entrance via St. Aldate’s towards the river Thames. Paths follow the river towards the boathouses, which makes the Meadows a popular place to view the boat races during University term times. Another path follows the back of Merton College to the Botanic Gardens. Along this walk is a plaque commemorating the balloon flight of James Sadler in 1784.
During term-time it loses some of its air of calm as devoted rowers jog their way towards the boat houses by the river. A great place to watch the races though in the spring and summer terms.
Opening times: Daily, 8am until dusk.
Millets farm -
PICK YOUR OWN (strawberries, raspberries, cherries, plums)
Our Pick Your Own fields will be open daily subject to fruit availability. Tickets will be released in small batches once we know what fruit is ripe and ready to pick so if there are no tickets on sale today, please check back again soon.
An admission ticket is required for everyone who wants to enter the fields. Pre-booking your tickets is advisable, as tickets will only be available on the door if we have spare capacity. Toddlers and babies under 2 years old do not require an admission ticket and may enter free of charge with a full paying adult.
Check website for seasonal picking.
https://www.milletsfarmcentre.com/pick-your-own/
For even more recommendations and a comprehensive guide to the fun things to do and see in this historic city, make sure to check out our Oxford City Guide.
Shopping
The Covered Oxford Market
Opened in 1774 and found right in the centre of Oxford (close to the Clarendon Centre), The Covered Oxford Market accommodates an eclectic mix of over 50 independent stalls selling everything from food, drink, flowers, jewellery, leather and more. Be immersed in the sights, soundsm, and smells of the market’s vibrant and bustling atmosphere, creating a wonderfully unique shopping experience for any new visitors.
The Covered Market is a twelve minute drive from our Oxford hotel.
Bicester Shopping Village
Enjoy an extraordinary day out at Bicester Village in the fresh open air of the Oxfordshire countryside. From heritage fashion houses to cutting-edge designers, discover more than 160 boutiques showcasing newly arrived collections
Easily accessible via the M40, Bicester Village offers ample free parking. Travelling to the Village by train is effortless too, with lines from Oxford, directly to Bicester Village Station.
Can’t make it to the Village? You?can still?enjoy access to some of your favourite brands when shopping virtually. To find out more, visit BicesterVillage.com/virtualshopping
Bicester Village is only a 14minute drive from Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford also scan the QR code at reception for an additional 10% savings in participating boutiques.
