Things to Do in Oxford
Prices, opening hours, best times to visit and the stuff nobody tells you, everything you need for a first trip to Oxford, England, plus one pigeon's opinions on all of it.
Right, Oxford. Try to look intelligent, squint if you must, home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, a library that once told a king he couldn't borrow a book, and a covered market that's been trading continuously since 1774. This is the proper, no-nonsense guide to things to do in Oxford: what things actually cost, when to go, what to skip, and which bits are worth the walk. Three main stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site to see if you were paying attention.
The University of Oxford
Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching dating back to roughly the 12th century, older than most countries, I've been roosting on these buildings for a fraction of that time and I still feel like a newcomer, a genuinely staggering claim to hold, the university predates the modern nation-state system entirely, worth appreciating this depth of history as you walk through the various colleges' quads and courtyards.
Several colleges allow visitors during set hours, worth checking current access for specific colleges like Christ Church (remarkable architecture, and used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films) given that access can vary during term time.
Hours Varies by college, check current visiting hours
Address University of Oxford, Oxford
The Bodleian Library
A historic library, one of the oldest in Europe, holds a copy of nearly every UK-published book, the Bodleian Library, you can't actually borrow the books, first King Charles I asked, and they said no to him too, a real piece of institutional stubbornness, the library has maintained a strict no-borrowing policy since its founding, applying it consistently regardless of the requester's rank, an admirable bit of principle.
Guided tours cover the historic reading rooms, including the strikingly beautiful Divinity School, used as a filming location for Harry Potter's hospital wing, worth booking ahead given the popularity of these tours.
Hours Tours run on a set schedule, check current times
Address The Bodleian Library, Oxford
The Covered Market
A famous covered market in the city centre has been trading since 1774, the Covered Market, excellent pie shops, I've never been allowed inside, obviously, but the smell alone is worth the visit, a genuinely atmospheric, historic market, independent butchers, bakers, and specialty shops packed into a proper Georgian-era covered arcade.
It's a good, cheap lunch option, worth a wander regardless of whether you're buying anything, the building itself and the market atmosphere are part of the appeal.
Hours Daily, roughly 8am–5.30pm
Address The Covered Market, Oxford
Best time to visit Oxford
April through June and September through October give the most comfortable weather for the amount of walking this list involves, and these months generally avoid the busiest exam and graduation periods that can affect college access. For the full month-by-month breakdown, see our Best Time to Visit Oxford guide.
College visiting hours can be more restricted during university term time, worth checking current access before planning a visit around specific colleges.
Getting around Oxford
Central Oxford, including the colleges and the Covered Market, is easily walkable, one of the more compact university cities to cover on foot. If you're mapping out exactly how to spend your time, our 24 Hours in Oxford and 2 Day Oxford Itinerary guides lay out an hour-by-hour and day-by-day plan.
Keeping an eye on costs? Oxford on a Budget covers what's free and where the tourist markup actually is. Travelling as a couple? Oxford for Couples covers punting at sunset and the University Church tower. And once your dates are set, Where to Stay & Eat in Oxford breaks down the neighbourhoods.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Oxford worth visiting?
- Yes, easily, one of the most historically significant university cities anywhere, the Bodleian Library and the individual colleges' architecture offer real depth beyond just the famous name.
- How many days do you need in Oxford?
- Two days covers a few colleges, the Bodleian Library, and the Covered Market comfortably.
- Is Oxford expensive?
- Moderate, generally cheaper than London for dining and accommodation, though popular college and library tours do add up if you visit several.
- What is Oxford famous for?
- Being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the Bodleian Library, one of Europe's oldest libraries, and its historic Covered Market, trading continuously since 1774.
That's everything I've got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
