Your guide to Oxford / Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in Oxford
Only 24-48 hours in Oxford
Oxford is a stunning English city whose culture and history revolves around the renowned university of the same name. Visitors to Oxford could spend weeks exploring its medieval city center, college landmarks, and museums and art galleries. If you have no more than 48 hours in Oxford, however, consider adding some of these items to your itinerary.
Stretch Your Legs on an Oxford Walking Tour
No 24 hours in Oxford is complete without exploring the famed college buildings and attractions. When you're short on time, a walking tour takes you to the main sites. Book a 90-minute excursion with a company such as Oxford Walking Tours, whose knowledgeable guides will direct you to such famed landmarks as the New College Chapel, Great Hall, University Library and gardens. You can also book specialty tours including a ghost, literary or student life tour. If you're afraid all of this walking will wear you out for the rest of your day, don't worry—the tours are less than a mile long.
If you'd like to tour Oxford on your own, you can visit popular quads and colleges such as Balliol, Brasnose, Christ Church, Magdalen College, Merton, New College, Oriel or Trinity on your own time and at your own pace. Some are free to visit, while others require a small fee. In the evening, stop by the Christ Church chapel to listen to the free choral evensong.
Enjoy Lunch in the Covered Market
The historic Covered Market that runs from Market to High Street dates back to the 1770s. Open during the day, the market is home to more than 50 merchants and cafes. Wander through the bright and airy market to shop for artwork, crafts, clothing, baked goods and flowers. Choose your favorite eatery from the diverse range of reasonably priced food offerings. Here you can find something that appeals to anyone in your party, from Chinese, Thai and Korean to Greek, French and, of course, English cuisine.
On a nice day, take your meal to go and walk a less than a kilometer down the street to picnic in the Oxford Botanic Gardens.
Tour the Museums
Ashmolean Museum: Beaumont St
Museum of Natural History: Parks Rd
Pitt Rivers Museum: Parks Rd
Oxford is home to many free art and history museums. You could easily spend one day in Oxford museum-hopping among the institutes that interest you most. Consider visiting the following:
- The Ashmolean Museum, which houses a massive collection of art and antiquities. This free University of Oxford museum was founded in the 17th century and includes exhibits on everything from Ancient Egypt to modern art. Take a break for tea or lunch at its rooftop restaurant and terrace.
- Oxford University's Museum of Natural History is a vibrant building filled with collections ranging from dinosaur skeletons to rocks and minerals to the Oxford Dodo. Grab a sandwich or baked good from the on-site cafe when you get hungry.
- Adjacent to the Museum of Natural History is the Pitt Rivers Museum, a fun and unique stop that features artifacts from tribes around the world. Check out curiosities such as shrunken heads and mummified remains, or admire ancient jewelry, art and tools.
Other world-class museums include the Museum of Oxford, the Museum of History of Science and Modern Art Oxford.
Journey Down the River
On nice days, people flock to the shallow Cherwell River to go boating. You can hire a small boat called a punt to take you downriver, or you can rent a punt or rowboat to try to navigate the waters yourself. The Magdalen Bridge and the Cherwell Boathouse are two places to rent a punt. At the boathouse, you can stop by the Teahut Bar to pick up a few refreshments before heading out on the river.
Punting is a fun and casual way to explore the city during the warm months. Several pubs and places along the river have spots to dock your punt so you can stop for a bite to eat or refreshment.
Stroll the Oxford Botanic Gardens
The university's stunning riverside botanic gardens are the country's oldest, having been established in 1621. Visitors to the glasshouses and grounds can admire more than 6,000 plant species. Permanent features include the walled garden, lower garden and herbarium room. During the summer, a pop-up cafe serves drinks and desserts. Dozens of dining options are also within walking distance of this city center oasis.
To fully immerse yourself in nature, enjoy a 15-minute drive outside town to Oxford's 130-acre Arboretum, the Botanic Garden's sister site. This garden is home to walking trails, ponds, wildflower meadows and a massive conifer collection, as well as resident livestock.
Get Your Harry Potter Fix
Many Oxford college locations served as backdrops for Harry Potter films. Hogwarts fans can take guided or self tours of recognizable buildings such as the Bodleian (specifically, the Duke Humphrey's Library), Christ Church's cloisters, Bodley Tower, the Divinity School and New College. Navigate your way to these buildings yourself or book a slot on a two-hour tour. Just make sure the buildings aren't closed for exams before visiting.
Stop at a Classic Pub
Eagle and Child: 49 St Giles
Bear Inn: 6 Alfred St Turf
Tavern: 4-5 Bath Pl
No day in Oxford is complete without visiting one of its historic pubs. When you need a break, stop by the Eagle and Child, where famed authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R. Tolkien once met. Or, grab a seat at the bar of The Bear Inn or Turf Tavern, two of Oxford's oldest public houses.
Rest Up at a Nice Hotel
After packing into one day as much sightseeing as possible, enjoy a good night's sleep at a centrally located hotel such as the voco Oxford Thames. With a spa, gym, restaurant and bar on-site, it can serve as your home base while you're exploring the city.
If you're trying to see Oxford in 24 hours, add one or two of these things to do to your list. Whether you're interested in history museums or a lazy afternoon on the river, there's plenty to see and do in this medieval city.