Your guide to Oxford / Day Trips nearby Oxford
Day trips - nearby Oxford
If you're looking for day trips from Oxford, England, you'll find plenty of engaging destinations nearby including historic sites, spa escapes and shopping paradises. Whether you want to stay close or travel a few hours away, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Less Than an Hour of Travel Time
Explore the Vast Cotswolds
The Cotswolds span nearly 800 square miles, but you can reach certain parts in less than an hour from Oxford. Among the highlights of the Cotswolds is Berkeley Castle. Constructed in 1153, the Berkeley family has lived in the castle for 27 generations. Though the family is still in residence, guided tours are available for parts of the massive property.
Sudeley Castle and Chastleton House are among the other historic destinations available to explore. The Oxfordshire Museum is another popular stop in the Cotswolds where families can explore exhibitions ranging from the dinosaur gallery to Victorian Oxfordshire.
- Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9PJ, United Kingdom
- Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire, Winchcombe GL54 5JD, United Kingdom
- Chastleton House, Chastleton, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU, United Kingdom
- Oxfordshire Museum, 14 Park St, Woodstock OX20 1SW, United Kingdom
Shop Away at Bicester Village
Bicester Village is less than 30 minutes away from Oxford and this designer shopping destination has more than 160 boutiques from global designers. You'll find Missoni, Anne Fontaine, Armani, Balenciaga, Samsonite and more. Dining options abound as well, so you can easily take a break from shopping at a lunch cafe or settle in for a hearty dinner.
- Bicester Village, 50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD, United Kingdom
Experience the History of Blenheim Palace
It takes about 20 minutes to get from Oxford's city centre to Blenheim Palace, making it an easy option for a short day tour. The palace offers so much to do that you'll have no trouble filling your entire day here with engaging activities like viewing the Churchill Exhibition, strolling the formal gardens, exploring the butterfly house and watching "The Untold Story," an interactive visitor experience.
- Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PP, United Kingdom
Tour The Kilns
The Kilns, C.S. Lewis's home, is just 15 minutes from Oxford's city centre. The Kilns serve as a quiet place of study and research, with summer seminars and scholars-in-residence programs. However, you may tour The Kilns if you make prior arrangements. This is a day trip you'll need to plan in advance.
- The Kilns, Lewis Cl, Oxford OX3 8JD, United Kingdom
1-2 Hours of Travel Time
Bath
Roughly an hour and a half from Oxford, Bath has long been a destination for rejuvenation and relaxation. An excursion from Oxford to Bath will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your trip. The Thermae Bath Spa is one of the most luxurious destinations here, complete with a rooftop pool filled with warm mineral-rich waters. After your treatment, explore some of the other attractions in Bath, such as The Jane Austen Centre or American Museum & Gardens.
- Thermae Bath Spa, The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath BA1 1SJ, United Kingdom
- The Jane Austen Centre, 40 Gay St, Bath BA1 2NT, United Kingdom
- American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD, United Kingdom
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is between one and two hours from Oxford depending on your route. In addition to viewing this massive stone monument, you can also explore the accompanying visitor center, shop, cafe and Neolithic Houses at the site. Take time to walk the circle and enjoy a picnic among the legendary landscape.
- Stonehenge, Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
Winchester
Just over an hour from Oxford, Winchester is where visitors can see the longest medieval nave in Europe at Winchester Cathedral or view the site of Jane Austen's grave. Take the family to the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium to keep younger visitors entertained.
- Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS, United Kingdom
- Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ, United Kingdom
2-3 Hours of Travel Time
Stratford-Upon-Avon
It takes nearly three hours to get from Oxford to Stratford-Upon-Avon by train. This quaint and picturesque market town is ideal for a leisurely stroll and day-long shopping experience. You can also visit Shakespeare's birthplace, the childhood home of his mother and Hall's Croft, where his daughter lived.
- Shakespeare's Birthplace, Henley St, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 6QW, United Kingdom
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Cottage Ln, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 9HH, United Kingdom
- Hall's Croft, Old Town, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 6BG, United Kingdom
Consider adding some of these day trips from Oxford to your vacation schedule to explore history and attractions beyond the city. Discover some of the area's hidden gems and learn more about what this part of England has to offer with a short escape to these destinations.