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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 20 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

Graced by some of the most beautiful architecture in the UK, home to the world’s second-oldest university, and famous for its fictional inhabitants from Sebastian Flyte to Inspector Morse, few British cities are as imprinted on the general consciousness as Oxford.

There is evidence of teaching in the city from the 11th century; a millennia later the university still dominates, with 38 colleges dotted through the streets. Alongside the colleges’ dreaming spires, the city is famous for the diversity of its architecture, which spans every period since the arrival of the Saxons.

But beneath the layers of history, there is a real town going about its business, with excellent restaurants,  a wonderful covered market and world-class museums and galleries.

Tours, tickets & transfers

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London
Windsor has been the home of Kings and Queens for centuries. Wander its cobbled streets and see the largest occupied castle in the world - home of the English and British monarchy for almost 1,000 years and today one of the official residences of His Majesty The King. Stonehenge is a must-see icon of England and, with a history spanning 4,500 years, has many different meanings to people today. Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Plus, discover the beautiful English city of Oxford, home to the world-famous university and incredible architecture dating back to Saxon times. - See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor - Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option selected) - Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected) - Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an expert guide - See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University

Price: £79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.36 / 5 [2613 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London

London

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
Discover over a thousand years of history at one of England’s most beautiful medieval castles before visiting the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Finally, head off to explore the historic city of Oxford on a walking tour of the city with your expert guide.

Price: £79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.29 / 5 [1965 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London
Windsor has been the home of Kings and Queens for centuries. Wander its cobbled streets and see the largest occupied castle in the world - home of the English and British monarchy for almost 1,000 years and today one of the official residences of His Majesty The King. Stonehenge is a must-see icon of England and, with a history spanning 4,500 years, has many different meanings to people today. Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Plus, discover the beautiful English city of Oxford, home to the world-famous university and incredible architecture dating back to Saxon times. - See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor - Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option selected) - Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected) - Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an expert guide - See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University

Price: £79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [1186 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Day Tour from London

London

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Day Tour from London
Enjoy three of England's most delightful destinations in just one day! Make sure you are in Victoria: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London SW1W 9SR for 7:30am as your coach will be leaving at 8:00am sharp! Highlights of the day: • See what’s inside the King’s favourite weekend residence • Marvel at the stunning interiors of Windsor Castle • Get up close with the mystery of Stonehenge • Wander through the cobbled streets of Oxford

Price: £95

Min age: 3

Rating 4.34 / 5 [773 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London

London

Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages Small-Group Day Tour from London
The Cotswolds are like stepping into a landscape painting. Vivid green colours, lush waterways and the most delightful cottages. And Oxford needs no introduction. The city of students, spires and sumptuous cathedrals is as inspirational as it is fascinating. Join this 10-hour, guided small-group tour and experience two of England’s most deservedly-famous locations. Transportation between attractions is included. Food and drinks can be purchased along the way.

Price: £81

Min age: 5

Rating 4.61 / 5 [683 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

Oxford is a year-round destination, and thus constantly busy with tourists. In the autumn months (September to October), the city has a particular energy, with new and old students flooding into town after the long summer break. It’s at its most beautiful in late spring, before the hordes of international tourists appear in July and August.

Getting there and away

Oxford is a one-hour drive from London Heathrow, just over an hour from London. Trains to Oxford take around an hour from London Paddington, and it’s an easy ten-minute walk into the centre of town. The Oxford Tube is a coach service that runs every hour from several points around London.

Getting around

Like most English towns, Oxford has reasonably good public transport, clogged roads and expensive parking. With relatively flat terrain, pleasing surrounds, and a good network of bike lanes, cycling is the best way to get around town (and even into the surrounding countryside). Bike hire shops are ubiquitous.

The Oxford Sightseeing Bus stops at the train station every ten minutes and is the lazy way to tick off all the sights.

Destination guides

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Other guides relevant to this destination

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, United Kingdom (UK)

Silhouettes of cottages on a misty day. Winters morning in the Cotswold village of Ebrington, Gloucestershire

One of England’s most beautiful regions – a patchwork landscape of idyllic countryside, postcard-perfect villages and cosy historic boutique hotels.