Oxford is a city of honey-coloured colleges, world-famous libraries and quiet riverside walks, and perhaps a certain boy wizard too. If you are planning a stay in Oxford city centre, the good news is that almost everything worth seeing is a short walk from your front door. This guide covers 12 easy things to see and do, from the colleges and museums to punting, afternoon tea and a day trip to Blenheim Palace, plus a few practical tips to help you plan.
Why Stay in Oxford City Centre?
Oxford’s centre is compact. Most of the colleges, museums, shops and restaurants sit within a 15 to 20 minute walk of Carfax, the crossroads at the heart of the city. Staying centrally means you can head out early, come back for a break in the afternoon and walk to dinner without worrying about buses, taxis or parking.
Step Back in Time: History and Libraries
- 1. The University Colleges: Oxford’s heart lies in its colleges. Christ Church, with its cathedral and Great Hall, and Magdalen College, with its famous tower, are favourites. Many colleges open to visitors at set times, and opening hours change around term dates and exams, so check each college’s website before you go.
- 2. Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe, holding over 13 million printed items. Guided tours take you into Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Divinity School, which appeared in the Harry Potter films. Tours are popular, so book your tickets in advance.
- 3. Ashmolean Museum: Britain’s oldest public museum, with art and archaeology from Egyptian mummies to Chinese ceramics. General admission is free, which makes it an easy stop on a rainy afternoon.
Beyond the Classics: Oxford’s Hidden Gems
- 4. The Story Museum: An interactive museum about myths, legends and favourite stories. A great choice for families with children.
- 5. Pitt Rivers Museum: A packed, atmospheric collection of objects from cultures around the world, entered through the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Both are free to visit.
- 6. Oxford Castle & Prison: Guided tours take you up the Saxon tower and down into the crypt, with stories from nearly a thousand years of the castle’s history.
- 7. City Sightseeing Oxford and the Museum of Oxford: City Sightseeing Oxford and the Museum of Oxford offer a Super Saver Combined Ticket that pairs the hop-on, hop-off bus tour with museum admission. You can hop on and off the bus as often as you like and get off at stop 7 for the museum, which tells the story of the city and the people who live here. You have three months from your bus trip to use the museum part of the ticket. Buy on the day or online in advance.
Experience Oxford Like a Local
- 8. Punting on the River Cherwell: No trip to Oxford is complete without a punt. Hire one by the hour from Magdalen Bridge and glide past willow trees and college gardens. Punting is seasonal, so check opening times outside the summer months.
- 9. Christ Church Meadow: A free, open green space a few minutes from the High Street. Perfect for a morning walk, a picnic lunch or a quiet stroll along the river.
- 10. The Covered Market: Trading since the 1770s, the Covered Market off the High Street is full of independent cafés, bakers, butchers and gift shops. A good place to pick up lunch or something to cook back at your apartment.
- 11. Afternoon Tea: Treat yourself to finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a pot of tea in one of the city’s tea rooms or hotels.
A Day Trip Beyond the City
- 12. Blenheim Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, in Woodstock, around eight miles north of Oxford. Explore the state rooms and the landscaped parkland. Local buses run from the city centre, so you do not need a car.
Planning Your Stay in Oxford City Centre
- Getting here: Oxford railway station is around 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the centre. Coaches to London and to Heathrow and Gatwick airports leave from Gloucester Green coach station, right in the city centre.
- Getting around: Oxford is best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must, as many streets and college lanes are cobbled.
- Book ahead: Bodleian tours, college visits in busy months and afternoon tea all fill up, especially at weekends and in summer.
Where to Stay in Oxford City Centre
At Spencer & Jackson, we offer serviced apartments in Oxford for short and longer stays (see all our short lets in Oxford). If you would like to stay in Oxford city centre, our one-bedroom apartment and two-bedroom duplex are both ideally placed, within walking distance of Christ Church, the Radcliffe Camera and the Covered Market. Each home has a full kitchen, Wi-Fi and fresh linens, and we are on hand by phone, WhatsApp or email throughout your stay.
You can check availability and book direct, or read what past guests say on our reviews page. Visiting for work? Our guide to the best areas in Oxford for business travellers may help too. Not sure the city centre is right for you? See our guide to where to stay in Oxford.
Own a property in central Oxford? Find out how our Oxford Airbnb management service could help it earn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxford city centre walkable?
Yes. When you stay in Oxford city centre, most colleges, museums, shops and restaurants are within a 15 to 20 minute walk of Carfax. Many streets are pedestrianised or cobbled, so comfortable shoes help.
How far is Oxford railway station from the city centre?
Oxford railway station is around 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. Taxis and local buses are also available outside the station.
What is the best way to see Oxford in one day?
Start with a walk past Christ Church and the Radcliffe Camera, book a Bodleian Library tour, visit the free Ashmolean Museum, then finish with punting on the River Cherwell in the warmer months. The City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus is an easy way to cover more ground if you are short on time.
