Places to Visit in Oxfordshire

Oxford Castle dates back to 1071, when it first incarcerated people and continued to do so until HM Prison closed in 1996. The old buildings have been preserved and the stories of violence, executions, escapes and betrayal, can now be told.

Blenheim Palace is a stunning baroque Palace dating back to the 18th century. The Palace has been the family home of the Churchill family for over 300 years and subsequent Dukes have made differences to the structure and gardens. As well as the State Rooms and collection of carvings, porcelain, tapestries and painting, the 2,100 acres of parkland are also a huge draw, with sweeping lawns, formal gardens and a grand lake. 

Beautiful 14th century Manor House surrounded by a magnificent moat.  There is plenty to see in house including the Great Hall, King’s Chamber, Great Parlour, Queen Anne’s Room, Chapel and pretty gardens outside of the house. 

The Bodleian Library is located in the heart of the University of Oxford, across buildings dating back 500 years. It is the second largest library in the UK, with 30 reading rooms in 10 buildings, with over 300,000 items. Visitors can buy quality merchandise from The Bodleian Shop, or see the Divinity School, the oldest teaching room of the university built in 1488.  Tours and Audio Tours of the historic libraries are available daily Monday to Saturday with information about the library from its beginning to current day, whilst viewing the fantastic architecture.

Eight Acres of beautiful landscaped ornamental gardens, with a small museum and Saxon Church as well.  The gardens have trees, shrubs, flowers, classical borders, modern planting, secret corners and long vistas, with specific garden areas of the Formal Garden, Mary Rose Garden and a Water Lilly Canal.  The museum displays ancient tools and implements, and the small Saxon church has collections of ancient glass, brasses, plaques and floor tiles.

Museum set in an historic manor house and stone farm buildings, depicting life during Victorian times in Oxfordshire.   There are displays about farming during this time, Victorian maids wandering around who visitors can ask about their lives, and who can be seen cooking on old ranges, and an area where children can try on replica Victorian clothes, and play authentic toys and games of the period.

The Museum tells the story of Oxford from prehistoric times to present day, exploring life before and after the university, when kings were crowned and parliaments debated in Oxford.  Artefacts, treasures and a film presentation tell the story of Oxford.   Find out about the city’s earliest residents, medieval crafts, civil war and famous literary connections.  Regular exhibitions and a range of hands-on workshops run throughout the year.

The Oxford Bus Museum has over 40 vehicles on permanent display, and various exhibits on loan, from fire engines to bicycles. Access to some vehicles is available. There are also photographs, tickets, uniforms and other memorabilia on display.  On the first Sunday of the month between March to October, the Museum offers a free bus ride on a bus from the collection.  The museum is now also home to the Morris Motors Museum, which tells the story of how cars and commercial vehicles were produced at Cowley. There are  photographs, drawings and memorabilia, together with an impressive display of vintage Morris vehicles, representing the earliest to the last.  Please call to check days open before traveling.

Unique collection of Great Western Steam engines, wagons, over 40 coaches, railway buildings and small relics, including signalling equipment, a transfer shed and Didcot Halt. There is a quiz for children and Thomas the Tank visits at different times of the year. Adults can take a Railway Experience Day at set times throughout the year, and Steam Days are spread through the year where visitors can ride on the steam locomotive.

Take a journey on a steam train from Chinnor station along seven miles of our standard gauge railway track on the old Great Western Branch line and take in the views and the history of the area. The railway opens for passenger services in March until Hallowe’en.