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Best Oxford tours from London

Take a day trip from London to Oxford to discover a city steeped in history, from its prestigious university and iconic architecture to vibrant food markets.
An old grand building surrounded by trees in christ church meadow in oxford.
Christ Church Meadow, Oxford. © Unsplash/Tetiana Shyshkina

Days out to Oxford from London

Journey to Oxford from London on a day trip that promises captivating history and exciting attractions.

Where is Oxford and how can I get there from London?

Oxford is located in the county of Oxfordshire, in England, about 50 miles (80km) northwest of London. You can travel there in around one and a half hours by car or by Oxford Tube Coach from Victoria, or an hour by train from London Paddington to Oxford.

What are the best things to do in Oxford?

Being one of England’s oldest towns, the city of Oxford is a treasure trove of world-class arts and culture, and is home to some of the country’s most exceptional historic attractions.

Explore the town

Few places in the UK boast such magnificent architecture as Oxford. Buildings that have stood for centuries to form the living museum that the city is today. Wander the grounds of the University of Oxford, admire the exterior of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (before exploring the collection within), and scale Oxford Castle for a beautiful view of the rooftops and spires from its tower.

A dinosaur exhibit in the centre of a hall in The Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Museums and galleries

Tick off a few of Oxford’s incredible museums during your visit. Aside from having picture-worthy ceilings and windows, the Pitt Museum is packed with interesting objects and exhibitions, along with an exciting program of events for families. Like all great literature, The Story Museum will transport you to another world – journey through a fictional universe with The Portal, experience the mysterious indoor Whispering Wood and step into a story in the Enchanted Library. 

Two children dressed in brightly coloured clothes smell flowers on a sunny day at oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

For those who love the outdoors, exploring the green oasis that is the 400-year-old Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum is a must. Home to more than 5,000 types of plants from around the world, it's the perfect place to wander, or to explore the historic Walled Garden and discover a tropical rainforest and giant waterlilies in the glasshouses. 

Unmissable activities

Go punting down the river Thames to admire the iconic spires of Oxford from the water. Take a picnic lunch, which you can enjoy as you journey down the river – whether that’s a bite from a local deli or some delicious street food from the Covered Market. And don’t forget to stop by an old pub for a traditional pint of British ale or cider! 

A group of people go punting on a narrow boat down the river thames on a sunny day in Oxford.

Oxford is also a haven for Harry Potter fans, with many scenes being filmed in this magical city, including the Bodleian Library Divinity School and the Bodley staircase at Christ Church College.

What are the best day trips and tours to Oxford?

Discover day trips to Oxford below, including some taking in other destinations such as Stonehenge, Windsor and the Cotswolds. 

Day trip to Oxford by rail with open top bus tour

The Radcliffe Camera, Oxford University. © Unsplash/Ben Seymour
Depart from central London by train, directly to Oxford, for a day of sightseeing in this historic town. After you've arrived, jump aboard a hop-on-hop-off bus and tick off the top landmarks, listening to the recorded commentary as you go between stops. With trains back to London running every 10 to 15 minutes, you can choose your own return time for maximum flexibility on the day. Read More
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Hop-on hop-off Oxford tour

The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford. © Unsplash/Ray Harrington
Discover iconic sights in Oxford on a hop-on-hop-off tour bus. See the impressive universities that have inspired many famous figures and film plots, from philosophers and actors, to beloved books and hit films. Explore the many boutique shops, enjoy a delicious meal in an award-winning restaurant or watch a show at The Sheldonian Theatre. Read More
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Oxford and Cambridge tour

King's College, Cambridge. © Unsplash/Chris Boland
Combine two iconic UK cities, often referred to as "Oxbridge", on a day trip from London. Begin the day in Oxford, exploring the picturesque college courtyards and the many spires that cover the city from the castle tower. Then, enjoy a visit to Cambridge, where beautiful bridges, the spectacular King's College Chapel and famous artworks from painters such as Rubens, await.  Read More
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Windsor Castle, Oxford and Stonehenge tour

Windsor Castle. © Shutterstock.
On this day trip, you'll tick off three incredible UK sights. Seek out historic treasures and royal artefacts at Windsor Castle, solve the mystery of the impressive Stonehenge, and stroll through the cobbled lanes on a guided walking tour of the city of Oxford. Duration: 11 hours Read More
Prices from £107.00 Book now

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle tour

Live arena jousting show at Warwick Castle. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
On this day trip from London, you'll start the day with a guided tour of the historic University of Oxford. Next, head to the charming villages of the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, famous as the birthplace of Shakespeare. The last stop is Warwick Castle, where you can see bird of prey shows, sword-fighting workshops and jousting tournaments. Duration: 10 hours, 30 minutes Read More
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