Want to see the best of Oxford but not sure where to begin? With so many crowd-pleasing attractions on offer, it can feel a bit overwhelming to choose what to do. That’s where we come in…
Here at City Sightseeing Oxford, we’ve hand-picked our top attractions in this stunning city. From ancient architecture and world-class museums to beautiful parks and tranquil gardens, Oxford has something on offer for everyone.
Our must-see Oxford attractions include:
The Radcliffe Camera
A must-see iconic landmark in Oxford
No visit to Oxford is complete without a visit to this iconic landmark. The Radcliffe Camera was originally built in the mid-18th century as an extension of the Bodleian Library and serves as the geographic centre of Oxford University. While not generally open to the public, the folks at the Camera do offer guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays for £30 per person. The Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most Instagrammable spots, and absolutely worth a visit just to take in the stunning area and intricate architecture. Right in the heart of Oxford, it’s a great starting point for taking in the surrounding landmarks. It’s also a popular filming location, featuring in hits such as Wonka, Young Sherlock Holmes and more, so movie lovers, eat your heart out!
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 8 – The Radcliffe Camera
The Bridge of Sighs
A historical landmark and popular film location in Oxford
Technically called Hertford Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs takes its colloquial name from its similarities to the famous Venetian bridge of the same name. Also a popular filming location, the Bridge is a great spot for romantic walks and photo opportunities. For Harry Potter fans, just behind the Bridge of Sighs is a 200-year-old oak tree that Draco and Harry duelled under in the Goblet of Fire.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 8 – The Radcliffe Camera
Oxford Botanic Garden
The oldest Botanic Garden in the UK, and home to over 5,000 different plant species
Nature lovers and gardeners alike will love the Oxford Botanic Garden. The oldest botanic garden in the UK, and one of the oldest in the world, the Oxford Botanic Garden is home to over 5,000 plant species from around the globe. Take a picturesque stroll through the gardens, littered with stunning architecture and rare plant life. Head into the glasshouses to find some more exotic specimens or over to the Lower Garden, where Lyra and Will meet in His Dark Materials. It’s a beautiful slice of the natural world in the heart of the city.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 9 – The Queen’s College
The Bodleian Old Library
Discover the iconic Bodleian Library in the heart of Oxford
Founded in 1602, the Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second largest in Britain after the British Library. Part of a larger group of libraries, it is home to over 13 million printed items and is absolutely a reader’s paradise. Visitors can take guided tours of the library to discover rare manuscripts, books and maps. You may even spot some of their prized possessions, such as the Gutenberg Bible, the manuscript of Jane Austin’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and the original writing for ‘Wind in the Willows’.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 13 – Trinity College Gates
The Sheldonian Theatre
Architectural grandeur and elegance
The Sheldonian Theatre is a 17th-century masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The theatre is home to various frescos and 32 oil paintings by King Charles II’s court painter Robert Streater. They host of a range of events throughout the year, such as lectures and graduation ceremonies. Be sure to catch a concert by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, who regularly perform breathtaking classical music there. The Sheldonian’s grandeur and elegance are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor who steps into its halls.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 13 – Trinity College Gates
Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum
Explore Both nature’s and humanity’s wonders all in one place
Science and nature enthusiasts alike will love the Oxford University Museum of Natural History home to a vast collection of artefacts. From geological and zoological specimens to dinosaur fossils and meteorites, the museum displays a wide range of different pieces to excite and inspire the imagination. The Museum of Natural History itself is Grade I listed, renowned for being a spectacular example of neo-Gothic architecture, even the pillars inside are a part of the exhibit, with each made of different natural materials.
Connected to the Museum of Natural History is the Pitt Rivers Museum. While the former focuses on the natural world, the Pitt Rivers specialises in human culture and history. From shrunken heads and mummies to a massive totem pole and boats suspended from the ceiling, it offers a fascinating look at how people have evolved throughout the centuries in diverse yet similar ways.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 11 – South Parks Road or Stop 14 – Parks Road and Pitt Rivers Museum
Carfax Tower
Admire panoramic views of Oxford’s skyline
Rules in Oxford dictate that, traditionally, no building in the city centre can be taller than Carfax Tower, which has led to it having some of the most stunning views in the city. The tower is all that remains of the 12th-century St Martin’s Church, which was partially demolished in 1896 to make way for new road developments. Climb the 99 steps for a unique bird’s eye view of the city, and its ‘dreaming spires’, it’s a great photo opportunity for any visitor and provides a stunning view of the nearby parks and distant countryside.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 7 – Christ Church
Ashmolean Museum
Discover some of the world’s finest art and artifacts
Discover art and artifacts and the Ashmolean Museum. With over 1 million pieces in their collection, the Ashmolean is an eclectic mix of modern and ancient art forms, from expressive 20th-century works to ancient civilisations like Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome. Some highlights to keep an eye out for include drawings by Da Vinci, Michelangelo & Raphael (unfortunately, there is nothing by Donatello featured at the museum), the Alfred Jewel and the death mask of Oliver Cromwell, as well as a substantial number of Old and New Testament Biblical manuscripts.
Travel the halls and discover how art has changed over thousands of years and, in turn, how art has shaped humanity. The museum is situated in a Grade I listed building, built in the mid-1800s and was inspired by Greek architecture. It’s a beautiful, light and airy place to explore everything the museum has to offer.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 18 – Martyr’s Memorial
The Covered Market
The vibrant historical marketplace in Oxford
The Covered Market is a vibrant historic landmark in the heart of Oxford, filled with unique, boutique shops for you to explore. Officially opened in 1774, the market is home to a variety of specialist, independent traders, each offering their own special products such as fresh produce, baked goods, handmade jewellery, clothing and gifts. Many of the businesses are family-owned and have been in the market for decades, leading to a personal and bespoke experience for visitors looking to do a bit of shopping.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 8 – Radcliffe Camera
Oxford Castle & Prison
A thousand years of history to explore
Step back in time and experience over 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle and Prison. Discover the haunting tale of the Empress Matilda and her daring escape from the castle in the middle of a harsh winter, hear the story of the curse of Rowland Jenkes, and keep your eyes peeled for a monk down in the crypt, trapped there forevermore. The castle offers tours throughout the day for anyone interested in learning more about Oxford’s history and some of the fascinating changes that the castle has undergone over the last millennia.
Nearest City Sightseeing stop: Stop 4 – Oxford Castle
