Oxford Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK)



Oxford Tourist AttractionsPrincipally a university city, Oxford has now become a tourist city, with crowds of summer visitors coming here each year to marvel at its architectural attractions. Guided bus tours of the city are an ideal way to sightsee when you first arrive and with tickets being valid for 24 hours, it is often a good idea to begin your tour in the afternoon, so that you can also use your ticket the next morning if required.

Walking tours of Oxford are considerably more intimate and if the day turns wet, there are plenty of places to shelter from the rain as you walk and listen. The Oxford Story is another top attraction, as is seasonal punting from the Magdelen Bridge Boathouse, and live entertainment at the 17th-century Sheldonian Theatre, where concerts often take place.


Guided Bus Tours

Address: The Oxford Information Centre, 15 / 16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 726871
Oxford guided bus tours run throughout the day, all around the city centre. These open-top bus tours offer a relaxing way to sightsee, and with informative commentary along the way, you will also be able to learn a little about the city's interesting history. The tickets allow you to depart at any stop, explore for as long as you require, and then board the next passing bus, therefore making it particularly good value. The most notable company currently operating bus tours of the city is Guide Friday.

Walking Tours

Address: The Oxford Information Centre, 15 / 16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 726871
There are a selection of walking tours around Oxford and these offer visitors and tourists a real insight into some of the city's most historic attractions, heritage landmarks, university colleges and Victorian Streets. Tours are let by members of the local Guild of Guides and should ideally be booked in advance to ensure your place.

Oxford Tourist Attractions

The Oxford Story

Address: 6 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 728822
The Oxford Story is without doubt one of city's top museum and tourist attractions. This is the perfect first stop for visitors to the city and the Story is to be found within a historic, three-storey former warehouse, packed with period features. Highly regarded throughout the region, the attractions at the Story include one of the largest indoor 'dark' rides in Europe, which lasts for around 40 minutes.

The Oxford Story allows you to explore and experience the sights and sounds of the university's early beginnings, including incredible discoveries, commentary and realistic models.
Open hours: September to June, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:30, July and August, daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Magdelen Bridge Boathouse

Address: High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AU, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 202643
Punting has become a famous pastime in the city and there are now many punting firms in and around the centre, capitalising on its extreme popularity. Travelling along both the canals and rivers, punting is a highly enjoyable way to see some of the more scenic parts of the city and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to dusk
Admission: charge

Sheldonian Theatre

Address: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 277299
The historic Sheldonian Theatre is located in central Oxford, featuring impressive, round, Roman-style architecture, With many concerts and theatrical events throughout the calendar, the Sheldonian Theatre is also a reliable venue for meetings and conferences, and was interestingly designed by the world-famous architecture, Christopher Wren.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Other theatres in the area include: