The land of historical significance, cinematic charm, literary muses and scholarly excellence. Rich in culture and heritage, there is so many things to do in Oxford and it’s perfect for literature fans, history lovers and curious minds.
Welcome to Oxfordshire, ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, where ancient architecture meets bustling city culture. Famously the backdrop of many prominent scenes in Harry Potter, Oxford offers an array of choices when it comes to planning a dreamy itinerary.
Book one of our wonderful properties and spend 72 hours in Oxfordshire.
Day One: Classic Oxford
Begin your trip in the heart of the city by climbing Carfax Tower, a recognizable Oxford landmark. Take in the breathtaking views of Oxfordshire’s infrastructure whilst you imagine all the places you wish to see during your stay.
Tour Oxford’s Most Cherished Filming Locations.
If you are fan of Harry Potter, Oxford is an exciting place to immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry, Hermione and Ron’s adventures. Spend your morning exploring famous landmarks used as backdrops in film and TV. Notable filming locations include The Bodleian Library, used as The Hogwarts Library, and Christ Church College, featuring the staircase leading up to the Hogwarts Dining Hall. Part of Emerald Fennel’s Saltburn was also filmed in the city, utilizing several of the Oxford University sites for Oliver and Felix’s student days. Discover these locations independently at your own pace or book one of the many insightful guided tours that Oxford has to offer.
The Covered Market
Stop for a spot of light lunch at The Covered Market, a historic indoor market in central Oxford, only a 5-minute walk from The Bodleian Library. Selling fresh produce, artisan food and drink, gifts and jewelry, The Covered Market exhibits the best of local independent businesses. Serving the much-loved Oxford Cheese, warm cookies, British pies and sourdough loaves, you are simply spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a bite to eat!
Museums
There is an abundance of choice when it comes to finding a museum to visit in Oxford. The University of Oxford is home to a plethora of museums including:
- The Ashmolean Museum: Famous for its contemporary art and Egyptian mummy collections.
- The Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Famous for housing the world’s most intact remains of the extinct dodo.
- The Pitt Rivers Museum: Famous for its eclectic collection of anthropology and archaeology.
Day Two: Oxford Gems and Time in Nature.
Whilst Oxford has plenty of well-known attractions on offer, there’s no feeling quite like discovering a hidden gem. Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunity, a quiet place to retreat to or a delightful spot for stop for lunch, we have got you covered.
Time Travel Down the Back Streets
Slip away from the bustle of city life and step into the past, as you walk the ancient back streets of Oxford. Much of Oxfords’ charm lies within its unchanged corners. The city’s ‘loveliest street’, Merton Street, sits behind the University’s Merton College. Holywell Street exhibits a picturesque row of pastel-painted houses and is located just around the corner from The Bodleian Library. Did you know, this street was once home to J.R.R. Tolkien in the 1950’s! Other lanes worth wandering are Oriel Street, Longwall Street and Brasenose Lane.
Stop for Lunch at The Turf Tavern
Hidden away from the main city streets and tucked down a narrow, cobbled passage, The Turf Tavern is one of Oxford’s oldest gems. Offering traditional pub food, Turf Tavern’s cosy atmosphere offers a restful place to stop for lunch after your morning of exploring. Its concealed location adds to the fun; finding the pub is part of the adventure!
A Quiet Afternoon.
After a hearty pub lunch, spend your afternoon immersed in Oxford’s countryside and walk along the riverside.
Magdalen College and Addison’s Walk
Siting just on the edge of the city, Magdalen’s college boasts over 100 acres of land including a deer park and an array of riverside paths to walk along. Admire the impressive architecture of Magdalen College and follow Addison’s Walk for a scenic afternoon stroll along the river. Rooted in literary history, this location served as a meditative spot for several influential writers including C.S Lewis and Oscar Wilde.
Did you know that you can hire a boat from the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and explore Oxford’s countryside views from the tranquillity of the river? Perfect for tired feet after exciting city adventures.
Sunset Views and Cosy Pub Evenings
For the classic Oxford skyline photograph, spend golden hour in South Park before wondering to the local pub, The Star. Serving artisan pizza and a carefully curated selection of local ales and craft beers, The Star’s old-school atmosphere and spacious beer garden offers an ideal spot to further unwind after a relaxing day touring some of Oxford’s greatest treasures.
Day Three: Day trip to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock
Your Oxford adventure doesn’t just end when check out of your holiday retreat… you still have a whole day left to discover more wonderful things to do in Oxford!
Blenheim Palace
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, and dive into its deeply historical legacy. Located just a 30-minute drive away from the centre of Oxford, Blenheim Palace is a unique must-visit chapter in your Oxfordshire itinerary. Known for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim offers insight into the early years of his life and even a chance to visit the exact room in which he was born!
Combining History, Gardens, Architecture and Heritage, Blenheim is an astonishing exhibition of authentic storytelling. Its grand courtyards, opulent façade and elegant state rooms offer a delightful day out, perfect for history lovers. Enjoy its surrounding parkland and gardens and stop for a coffee at the café as you marvel over the Palace’s architectural grandeur.
Did you know that Blenheim Palace is one of the largest houses in England and remains the only non-royal estate to possess the title of Palace?
Wander Woodstock
To conclude your Oxford retreat, there is one final place worth visiting. Woodstock is a charmingly quaint, Cotswold-style market town that sits beside Blenheim Palace. Home to an array of independent shops, cosy cafes, traditional pubs, antique shops and quiet Georgian streets, Woodstock offers an authentically English experience.
Stay Nearby with Bolthole Retreats
Northbrook
Long overdue family holiday? Still thinking about that friends’ trip that hasn’t made it out of the group chat? Here is your sign to book that trip.
Escape to Northbrook, a fabulous country getaway in the quaint village of Tackley, just outside Oxford. Northbrook is a 5-bed, fun house conveniently located only a 10-minute drive away from Blenheim Palace and a short train journey away from Oxford city centre, offering a perfect base for your Oxfordshire trip. Stylishly furnished, Northbrook has everything you need for a memorable group stay including a large garden for entertainment, table tennis and ample space for everybody.
Our Oxford Boltholes
A secluded Scandi-chic barn set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, perfect for an idyllic group getaway amongst nature and history.-
This simply gorgeous country getaway combines effortless style with peaceful surroundings. -
Beautiful barn with a heated swimming pool and games room walking distance from two welcoming village pubs.