Oxford is a historic metropolis within the South of England that’s crammed with a number of great issues to do from exploring the distinguished college to the Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum, and historic fortress. There are additionally loads of great day journeys from Oxford to close by locations of curiosity round the Cotswolds.
I’ve been to Oxford on many events and sometimes use it as a base to discover a number of the close by locations from Blenheim Palace to Stonehenge, and the attractive cities and villages within the surrounding space from Bathtub, Cirencester and Stroud to Chipping Norton, Bibury, and Broadway.
As the town sits proper on the sting of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, there are many choices for stepping into the nice outside for mountain climbing, biking, and different enjoyable day journeys from Oxford within the contemporary air.
Finest Day Journeys from Oxford, UK
Under, you’ll discover all kinds of Oxford day journeys from picturesque English villages and market cities to historic, cultural, and pure landmarks. Whether or not you need to browse boutique retailers, study one thing about British historical past, or get out into the attractive countryside, there’s one thing to be loved by everybody.
1. Bourton-on-the-Water
The Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water is among the most picturesque locations within the nation. The River Windrush winds its means via the village and beneath historic stone bridges and alongside rustic cottages of Cotswold stone. There are many issues to do in Bourton from paddling within the river to exploring the mannequin village.
Different Bourton points of interest embrace the Motoring and Toy Museum, Greystones Nature Reserve, and my favourite – the Hawkstone Brewery (made well-known by Jeremy Clarkson’s lager). Bourton is unquestionably top-of-the-line day journeys from Oxford in the event you’re eager to see one of many prettiest villages within the nation.
Location: Bourton-on-the-Water is 34 miles (55 km) northwest of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to get to Bourton is to drive alongside the A40 or take a tour.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Cotswold Explorer. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the Mannequin Village, stroll alongside the River Windrush, go to the Motoring Museum, and discover Greystones Nature Reserve.
The place to Eat: The Mousetrap Inn. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is a captivating market city within the Cotswolds, not removed from Oxford, that’s well-known for its seventeenth Century Almshouses. There’s heaps to do within the city from taking a dip within the open-air swimming pool to seeing a present on the Chipping Norton Theatre and searching the farmers’ market which runs each Wednesday.
Close by, you’ll discover Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm the place you should buy native produce and craft beers made by native brewers. Historic Bliss Tweed Mill is one other of the city’s points of interest and this is among the finest Oxford day journeys as there’s a lot to see and do.
Location: Chipping Norton is simply 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Bus S3 takes only one hour from Oxford Railway Station. The journey by automotive takes round 45 minutes alongside the A44.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Cotswold Explorer. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: See the Almshouses and Bliss Tweed Mill, swim within the lido, and go to Diddly Squat Farm and Hawkstone’s Brewery.
The place to Eat: Bitter and Twisted. Click on right here for instructions.
3. See the Rollright Stones
The Rollright Stones is an attraction within the type of an historic stone circle courting again to the Neolithic and Bronze Age intervals. The circle consists of three fundamental teams of stones. These are the King’s Males, the Whispering Knights, and the King Stone which stands by itself outdoors of the circle.
As somebody with a eager curiosity in historic historical past, I visited the Rollright Stones whereas on my final go to to the Cotswolds and it’s some of the spectacular websites within the nation, together with close by Avebury and Stonehenge (see under). The circle is hidden in lush woodland overlooking hilly pastures and provides some actually gorgeous views of the countryside.
Location: Rollright Highway, Little Rollright, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QB. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Because of the rural location, driving is one of the simplest ways to get to the Rollright Stones. It takes round 45 minutes to drive the 23 miles from Oxford alongside the A33.
Should-Do Actions: See the traditional stone circle, stroll within the native countryside, and cease for a pint or Sunday roast at The Gate Hangs Excessive.
The place to Eat: The Gate Hangs Excessive. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Bathtub
Town of Bathtub is considered one of my favourite locations in England because of its Roman historical past, attractive Georgian structure, and therapeutic thermal spas. Bathtub is among the finest day journeys from Oxford and actually is value a go to for its Roman baths alone, courting again over 2,000 years.
There are many different fascinating points of interest from the Jane Austen Museum to Mary Shelly’s Home of Frankenstein, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Victoria Park. There’s an outdated railway monitor linking the town to Bristol which makes for a implausible bike experience (I did this a couple of years in the past).
Location: Bathtub is 80 miles southwest of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Bathtub is among the finest day journeys from Oxford by prepare and the journey time is simply 90 minutes.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Stonehenge and Bathtub Small Group Tour. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the Roman baths, the Jane Austen Centre, and take a stroll across the Pulteney Bridge.
The place to Eat: Sunday lunch at Inexperienced Park Brasserie. Click on right here to view web site.
5. Stonehenge
The spectacular neolithic stone circle at Stonehenge is among the prime day excursions from Oxford and a must-visit English landmark. Nobody fairly is aware of how these stones bought the place they did over 5,000 years in the past, however one factor’s for certain; it must be seen to be believed.
I’ve visited Stonehenge numerous occasions on my strategy to Cornwall through the years and it by no means fails to impress. The positioning is on Salisbury Plain with spectacular views for miles round. There’s a customer middle with artifacts uncovered close by on show and a recreation of a Neolithic village.
Location: Stonehenge is simply off the A303 70 miles (113 km) southwest of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to get to Stonehenge is to drive (take the A34 then the A303) or to take a tour.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Stonehenge and Bathtub Small Group Tour. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: See the traditional stone circle, see the shows on the customer middle, and discover the recreated Neolithic village.
The place to Eat: The Wheatsheaf Pub and Restaurant, Salisbury. Click on right here to view their web site.
6. Broadway
The gorgeous village of Broadway is one other of essentially the most picturesque within the Cotswolds. There’s loads to do from admiring the Excessive Avenue with its honey-colored buildings manufactured from Cotswold stone to exploring boutique retailers, strolling via the big deer park, and climbing the Broadway Tower for panoramic views.
Different close by points of interest embrace the colourful Lavender Farm, Dover’s Hill Nature Reserve, and Snowshill Manor Home and Gardens. Broadway can be identified for its arts scene and the annual Broadway Arts Competition every June. This is among the finest Oxford day journeys for households because of the various methods to spend a day right here.
Location: Broadway is 42 miles (68 km) northwest of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: This is among the finest day journeys from Oxford by automotive and takes simply over an hour by taking the A40 and A424. It’s also possible to take a tour from Oxford.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Cotswold Explorer. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: Wander the picturesque Excessive Avenue, climb the Broadway Tower, try the artwork galleries, and go to Snowshill Manor.
The place to Eat: The Swan Inn. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Blenheim Palace
The spectacular Blenheim Palace is a big nation mansion that was constructed within the early 18th century. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is considered one of England’s most interesting examples of Baroque structure. The Palace is the ancestral dwelling and birthplace of war-time prime minister Sir Winston Churchill.
Visiting Blenheim is a simple day journey from Oxford because it’s simply over 9 miles (14 km) from the town. This can be a should for historical past lovers like myself. You’ll be able to discover the home and surrounding gardens, and there are many occasions all year long (test the web site to see what’s presently on).
The palace is open each day from 10 am till 4:45 pm and tickets value £22.50 for adults and £11.50 for kids (you may get a reduction in the event you journey by public transport). Services embrace numerous cafes and eating places and a store to browse making it a superb time out for your entire household.
Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: This is among the finest day journeys from Oxford by bus because it takes simply 20 minutes from the middle of the town. Take bus S3 or S7. It’s also possible to take a tour from Oxford.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Blenheim Palace Guided Tour. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: Discover the home and gardens, cease for a cream tea, and store for native items.
The place to Eat: Pizza on the palace anybody? The Walled Backyard Pizaria at Blenheim Palace. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Stroud
The small market city of Stroud is positioned within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds and is considered one of my favourite day journeys from Oxford (I’ve mates that dwell right here so go to commonly). There’s loads to do from searching the farmers’ markets to having an evening out at Stroud Brewery, exploring the picturesque excessive avenue, and visiting the Museum within the Park.
Stroud can be simply a few miles from the attractive village of Slad, the birthplace of my favourite creator Laurie Lee. The village is nicely value a go to for its scenic, countryside location alongside a big valley, its historic church, and the superb Woolpack Pub which is a superb place for a spot of lunch.
Location: Stroud is 50 miles (80 km) due west of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to get to Stroud is to drive through the A40 which takes round 90 minutes.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the farmers’ markets and Stroud Brewery, see the Museum within the Park, go to Slad and have a pint within the Woolpack.
The place to Eat: The Woolpack Inn. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Stow-on-the-Wold
Top-of-the-line day journeys round Oxford is to the attractive market city of Stow-on-the-Wold. Stow is located on prime of a hill that provides breathtaking views of the encircling Cotswold countryside (“Wold” means hill in outdated English). The place has an fascinating historical past courting again to the medieval interval and is known for its historic market sq..
Go to the picturesque St Edward’s Church with its spectacular doorway that appears prefer it’s been lifted straight out of The Lord of The Rings set. Stow is known for its vintage retailers just like the Tara Antiques Centre and can be dwelling to the oldest pub in England – the Porch Home.
Location: Stow-on-the-Wold is 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to get to Stow is by automotive alongside the A40 and A424, or to take a tour.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Cotswold Explorer. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: Go to the Market Sq., see the traditional doorway at St Edward’s Church, have a pint within the Porch Home, and browse the vintage retailers.
The place to Eat: The Porch Home. Click on right here to view their web site.
10. Avebury
The picturesque English village of Avebury is known for its bronze-age standing stone circle on the village inexperienced. The circle dates again to between 2850 BC and 2200 BC and kinds a part of the biggest stone circles in Britain. The village is steeped in delusion and folklore making it some of the distinctive Oxford day journeys.
Avebury itself is a wonderful village and nicely value exploring. The country Wagon and Horses pub is a superb place to cease for a chunk to eat and a pint with charming views throughout the village inexperienced.
Location: Avebury is 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to get to Avebury is to go by automotive following the A34 and A4. The journey time is round one hour.
Should-Do Actions: See the traditional standing stones, stroll across the village inexperienced, and revel in a chilly pint on the Wagon and Horses.
The place to Eat: The Wagon and Horses. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Cirencester
The nice market city of Cirencester is understood for its Roman historical past, points of interest, and plenty of glorious cafes, eating places, and pubs. There are many inexperienced areas across the city from Cirencester Park to Cerney Home and Gardens.
There’s a weekly farmers’ market with farmers promoting native produce equivalent to meat and greens, sauces, beers, ciders, and wines. The Corinium Museum particulars the city’s historical past and there’s an open-air swimming pool good for cooling off on summer time’s days. Together with close by Stroud, Cirencester is considered one of my favourite cities within the Cotswolds.
Location: Cirencester is 45 miles (72 km) from Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to succeed in Cirencester is to drive through the A420. The journey time is simply over an hour.
Should-Do Actions: Browse the farmers’ market, go to the Corinium Museum, and take a dip within the open-air swimming pool.
The place to Eat: The Bear Inn. Click on right here for instructions.
12. Bibury
Bibury is among the most conventional Cotswolds villages with attractive, honey-colored stone cottages that includes thatched roofs, quaint gardens, and brightly coloured flowerbeds. It’s dwelling to the well-known Arlington Row of homes which date again to the 14th Century and make for one of many prime sights within the area (and an ideal place for the right English {photograph}).
You’ll be able to stroll alongside the picturesque River Coln that winds via the village and cease for lunch at The Catherine Wheel (in the event you occur to be there on a Sunday they do an ideal roast!). The village can be famed for its trout farm and restaurant which serves up this contemporary, native delicacy.
Location: Bibury is 30 miles (48 km) west of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to get to Bibury is to journey by automotive alongside the A40 and B4425. The journey time is just below an hour.
Finest Tour from Oxford: Cotswold Adventurer. Click on right here to e book.
Should-Do Actions: See Arlington Row and the outdated Publish Workplace, discover the Rack Isle Nature Reserve, and have a pint in The Catherine Wheel.
The place to Eat: The Catherine Wheel. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Hike the Thames Path from Oxford to Abingdon
I really like a great hike and the stretch of path from Oxford to Abingdon takes you on a journey via the guts of the attractive English countryside. This 9.6 mile (15.6 km) point-to-point hike takes round 4 hours however may be accomplished over an entire day in the event you take a picnic or cease off alongside the best way for lunch.
The trail follows meadows alongside the aspect of the River Thames because it winds its means via the Oxfordshire countryside. You’ll have the chance to identify native birds and wildlife because the path passes via many nature reserves like Rivermead Park. You’ll be able to return to Oxford on the X2 or X3 bus.
Location: The path begins at Osney Bridge on Botley Highway in Oxford. Click on right here to study extra.
Getting There: You’ll be able to hike the point-to-point path a method in both course and return by bus.
Should-Do Actions: Strolling, birdwatching, picnicking.
The place to Eat: The Isis River Farmhouse. Click on right here for instructions.
14. Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames is a captivating city not removed from Oxford and well-known for its annual regatta and connection to the game of rowing. The Henley Royal Regatta has been held virtually yearly since 1839 (excluding the 2 world wars and covid).
Stunning outdated Georgian buildings line the waterfront and the city middle is dwelling to many boutique retailers promoting all the pieces from second-hand books to native produce. The city is surrounded by the attractive Chiltern Hills the place you’ll discover a few of England’s most interesting wineries such because the Chiltern Valley Vineyard and Brewery.
Location: Henley is 24 miles (39 km) southeast of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: Driving to Henley-on-Thames takes simply over half-hour through the A4074 and A4130. There aren’t any direct trains or buses, however you possibly can take bus 33 and alter to bus 23 at Didcot.
Should-Do Actions: Discover the city, stroll alongside the River Thames, go rowing, and watch the Henley Royal Regatta.
The place to Eat: The Angel on the Bridge. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Cotswolds Water Park
Top-of-the-line day journeys from Oxford is a go to to the Cotswolds Water Park with its 180 lakes unfold over 42 sq. miles. There are many enjoyable actions on provide from riverside walks and picnics to boating, kayaking, and swimming making this considered one of my favourite locations to go in summer time and an excellent place for households.
This distinctive wetland habitat is a breeding floor for hundreds of fowl species and a very good place for wildlife watching. There’s even a seaside full with sand for swimming, making sandcastles, and many alternative watersports to attempt. You’ll additionally discover a cozy seaside shack cafe, and you may rent a BBQ.
If you happen to fancy spending longer than a day right here, it’s doable to remain inside the park in one of many motels, B&Bs, or campsites with each tenting and glamping choices out there. Click on right here for more information.
Location: The Cotswolds Water Park is 44.6 miles (71.7 km) west of Oxford. Click on right here for instructions.
Getting There: One of the simplest ways to succeed in the water park is to drive following the A420. The journey takes simply over one hour.
Should-Do Actions: Mountain climbing, biking, swimming, boating, picnicking, BBQs, and tenting.
The place to Eat: The White Hart Inn. Click on right here for instructions.
Finest Day Journey Excursions from Oxford
Under, are a number of the finest day journeys from Oxford by coach and small non-public autos. From quaint Cotswold villages to historic market cities and main landmarks like Stonehenge, these excursions are the right strategy to discover the area and study quite a bit concerning the areas.
Cotswolds Explorer: This full-day (8.5 hour) tour from Oxford takes in a number of the Cotswold’s most photogenic cities and villages. Discover Bourton-on-the-Water and the River Windrush, upmarket Chipping Norton, and lovely Stow-on-the-Wold. Click on right here to e book.
Stonehenge and Bathtub Small Group Tour: This 9-hour tour from Oxford first takes within the stunning metropolis of Bathtub with its Roman bathhouses and delightful Georgian structure earlier than touring to Stonehenge the place you possibly can marvel on the stone monoliths that date again over 5,000 years. Click on right here to e book.
Blenheim Palace Guided Tour: This 90-minute tour from Oxford will take you to historic Blenheim Palace, as soon as dwelling to wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. You’ll get to study the historical past of the household and constructing from a educated information on this intimate and personal tour. Click on right here to e book.
Cotswold and Shakespeare Tour: This 9-hour tour takes in a number of the prettiest villages in England equivalent to Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden earlier than heading to Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, for a tour of the city and its main sights. Click on right here to e book.
Downton Abbey Day Journey: This 9-hour tour to Highclere Citadel takes in one of many main filming areas for the interval drama Downton Abbey. The tour contains entrance to the fortress and likewise contains a number of the quaint Cotswold villages like Burford and Bampton. Click on right here to e book.
Day Journeys Round Oxford: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on day journeys from Oxford:
Getting out into the a number of cities and villages of the Cotswolds is among the hottest day journeys from Oxford, as is visiting historic Bathtub and close by Stonehenge.
Three to 4 days is an effective period of time to spend in Oxford to see the sights, however if you wish to take a few of these superb day journeys then per week is best and will probably be extra relaxed.
A few of the finest day journeys from Oxford with a automotive embrace the extra rural and hard-to-reach villages equivalent to Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and the Cotswold Water Park.
Bathtub is among the finest day journeys from Oxford by prepare because the journey takes simply 90 minutes.
There are such a lot of stunning locations close to Oxford that it’s not possible to decide on only one. Bibury, Chipping Norton, Stow, and Bourton are undoubtedly contenders and a number of the prettiest cities and villages in England by far.
In Conclusion
Now you understand about the perfect day journeys from Oxford which one would you love to do first? With so many choices from touring the postcard-like villages of the Cotswolds to historic Bathtub, Stonehenge, and Avebury, there’s certain to be one thing for everybody.
For out of doors lovers like myself, get out into nature on the Cotswolds Water Park or hike to Abingdon alongside the gorgeous River Thames. One factor’s for certain, you received’t be disenchanted by these glorious Oxford day journeys.