Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
Oxford, England is a city dominated by its renowned university, the oldest in the English-speaking world, which draws in thousands of people alone. But the city of dreaming spires has much to offer the flâneur beyond its honey-stoned colleges, and is a city so steeped in history and charming Cotswold beauty that a day trip is hardly enough.
With that in mind, here’s your pocket-sized guide on what to do in Oxford during your short stay – whether that’s for a day or a couple of nights.
How to Get to Oxford from London
You can take a fairly regular train from Paddington Station in West London straight to Oxford city centre. The train ride from London to Oxford is around an hour and so can be a fairly speedy way of getting to the city. However, trains can fill up pretty quickly and so, unless you have reserved a seat, arrive early if you don’t want to be standing for the journey.
Another option is the Oxford Tube. It’s a coach from Victoria to Oxford with a number of stops in-between. On good days with minimal traffic, the journey is about two hours and the buses are supposed to run every ten minutes (although they have become more unreliable of late). However, the service brings you further into the city centre than the train.
Things to do in Oxford
The Covered Market
Dating back to the 1770s, the Covered Market is an assortment of independent shops and eateries. A popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, the market is a little maze of lanes with small shops where you’re sure to pick up a few souvenirs.
The Garden of Oxford is a must if you want to buy some flowers, while Colombia Coffee Roasters is a nice stop to grab a coffee and some delicious macarons.
Bridge of Sighs
Close by to Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre, you’ll find the Bridge of Sighs.
Nicknamed for its apparent likeness to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, the bridge’s actual name is Hertford Bridge as it links two colleges: Hertford College and New College of the University of Oxford.
Radcliffe Camera
Radcliffe Camera is undoubtedly one of the most photographed landmarks in Oxford. When studying with Oxford, I had the privilege of accessing and using the building, and the interior is every part as beautiful as the exterior. Part of the Bodleian Libraries, it is not open to the public, but still warrants a visit to admire the architecture.
Punting
Cambridge is renowned for punting, but punting can also be enjoyed on Oxford’s River Cherwell. However, beyond the views, there is a slight difference between punting in the two cities: in Oxford, it’s more popular to take on a DIY mindset and take up the pole yourself.
Sheldonian Theatre
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral in London), this is another destination in Oxford that will be enjoyed by history lovers (and those who admire beautiful buildings in general!).
Visit the University’s Colleges
It’s possible to visit some of the university colleges when visiting Oxford, such as Christ Church College, possibly best known for being featured in the Harry Potter films. There is a small fee to access some of the colleges, while others are free: you can check here to decide on which ones to visit.
Enjoy the Dreaming Spires
Take whatever opportunity you can to enjoy the views of the city. St. Aldate’s Shopping Centre is a great place to view parts of the city from a decent height, especially when enjoying a nice meal in one of the many restaurants on offer there.
Is Oxford Worth Visiting?
Oxford is absolutely well worth visiting, whether that’s just a day trip from London or for a longer stay. The city would probably be most enjoyed by those who appreciate history and historical architecture, but the aesthetics of the city alone would appeal to many visitors.
