Fancy a free day trip to Oxford? Well, that makes two of us! If you know where to look, you enjoy a wonderfully varied day out in Oxford at absolutely no cost. Offering a mix of museums, green spaces, tourist spots and markets… you can take your pick and explore the very best of Oxford, free of charge!
Come along with me as I take you on a tour of Oxford’s best no-cost spots. There’s something for everyone, whether you are interested in art, history, gardens or food. Tailor my recommendations to your perfect day but make it one better… all completely free to visit!
Let’s start with museums… get your fix of history in Oxford!
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH
Open Every day, 10am – 5pm
Last Entry 4:45pm
From Egyptians to Contemporary art, the Ashmolean Museum displays artifacts dating all the way back to the Dodo. Being the world’s first university museum, it is extremely popular to both tourists and locals.
Free exhibitions include Soma Surovi Jannat: Climate, Culture, Care and Roman Oxfordshire Coins.
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Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW
Open Every day, 10am – 5pm
With over seven million historical and modern specimens, the Oxford Museum of Natural History is a true eye opener into our natural world.
If you’re into palaeontology, their collection displays an impressive range of fossils. If life specimens capture your interest, the museum has you covered with over five million specimens. If it is the archives you’re after, the museum has a unique collection!
There truly is something for everyone.
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Pitt Rivers Museum
S Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PP
Monday from 12pm – 5pm
Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
History of Science Museum
Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Home to an exciting range of scientific inventions, the History of Science Museum captures the curiosity of humans and traces it throughout history.
Through the museum’s wide range of artifacts, writing and materials you can follow the evolution of science and witness how innovation transformed human life.
Modern Art Museum
30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm
https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk
The Modern Art Museum’s everchanging collections and exhibitions displays a range of remarkable contemporary artistry.
Step into a world of discovery at the Pitt Rivers Museum where prehistoric history comes alive. From weapons and masks to textiles and jewellery, each artifact offers a glimpse into a different way of life. A must-visit for anyone with an interest in history.
From a range of galleries to the ‘Hawai’i Ma uka to Ma kai’ exhibition programme, there is so much to see and explore…
As well as exhibitions, the museum offers workshops and talks, encouraging visitors to explore their creativity and engage in thought-provoking conversations about our current world.
If history isn’t to your liking, let’s take a look at some must-see tourist spots…
Covered Market
Market Street, Oxford OX1 3DZ
Monday to Wednesday 8am – 5:30pm
Thursday to Saturday 8am – 10pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm
https://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk
Whether you’re looking for a coffee, sit down meal, browse around a flower market or a bit of retail therapy, the Covered Market has you covered!
With over 50 independent shops and cafes, go for a stroll and see what takes your fancy.
Narnia Doorway
St Marys Passage, Oxford
Located just past the Bodleian Library, discover the infamous Narnia Doorway from ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’.
A nostalgic addition to your Oxford day out!
Worcester College Oxford
Walton Street, Oxford OX1 2HB
Just a ten-minute walk from the train station, take a wander around Worcester College’s picturesque lake and gardens. Soak in the medieval buildings and enjoy a peaceful escape from Oxford’s bustling streets.
The Westgate Shopping Centre
Queen St, Oxford OX1 1PE
Monday to Friday 10am – 8pm
Saturday 9am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
https://www.westgateoxford.co.uk/en
Browse the ‘Westgate Oxford’ shopping centre and enjoy the varied retail experience it has to offer. From Zara and John Lewis to Calvin Clein, the variety of shops will cater for your every need, whether that be clothing, trinkets or even bedroom décor.
Gloucester Green Market
Oxford OX1 2BU
Thursday to Friday 9am – 4pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm }
https://lsdpromotions.com/oxford-outdoor-market
Gloucester Green Market is packed with flavours from all over the world, so turn up ready to eat and savour the market’s food stalls. Browse the artisan goodies and maybe treat yourself to a new vintage piece of clothing.
There is something for everyone at the Gloucester Green Market.
Rectory Farm
Pound Lane, Oxford OX33 1HF
Tuesday to Saturday 8am – 5:30pm
Sunday 8am – 4pm
With a farm shop, café and ‘pick your own’ seasonal fruit fields, the Rectory Farm shop is the perfect wholesome family day out. The farm shop is packed with tasty treats and rustic kitchen essentials, and the café is the ideal spot for a bite to eat.
Soak in the stunning countryside views and enjoy a delicious range of locally produced goods.
The Weston Library
Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm
https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit
Whether you feel like browsing the wide selection of literature, enjoying a bite to eat or taking in an exhibition, the Weston Library can offer it all!
Free exhibitions include ‘Wonder of Birds’, running from May until January, and the ‘Sheldon Tapestry Map: Oxfordshire’, which is a permanent display.
Radcliffe Camera
Radcliffe Camera, Radcliffe Square, Oxford OX1 3BG
https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/libraries/radcliffe-camera
Although you do need to pay for tours to get inside, the Radcliff Camera is still a must visit if you are in Oxford.
Its stunning 18th century architecture and iconic circular design make it one of the city’s most recognisable and photographed landmarks.
Bridge of Sighs
New College Lane, Oxford OX1 3BL
The bridge’s striking gothic architecture and storied historic myths make it a must-see visiting spot.
The popular myth suggests that the bridge was designed to resemble the original Venice ‘Bridge of Sighs’, where prisoners would sigh as they took in a final moment of freedom before being taken to their cells.
Its historic charm has made it one of Oxford’s most instagrammable spots!
Looking for a relaxing stroll, maybe a picnic spot?
University Park Picnic
S Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RF
Opens 7:45am – closing times vary depending on the hour of sunset (check website timetable)
Offering a range of picturesque walks, the University Parks sit in the heart of Oxford and provide a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life.
Enveloped in rich green scenery, enjoy a quiet picnic, even pop for a crepe or hot drink at the ‘Crepes O Mania’ van that sits at the Parks Road gated entrance.
Port Meadow Walk
Walton Well Road, Oxford OX2 6ED
Open 24 hours
Being one of the largest open green spaces in Oxford, Port Meadow is the perfect place for a scenic walk.
With the River Thames running through the heart of the meadow, picnic benches are dotted along the walking route, offering a mid-walk pit stop before continuing your stroll along the riverside paths.
Christ Church Meadow
Saint Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP
Open during daylight hours
In the centre of Oxford sits Christchurch meadow, a tranquil riverside green space overlooking the River Thames.
Whether you fancy going for a run, stroll or picnic, Christ Church Meadow is the perfect place to enjoy scenic views and peaceful surroundings.
Iffley Lock
Church Way, Oxford OX4 4EJ
Open 24 hours
Surrounded by a rich landscape of neatly tended gardens and flowery pathways, the Iffley Lock is a key stop for those exploring the Thames Path.
After visiting the lock, the neighbouring village of Iffley is home to a historic church and charming cottages where you can grab a pint at the local pub and crack open a packet of crisps in the sun.
Watch the punters at Cherwell Boathouse
Oxford OX1 4AU
Although you have to pay to hire a boat, you’re free to watch!
Choose your spot along the River Cherwell and set up camp. Soak up the sun and picturesque scenery and watch the row boats and punters pass you by – often an amusing watch.
South Park
Oxford OX3 0HS
Find a spot on the hill and soak up the dreamy views of Oxford’s historic skyline.
Even better? Visit at sunset, you won’t regret it.
So, there you go… 20 free things to do in Oxford!
All at no-cost yet still make for the perfect day out. You don’t have to spend lots of money on entry fees to have a good day in Oxford, so many activities are free of charge.
Even just walking around the city is a wonderful way to spend your day simply because of its’ beautiful historic architecture.
Check admission times before you set off and curate the ultimate itinerary.
Enjoy a free day out in Oxford!
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Did you know? The Thames runs through Oxford…
Check out Oxford Life’s sister website Thames Life: Click here!
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And if you love to travel…
Check out Travel Life magazine at www.travellifemag.co.uk
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