A Weekend Escape to Oxford

Discover the city of dreaming spires

Bodleian Libraries

Although just 60 miles northwest of London, Oxford feels a world away from the UK capital. This wonderfully eccentric city is where the historic meet the cosmopolitan – and there’s no shortage of fantastic things to see and do.

The city of dreaming spires is famed for being home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, and its 39 colleges and six private halls are spread throughout the city. But beneath the mantle of the University lies a modern and vibrant city.

Whether you’re looking for a culture-packed getaway or a luxurious and relaxing getaway, here’s our selection of top-rated things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to enjoy on your Weekend Escape to Oxford.

Things to do

The best way to explore this remarkably compact city is undoubtedly on foot. A wander through the Oxford’s streets will reveal beautiful honey-coloured buildings, with many world-famous museums among them. A visit to the Ashmolean, a striking building and England’s oldest public museum, is an afternoon well spent.

Christ Church

No visit to Oxford would be complete without exploring a college or two. Founded in 1524, Christ Church is the city’s largest and most visited. The world-famous Bodleian Library, the largest academic library in the UK, provides another must-see cultural destination. If the Divinity School feels familiar, you might well be recognising it as the Hogwarts Infirmary from the Harry Potter movies.

If you’re looking to rest your feet after a busy day of discovering the city’s hallowed halls, a trip on an instantly recognisable City Sightseeing bus is a good way to see more of Oxford’s beautiful sights and learn more about their history.

For a slower pace, enjoy a picturesque stroll in the one of the city’s riverside parks and meadows, before indulging in a spot of lunch and retail therapy in the iconic Covered Market, home to host of specialist independent shops and cafés.