Summary
It is no understatement to proclaim that the City of Oxford is the jewel of Oxfordshire.
The esteemed home of one of the world’s oldest and most renowned universities merits a visit at least once in a lifetime.
For those eager to explore more, there is a beautiful county intertwined with ancient ruins and splendid attractions such as Blenheim Palace.
In the west, the Cotswold Hills present charming limestone villages, while much of the rest offers rolling chalk hills laced with the picturesque River Thames at its upstream, still modest in size.
Let us examine the top destinations in Oxfordshire:
1. Oxford
At the oldest English-speaking university globally, commencing your visit with a tour of the various colleges nestled in the city center is advisable.
Most of these institutions showcase remarkable architecture, and if your timing is optimal, you may be granted access to these historic premises.
Christ Church, Magdalen College, and Queens’ College are essential stops, alongside the 17th-century Bodleian Library.
With a globally esteemed university comes museums and cultural institutions that stand out: The Ashmolean, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Museum of Natural History are all of world-class caliber.
Additionally, the River Thames, shallow at this segment, offers the opportunity to navigate its waters via punting.
2. Henley-on-Thames
Situated in the southeastern corner of the county, Henley is renowned for its distinguished regatta that makes a significant mark on the social calendar each July.
Thousands of spectators gather along the verdant banks to witness rowing competitions featuring both seasoned Olympians and novice crews.
While other times of the year invite leisurely strolls amid Henley’s refined atmosphere, with meadows and the scenic Chiltern hills rising from the river.
The exquisite Tudor residence and National Trust property, Greys Court, is located at the town’s edge and has been featured in television productions like Downton Abbey.
Another notable site is Nuffield Place, the former residence of car manufacturer William Morris.
3. Burford
Nestled along the steep slopes of the Windrush Valley, Burford is recognized as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds.” The town’s rugged inclines contribute to its picturesque charm, enhanced by the rustic stone cottages, half-timbered structures, and majestic townhouses dotting the high street.
As you stroll toward the medieval bridge spanning the Windrush River, the enticing side streets beckon with inviting tea rooms, pubs, and specialty shops.
For overnight accommodations, a selection of bed & breakfasts and inns awaits in this quaint town.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the medieval Church of St John the Baptist, renowned for its opulent Wool Church architecture.
4. Witney
As one of the historic weaving towns in Oxfordshire, Witney is frequently ranked among the top places to reside in Britain.
The market square effectively showcases its fine period architecture, highlighted by the 17th-century Butter Cross, where local women historically gathered to sell butter and eggs.
Opposite the square stands the early-18th century town hall, constructed from the charming Cotswold stone.
For a taste of local culture, visit the Wychwood Brewery on weekends to tour and sample the beloved Hobgoblin brown ale.
Next to Witney, at Cogges, lies a functioning Victorian manor farm that has also served as a filming location for Downton Abbey.
5. Wantage
A notable historical figure born in Wantage is King Alfred the Great, who ruled the Kingdom of Wessex from 849 to 899. A statue of him graces the market place, sculpted by Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, a cousin of Queen Victoria.
Wantage is particularly lively on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer, with numerous pubs and restaurants around the market square bustling with activity.
Market days occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing an opportunity to explore the Vale and Downland Museum, located in a 17th-century clothmaker’s house.
6. Abingdon
Located on the Thames a few miles downstream from Oxford, Abingdon is a large, vibrant town featuring some impressively grand architecture in its center.
Constructed in 1670, the Abingdon County Hall boasts tall arcades that once provided an elegant setting for markets and gatherings.
Today, it serves as a pleasant location for a quick cup of tea.
The Abingdon Bridge has stood over the Thames since 1416, despite undergoing various repairs throughout the centuries.
The remnants of the defunct Abingdon Abbey are enclosed in a lovely town park, where you can still identify monastic structures, including the evocative Long Gallery, a half-timbered hall.
7. Woodstock
This distinguished market town has significant historical connections to nobility and royalty; Woodstock Manor was the birthplace of King Edward III’s eldest son and a temporary prison for Queen Mary I under Elizabeth I’s reign. The Oxfordshire Museum narrates the town’s storied history, while Woodstock’s elegant center, adorned with ivy and wisteria, merits a leisurely walk.
However, the main draw near Woodstock is the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, arguably the most prominent country house in Britain.
Fashioned in the early 18th century in the briefly fashionable English baroque style, the palace was the residence of the Churchill family and the birthplace of the statesman Winston Churchill in 1874.
8. Wallingford
Wallingford’s marketplace hosts all the essentials one might require.
This location features some of the town’s most significant landmarks, such as the neoclassical Corn Exchange, the charming 1600s town hall with its distinctive arcades, and the Norman church of St Mary-le-More.
Visitors to the tourist information center can acquire leaflets regarding Wallingford’s heritage trail, which reflects on its Saxon era as an essential stronghold for Alfred the Great.
Wallingford Castle, erected by the Normans, was a strategic stronghold until it was dismantled during the Civil War, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful ruin.
9. Chipping Norton
Though modest in size, Chipping Norton is renowned across the UK, primarily due to the so-called “Chipping Norton Set,” an association of influential locals including former Prime Minister David Cameron and the Murdoch family.
Despite this reputation, Chipping Norton is a delightful destination, celebrated for its antique shops. Positioned within the Cotswolds, it is also the highest town in Oxfordshire.
The church of St Mary the Virgin epitomizes Cotswold architecture, flooding its interior with light through uninterrupted clerestory windows.
In the verdant countryside surrounding the town are the Rollright Stones, a Neolithic and Bronze Age stone circle.
10. Faringdon
An enchanting historic market town located southwest of Oxford, Faringdon possesses much more than might be anticipated from a settlement of this size.
At its center, the Town Hall, dating back to the 1600s, is the most prominent landmark and an essential fixture in daily life.
Despite its tranquil nature today, Faringdon Hill to the east has hosted significant historical events, such as conflicts during the succession crisis known as “The Anarchy” in the 12th century and again during the English Civil War when the Republicans maintained a fortress here.
Nowadays, the hill is crowned with a 43-meter-high folly built in 1935, showcasing a neo-gothic design that offers magnificent views of the Vale of the White Horse.
Additionally, be sure to explore the 14th-century Great Coxwell Barn and the Uffington White Horse, a chalk hill figure crafted roughly 3,000 years ago.
11. Banbury
More of a working town compared to many other destinations listed here, Banbury, located in the northern part of Oxfordshire, boasts one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates.
This thriving town draws shoppers from far and wide, and the pedestrianized center, rich in history, provides an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll.
Furthermore, Banbury serves as an excellent entry point for exploring the region’s remarkable heritage.
Three magnificent country houses invite exploration: Sulgrave Manor, Upton House, and Broughton Castle, each deserving a detour.
To highlight one, Broughton Castle is a medieval fortified manor house expanded during the Elizabethan era and features an entrancing walled garden.
12. Bicester
This historic market town is undergoing rapid expansion, providing new residences for those commuting to London and Oxford.
However, Bicester offers much more than merely serving as a residential community; the splendid architecture surrounding the marketplace reflects its storied past, showcasing grand 17th-century townhouses and various older half-timbered buildings.
For many visitors, Bicester’s reputation is primarily built upon Bicester Village, an outlet mall that attracts an impressive 6.3 million shoppers annually.
Notably, the highest number of visitors from China venture to these luxury outlets, second only to Buckingham Palace in terms of popularity among attractions in the UK.
13. Minster Lovell
A quaint cluster of villages and hamlets in the region’s west, Minster Lovell may appear unremarkable today; however, during the Middle Ages, it was governed by one of England’s wealthiest individuals.
Minster Lovell Hall, preserved by English Heritage, maintains the stunning ruins of a late-medieval manor house constructed for the Baron of Lovell and Holland.
The structure has remained abandoned since the 1700s, and the entire site is bordered by the River Windrush, which offers picnic-friendly banks.
Photographers and antiquarians will find this spot irresistible, but there are also a couple of inviting pubs in the village to conclude a perfect day trip.
14. Thame
Oxfordshire is renowned for its affluent market towns, and Thame ranks among the most picturesque.
Historically, it served as a fortified town within the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Wessex, and today it offers a comfortable environment for visitors to spend several hours.
Traditional amenities, including butchers, bakers, tea rooms, and pubs, coexist in Thame with stylish boutiques and eateries.
Plan your visit on a Tuesday to experience what many consider Oxfordshire’s finest outdoor market—akin to an open-air delicatessen—showcasing local produce, cakes, chutneys, and a variety of handcrafted delights.
15. Didcot
In a county characterized by its elegant towns and quaint villages, Didcot presents a contrasting, rugged railway town that emerged around Brunel’s Great Western Railway in the mid-19th century.
For decades, the Didcot Power Station’s cooling towers have been an identifiable landmark from considerable distances. However, with the influx of high-tech industries and research centers, along with the decommissioning of the power station, Didcot now emphasizes innovation.
For tourists, the Didcot Railway Centre is an ideal destination for those wishing to reminisce about the golden age of steam locomotives.
The attraction operates from an extensive engine shed housing over 30 locomotives, four of which are currently operational on the museum’s heritage line.
