Oxford Day Trip Guide: BEST Things to Do, Where to Eat + More

London Localite contains affiliate and Amazon Associates links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here. Thank you for the support 💛

Trying to plan a day trip to Oxford from London? Here is everything you need to know.

I finally squeezed in a day trip to Oxford this summer, and it’s every bit as magical as you’d expect. With its ancient stone buildings and cobbled streets, the city feels like stepping onto a Hogwarts film set. I knew I wanted to soak in the architecture, wander through the famous colleges, and tick off a few museums, but I also wanted to find that cooler, student-y side of Oxford I’d always heard talk about.

After a bit of research (and a lot of walking once I got there), I managed to squeeze the best of both worlds into one day: historic sights, cute cafés and a taste of student life. In this post I’ll cover what to do, where to eat and how to make the most of a day trip to Oxford. If you’re looking for more day trip ideas from London, I have a whole list to inspire you!

Top Things to Do in Oxford (at a glance)

Here are the highlights to help you get a feel for Oxford at a glance. Perfect if you’re planning your day or just want to see what’s worth prioritising!

• Grab coffee at The Missing Bean or Coffeesmith.
• Explore the historic centre: Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library & Bridge of Sighs.
• Lunch at The Handle Bar Café & Kitchen or The Covered Market.
• Visit at least one Oxford college (New College, Magdalen or Christ Church).
• Go punting on the River Cherwell (DIY or chauffeured!).
• Pop into The Pitt Rivers Museum or The Ashmolean – perfect for a rainy day.
• Dinner at Oli’s Thai or The Angel & Greyhound
• Optional sunset stroll through University Parks or drink on The Ashmolean rooftop

Morning: Iconic Oxford Sights + Coffee to Start

I’d aim to arrive in Oxford for around 10:30 am if you can. Trains run regularly from London Paddington and take just under an hour. Once you arrive, it’s an easy 10-15 minute walk straight into the heart of the city.

Grab Coffee at The Missing Bean or Coffeesmith

I made a beeline for The Missing Bean on Turl Street, which sits right in the centre and comes so highly recommended by friends, I had to go. It has a proper cosy coffee shop feel – beans roasted in-house, big windows, and pastries piled in the window that are pretty hard to say no to. It’s also a perfect first “landmark” to aim for when walking from the station.

Another great option is Coffeesmith, housed inside a beautiful 12th-century building. It’s warm, friendly, and the staff are super welcoming. Both cafés are right in the centre, so once you’ve grabbed your flat white, you can step straight into sightseeing mode – coffee in hand.

Walk Through the Historic Centre

One of the best things about Oxford is that the centre is incredibly walkable. Even without a map, you’ll naturally stumble across beautiful buildings, college courtyards and picture-perfect cobbled streets. But if you want to make sure you tick off the essentials, here are the big ones to look out for:

– Radcliffe Camera: the iconic circular library.
– Bodleian Library courtyard: Hogwarts vibes, though not an actual filming location!
– University Church of St Mary the Virgin: climb the tower for an amazing view.
– Bridge of Sighs: a historic bridge linking two parts of Hertford College.

These are all within a few minutes’ walk of each other, so it’s the perfect way to ease into your day while soaking up the atmosphere.

If you want to make sure you don’t miss anything (or want to learn about the buildings), you could consider joining a walking tour. They’re often led by current or former Oxford students, which means you get the insider gossip along with the history!

Lunch in Oxford

After a morning of wandering around the historic centre, you’ll definitely be ready for something to eat (I know I was). Luckily, Oxford is full of cosy cafés, brunch spots and casual street food, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

The Handle Bar Cafe & Kitchen

This is where I stopped for lunch and I’d happily go back. It has a really warm, relaxed vibe – slightly tucked away, with leafy plants, mismatched furniture and a bustling, fun atmosphere. If the weather’s good, grab one of the tables outside and sit in the sun.

The menu is brunch/lunch with plenty of veggie and vegan options too. I had the Smashed Avo & Crispy Tortillas which were so fresh and flavourful, plus the vegan full English. The staff were lovely too, which always makes a difference!

The Covered Market

If you’re after something more casual (or just want to keep exploring while you eat), head to The Covered Market. It’s been around since the 1700s and is a maze of tiny cafés, bakeries, produce stalls and street food spots. You could spend ages wandering around here. Even if you don’t eat lunch here, it’s worth popping in afterwards for a look.

Afternoon: Colleges, Punting + Museums

After lunch, it’s time to dive a little deeper into what Oxford is really about: the university colleges. This, plus the river, shapes the whole atmosphere of the city, so spending your afternoon exploring them will feel really special.

Tour an Oxford College

You really have to visit at least one college while you’re in Oxford – it’s such a core part of what makes the city special. I chose New College and absolutely loved it. The cloisters and courtyard are genuinely stunning, and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll recognise them instantly from The Goblet of Fire. There is a small entrance fee, but honestly, it’s worth it for the peaceful, historic atmosphere alone.

If you’re keeping things more budget-friendly, St Edmund Hall (Teddy Hall) is a lovely alternative and free to enter during certain opening hours. It’s smaller and more intimate, but still has that Oxford charm. Other popular options include:

• Christ Church – the most famous and the most expensive; great if you’re into Harry Potter filming locations and grand architecture.
• Magdalen College – peaceful and spacious, with deer roaming the meadow!
• Balliol College – right in the centre and one of the more affordable ones to visit.

Go Punting on the Cherwell

Another classic Oxford activity is punting on the River Cherwell, and it fits perfectly after your college visit. Head to Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, where you can either try punting yourself (potentially a little chaotic, but you’re sure to make some great memories!) or opt for a guided punt. It’s especially lovely on a warm day.

You can also combine punting with a college tour. The Oxford University Walking & Punting Tour (led by alumni) covers the main university sights first, then ends with a relaxed punt. It’s a great fuss-free way to do both in one afternoon.

Rainy Day Options

If the weather turns, you can swap the punting for one of Oxford’s brilliant museums. The Pitt Rivers Museum is my top pick – it’s quirky and packed with fascinating collections from all over the world. You could honestly spend hours wandering around here.

Another great option is The Ashmolean, Oxford’s famous art and archaeology museum. It’s light, spacious and beautifully curated. Don’t miss the rooftop café for a tea or cocktail with city views. Both museums are free to enter, making them perfect rainy-day options.

Evening in Oxford: Dinner + Drinks

After an afternoon spent exploring colleges, it’s time to settle in somewhere cosy for dinner. Oxford has some excellent restaurants and pubs, especially if you’re happy to wander a little beyond the centre.

Where to Eat

If you can get a table at Oli’s Thai, do it. This tiny, local-feeling spot is genuinely one of the best Thai meals I’ve had in England. The dishes are fresh, flavourful and taste like real care has gone into them. It’s very popular, so you’ll need to book ahead, but it’s absolutely worth planning for.

For something a bit more relaxed, head to The Kings Arms. It’s a traditional pub serving the proper British comfort food – just slightly more refined than your usual “pub grub.” Think delicious pies, big hearty meals and a warm local-pub atmosphere.

Optional Add-On Before Heading Home

Depending on what time you’re heading back to London, you might be able to squeeze in another activity to round off the day. If you didn’t make it there earlier, the rooftop at the Ashmolean is such a lovely spot for a final drink. The views are great and it’s a nice, chilled way to end the day.

If it’s summer (and still light), you could also take a wander through University Parks instead. It’s peaceful, leafy, and the perfect place to decompress after a day of sightseeing.

FAQs: Planning Your Oxford Day Trip

How Much Does a Day Trip to Oxford Cost?

A day trip to Oxford can be really affordable, especially as the train is only around £12–£20 each way. College entry is usually approximately £15, depending on where you go, and punting is roughly £25–£35 per hour. For food, budget £15-£25 for a café lunch and £30-£40 for a relaxed dinner.

Can You Do Oxford in One Day?

Yes, you can definitely do Oxford in one day. The city centre is very walkable, so it’s easy to see the main sights, visit a college and go punting without feeling rushed. That said, if you have time to stay overnight, Oxford makes a lovely weekend away. There are plenty more museums, riverside walks and cosy places to eat and drink that are worth staying for.

Is Oxford Better as a Day Trip or an Overnight Stay?

Oxford works perfectly as a day trip, especially if your time is limited. You can see the highlights without rushing, and everything is close together. However, if you have the flexibility, staying one night is a lovely idea. It gives you time to slow down, try more restaurants, and enjoy the city once the day-trippers have left.

Oxford also makes a great base for exploring the Cotswolds, so it’s ideal for a relaxed weekend getaway. You can book a guided Cotswolds tour that picks up directly from Oxford, which makes life much easier and ensures you see the prettiest villages without having to plan all the logistics yourself.

Round Up: Oxford Day Trip Guide

And that’s your Oxford day trip, all wrapped up. It’s a city that really does live up to the hype: beautiful architecture, history on every corner, cosy cafés, and that university buzz. Whether you’re here to see Harry Potter filming locations, wander the college courtyards, or simply enjoy a slow day soaking it all in, Oxford is the kind of place that stays with you.

If you have time, stretching this into a weekend is even lovelier. But even in just one day, you’ll get a real feel for the city’s character. I’m already planning my next visit and dreaming about Oli’s Thai!