Oxford is a great destination for a day out with children of all ages, and is within easy reach of London. A lovely city that is easy to get around on foot, Oxford offers attractions for children that are both entertaining and educational – without breaking the bank.
From the moment you step into Oxford, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere unlike any other. The “City of Spires” lives up to its name, with the iconic domes, towers, and gargoyles of its university colleges dominating the skyline. Here is our brief guide of how to make the best of this amazing city when visiting with children for a day.
Ways to travel to Oxford from London
There are direct trains to Oxford from Paddington and Marylebone. Coach travel is also a good option as they have a variety of departure and return points in London, and sometimes they offer free travel for children. Oxford Tube allows free travel for kids during the summer, the coaches run 24/7 and there is no need to pre book.
- Get 50% off rail travel with a 16-17 Saver Network Rail Card
- Navigate your way around Oxford with detailed street maps from A-Z
It is best to avoid driving to Oxford, due to the cost and difficulty of parking in the city centre and the city plans to introduce a congestion charge. But if you need to drive, Oxford has a number of Park and Ride options and the local bus network is pretty good.
Things you can do when visiting Oxford with children
Your first stop must be the Story museum which provides an engaging and unique experience for children of all ages, bringing them the magic of stories and story telling. Through imaginative, interactive and immersive activities, exhibits and performances the Story Museum brings tales to life – from fairytales to modern adventures. Children can listen to whispers of the magic forest, tumble down Alice’s rabbit hole, open the wardrobe door into Narnia and meet dragons in their den. New this summer is the Story Arcade, which celebrates and explores the impact of video games on the evolution of storytelling, charting landmark moments and icons of gaming history to show how storytelling techniques have evolved to provide new social, cultural and emotional experiences. Here, kids and parents can practice their skills at playing iconic arcade games like Space Invaders or learn more about the open-world adventures of modern games such as Never Alone. Entry to the Story Arcade is included with the Story Museum Galleries ticket (from £14). The museum also has a generous outdoor space and there are some seriously delicious snacks at the café too.
Beyond its academic allure, Oxford boasts picturesque waterways, charming alleyways, and a bustling city centre brimming with independent shops, traditional pubs, and diverse eateries. Have a picnic at the Oxford Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the UK, or choose a picnic and play spot on the river meadows. Better still have a go at punting along Oxford’s river Cherwell or sail down the river Thames with Oxford river cruises to enjoy outstanding scenery and experience the beauty of nature.
Oxford is home to some of the oldest museums in the world, and most of them are free to visit. A visit to the Ashmolean Museum is an absolute must. Britain’s first public museum – it opened its doors in the 17th century – the Ashmolean doesn’t just have globally important collections of art and artefacts, spanning centuries and cultures, but offers a variety of engaging activities for children of all ages, including family trails and activity packs. Admission to the Ashmolean is free.
Situated in the heart of Oxford, the History of Science Museum is the oldest public museum building in the world and it is worth a quick visit. This is one of the smallest we have ever visited. The charming Museum of Natural History is a beautiful smaller version of the majestic natural history museum in London. This award winning museum was established in 1860 and continues to be a place of scientific research and is host to a programme of events, exhibitions and activities for the public and school students of all ages. Come to see the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur – Megalosaurus bucklandii – and the world-famous Oxford Dodo.
Places to eat in Oxford
For a delightful and diverse lunch experience, head to The Covered Market. This historic market, established in 1774, is a charming labyrinth of independent shops, cafes, and eateries offering everything from sandwiches and pastries to international cuisine. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite and soak in the local atmosphere. The Gloucester Green Market is a historic outdoor market in the heart of Oxford. It has been a fixture of the city since the 18th century and offers delicious street foods as well as fresh produce, flowers, clothing, jewellery, antiques, books, and more.
The Oxford University
No visit to Oxford is complete without exploring one of its famous colleges. Christ Church is one of the largest and most iconic, boasting a magnificent quad, a beautiful cathedral (which also serves as the college chapel), and the Great Hall, which famously inspired Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. Check their opening times and book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. After visiting the college, take a leisurely walk through Christ Church Meadow. This expansive green space offers lovely views of the college and the River Cherwell, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Adjacent to the Radcliffe Camera is the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most significant libraries in the world. While access to the reading rooms is usually restricted, you can admire its impressive exterior and, time permitting, take a self-guided or guided tour to see parts of its historic interior, such as the Divinity School (a Harry Potter filming location!).
While truly exploring all its facets could take weeks, a single day in Oxford can offer an incredibly rich and memorable experience. So we hope you will come back again and again to enjoy more of what this marvellous city has to offer.
For more family-friendly fun follow us on Instagram! For our selection of London theatre and performing arts shows for children and families please visit our Theatre & Dance page.