Itineraries for Your Trip to Oxford
2 Days in Oxford for First Timers
Oxford is a place with a serious history and scholarly pedigree. Once frequented by luminaries like J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and where politicians, kings, and other movers and shakers have been educated for nearly 1,000 years—the University of Oxford remains one of the world's most prestigious homes of higher learning.
But you don’t need to be pursuing a degree to make the most of the City of Dreaming Spires. With its ancient streets, riverside scenery, heritage architecture, and literary lore, this accessibly sized city is a must-see for anyone planning an English getaway. Here’s how to make the most of two days in Oxford.
If you only have time for one thing, make it punting down the River Cherwell—a beloved local tradition.
Oxford’s weather can be unpredictable, so bringing an umbrella and rain jacket is wise.
Oxford is smaller than London, but it’s still good to begin your trip by understanding how its neighborhoods fit together. On a hop-on hop-off bus tour, you can explore at your own pace and choose to disembark where and when you wish. Set off in the morning, look out for storied landmarks, and learn more from the on-board commentary as you go.
No trip to Oxford would be complete without a river cruise. Have a chauffeur steer you down the River Cherwell in a punt or take a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames. Some cruises include picnic lunches or afternoon tea.
Oxford is no less beautiful by night—although this ancient city also has quite a haunted legacy. After a hearty pub dinner, set off on an evening ghost tour through the City of Dreaming Spires. You might just encounter a spooky specter in the shadows as you follow your guide down cobbled alleys and past the university’s mist-shrouded colleges.
One of the Oxford area’s top attractions lies just beyond city limits—the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its chocolate-box villages, rolling hills, and quintessential countryside scenery. While you could spend the whole day getting to know it, many time-saving, half-day tours are available—and they also visit highlight towns like Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Once back in town and refreshed from your countryside jaunt, spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Oxford’s scholarly ambiance when you book a walking tour of the university and other cultural attractions. Follow in the footsteps of luminaries from C.S. Lewis to J. R. R. Tolkien, and go behind the scenes when you discover Exeter College, Magdalen College, and other top colleges.
After two full days of sightseeing and discovery, enjoy a relaxing—and fittingly Oxfordian—way to cap off your trip when you book an evening river cruise. See a new side of Oxford when you enjoy a sunset trip along the water and watch the lights come on across this ever–magical city. Pick a combined itinerary with a gourmet dinner experience to round things out if you can.
