| Important Information about Oxford Trip | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 1 Day |
| Best Time to visit | May to September |
| Type of Trip | Road Trip |
| What is Oxford Famous For | University, market, architecture |
Oxford Day Trip Guide – How to get from London to Oxford
A one-day itinerary in London could mean a hundred different possibilities and probabilities; among all the options also lies a day tour at Oxford. The prestigious university city is world-famous and often attracts large number of tourists, even the non-students. The Anglo-Saxon architecture, the English buildings and gorgeous nearby suburbs are just too magnificent to skip.
This gorgeous university city is just 90 km from London by road. So, if you are in London for a day or two and need a quick one-day road trip to a UK specialty, we suggest you pick your rental and head straight to Oxford and its various interesting sites. The one and a half-hour drive from London via M40 and A40 take you to Oxford, as you enjoy a fun drive via local English suburbs and markets.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to oxford by Car Rental
London Heathrow Airport is around 44.8 miles from Oxford city and the distance can be covered via M40. A 3-minutes’ drive on widgeon road and wayfarer road will put you on M25 and further along on M40 and A40. Exit M40 and enter A40 to head to A420 that would lead you to your final destination Oxford city.
London City to Oxford by Car Rental
And if you wish to first get to know London before you head to Oxford, we suggest you pick the Thames Path to your road trip to Oxford. This national trail follows the charming Thames river as you move through beautiful British attractions and local villages and country sides. On your route to Oxford via Thames Path, you would pass through local London sites, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor before approaching Oxford.
Where to Park Car in Oxford
Considering most of the attractions in Oxford are within walking distance, you could always drop your car at one of the Oxford parking spots to get around on foot. There are options to City Centre Car Parks, Car Parks in public parks and there are car parking areas outside the city center. Following are few car parking options in Oxford:
- Oxford Parking
- Oxford Car Park
- Westgate Oxford Car Park
- Oxford Station Car Park
- St Giles Parking
- Gloucester Green
- Oxpens Parking lot
- Redbridge Park & Rid
- Worcester Street Car Park
- Car Park Oxford Parkway Station
- Headington
- Castle Car Park
Places to visit in Oxford – Things to do in Oxford
1. Oxford Castle Prison
Built during the year ear 1071, Oxford Castle Prison offers a wonderful theatrical tour as guides lead you through the castle. The prison cells are its key highlight as they were in use as the latest as 1996. Oxford Castle with its history and weirdly interesting prison cells are a must when at Oxford. The castle has four towers with St George Tower being the tower where the tour actually begins.
2. Martyr’s Memorial, Oxford
Avery beautiful 16th century stone monument standing at the corner of Broad Street that meets St.Giles. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, Martyrs Memorial has Anglican bishops Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer and Thomas Cranmer. Sculpted by Henry Weekes, this monument would appeal to history enthusiasts.
3. Tom Tower
Built by Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, Tom Tower or the Octagonal tower offers a rich gothic vibe. This English bell tower located in Oxford is at the main gate of Christ church in the city. Built-in 1682, this is the largest Oxford bell that has rung on every night since World War II. Quite a fancy gothic structure, this is umissable if you happen to be at the church or at the great quad of the Christ Church.
4. Covered Market Oxford
Being at Oxford does not mean only history and monuments, this city of the university also has a very charming market that gives a breather to every tourist and local seeking a more leisure escape surrounded with aroma of the coffee, cheese, fresh fruits and goodness of bakery. Since 1774, The Oxford Market has been a very interesting point for al visitors and locals. Today the Covered Market has vegetables fresh fruits, meats, fine foods and cheese of all kinds, leather goods and hats. Bakery lovers would find delicious bread and cakes to savor while enjoying a perfect cappuccino. The eateries are a refreshing break from exploring the English historical monuments. And if you seek souvenirs or gifts, there are interesting shops for gifts, jewelry, watches, clothing, shoes and much more.
5. Bodleian Library
Bodleian Library is perfect for literature lovers and the readers, for just the experience of being inside this giant library with its astounding collection of local history, English literature and oriental manuscripts is an experience in itself.
The library itself has a huge history of being established and shelves being dismantled and later being restored; today its one of the oldest European libraries that have 12 million items and offers collection worth your time. Though tourists get to see if for free, membership has its rules. The Bodleian libraries offer both self-guided and group tours.
6. University Church of St Mary the Virgin
The building architecture, the marvelous spires, the history and the baroque porch, University Church of St Mary the Virgin is a marvel in itself. Even if you have no time or don’t go to churches, consider this a monument that is more than a church. Housing a huge history, this 13th century University Church is the most popular attraction open to all.
7. The Divinity School
Attached to the Bodleian Library, The Divinity School stands opposite the Sheldonian Theatre known for the graduation ceremonies. This medieval structure is a perpendicular styled building which is now one of the oldest university structures. The Divinity School happens to fascinate people with a love for architecture, old buildings, and historic designs.
8. Pitt Rivers Museum
The museum that houses the most amazing anthropology and archaeology collections in the world, along with thousands and thousands of fascinating displays, Pitt Rivers Museum is an artifact mine. This 19th-century structure is a magnet to millions of visitors every year. Few of the popular displays include Japanese Noh Masks, Shrunken heads, Skulls from Nagaland village and fishing boat models.
The time for these top attractions of Oxford City and their entry fees is given the below table:
| Sr. No | Place | Tour Time | Entry Fees |
| 1 | Oxford Castle Prison | 50-60 Minutes | £7-£11 |
| 2 | Martyr’s Memorial, Oxford | 15-20 Minutes | Free |
| 3 | Tom Tower | 30-40 Minutes | Free |
| 4 | Covered Market Oxford | 40-50 Minutes | Free |
| 5 | Bodleian Library | 40-50 Minutes | Free |
| 6 | University Church of St Mary the Virgin | 30 Minutes | Free |
| 7 | The Divinity School | 40 Minutes | Free |
| 8 | Pitt Rivers Museum | 40-50 Minutes | Free |
Things to do in Oxford with Kids
Oxford has some very interesting outdoor sights, local favorite places to cover, monuments offering insight into arts & culture and then there are the architecturally rich buildings, museums offering history tour. And if you are in Oxford with kids then you could always have good family time with the various kid-friendly attractions
- Port Meadow
- Hinksey Park
- Story Museum
- Alice’s Shop
- Oxford Botanic Garden
- Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park