Top 5 List of Things to do in Oxfordshire | United Kingdom

Oxfordshire in the South East of England is distinguished by Oxford University, and by its proximity to London and the Thames. One of the most historic counties in England, Oxfordshire has been host to multiple battles, and also contains the ancestral home of the Churchill family, as well as wildlife parks, museums, and quiet villages and gardens. Visitors should particularly take in the University, Blenheim Palace, Didcot Railway Centre, the Cotswold Wildlife Park, and the Ashmolean Museum.

1. Oxford University

The oldest English speaking University, Oxford University was established in approximately the 11th century, and, with Cambridge, developed into one the leading educational centre in the country. The city of Oxford is built around the University, which can be visited through guided tours via individual colleges. Individual attractions include All Saints Church, the Sackler and Bodelian Libraries, as well as the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Museum of the History of Science. Other attractions include the Sheldonian Theatre, the Botanic Garden and the Harcourt Arboretum.

Oxford University, England, UK by TEDizen

2. Bleinheim Palace

The stately home of the Marlborough family for centuries, and one of the largest houses in England, Blenheim Palace was built in the 18th century as part of a reward for John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the house was built around multiple blocks and parklands with deer, and remains one of the most lavish stately homes of all time. Blenheim later became a home for Winston Churchill, descendant of Jon, and was opened out in the late 20th century to a public site. It costs around £20 to enter the Palace.

3. Didcot Railway Centre

A treasure trove of old steam locomotives and other trains that is ideal for a family day out, the Didcot Railway Centre is near to the town of the same name, and is an extension of the now defunct Great Western Railway. Visitors can take in steam and diesel locomotives, as well as unique vehicles and exhibits. The Centre is open for weekends throughout the year, and puts on regular special events involving the locomotives and the history of steam railways.

4. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Adapted from the Bradwell Grove Estate, Cotswold Wildlife Park became a public destination in 1970. The estate’s grounds include 230 animals within its Walled Gardens. Notable animals include speckled mousebirds and sloths, as well as meerkats, oryx and llamas. A special section o the park is given over to highlighting rare species from Madagascar, and to conservation species like the Mount Omei babbler and the crested pigeon.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

5. Ashmolean Museum

Located on Beaumont Street, the Ashmolean Museum is part of Oxford Universities’ wide range of different institutions. Built between 1678 and 1683, the museum was created as an extension of the collection of Elias Ashmole. Its unique collection includes rare zoological specimens and rare items from world and English history. These include a stuffed dodo, pre-Raphaelite paintings, Greek pottery, the Alfred Jewel, Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, and the Abingdon Sword.

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Category: Travel Tips, United Kingdom