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- A perfect day out in Oxford
Dreaming of a day out in Oxford? With its world-famous university, beautiful architecture, fascinating history and picturesque riverside, there’s plenty to discover, even if you only have 12 hours.
And getting there from London couldn’t be easier. Hop aboard the Oxford Tube, sit back and relax, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to start exploring.
Find the right ticket for you here.
Here’s how we’d spend the perfect day in Oxford.
7.45am – Oxford Tube to Oxford
Start your adventure aboard the Oxford Tube from London Victoria. You can also join the service at Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd’s Bush, White City or Acton as we head out of the capital.
Use the journey to plan your day, catch up with the group chat or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. With free onboard Wi-Fi and charging points, you can arrive in Oxford with your phone fully charged and ready for a day of photos, maps and memories.
Suggested time: 2 hours
10.30am – Oxford University & City Walking tour
Once you arrive, there’s no better way to get your bearings than with an Oxford University & City Walking Tour. With more than 1,400 years of history to uncover, an expert guide will introduce you to some of Oxford’s most famous sights and stories.
Admire the iconic Radcliffe Camera, discover some of the university’s oldest colleges and wander through historic streets and hidden alleyways. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the authors, inventors, academics and Prime Ministers who have helped make Oxford famous around the world.
Suggested time: 1 hour
12pm – Lunch at Oxford Covered Market
All that exploring calls for lunch and Oxford Covered Market is the perfect place to stop.
Home to more than 30 independent street-food vendors, cafés and restaurants, there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you fancy a sandwich, sushi, pizza, tapas or something sweet afterwards, you won’t be short of options.
Suggested time: 1-2 hours
2pm – Audio Guide Christ Church
Next, make your way to one of Oxford’s most recognisable landmarks: Christ Church.
Explore the college and cathedral at your own pace with an interactive multimedia guide, featuring behind-the-scenes videos, interviews and fascinating insights from staff, students and academics.
Take your time admiring the architecture and discovering the stories behind one of Oxford’s most celebrated institutions. With the multimedia tour available in 12 languages, it’s a great experience for visitors from around the world.
Suggested time: 1-2 hours
4.45pm – Oxford River Cruise
After exploring on foot, it’s time to see the city from a completely different perspective.
An Oxford river cruise takes you along the university regatta course towards the picturesque village of Iffley. Along the way, you’ll pass Folly Bridge, Christ Church College and Meadows, and the university rowing houses.
This stretch of the River Thames is known locally as The Isis and offers a wonderfully relaxing way to experience another side of Oxford.
Tours operate daily from March to October, with private hire available throughout the year.
Suggested time: 45 mins
6pm – Dinner at The Bear Inn
Round off your day with dinner at The Bear Inn, tucked away just moments from the busy High Street.
Dating back to 1242, it’s one of Oxford’s most historic pubs and a characterful spot to enjoy some traditional pub classics before heading home. While you’re there, look out for its extraordinary collection of neckties. The unusual tradition began in 1952, when a former landlord offered customers beer in exchange for cutting off the end of their tie. The donated ties had to represent a recognised school, college, regiment, sports club or professional association and the collection has been growing ever since.
Suggested time: 1-2 hours
7.30pm – Oxford Tube to London
After 12 hours of sightseeing, eating and exploring, it’s time to hop back aboard the Oxford Tube and make your way back to London.
Recline your seat, settle in and relax as you leave Oxford behind. With the onboard lighting dimmed for the evening journey, it’s the perfect chance to unwind, scroll through your photos and start planning your next visit to Oxford.
Suggested time: 2 hours
Top Travel Top
Grab the Oxford Tube App before your daytrip. Whilst there’s no need to pre book, with the Oxford Tube App you plan your journey ahead of time, track your coach on the day and buy your ticket all in one place.