15 Things To Do In Oxfordshire
Worton Park offers a charming retreat with it’s self-catering holiday cottages that blend English Countryside with easy access to one of England’s most historic cities. Whether you're staying for a romantic weekend, a family holiday, or a countryside escape, Worton Park is perfectly located to explore the very best of Oxford and the surrounding region. Here are 15 must-do activities to enjoy while staying at a Worton Park property:
1) Explore Oxford
Oxford’s historic centre is home to the famous University of Oxford, the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library, and the Sheldonian Theatre. Take a walking tour to uncover hidden courtyards, climb the University Church of St Mary the Virgin for panoramic views, and explore the rich academic heritage that has inspired generations.
2) Blenheim Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. With beautiful gardens, grounds, lakes as well as exhibitions and seasonal events throughout the year, there is plenty to explore. Take a ride on Winston the miniature steam train, visit the Adventure Playground or Butterfly House and even be amazed by the world’s second largest hedge maze.
3) Cotswold Wildlife Park
Located near Burford, about a 30-minute drive from Worton Park, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and more, all set within 160 acres of landscaped parkland. With adventure playgrounds and a miniature railway, it’s a fantastic day out for families.
4) Bicester Village
Bicester Village is a luxury shopping outlet featuring over 150 fashion and lifestyle brands, all offering significant discounts. With designer boutiques, cafes, and elegant surroundings, it’s a shopping experience just 30 minutes from Worton Park.
5) Kayak, sail or walk down the Oxford Canal
The Oxford Canal winds its way through the Oxfordshire countryside and into the heart of the city. You can walk or cycle along the towpath, passing narrowboats and canal-side pubs, or even hire a boat to explore the waterways at a leisurely pace. Our Manor House, Coach House and Dovecote properties are based in Thrupp which is an idyllic canal-side village and a great base to explore more of the canal by foot or boat.
6) Oxford Literary Trail
From Tolkien and C.S. Lewis to Philip Pullman, Oxford has inspired many literary greats. Discover their haunts on a self-guided literary walking trail through the city’s pubs, colleges, and bookshops. Highlights include Christ Church College from Alice in Wonderland and the Bodleian Library from Harry Potter.
7) Diddly Squat Farm Shop and The Farmer’s Dog Pub
Fans of Clarkson's Farm will love visiting Diddly Squat Farm Shop or The Farmers Dog Pub which are both a 30 minute drive from Worton Park. Sample Hawkstone's Beer or Ciders and enjoy some of the locally sourced produce.
8) Punting
A renowned Oxford activity, hire a punt from the Magdalen Bridge or Cherwell Boat House and spend a few blissful hours on the river.
9) Didcot Railway Centre
Step back in time at the Didcot Railway Centre, where you can explore vintage steam trains and experience working railway yards. Perfect for families and train enthusiasts, it’s an easy 40-minute drive from Worton Park.
10) Port Meadow
Port Meadow is a historic floodplain in Oxford, spanning 300 acres along the River Thames. Unchanged for centuries, it’s home to grazing animals and diverse wildlife. It’s a popular spot for walking, picnicking, or wild swimming on warm days, offering both stunning views of the countryside and the Oxford skyline.
11) Hook Norton Brewery
The historic Hook Norton Brewery offers fascinating guided tours of its Victorian tower brewery. Learn about traditional brewing methods and sample their award-winning ales in the cosy on-site bar.
12) Oxford Botanic Garden
The oldest botanic garden in the UK and home to over 5,000 different plant species, the Oxford Botanic Gardens are nestled in the heart of the city, next to Christchurch meadow.
13) Burford and the Cotswolds
A quintessential Cotswold town, Burford offers charming tea rooms, boutique and artisan gift shops, and stunning views over the Windrush Valley. From Burford, you can easily explore the wider Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renowned for its stone villages, rolling hills, and country walks.
14) Museums
Oxford is home to an incredible range of museums, starting with the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum, housed in the same building, where you can see the famous Oxford Dodo and explore fascinating artefacts from cultures around the world. The Ashmolean Museum, founded in 1683, showcases world-class collections from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern art, telling stories across time and continents. For science enthusiasts, the History of Science Museum offers an unrivalled collection of scientific instruments and inventions from throughout human history.
15) Crocodiles of the World
Only 20 minutes from Worton Park, Crocodiles of the World is the UK’s only crocodile zoo. It’s home to over 150 crocodiles, including Nile crocodiles and American alligators, as well as meerkats, reptiles, and otters.
Ready to experience it all? Browse our holiday cottages and start planning your unforgettable Oxfordshire escape today.
