Oxford is full of brilliant things to see and do; even better, many of those things are free too. Oxford is famous for its libraries and of course the University, which has some amazing collections of books, there are also lots of free museums and galleries, historic buildings to see and beautiful river walks and parks to stroll around. So, if you are planning a visit to the city, we have put together a guide to free things to do in Oxford.
Located about 60 miles from London, Oxford is where numerous Harry Potter scenes were filmed across Oxford’s colleges. If you want to take a look, you will need to head to these locations:
- Christ Church College – Bodley Staircase, Hall and Cloisters
- Bodleian Library – Divinity School
- New College – Cloisters
The Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. The museum has world-famous collections ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. They also offer lots of toddler-friendly activities and hands-on events to keep the whole family entertained.
Open every day. Admission is free.
Radcliffe Square
Radcliffe Sq, Oxford OX1 3BG
Radcliffe Square is a square in central Oxford that is surrounded by the historic Oxford University and the college buildings. The square is cobbled and surrounded by grass and railings. The square is home to the Radcliffe Camera, nearby University Church of St Mary the Virgin and an 18th century library, which is connected to the Bodleian Library on the side of the square by an underground tunnel.
Opening Hours: Open at all times.
Christ Church Meadow
Oxford OX1 4JF
Christ Church Meadow is a flood-meadow and popular walking and picnic spot in Oxford that is bounded by the River Thames, the River Cherwell, and Christ Church. The meadow gives access to the college boathouses, which are on an island at the
confluence of the two rivers. The bridge itself has beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas for anyone visiting the Meadow.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
Oxford University Museum of Natural History holds an internationally-significant collection of natural history specimens and archives and it is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture. It is home to a lively programme of research, teaching and events focused on the sciences of the natural environment.
Free entry
Port Meadow
Walton Well Rd, Oxford OX2 6ED
Port Meadow is a large meadow of open common land beside the River Thames to the north and west of Oxford. This stretch of river is regularly used by families, swimmers, kayakers, rowers, anglers, birdwatchers – and a home for many other creatures. It is a great place for a stroll and a picnic.
Pitt Rivers Museum
Pitt Rivers Museum is a museum displaying the archaeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford. The museum is located to the east of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and can only be accessed through that building. From masks to music and more the museum is free and open daily.
Evensong at Christ Church
Christ Church St. Aldates Oxford
Evensong is a short service of choral music, chant, and prayer, sung by the Choristers on Sundays at 5:00 pm at Christ Church in Oxford.
Entry to the service is free
Modern Art Oxford
https://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/
30 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP
Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces. Located in one of the world’s great cities for culture and learning.. At the heart of the gallery’s programme is a commitment to education, internationalism and inclusion, founded on the power of visual art and culture to enact positive social change.
The Bridge of Sighs
Hertford College
Hertford Bridge, often called the Bridge of Sighs, is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane in Oxford. The Bridge of Sighs gained its name because of its resemblance to the structure of the same name in Venice. The bridge links Hertford’s old and new quadrangles across New College Lane. It was officially opened in January 1914 and has since gained worldwide renown.
If you know of any other free things to do in Oxford please feel free to let us know!