spend a day in Oxford during your staycation
- holidays
- places to visit
Are you looking at planning a staycation in Oxfordshire?
We have two holiday resorts in Oxfordshire, both under half an hours drive away from Oxford city centre which means you can easily enjoy a day exploring the city during your stay. And if you have never been to the area before you are in luck, we have done the research for you and put together a list of different places to eat, things to do and where to shop. This guide is perfect to look back on when you are heading to the city and need some recommendations.
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Oxford breakfast spots
Depending what time you are heading into Oxford and if you want to fuel yourself before your exploring you may want to know about some breakfast spots. Whether you want to stop for a quick bite to eat or a full sit down breakfast/brunch the spots below will be perfect.
1. Vaults & Garden
University Church, 1 Radcliffe Sq, Oxford, OX1 4AH
The Vaults & Garden café is located inside a 1320 building and offers incredible breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. With vaulted ceilings and a lovely garden it makes a great spot for a bite to eat at the start of your day. Food wise you can expect everything from a classic full English (or full Oxford as they like to call it) to a delicious cream tea.
2. The Grand Café
84 High St, Oxford, OX1 4BG
The Grand Café sits on the site of the oldest coffee house in England which dates back to 1650. It’s a great place to head if you are after anything from cream teas, coffee, breakfast and lunch options so you’ll definitely find something to suit everyone. If you are looking for somewhere with a bit of history then this place will be perfect.
3. Oxford Brunch Bar
19 George St, Oxford, OX1 2AU
A great independent brunch restaurant in the heart of Oxford. Oxford Brunch Bar has some healthy and tasty brunches from eggs benedict to farmhouse sandwiches. They like to put a lot of thought into their menus to create food that nourishes as well as taste good, which is perfect if you need fuelling up before exploring the city.
4. Jacobs & Field
15 Old High St, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9HP
Jacobs & Field have been going since 2009 and had a re-launch in 2021. They pride themselves in having a fresh take on all the brunch classics all freshly made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you are after a full English, tasty eggs, French toast or even a breakfast ciabatta you will have a great selection to choose from here.
things to do in the daytime
You will more than likely be looking for things to do during the day whilst you’re in the city. And there is plenty to see just from wandering around, but it is always good to know about different museums and fun things to do whilst you’re in Oxford.
1. Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose Ln, Oxford, OX1 4AZ
Known for being the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain as well as one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum is definitely worth the visit. It will not take much longer than an hour to explore its beautiful gardens and makes a great addition to your day.
2. Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PW
For all the history lovers the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is the perfect place to explore. Entry into the museum is free but donations are welcome to help support the events and exhibitions. Learn about things like evolution, ecosystems, biodiversity and more on your way around the museum.
3. The Story Museum
42 Pembroke St, Oxford, OX1 1BP
A slightly more unique museum in Oxford, The Story Museum is perfect for families and groups with immersive exhibitions, galleries and events. Transport yourself into the unique experiences on offer from The Whispering Wood to Small Worlds and The Enchanted Library. There is also a café and gift shop within the museum.
4. Oxford Castle & Prison
44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY
With over 1000 years of Oxford history to discover, Oxford Castle & Prison is a medieval castle in the centre of Oxford. There is plenty to do within the castle from climbing the 101 steps to enjoy the panoramic views to going underground into the candle-lit crypt.
areas for shopping
For the shoppers out there, you will be pleased to know there are a few different areas around the city. From shopping centres to a unique market that is over 250 years old, you will find the perfect shopping experience for you in Oxford.
1. Westgate
Queen St, Oxford, OX1 1PE
Probably the biggest shopping centre in Oxford city centre which dates back to the 1970s. Westgate Oxford is the perfect place to enjoy some retail therapy whilst in the city. There are over 100 shops within the centre and they range from British high street brands to global brands.
2. The Covered Market
Market St, Oxford, OX1 3DZ
The Covered Market celebrated their 250 year anniversary in 2024 and is definitely worth visiting if you are wanting a more unique shopping experience. With over 50 independent shops, cafes, bars and experiences you could spend hours here exploring all that is on offer.
3. Clarendon Centre
52 Cornmarket St, Oxford, OX1 3JE
The Clarendon Centre opened in 1984 and is in the heart of Oxford. With plenty of stores to browse including TK Maxx, Swarovski and more it is a great place to head to whilst you’re in the city. The centre has entrances on Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and Shoe Lane.
4. Templars Square
129 pound way, Oxford, OX4 3XH
Slightly more out of the city centre is Templars Square, a covered retail area with a variety of fashion, homeware and discount stores plus some food outlets. So if you are looking for somewhere to head on your way out of the city shopping wise this could be perfect.
quick coffee stops
There never needs to be an excuse for a quick coffee stop during a daytrip to a city…
1. Queen’s Lane Coffee House
40 High St, Oxford, OX1 4AP
Another historic choice for when you’re in the city, Queen’s Lane Coffee House has been serving coffee and food for over 350 years. So if you are fancying a quick drink and a snack mid-exploring then this is a great choice.
2. The Paper Boat Coffee Shop
Folly Bridge, The Old Toll House, Oxford, OX1 4LB
For a more picturesque stop, The Paper Boat Coffee Shop is a great choice. Located right by the river with outdoor tables you can enjoy a coffee, pastries and breakfasts in this bright, plant-filled café.
3. The Independent Café
The Old Palace, 85-87 St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1RD
Right in the heart of Oxford, The Independent Café is a great place to either pop in and get a takeout coffee or sit in and rest with a drink and a cake. Inside you will find wooden tables and stools with open beams.
4. Society Café
12-16 St Michael’s St, Oxford, OX1 2DU
Another independent coffee shop in Oxford is Society Café. With plenty of choices when it comes to their drinks as well as delicious, locally made cakes and pastries plus home-made sandwiches. There is plenty to choose from for all.
entertainment for the evening
If you are planning on visiting Oxford and spending the evening there we have put together a list of different fun things you can do. From getting competitive with some mini golf to having some laughs in a comedy club.
1. Junkyard Golf Club
Castle St, Oxford, OX1 1NU
Junkyard Golf Club is the perfect choice in the evening if you are wanting something fun and unique. With three 9 whole courses all with crazy themes and decorations you will make your way through and go head to head in this crazy golf fun. There is also a bar where you can get drinks on your way round.
2. Oxford Playhouse
11-12 Beaumont St, Oxford, OX1 2LW
If you’d rather sit and watch something the Oxford Playhouse could be perfect for you to check out and see what’s on during your visit. They have everything from comedy, concerts, musicals, drama, amateur & student performances and more. So whatever you fancy you will definitely find something here.
3. The Ultimate Picture Palace
Jeune St, Cowley Rd, Oxford, OX4 1BN
Known for being Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema, The Ultimate Picture Palace shows a range of independent, international and classic films. The building itself has been a Grade II listed building since 1994 and is perfect if you are fancying a movie night.
4. The Glee Club
The Bullingdon, 162 Cowley Rd, Oxford, OX4 1UE
Looking for a laugh? The Glee Club in Oxford could be the perfect place for you. There is live comedy every weekend and some comedy nights include multiple comedians. They have dates up well in advance so it is easy to book your tickets and plan your day before you get here.
restaurants in Oxford
If you are ending your day exploring the city in the evening then it is only right to enjoy a nice meal before you go. From burgers to pasta we’ve put a range of different restaurants that are perfect for whilst you are in Oxford.
1. The Chester Arms
19 Chester St, Oxford, OX4 1SN
If you are looking for a classic pub with a modern take then look no further than The Chester Arms. With award-winning food, they are famous for their steak platter but there is so much more on offer on the menu too. From roast dinners, burgers, fish and chips and delicious starters it’s a great choice for all.
2. BBuona
102 Gloucester Grn, Oxford, OX1 2DF
Enjoy a delicious Italian at Bbuona, specializing in traditional Italian pinsa, you can enjoy some of the best Italian dishes in Oxford. Using only premium Itallain products you can eat anything from pizza, pasta, bruschetta, tiramisu and more. It is the perfect choice for all the Italian lovers out there.
3. The Oxford Retreat
1-2 Hythe Bridge St, Oxford, OX1 2EW
This riverside pub is a great choice if you are wanting something in the city centre whilst still feeling like you’ve escapes the hustle and bustle of the city. They have a heated beer garden and dining room that is surrounded by weeping willows. The menu has all sorts on offer from burgers and chicken wings to bangers and mash to Caesar salad.
4. CRAFT Burger
1, The Parade, Windmill Rd, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7BL
Sometimes there is nothing better than going to a restaurant that specializes in burgers right? And that’s exactly what CRAFT Burger in Oxford does. They have a range of completely unique burgers with clever toppings to choose from plus plenty of beers and cocktails.
staying for a drink?
There are plenty of pubs, bars and clubs dotted around the city so we’ve put a few below that could be perfect for a cocktail or two before you head back to the resort.
1. Raoul’s Bar
32 Walton St, Oxford, OX2 6AA
Known for being one of Oxford’s finest drinking establishments and the only multi-award winning bar in the city, Raoul’s Bar is definitely worth a visit. It is also one of the oldest independent cocktail bars in the UK. With an incredible drink selection and great atmosphere it’s the perfect choice for all.
2. Tap Social Movement
Curtis Industrial Estate, 27, N Hinksey Ln, Oxford, OX2 0LX
Slightly out of the city centre but still definitely worth a visit if you are looking for somewhere to drink. Tap Social Movement is a social enterprise, craft brewery, bakery and more that creates training and employment for people in prison and prison leavers. The Taproom has plenty of incredible drinks on offer plus delicious pizzas made fresh.
3. Sandy’s Piano Bar
4 King Edward St, Oxford, OX1 4HS
Since opening in 2017, Sandy’s Piano Bar has been a classy, underground speakeasy that is popular with both locals and tourists. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines, spirits and beers whilst you’re here along with the live entertainment that they have on throughout the week.
4. The Varsity Club
9A High St, Oxford, OX1 4DB
The Varsity Club is a multi-level venue which features a cocktail lounge, nightclub and a rooftop terrace with incredible views across the city. Whether you just fancy a quick drink on the rooftop or you are planning to stay out till late this is a great option to try whilst you’re in Oxford.
Located in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, you will be under a 30-minute drive away from Oxford city centre. And with hotel rooms, hotel pods and lodges to choose from you’ll find the perfect accommodation for you.
find out moreLocated on the grounds of the Blenheim Estate in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, you will be only a 25-minute drive away from Oxford city centre. Whilst enjoying a peaceful escape in the countryside with our lodges.
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