72 Hours in Oxford, England with Kids

Oxford, England, with its iconic spires and rich history, is famous for being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Beyond its academic prestige, this charming medieval city has a special appeal for kids: It was the real-life setting for many magical scenes in the Harry Potter films. Wander the ancient corridors that doubled as Hogwarts, and see the cloisters and quads of the university that inspired J.K. Rowling. A perfect blend of education, culture and a bit of enchantment makes Oxford a spellbinding destination during your family explorations of England.

Best Things to Do in Oxford for a Long Weekend with Kids

Day 1

Direct trains from London to Oxford depart from Paddington Station, with the fastest trains taking just under an hour as you travel northwest. Start your journey in the heart of the city, which dates to the 9th century.

Carfax Tower

You’ll want to dive right into visiting Oxford University’s historic sites, so start at Carfax Tower. Standing 74 feet high, the tower is all that remains of the original City Church of St. Martin of Tours, Oxford’s official church, and no other structure can be built to rise above it. For energetic kids, it’s a relatively easy climb up 99 steps to the top, where panoramic views over Oxford’s skyline await and provide a great way to get your bearings.

Oxford University

Within steps of the tower lies the beating heart of the city: the University of Oxford, composed of numerous colleges. Many are open to the public and you can book guided or self-guided tours, or explore freely at your own pace. For Harry Potter fans, Christ Church College’s Great Hall was the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall, and the staircase where Professor McGonagall greets Harry and his friends in the first film can be found here. You’ll also spot the Gothic-style Tom Tower, designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren. Built in 1682, the tower is the main entrance to Christ Church and features the six-ton Great Tom bell, which is rung 101 times every night at 9:05 p.m. (Fun fact: Oxford time is 5 minutes behind Greenwich Mean Time.)

Walk on to the Bodleian Libraries, whose historic rooms include the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library. Both were used in Harry Potter as the infirmary and the Hogwarts Library, respectively. Around the corner, you’ll find New College’s beautiful cloisters, which were also featured in the films, particularly the scene when Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody.

TIP: Christ Church College requires a ticket to enter, and most of the Bodleian Libraries’ rooms will require a guided tour. The college releases tickets one week in advance of your preferred date; the library opens tour bookings a month in advance, though they do hold back a limited number for same-day purchase. As these are working academic institutions, check closures ahead of time.

Covered Market

Next, make your way to the bustling Covered Market. First opened in 1774, this year-round market is home to a range of vendors selling everything from fresh produce, meats and cheeses to flowers, jewelry and clothing. It’s more down-to-earth and traditional than some U.K. markets, featuring many local and independent vendors rather than kitschy tourist shops and high-end retailers. The food stalls and variety of cafes and eateries make the area a popular spot to grab a meal, and it’s a great lunch spot for families.

Christ Church Meadow

After hours of touring historic buildings, kids will be more than ready to burn off energy in Christ Church Meadow, Oxford’s largest green space. Spanning 90 acres, the meadow is bordered by the Rivers Thames and Cherwell, providing a scenic walk with the spires of Oxford in background. Don’t be surprised to see cattle grazing in the meadow; they’re often used to keep the grasslands healthy rather than more modern lawn maintenance. While the meadow doesn’t have playground equipment, its expansive greens are ideal for picnics, games and exploration.

Oxford Botanic Garden

If time remains in the day, visit the Oxford Botanic Garden on the River Cherwell next to Christ Church Meadow. At 4.5 acres, the garden offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts and seasonal workshops. It’s filled with varying garden types such as a water garden, a walled garden and a medicinal garden, and kids are welcome to climb and explore in the rock garden.

Day 2

With the university tours over and done, spend your second day in Oxford within storied walls of another sort: the city’s numerous museums and historical sites. You could linger in each, especially if you’re visiting Oxford on a lengthier stay, but with only a weekend, pick and choose based on the preference of your kids. All of these museums are free and donation-only, with the exception of the Story Museum.

Ashmolean Museum

An extension of Oxford University, the Ashmolean Museum is the world’s first university museum, founded in 1683. Originally used to display items donated to the university by prominent antiquary Elias Ashmole, it now has a vast collection ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern art. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits and kid-friendly activities.

History of Science Museum

The Old Ashmolean building, home to the original Ashmolean Museum before the collection outgrew the space, now contains the History of Science Museum, which showcases centuries of science achievements. Within the walls are rare mariner’s astrolabes, Einstein’s blackboard, scientific instruments and special exhibitions and collections.

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History, also part of the university system, is housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building with a soaring glass roof and intricate ironwork. One of the most popular attractions is the collection of dinosaur skeletons, including a T-Rex and a triceratops, plus a skeleton of the now-extinct dodo bird and one of a blue whale suspended in the main hall.

The Story Museum

Kids won’t mind one more museum visit if it’s to the Story Museum, an interactive place that immerses them in their favorite tales. Step into the Enchanted Library, where books come to life and magical creatures lurk in the shadows, or wander through the Whispering Wood, a mystical forest filled with secrets and surprises. Of course, visitors can also journey down the rabbit hole into Wonderland amid the storytelling spaces, bookshelves and storybook characters.

University Parks

When the kids get antsy, it’s time to get outdoors. Head to the 70 acres of University Parks along the River Cherwell. It’s said that former Oxford scholar and professor J.R.R. Tolkien used University Parks as his inspiration for the Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Great for picnics, the park features manicured lawns, flower gardens and wooded areas, with plenty of walking and cycling paths. Bikes are available for self-service rent all around Oxford through Bainton Bikes. You’ll need to download the app first, but that will also help you pinpoint where to find them.

Day 3

On your final day in Oxford, take to the streets to uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sites.

Magdalen Bridge Boathouse

Near the iconic Magdalen Bridge, cruise the tranquil waters of the River Cherwell on a punt (a flat-bottomed boat propelled by pushing a pole against the riverbed). Punts, rowboats and paddle boats, known as pedalos, are available to rent at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.

Oxford Castle and Prison

Steeped in more than 1,000 years of history, Oxford Castle and Prison was originally used for military purposes during the Norman Conquest. It was eventually transformed into a medieval prison and was shuttered in 1996. Today the castle serves as a museum where families can delve into Oxford’s dark history, including the Debtor’s Tower, prison cells and the Crypt of St. George’s Chapel, one of the oldest surviving parts of the castle. Guided tours are available.

Alice’s Shop

This old sweet shop (formerly known as Messrs. E.P. Taylor ) inspired Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Carroll spent much of his life in Oxford, where he studied and lectured. He became friends with Henry Liddell, the dean of Christ Church College, who had a daughter, Alice, for whom Carroll created the story. Oxford celebrates Alice’s Day on the first Saturday in July each year to commemorate the author, and the shop sells many Alice-themed items and other “curiosities.”

Jericho

Leave the historic city center behind and explore the vibrant Jericho neighborhood just to the north. This eclectic area is known for its independent shops, cozy cafes and bohemian atmosphere. Spend some time wandering its charming streets, discover local boutiques and enjoy a meal at one of its many distinctive eateries.

Where to Stay

Roughly 20 minutes’ drive east of Oxford, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons pampers guests in every regard. Opened and helmed by Chef Raymond Blanc, this bucolic estate boasts two Michelin stars, and meals here are a destination-worthy experience in their own right. The Raymond Blanc Cookery School hosts nearly two dozen courses themed around classic baking and patisserie, stocks and sauces, vegan cuisine, afternoon tea and more, with a Young Chef’s Academy class for kids 10 and up. Despite this air of distinction, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons warmly welcomes younger guests — children receive a teddy bear upon arrival, and the dining room offers a special menu for little palates. The 32 guestrooms and suites, individually decorated in bespoke fashion with nods to Chef Blanc’s worldwide travels, include one- and two-bedroom suites that are well tailored for families.

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and activities in England on Ciao Bambino

52 tips for traveling in England with kids

8 favorite day trips from London with kids

Where to stay in London with kids: 5 fantastic neighborhoods

The best London museums for families

Game on! A sports-loving family’s guide to London

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.