Day Trips
A Day Trip to Oxford from London
Dreaming spires, ancient colleges and a great pub lunch: how to do Oxford as a day trip from London.
In short: our top picks are Christ Church College, Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Oxford is the easiest of grand day trips from London: an hour by train and a thousand years of history at the other end. Ancient colleges, hidden quads, riverside walks and a proper pub lunch make for a perfect day. This is how to spend one in the city of dreaming spires.
| Place | Price |
|---|---|
| Christ Church College | |
| Bodleian Library | |
| Ashmolean Museum | |
| The Turf Tavern | ££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Christ Church College
Why we pick itThe grandest of the colleges, and a Harry Potter filming location; the hall and quad are unmissable.
-
Bodleian Library
Why we pick itOne of the oldest libraries in Europe; the Divinity School and Radcliffe Camera are breathtaking.
-
Ashmolean Museum
Why we pick itBritain's oldest public museum, free and superb; a civilised refuge if the weather turns.
-
The Turf Tavern
Why we pick itA hidden medieval pub down an alley; the classic spot for an Oxford pint and a plate of lunch.
Before you book
Trains run frequently from Paddington and Marylebone; book ahead for the best fares. Check which colleges are open to visitors on the day, as it varies. And leave time for a riverside walk or a punt in summer; it is the loveliest way to see the city.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Christ Church College is our editor's choice: The grandest of the colleges, and a Harry Potter filming location; the hall and quad are unmissable. Christ Church College, Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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