48 hours in Oxford: How to spend a weekend in the city of dreaming spires

Oxford is many things — but above all else, it’s inspiring. Scholars of Oxford University have found success in conjuring imaginary worlds, carrying out groundbreaking scientific research, and constructing architectural marvels. It’s no wonder that visitors flock to Oxford to experience its rich cultural heritage and walk the same cobbled streets as Albert Einstein, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde.

But whether you’re a literary aficionado, history enthusiast, or cultural inquisitor looking to trial the museums, libraries and cuisine of the city, there’s almost too much to see in Oxford.

Allow us to guide your way. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to do a weekend in Oxford right, without wasting a single moment of your 48-hour getaway.

Day 1: Saturday

Morning

You’ve arrived in the iconic city, and it’s time to get off on the right foot. Whether you’ve come by train, car, or punt, your first port of call is to explore the iconic Oxford University. Begin at the Radcliffe Camera, a masterpiece of Palladian architecture, and take a guided tour of the Bodleian Library. Here, you can admire the impressive built environment and learn about the university’s rich history, dating back to 1096.

For a spot of brunch, head to Vaults & Garden Café, a charming find nestled in the 13th-century University Church. Here, you can enjoy a tasty cooked breakfast and postcard-worthy views of the Radcliffe Square.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take in a little culture with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum. This was Britain’s first public museum, playing host to an impressive collection of artworks and archaeological artefacts. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the historic Oxford Castle and Prison, which you can visit afterwards for a look back at the city’s gritty medieval past.

By this point, you might be getting peckish. Make your way to The Eagle and Child, the famed pub where literary legends C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien used to meet with the Inklings

writers group. Here, you can enjoy some traditional British fare and perhaps even get to work on some manuscripts of your own.

Evening

When twilight falls, it’s time to put your feet up. Take a relaxing punt ride along the serene River Cherwell, courtesy of one of the local boathouses. Punting is a classic Oxford experience, as memorable as it is Instagram-worthy. Depending on where you disembark, it also shouldn’t leave you too far from the Botanic Garden, where you can enjoy a tranquil stroll before dinner.

Hungry? Yes. Exhausted? Potentially. Cowley Road is a prime dinner time spot, offering high street chains as well as many independent eateries. But if you’re entirely spent from your day of cultural enrichment, there are also plenty of indulgent takeaway options. Pasta Evangelists counts down some of the top takeaway choices here, including its own pasta delivery service, offering artisanal Italian dishes across Oxford.

Day 2: Sunday

Morning

Rise and shine! After a restful night’s sleep, you should feel ready and raring for a visit to the stunning Christ Church College. This is one of the most renowned colleges within the University of Oxford, boasting a grandeur sure to impress the whole family. For the kids and young at heart, the Christ Church cloisters and Bodley staircase are filming sites from the early Harry Potter films.

If you skipped your hotel breakfast, one hearty alternative is The Breakfast Club Oxford, known for its delicious brunch options and unique in-house coffee blend.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, explore the charming streets and independent shops of the city centre. A visit to the High Street and Covered Market will introduce you to a variety of craft, produce and artisanal traders, such as Cardew & Co, Oxford Cheese Company, and Crystal Spirit Emporium.

For a relaxing afternoon tea, head to The Grand Café, the oldest coffeehouse in England, and savour delicious tea and pastries in a historical setting.

Evening

Conclude your 48-hour Oxford experience with a visit to the History of Science Museum,

where you can learn of the scientific discoveries that put Oxford on its pedestal of academic excellence. Then, finish with a scenic stroll along the canal to take in the waterways before one final meal.

For your last dinner in Oxford, we recommend you dine at a riverside eatery like The Trout Inn, which boasts a picturesque garden, or the Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant, which provides upscale European fare with optional punts for hire.

And voilà, your Oxford experience is complete. With this packed itinerary, we hope you can enjoy the city at its best — soaking in all of its history, culture, and underrated dining destinations. There’s only one question remaining: where to next?