Oxford is packed with fascinating history, beautiful architecture, cultural attractions and plenty of things to see and do, making it a fabulous destination for a day trip or weekend break.
Whether you're visiting with family, meeting your bestie, planning a date or exploring solo, here's some inspiration for your next Oxford day out.
Discover things to do in Oxford
Oxford might be famous for its historic university, beautiful architecture and scenic river punting, but there’s so much more to discover across the city.
At the heart of it all, Westgate Oxford is home to more than 100 shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as a rooftop terrace and top-notch entertainment venues. Its central location makes it the perfect place to combine a spot of shopping and lunch with Oxford’s iconic sights, or round off a day of sightseeing with dinner, drinks and a film on the big screen.
Shopping in Oxford
Why stop at one new favourite when you can discover a whole host of them? Make a day of your next shopping trip at Westgate Oxford, where beauty, fashion and homeware come together under one roof.
Refresh your beauty shelf with Sephora, Rituals and Lush, update your wardrobe with Uniqlo, MANGO, ZARA and H&M, or give your home a lift with stylish finds from Next, TK Maxx and Søstrene Grene. Whether you’re after a seasonal refresh, a little self-care or simply something new to love, you’ll find lots of brands to inspire your next shopping trip.
Places to Eat and Drink in Oxford
Coffee catch-up? Brunch with the family? Dinner with friends? Date night? Whatever the occasion, Oxford has a massive selection of places to eat and drink, with Westgate right at the centre of it all.
Take your pick from quick bites to flavours from around the world, including Lebanese dishes at Comptoir Libanais, Vietnamese favourites at Pho and colourful Indian tiffins at Mowgli. Or head up to the rooftop terrace for brunch at The Breakfast Club or cocktails and mocktails at The Alchemist, complete with gorgeous city views.
Entertainment and Activities in Oxford
Ready to turn up the fun? Westgate Oxford is packed full of great attractions, whether you’re looking for competitive activities, family-friendly entertainment or somewhere to sit back and relax.
Challenge your bestie to social darts at Flight Club, crack the clues at Escape Hunt or take on a colourful round of crazy golf at Ted’s Crazy Golf. Prefer to relax? Catch the latest blockbuster or indie release at Curzon Oxford, with five screens, a café and bar for drinks and snacks.
For little explorers, ART & PLAY in Leiden Square offers colourful, interactive fun with playful structures and sensory spaces where the kids can roam freely, while you relax with a perfectly brewed flat white from Costa Coffee or a delicious pastry from Ole & Steen.
However you spend the day, there are plenty of ways to keep the fun going once the shopping bags are full.
What’s on in Oxford
There’s always something happening in Oxford, from live performances and festivals to seasonal celebrations, family activities, pop-ups and special events.
Westgate Oxford has its own programme of events and experiences throughout the year, such as the Alice in Wonderland themed trail, The Hatter's Hunt, while the wider city offers plenty of reasons to come back and discover something new.
Make a day of it in Oxford
Ready to explore beyond Westgate? Some of Oxford’s best-known attractions are within easy reach, making it easy to see more of the city during your visit. With so many of the city’s top attractions within easy reach of Westgate, you can explore, shop, eat and play without spending your day travelling between destinations.
- Oxford Castle Prison
Step back through more than 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle Prison. Explore the remains of the medieval castle and uncover stories of prisoners, kings and political intrigue on a guided tour. - Ashmolean Museum
Discover thousands of years of art and archaeology at the Ashmolean Museum, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to famous works of art. Entry to the main collection is free, making it an excellent stop for culture lovers. - Bodleian Library
One of Oxford’s most famous landmarks, the Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Take a guided tour to explore its historic interiors and discover more about its connection to the University of Oxford. - Radcliffe Camera
Admire one of Oxford’s most recognisable buildings at Radcliffe Square. The iconic circular Radcliffe Camera is surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful university buildings, making this a must-see photo spot. - University of Oxford colleges
Oxford’s famous colleges are an essential part of experiencing the city. Wander through the historic streets, admire the architecture and discover the fascinating traditions behind one of the world’s best-known universities. - Covered Market
Take a stroll through Oxford’s historic Covered Market, home to independent shops, cafés, food stalls and boutiques. It’s a great place to pick up something unique before continuing your Oxford adventure.
Things to do in Oxford with family and friends
Whether you’re planning a family day out, catching up with your bestie or looking for alternative date ideas, you’ll find it in Oxford.
Family days out
Keep the whole family entertained with a mix of sightseeing, shopping and activities. Explore one of Oxford’s museums, let the little ones loose at ART & PLAY or catch a family-friendly film at Curzon.
Let the kids spend their pocket money at the new LEGO store and MINISO or pick up a fun new outfit from John Lewis, Next or Primark. For a crowd-pleasing sweet treat, head to Starbucks for an indulgent hot chocolate.
Days out with friends
Round up your favourite people and explore Oxford together, before heading to Westgate for some friendly competition at Flight Club, Escape Hunt or Ted’s Crazy Golf. Finish with food and drinks and from Dirty Bones or The Beefy Boys and you've got the day sorted.
Date ideas in Oxford
Looking for date ideas in Oxford? Wander through the city’s historic streets before heading to Westgate for dinner, drinks or snuggle with a a film and share a popcorn at Curzon before finishing with a 0% cocktail or drink at The Alchemist or a romantic meal at Six by Nico and soak up the dreamy rooftop views.
Plan Your Day at Westgate Oxford
Ready to make a day of it? Before you set off, check our opening hours and plan your journey. You can also find information about parking, accessibility and Guest Services to help make your visit as straightforward as possible.
See you at Westgate Oxford soon!
