When people think of England, London is usually the first destination that comes to mind. But did you know that there are equally beautiful places to visit in Oxfordshire? This county is filled with stunning countryside, historic landmarks and world-famous academic institutions!

One of the world’s most prestigious universities, University of Oxford, finds its home here amongst the rolling countryside, picturesque market towns and historic estates.

Its beauty inspired writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll, while locations across the county have appeared in films such as Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, architecture or simply discovering another side of England, Oxfordshire has plenty to offer!

The best places to visit in Oxfordshire

Oxford

With a history stretching back more than 1,000 years, Oxford is one of England’s most important cultural and academic destinations.

At the heart of the city stands the world-renowned University of Oxford, whose historic colleges shape Oxford’s distinctive skyline. Among its most famous buildings are the Bodleian Library, the iconic Radcliffe Camera and Christ Church, all surrounded by beautiful courtyards and gardens.

Oxford’s High Street is lined with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, giving the city a lively atmosphere throughout the year. Beyond the main streets, narrow alleyways invite you to explore hidden corners that many visitors miss.

The city is crossed by the River Cherwell, where you can enjoy riverside walks or experience one of Oxford’s best-loved traditions by taking a punt along the water towards the open green space of Port Meadow.

Oxford is also home to outstanding museums. The Ashmolean Museum houses one of Britain’s finest collections of art and archaeology, while the Oxford University Museum of Natural History showcases fascinating exhibits covering natural history and science.

After dark, Oxford’s historic pubs, theatres and live music venues attract both students and locals. Throughout the year, festivals and cultural events fill the city’s streets with theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions.

Blenheim Palace (Woodstock)

Blenheim Palace is one of Oxfordshire’s most impressive landmarks and a must-visit for anyone interested in British history.

This magnificent country house is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is celebrated for its striking Baroque architecture and its connection with the Battle of Blenheim in the early eighteenth century.

The landscaped parkland surrounding the palace stretches for miles, offering peaceful walks through formal gardens, lakes, fountains and tree-lined avenues that change beautifully with the seasons.

Inside, visitors can explore grand state rooms filled with period furniture, priceless artworks and exhibitions that tell the story of the Marlborough family and the palace’s remarkable past.

Alongside its permanent collections, Blenheim Palace regularly hosts exhibitions and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

The Cotswolds

Northern Oxfordshire gradually gives way to the beautiful hills of the Cotswolds, one of England’s most picturesque regions.

Exploring its honey-coloured stone villages feels like stepping back in time. Historic cottages, winding streets and centuries-old buildings create postcard-perfect scenery at every turn.

The Cotswolds are famous for their rolling countryside, but there is plenty more to enjoy. Traditional English pubs serve classic local dishes, while independent shops sell handcrafted gifts and locally made products.

You’ll also find charming tea rooms where you can enjoy homemade cakes and afternoon tea while taking in the relaxed pace of village life.

Banbury

Set on the banks of the River Cherwell, Banbury has long been known for its bustling market, which has remained at the centre of local life for centuries.

The town is also rich in history. At its heart stands Banbury Cross, a landmark that has welcomed residents and travellers for generations and remains one of the town’s best-known meeting places.

The River Cherwell brings a peaceful atmosphere to Banbury, with riverside paths providing the perfect setting for a leisurely walk while enjoying the scenery.

Henley-on-Thames

Set on the banks of the River Thames, Henley-on-Thames is a charming market town with a long-standing connection to rowing.

It is best known for the Henley Royal Regatta, one of the oldest and most prestigious rowing competitions in the world. Every summer, competitors and spectators gather to celebrate the sport in one of England’s most picturesque riverside settings.

Crossing the Thames, Henley Bridge has overlooked the river since 1786. Built from local stone, it remains one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and offers beautiful views along the water.

Henley itself is full of character, with elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings sitting alongside traditional riverside cottages. Dominating the skyline is St Mary’s Church, whose striking tower has watched over the town for centuries.

Didcot Railway Centre (Didcot)

For railway enthusiasts and anyone curious about Britain’s engineering heritage, Didcot Railway Centre is well worth a visit.

The museum is home to an impressive collection of restored steam, diesel and electric locomotives, alongside historic passenger carriages and freight wagons.

One of its biggest attractions is the carefully reconstructed Victorian railway station, where visitors can experience what travelling by train was like during the golden age of Britain’s railways.

Throughout the year, the centre hosts special events, steam train rides and interactive workshops, making it an enjoyable day out for visitors of all ages.

Cherwell Valley

The Cherwell Valley showcases some of Oxfordshire’s most beautiful countryside.

Rolling green hills, peaceful villages and traditional thatched cottages create the classic English landscapes many visitors imagine before arriving in the country.

The River Cherwell winds gently through the valley, providing excellent walking and cycling routes while offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The valley is also home to impressive historic sites, including Broughton Castle, a fortified manor house surrounded by attractive gardens.

Local festivals and community events throughout the year give visitors the chance to experience the area’s traditions and warm hospitality.

Abingdon-on-Thames

Located on the banks of the River Thames, Abingdon-on-Thames is believed to be one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited towns.

Its historic centre is filled with cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, including St Nicholas Church, parts of which date back to the eleventh century.

The town’s lively market square remains the heart of the local community, while nearby Abbey Gardens offers a peaceful setting for a picnic or a leisurely walk among the remains of the former Abingdon Abbey.

Abingdon also hosts a varied calendar of theatre performances, concerts and community events throughout the year.

Witney

Around ten miles west of Oxford, Witney combines historic character with a thriving local community.

The town centre is filled with attractive historic buildings, while its market square continues to host regular markets selling fresh local produce and handmade crafts.

Witney is particularly well known for its woollen blanket industry, which played a major role in the town’s growth from the seventeenth century onwards.

You can learn more about this important part of the town’s history at Witney Blanket Hall, where exhibitions explore the area’s long tradition of textile production.

Study English in Oxford with Astrolabio

Our programme is based at the Headington Campus of Oxford Brookes University, giving you easy access to everything the city has to offer. You’ll stay in comfortable single en-suite rooms while enjoying a location close to Oxford’s historic centre.

You’ll study on our General English course, with 15 hours of lessons each week taught by experienced teachers who specialise in teaching English as a foreign language. Before classes begin, you’ll complete a placement test so you can join a group that matches your current level.

Learning continues outside the classroom too.

At the time of writing, our programme includes exciting full-day excursions to London, where you’ll take part in a Westminster walking tour and visit the National Gallery. You’ll also visit Windsor, with entry to Windsor Castle, or travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Half-day trips introduce you to even more of Oxfordshire, including visits to museums, famous Oxford colleges, Bourton-on-the-Water and Woodstock with the beautiful Blenheim Palace Gardens, or alternatively the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Evenings are organised by our Activity Leaders, with a varied programme that may include discos, quiz nights, cultural events, sports and plenty of opportunities to socialise with students from around the world.

Learning English should be enjoyable, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Astrolabio.

The next time someone asks, “Did you really study in Oxford?”, you’ll be able to answer, “Yes, I did.” If you’re ready to improve your English while discovering one of Britain’s most famous university cities, get in touch with us today and book your Oxford study holiday with Astrolabio. Your next adventure starts here.