5 Of The Most Fun Day Trips Students Can Take From Oxford

As September arrives, so will the many students who are attending Oxford’s famous university. Often students will spend time exploring the city in which their university is located, but are less likely to venture into the surrounding area – especially if they don’t have easy access to transport.

But there are so many incredible sights to see in Oxfordshire that we thought we’d put together a guide of the most popular spots to consider for a day trip if you’re studying in Oxford, either as a new or returning student. 

There’s no need to worry about how you’ll get there, or concern about having to rely on public transport. If you can get a few friends together, it is economical to arrange minibus hire with a driver, so not only will you be able to travel door-to-door, you won’t have to worry about navigating or selecting a designated driver among your group. 

The following are our top five recommendations for day trips around Oxford. 

Blenheim Palace

Distance from Oxford: approximately eight miles (about a 15–20-minute drive)

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction if you’re spending time in Oxford. It is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill – and there is an exhibition dedicated to the former British prime minister onsite – but it has far more to offer than political connections. 

The palace itself is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough, but many of its most impressive rooms are open to the public. Among them are the State Rooms, which are an incredible example of opulent Baroque architecture and decor. Within them, you’ll see an amazing collection of valuable portraits, tapestries and furniture. 

Outside, the grounds of Blenheim Palace could easily take up the majority of your visit. There are regular guided tours through the formal gardens at the palace, which will lead you past stunning water features, the Temple of Diana, the Rose Garden and the Churchill Memorial Garden. 

Beyond this area – which spans an impressive 150 acres – are 2,000 acres of parkland to discover. What’s more, this parkland was designed by the famous landscape architect “Capability” Brown. 

Bampton

Distance from Oxford: approximately 20 miles (about a 30–40-minute drive)

Bampton, a picturesque village in the Cotswolds, might not be a name you’re familiar with. However, it’s a place that you have likely seen if you’re a fan of the TV show Downton Abbey. Bampton is home to some of the locations used in the series, which makes this a must-visit for fans of the show. 

The St Mary’s Church in the centre of the village, for example, has featured several times in the popular series, 

But this village can trace its roots back far further than the era in which Downton Abbey is set. In fact, it goes back centuries in English history, having featured in the Doomsday Book of 1086.

Bampton is well worth exploring. It is home to the West Ox Arts Gallery, which features a rotating array of exhibitions. There are also a selection of shops to explore, including Arthur’s Attic, which is known for its antiques and vintage collectables. 

Bicester Village

Distance from Oxford: approximately 15 miles (about a 25-minute drive)

Bicester Village is one of Oxfordshire’s attractions at the other end of the scale historically – it’s a luxury shopping village where you can often bag a bargain at one of the many boutiques and stores located here. 

Some of the world’s most famous brands are represented in Bicester Village, including Givenchy, Barbour, Armani, Stella McCartney and Pandora, among many others. You can find goods available for up to 40 per cent off their retail price at these outlets, making it an excellent shopping destination. 

The various brands in Bicester Village regularly run special offers, all of which you can find out about on the shopping location’s official website. This could help you walk away with a bargain on goods ranging from clothing and cosmetics to homeware and luggage. 

Oaken Grove Vineyard

Distance from Oxford: approximately 25 miles (a 40–50-minute drive)

You’ll definitely want to hire a minibus with a driver for this excursion, as wine tasting is much more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry who among your party is going to miss out on sampling the drinks on offer. 

Oaken Grove Vineyard produces a selection of English still and sparkling wines, some of which have won awards. Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, it’s a beautiful place for a day out for the scenery alone. 

However, the main reason to travel here is to undertake one of the vineyard tours and wine tastings, which run regularly on most weekends. The vineyard also hosts events ranging from film screenings to live music throughout the year, so it is always worth seeing what they have going on. 

Henley-on-Thames

Distance from Oxford: approximately 25 miles (a 40–50-minute drive)

Henley-on-Thames is most famous for its annual Royal Regatta, during which some 30,000 people descend on the picturesque town to watch its iconic rowing races. However, Henley-on-Thames is worth a visit at any time of the year.

To really immerse yourself in the spirit of the village, you need to visit the River and Rowing Museum, which not only explores the sport of rowing and Henley’s history, but also the wildlife that lives along the Thames.  

There are also special events held in Henley-on-Thames throughout the year, including its Illuminated Boat Parade, which usually takes place in late September, the Henley Literary Festival and its Christmas Festival. 

Although the Royal Regatta, which is held in July each year, is the most famous event in the town, there are various rowing regattas held throughout the year. And if you’re desperate to get out on the water yourself, then you can hire small rowing boats or canoes to explore on the river. 

This is far from an exhaustive list of some of the top day trips you can undertake from Oxford, so whether you’re coming to the city as a student for the first time, or have almost finished your degree, we would recommend doing some exploring if you haven’t already!