Pop Off To Oxford: Our Top 5 Picks For Summer Fun!

The summer is finally here at long last and, although the weather may not be quite what we would have hoped, now is still the perfect time to think about booking your next UK staycation… and might we suggest that Oxford represents the perfect destination for anyone looking to rent a coach and head off on a fun and varied trip.

While the city is, of course, renowned for its prestigious university, there’s an awful lot more to it and it’s got something for everyone to enjoy. So, with that in mind, here are just some of our top picks for some summer fun, hopefully with some sunshine at long last as well!

#1 His Dark Materials tour

Head over to the Pitt Rivers Museum to explore the world of Lyra Belacqua, the pint-sized heroine from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series of books. Here, you’ll find all sorts of interesting items from the BBC HBO TV adaptation, with a downloadable trail available to guide you through the five floors of the museum. A great day out for book and TV fans alike!

#2 Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum

Fancy getting out and about in the fresh air? The Oxford Botanic Garden awaits! The site is actually the oldest botanic garden in the UK and you’ll find an incredible array of more than 5,000 different plants here. 

There are seven display glasshouses, a walled garden, a lower garden with ornamental collections and a herbarium room, as well as the arboretum, which has more than 130 acres to explore, with some of the most rare and endangered trees in the world to be found.

#3 Port Meadow

If the weather is kind, a stroll through the Port Meadow country park would be an excellent choice of activity for your itinerary. 

The River Thames flows through the heart of the site and it’s a haven for both flora and fauna, so the nature lovers among you will have a wonderful time. Bird enthusiasts, in particular, will enjoy it, as they’ll likely see the likes of golden plover, lapwing, teal, Canada goose, teal, widgeon and many more on your travels.

You’ll also find The Perch here, a 17th-century tavern that still serves up delicious food… the perfect place for a pitstop!

#4 Treasure hunting

If you’d rather explore what the city has to offer, what about downloading a treasure hunt and following it through the streets to find gems like quirky little signs, carvings, statues and other decorations. A really fun way to get to know Oxford – and certainly an activity that the kids will enjoy.

#5 Go punting

No trip to Oxford is ever complete without getting out on the river and punting will always be one of the most fun activities you can do while here. 

You can do the punting yourself or opt to have a chauffeur take you on your way if you’re worried that you won’t be able to do it. However, rest assured that punting isn’t difficult and you should get the hang of it relatively quickly.