Oxford campsites

Hundreds of life's legends have called the streets of Oxford home, from Stephen Hawking to Dr Seuss! Start your visit by following in their footsteps on a hop on, hop off , open top bus sightseeing tour. The more active amongst you might prefer to explore Oxford’s historic town centre and ivy-strewn university buildings on a 2-hour bike tour. Cycle through the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ alongside a guide, and learn about the city’s history.

Travel back in time to Oxford Castle Unlocked, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with 360° panoramic views around the city. Of all of Oxford's historic landmarks, few are more prestigious than the Bodleian Library. It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe (second only to the British Library in Britain) and houses over 12 million items! Stats like that make it a must-see.

Make sure you explore the University buildings too, like the incredibly grand Trinity College Gates which were built in the 16th century. The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Book yourself on a guided tour or choose a family trail and visit herbaceous borders and glasshouses that take you around the world.

Christ Church Meadow is a well-known flood-meadow, and popular walking and picnic spot in Oxford, England. Roughly triangular in shape it is bounded by the River Thames, the River Cherwell, and Christ Church. Also offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but conveniently located right at its heart, is the green oasis offered by University Parks. The park is open to the public almost every day of the year until dusk (the only exception being Christmas Eve) and boasts a choice of walks, a large collection of trees and plants and space for informal games and picnics.

Port Meadow, Oxford’s watery landscape is another calming spot along the River Thames on the outskirts of the city.

Fans of the world’s favourite wizard, Harry Potter, will enjoy a filming locations walking tour which takes you to recognizable locations from the films. During the family-friendly tour, you’ll explore the grand buildings of Oxford University, including New College and Divinity School - both featured as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Another must do activity for children and adults alike is the Oxford Spy Mission Treasure Trail, There are three different self-guided themed treasure trails around Oxford for you and the kids to enjoy, each in a different part of the city. Generally the trail will take around 2.5 hours to complete and involves 2.5 miles of walking, but done at your own pace.

Bill Spectre's Oxford Ghost Trail is great for older children and teenagers. Historically informative yet hugely entertaining, it's the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of this famous city, leaving you with a deliciously scary tingle running down your spine.

Children can make new friends and have fun at South Oxford Adventure Playground. The indoor and outdoor space is littered with physically challenging apparatus that encourage children to explore and get fit in a natural environment.

The largest park in Oxford, Cutteslowe Park and Miniature Railway, offers spans 42 acres and holds a green flag award. Those with an adventurous spirit can pick up a map from the kiosk and go orienteering over the 18-control course. If you’d rather relax then come armed with swim shorts, towels and changes of clothes and let the children loose on the paddling pool as you lap up the sunshine as the sound of splashing and laughter washes over you.

Pony Pursuits offer taster sessions for newbie riders - a great introduction for little ones - while Pony Fun Days are just that, fantastic fun! Get stuck in with grooming, tacking and a bit of poo picking (!) before playing games and even decorating a horseshoe.

If you fancy a day on the water, Oxford River Cruises offer a taste of a slower life, along the same stretch of river which inspired Lewis Carroll. You can enjoy an informative guided experience which brings the sights and scenes of collegiate Oxford to life for the uninitiated, a wonderful chance to explore the area with the kids where everyone in the family is captivated one way or another.

Magdalen Bridge Row Boats are equally relaxing and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon on the river. You can hire a row boat for an hour or the entire day.

Walkers will enjoy the Oxford Canal Walk, a long-distance route which follows the towpath for 77 miles from Oxford to Hawkesbury.

Visitors who wish to extend their explorations should consider Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds AONB, the market town of Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds Hills, the beautiful North Wessex Downs AONB and the Chilterns AONB.