Arts & Culture,
Oxfordshire has it all
Vacation or Staycation?
Why you should choose Oxfordshire for your next holiday
From the central City of Spires to the bustling market towns, Oxfordshire has an abundance of Art and Culture and amazing Filming locations waiting to be discovered. Walk in the footsteps of great authors, film stars or soak up the local art scene.
Your feast for the mind – awaits!
Famous Film, TV, and Book Locations
Bampton
If you are a fan of the popular historical TV drama Downton Abbey, you should add the charming village of Bampton to your list of places to explore. We recommend visiting the St. Mary the Virgin Church in the centre of the village, which was the filming location for the wedding of Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. Cogges Manor Farm in Witney was also used in the series
Broughton Castle, Banbury
Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire. Although much of the castle was built in 1306 most of what you see today dates from the 1550’s.
Broughton Castle has played a starring role in many films including Shakespeare in Love, Jane Eyre, The Madness of King George and Three Men and a Little Lady to name but a few
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Blenheim Palace is a stunning backdrop and has been used in many movies including: Children of Men, The BFG, The Young Victoria, Transformers 5, James Bond -Spectre, Cinderella, Mission Impossible -Rogue Nation and Gulliver’s Travels.
Burford
Burford, Woodstock, and Didcot Railway Centre – Discover the famous filming locations of Inspector Morse, which was filmed at various locations throughout Oxfordshire and the surrounding countryside. The picture-perfect town of Burford is home to Sheep Street 33, otherwise known as the filming location of the crime scene where John Barron fell to his death. In addition, the gardens of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock and the Didcot Railway Centre were used in several scenes, including episodes such as The Way Through the Woods and The Wolvercote Tongue.
Oxford
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) begins in Oxford, Harry Potter, His Dark Materials, The Golden Compass, Inspector Morse, Lewis, Endeavour were all partially shot in Oxford. As was part of X Men featuring The Bridge of Sighs (a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane)
The Eagle and Child Pub, Oxford – During the 1930s a small, unofficial club was formed, and the group would gather every week in this pub to discuss their latest book ideas. The group, which was known as the Inklings, consisted of authors which later rose to incredible fame, such as J. R. R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The pub is still open today and the walls are adorned with pictures and prints relating to some of their most popular books.
Swinbrook
Stars Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth filmed the Christening scene for Bridget Jones Baby at St Mary’s Church in Swinbroook
Wallingford
Wallingford is often used for Midsomer Murders
Historic Houses & Castles
Blenheim Palace
As the birthplace of Winston Churchill, the elegant Blenheim Palace makes an excellent day out. The palace is situated within 2000 acres of parkland and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the impressive Baroque architecture and award-winning formal gardens to the giant hedge maze and adventure playground, Blenheim Palace offers something for everyone.
Oxford Castle & Prison
Step back in time at the Oxford Castle & Prison, where you will learn the tales of some of the most notorious criminals whilst enjoying panoramic views from St. George’s Tower. When William the Conqueror invaded England and won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Oxford Castle was marked by the Normans as the ideal place for a motte-and-bailey castle. The Castle has stood for more than 1000 years, making it a fascinating attraction with a great story to tell.
University of Oxford
Oxfordshire is the famous home of one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The university is divided into independent campuses which are dotted throughout the historic city, with many completely free to visit. You can even explore the filming locations of your favourite films, including Harry Potter, Endeavour, Lewis, and Morse.
Wallingford Castle
The historic market town of Wallingford in South Oxfordshire is often described as the best surviving example of a Saxon fortified town. If you take a short walk outside the town, you can explore the ruins of one of England’s most important castles, stunning gardens and the Wallingford Bridge which has been used to cross the River Thames since the 14th Century.
Courtesy of Didcot Railway
Museums & Art Galleries
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Aside from the stunning neo-Gothic architecture, the museum is highly prized for its collection of natural history specimens. The museum arranges a variety of exciting events for the public which focus on the natural environment. Although, throughout the year you will be able to view everything from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, and it is home to famous collections which tell the story of human cultures over time. As the first public museum in Britain, the Ashmolean is home to everything from Egyptian mummies to priceless artworks.
Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitts Rivers Museum is a hidden treasure situated within the Museum of Natural History, and it is devoted to world archaeology and anthropology. With a host of objects, antique firearms, artifacts and artworks, the Pitts Rivers Museum should definitely be added to your list of places to visit.
Bodleian Library & Weston Library
As one of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian was first used by scholars in 1602. Although, as the filming place of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts library, today the library is a popular attraction for children who dress as their favourite witch or wizard. We recommend booking the highly popular tours in advance, which offer an excellent behind the scenes tour of the historic galleries.
The Story Museum
Most visitors to Oxford have heard of the Ashmolean and the Bodleian, but the Story Museum is one of Oxford’s lesser-known treasures. The museum is situated inside Rochester House on Pembroke Street and offers visitors a variety of interactive activities relating to the city’s literary history. This is a fun and magical museum which is great for both children and adults alike.
The Headington Shark
Although this is not a museum or an art gallery, the artistic installation commonly referred to as the Headington Shark is a sight you do not want to miss during a visit to Oxford. Created by sculptor John Buckley the controversial installation sprung up almost overnight on the fringes of the city and not only quickly brought fame to Headington but led to a six-year legal battle with the local council.
This battle ended when Michael Heseltine the then environment secretary commissioned planning inspector, Peter Macdonald, to investigate. The investigation ruled in favour of the shark sculpture remaining, with an official ruling that has gained legendary status among town planners for its defence of art.
“In this case it is not in dispute that the shark is not in harmony with its surroundings, but then it is not intended to be in harmony with them,” wrote Macdonald in his official ruling.
Blackwell Books
This treasure trove is the largest single room selling books in the world, and it is located in Broad Street, Oxford. The rather unassuming exterior opens up into a huge, cavernous room with shelves upon shelves to explore, and there are also various literary events and book signings held throughout the year.
