Oxford for Children

Oxford is a fascinating city for old and young alike, and there is always plenty to intrigue and entertain the inquisitive mind. Explore Oxford Tours can offer a wide choice of tailored tours with children in mind, for families and schools. This page offers details of the “Top Ten”, just to whet your appetite:

Children’s Walking Tour

A short walking tour of Oxford lasting 1½ hours and incorporating most of the main sights, but concentrating on the many aspects of Oxford which will be of most interest to children.

This is one of our regular itineraries, and full details are included on our main Walking Tours page. To enhance the appeal to our younger visitors, this tour includes references to popular children’s literature and culture, such as the Harry Potter filming locations, the tales of Alice in Wonderland, the epic fantasies of J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) and C.S. Lewis (the Narnia Chronicles).

The walk can include an optional visit to the University Museum of Natural History and/or the intriguing Pitt Rivers Museum.

Price £144.00 (1 – 19 people, £156 (20-25 people)
Foreign Language Tours in French or Spanish, £10 supplement

We are also able to create other bespoke themed tours that may have significant appeal for younger visitors to Oxford. One of the most popular is our Harry Potter tour, which visits all the principal sites within the city where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed. With a new three-series, 20-part adaptation of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy now in production for the BBC, Oxford is due to become the setting for another major small-screen spectacular, and we can already tailor a walking tour to visit the key locations for Lyra’s Oxford.

In addition to our own walking tours, why not include one of the many other features of Oxford and the surrounding area that will appeal to children? Here are just a few suggestions:

City Sightseeing Tour on a Double-Decker Bus

An excellent sightseeing alternative for children who get bored easily or who might find a walking tour too tiring. This double-decker bus tour includes most of the main sights in Oxford and takes approximately one hour – if you stay on the bus for the whole tour. Alternatively, you can get on and off the bus as many times as you like at any of the twenty stops to go exploring.

The bus departs from Oxford Railway Station or the Gloucester Green bus station approximately every 15 minutes from 0930 until 1600 (November – February) and 1800 (April to September). Some of the buses have English-speaking guides and others have taped commentaries in up to 11 languages.

For prices, please visit the operator’s website or telephone: 01865790522
Further details: City Sightseeing Oxford

The University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum

A wonderful place to spend an afternoon and it’s free! The Natural History Museum on Park Road houses an extensive collection of insects, fossils, rocks and local dinosaur finds. There is also a 40-foot Tyrannosaurus rex, an observation beehive and Alice in Wonderland’s Dodo. The building itself is one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture with a wealth of naturalist carving and a huge glass roof over the central museum court, which is supported by cast iron shafts. Children’s activities take place every Sunday from 2.00 – 4.00 and it has a small shop which has books, dinosaur kits, fossils and puzzles etc.

The Pitt Rivers Museum is a real Aladdin’s cave of treasure and various curios including clothing, weapons, musical instruments, a totem pole, a witch in a bottle and a gruesome collection of shrunken heads!

Open Mon-Sat 12.00 – 4.30 p.m., Sun 2.00 – 4.30 p.m.
Admission is Free
Check out the websites for the Pitt Rivers Museum and The University Museum of Natural History.

The Museum of the History of Science (Broad Street)

This museum is housed in the old Ashmolean Building, the oldest public museum building in the country, opened in 1683. The exhibits include scientific instruments dating back to antiquity, Islamic and European astrolabes, a fine collection of early chemical apparatus , watches and clocks, medical instruments, the original penicillin apparatus and Einstein’s blackboard.

A must for keen young scientists! Open: Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 – 4.00 p.m. Sunday 2.00 to 5.00 p.m. Closed on Monday.

Admission is Free
Explore the website for the Museum of the History of Science.

The Ashmolean Museum (Beaumont Street)

Britain’s oldest museum housing the University’s impressive collections of British, European, Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities. There are also European paintings and drawings from the Renaissance to the 20th Century, sculpture, silver, ceramics and musical instruments as well as coins and medals. Oriental art includes Chinese, Japanese, Islamic and Indian metalwork, ceramics, paintings, textiles and sculpture. Children will be particularly interested in the Egyptian mummies, King Alfred’s jewel, Guy Fawkes’ lantern, Henry 8th’s hawking glove and stirrups and Powhatan’s mantle!

Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 – 5.00 p.m., Sunday 12.00 – 5.00 p.m. Closed on Monday.
Admission is Free
Visit the website for The Ashmolean Museum.

Oxford Castle and Prison (Queen Street / Castle Street)

Visit Oxford’s newly ‘unlocked’ castle. The castle was originally built in 1071 by the Norman Robert d’Oilly and became a prison in 1785. It remained as a prison until it closed in 1996. Although the buildings of the castle are now mainly in ruins you can still see the mound of the original ‘motte and bailey’. The old buildings of the prison have been preserved and you can see the ‘Debtors Tower’, prison D-wing and experience the dark atmosphere of the 900 year old underground crypt. You can also climb the Saxon St George’s Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city of Oxford. The tour will tell you about some of Oxford Castle’s darkest secrets, including stories of great escapes and the Oxford Castle Curse!

Some of the prison buildings have been converted into the new luxury Malmaison ‘Oxford Castle Hotel’ and the Castle Complex includes some excellent shops and restaurants.

Open: Every day except Christmas Day from 10.00 – 5.30 p.m

For admission charges, please visit the Oxford Castle website.

Discounts may be available by booking on line.

For further information, telephone 01865 260666 or visit the website for Oxford Castle.

Tall Towers & Fantastic Views

Children might enjoy climbing up inside one of Oxford’s towers for a panoramic view of the city:

Carfax Tower (Carfax)
Open daily 10.00 – 5.30 (Apr – Oct) and 10.00 – 3.30 (Nov – Mar) except Dec 25th – 1st Jan
A modest admission fee is charged.
N.B. No children under 7 years

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin (High St)
Steep spiral staircase but excellent views at the top. Best tower to visit with little ones as the gaps in the balustrade are all reinforced with thick metal mesh, making it safer.
Open daily 9.00 – 5.00 (July – Aug 9.00 – 7.00)
An admission fee is charged.

Sheldonian Theatre (Broad Street)
This is not a tower but you can climb up to the cupola at the top for a bird’s eye view of the city and it has the added advantage of being under cover if it is cold or wet. Older children will find the inside of the domed roof fascinating.
Open Mon-Fri 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-16:30. Closes at 15:30 between November and February.
An admission fee is charged

Ice Skating at the Oxford Ice Rink (Oxpens Road)

If the kids need a break from sightseeing you can take them ice-skating at the Oxford Ice Rink. Public sessions normally take place daily from 10.00 – 12.00 then from 2.00 – 4.00 and from 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. However, do check these times by ringing 01865 – 467000. Don’t forget to take gloves and thick socks!

An admission fee is charged, with skate hire included.
To check out forthcoming events and further information, visit the rink’s website.

Other ideas for Young Visitors to Oxford …

Schools Programmes – Educational & Themed Tours

Explore Oxford Tours can arrange educational sightseeing programmes for school groups. We have a team of guides specialised in conducting tours for children and school groups. These tours can range from simple historical tours of the city of Oxford and the University to tours with educational themes such as children’s literature, The Tudors, The Normans and Anglo-Saxons, settlement patterns/development of cities and many other themes.

The tour can be tailored to include any theme you want and tours can be conducted in a variety of languages, including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Dutch and Japanese.

Treasure Hunts

Make learning fun by arranging a treasure hunt for your school group. Children work in small teams and follow the clues around the city centre. This takes them to the main historical sites and helps them to learn about the city’s history as they collect their clues. The team which finds their way to the treasure wins a prize! Please Contact us for details

Entertaining Children near Oxford

Blenheim Palace and Pleasure Gardens Woodstock

Situated in the picturesque town of Woodstock, about 20 minutes drive from the centre of Oxford or 30 minutes by bus. Blenheim was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is the home of the Duke of Marlborough. You can visit the Palace rooms or just walk around the park. The extensive grounds offer a variety of walks, a lake which offers boat rides in the Summer and a community of very accommodating ducks and geese if you have keen duck feeders! Take the miniature train ride to the Pleasure Gardens, which include a large maze, pitch and putt, giant chess and draughts and an adventure playground. There is also a picnic area and a café, which offers a variety of hot and cold snacks and excellent ice-cream! Highly recommended. A good time usually had by all!

For further information telephone 01993 811325 or visit www.blenheimpalace.com

The Cotswold Wildlife Park (Beside the A361 just outside Burford)

Oxfordshire’s nearest thing to a zoo is about 40 minutes drive from Oxford city centre. These spacious parklands and landscaped gardens are home to many varieties of ‘wild’ animals, including lions, cheetahs, camels, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, wallabies, penguins and many types of birds and reptiles. There is also a ‘petting’ area of farm animals, an adventure playground, miniature railway, café and picnic area. This offers an excellent day out.

Open: Daily from 10.00 to 4.30 (last admission)
For further details and prices telephone 01993 823006 or visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Didcot Railway Centre (Behind British Rail Parkway Station)

About 30 minutes drive from the city centre. Little boys and big boys particularly will enjoy looking at the collection of full size steam engines. Rides on trains are available on the first and last Sunday in the month (more in summer) and children can climb into drivers’ cabs. There is also a museum, café and a picnic area. For Thomas the Tank Engine fans there are often special ‘Thomas’ events and there is an excellent shop with Thomas merchandise.

Open: Daily 11.00 to 5.00 (May-Sept). Limited facilities Oct- Apr.
Additional information available by telephoning 01235 817200 or visiting www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

British Motor Museum (Gaydon, just off M40 Junction 12)

An amazing variety of motor transport vehicles from the first Victorian contraptions to the latest hi-tech models are on display at Gaydon, with plenty to see and do for all the family. Experiment with car design using magnetic Mini body panels, or make a Land Rover from cardboard cut outs. At weekends and during school holidays there are go-karts for over 8’s and electric cars for 3 – 7 year olds.

Open: Daily from 10.00 to 5.00
Telephone: 01926 641182
To find out more and confirm entry prices, visit www.www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Warwick Castle (Warwick, just off Junction 13 of the M40)

About 40 minutes drive from the centre of Oxford. Warwick Castle offers an excellent day out, particularly if you have kids who like climbing towers and exploring dungeons and haunted turrets! Extensive grounds, atmospheric café, variety of souvenir shops with plenty of swords, bows and arrows and jousting kits! Excellent exhibition of wax models in medieval costume.

For information and an interactive preview, visit www.warwick-castle.co.uk

Theme Parks near Oxford

The nearest theme parks are approximately one hour’s drive from Oxford, so you need to allow a full day for this. You can save time and money by taking a picnic.
Remember weekends and school holidays are busy so you will spend less time queuing if you go on a weekday during school term time.

Legoland

This family theme park is about two miles from Windsor on the Bracknell to Ascot road (B3022). The drive from Oxford will take approximately 75 minutes via the M40 and/or M4 motorways, so allow a full day. The park is well signposted from the M4.

Once inside, there is a wonderful selection of rides and entertainments to suit children of all ages, all on a “Lego” theme. Height restrictions apply on some rides. There is also a Duplo Playtown, adventure playground, puppet theatres, live shows, children’s driving school and train. Plenty of places to eat and shops selling Lego and souvenirs. Don’t miss the amazing Lego model of Europe – definitely one of the highlights of the park.

Prices: For latest prices and information please visit the Legoland website.
Please note that cheaper deals are generally available on-line.
Tel: 08705 040404 (recorded information) or visit the Legoland Website

Thorpe Park

This is a large theme park with great variety of ‘big-thrill’ rides with imposing names such as Nemesis Inferno, Colossus and Vortex! (not for the faint-hearted!). Thorpe Park also has a man-made sandy beach and plenty of water/splashy rides. Although there are some attractions for tots the park is probably better for children from 8 upwards, as they will be able to go on most of the rides. Situated about 75 minutes drive from Oxford via the M40 and M25 (exit either at Junction 11 or 13 and follow A320 to Thorpe Park).

Prices: For latest prices and information please visit the Thorpe Park website.
Please note that cheaper deals are generally available on-line. 0870 444 4466 or visit the Thorpe Park Website

Gulliver’s

This smaller theme park is located in Milton Keynes, about one-hour’s drive from Oxford via the M40, A43 and B420 (around Buckingham). There is a good selection of rides, including roller coasters, a pirate ship and a water-splash ride, an adventure playground, indoor play area and several places to eat. This is an excellent choice for children under 12 as there is nothing too scary! This is also great value for money.

Prices: For latest prices and information please visit the Gulliver’s Land website
Tel: 01925 444888 or visit the Gullivers Land Website

Warner Brother’s Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Only 1.30 hours drive from Oxford is the Warner Brothers Studio, where the Harry Potter films were made. Why not visit the studios where this iconic series was filmed and see some of the special effects, costumes and props used to create the memorable scenes, which are loved by people of all ages?

This is an ideal day out, especially for those customers who have done our Harry Potter themed Walking Tour tour of Oxford.

Please visit the Warner Brothers Studio Tour website for information and prices.

For group/school prices please Contact us.

Speciality Tours

We are able to offer a wide range of bespoke tours, drawing together the many and varied literary, cultural, commercial and architectural interests which the ancient city of Oxford can inspire. These include:

Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland
CS Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia
J R R Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter film locations
Women in Oxford
Gardens of Oxford
The English Civil War
Pubs of Oxford
Ghost Tours
Shopping Tours

What Our Guests Say

Highly recommended!

 5/5

"It was such a lovely day out! Thank you Isobel for your wonderful and informative guide, and thank you David for the safe and comfortable ride. The Cotswolds is really difficult to travel with public transport, so joining the tour was the best way to enjoy the quaint villages and hidden gems in the area. Also, it is rather impossible to get a ticket for the immensely popular Highclere Castle on your own; I am so glad to have found a perfect tour that saved my day."

Arisa N.

Best tour and great people

 5/5

"We had an excellent tour with the most knowledgeable and friendly driver and guide. I would seek them out again if we are ever back in the area! Thank you so much for being accommodating. You went beyond expectations! All seven of us commented on how much we enjoyed our day."

229barbaraz

Joyce Zhang

14:07 11 Nov 22

What a lovely day we had in the Cotswolds! We went in early November and were very lucky to be the only ones, so we had an unexpected private tour. The weather was lovely, and the bus was exceptionally comfortable.Our guide, Isobel, had a... considerable amount of information about each town/village, and we appreciated her information during the drive while giving us time in each location to explore freely. We were also able to drive through some lovely villages that were more off the beaten track and probably would not have visited otehrwise. Looking back, I am really glad we chose this tour rather than self-driving.For those considering a trip to the Cotswolds, I cannot recommend this tour more!read more

Chris Prince

18:47 20 Oct 22

It was a long day, but never boring or tedious. Isabelle and David were spectacular hosts. They exhibit tremendous knowledge of their immediate surroundings, and English history/tradition/custom on the whole. In addition to more "regular" stops,... they put great effort - and empathy - into providing off-the-path diversions as well. We made frequent stops at legitimate sights, never having to sit too long. The group size was less than a dozen. Isabelle and David were also personally engaging, taking time to talk with all their guests to insure everyone was having a good time. We heard lots, saw more, had a great lunch, and enjoyed ourselves royally. If an 8 hour day is too much for you, they have other options that fit your interest and schedule. Do not book anyone else's tour, this is the one you want.read more

Derek G

03:57 29 Aug 22

Highest recommendation! This is the tour operator to choose for experiencing the Cotswolds. We did the Cotswold Explorer tour on a lovely August day. The full-day outing was packed with stops and drive by sights, but it was not at all exhausting.... Isobel and David are amazing tour guides and they seem to love their work. Both are kind and pleasant; Isobel's commentary is delightful to listen to, while David is an excellent driver with a reassuring presence. Their van is clean, comfortable, and provides great views of the breathtaking countryside. Thank you, Cotswold Exploring, for an experience we will treasure always.read more

Pamela S

16:29 10 Jun 22

We took the Cotswold Explorer summer tour and it was a lovely day exploring the area.The tour took us through the variety of Cotswold area with lots of stories and information shared. At each stop, restaurant and coffee shop recommendations were... made that didn’t disappoint.Highly recommend booking a tour with Cotswold Exploring. A wonderful experience.read more

Stefane Desmond

07:32 31 May 22

This was a great trip, that picked up from an easy location to get to in Oxford. The guide, was wonderful and knowledgeable. It was 5.5 hours but it didn’t feel too long at all. The drive to and through the Cotswolds was adorable. They picked great... stops for us to walk around and shop at. They brought us to the best places to take pictures, as well for a memorable trip. The driver and guide went above and beyond when my mum asked where she could get a Sunday dinner back in Oxford. They called a bunch of restaurants to check. Would definitely recommend! It is such a charming area!read more

Morgan C

17:22 12 Apr 22

My husband and I did the Cotswold Explorer full day tour, and we had a blast! Isobel and David have lived in the area for years and are incredibly knowledgeable. We probably passed through 10 towns/villages, and stopped in 4 or 5. Isobel shared... history about each and every one of the places. David was an excellent driver and carefully navigated the narrow roads for a comfortable riding experience. This tour is well worth your time and money! We would love to return and do the Downton Abbey tour.read more

Arisa Nakagoe

22:08 11 Sep 21

I am so glad to have found this perfect tour! It was a lovely day out, exploring the beautiful castle and quaint villages. Thank you Isobel for the fun and informative guide and thank you David for the safe and comfortable ride!

Aswin shyam

17:52 14 Jul 21

Isobel was our guide and David was our Tour driver. Isobel was very knowledgeable and helped us get around the beautiful Cotswold villages. The tour was well planned and we had ample time at every village to explore with Isobel highlighting the... history and significance of each place. David and Isobel were both kind and even helped us to choose the best place to have our lunch and shopping. The tour even included stops at the eccentric lavender, poppy and wild flower fields. The tour along with Isobel and David made our day special.read more

Arun Michael Dsouza

14:11 08 Jun 21

The Cotswold Taster Tour was absolutely lovely. Both Isobel and David were extremely nice and knowledgeable, we had a wonderful experience with them. Isobel's commentary was excellent - full of interesting facts and David was very careful throughout... the trip, driving through some of the narrow lanes of the countryside while we were enjoying the scenic views. We got to visit some of the most beautiful little villages in the area and got the chance to wander around and explore. This is the best half-day tour of the Cotswolds in my opinion. I would definitely recommend it!read more

Mary Anne Dooley

10:54 23 Jul 19

Had a wonderful day with Isabel and David. Couldn’t rate the tour and them any higher! The commentary was delightful, very informative and timely. Amazing local knowledge. Isabel and David were able to answer any question and they were both very... flexible for the needs of the passengers. David’s driving was expertly handled, especially on the narrow roads. Because of the small bus, they are able to use the more interesting roads and visit towns and villages off the beaten track and often prettier and much less crowded than the the well known. If you want a day tour to the Cotswolds don’t go past this one.read more

Yulia A.

23:14 23 Jan 19

I've just had an incredible day with Isobel and David. Breathtaking beauty of rural countryside on a winter day combined with excellent commentary made this tour absolutely amazing. Seeing all these rural villages, rows of thatched cottages with... lovely gardens, rolling hills with farms, animals and rare birds gives such a therapeutic effect! And Isobel is so interesting to listen! Highly recommended!read more