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.