Oxford, England: The Essential Itinerary if You Only Have Two Days

26.02.2024 - 20:08 / matadornetwork.com

Once you’ve seen London’s highlights, i.e. Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the many amazing museums, take a break from the capital and make your way to Oxford. Less than one hour away from central London by train, Oxford is arguably the most beautiful university city in the world, with 43 independent colleges that rival each other in their jaw-dropping architecture, dreamy bookshops, quaint pubs, majestic libraries and theaters, and plenty of great places to enjoy a traditional and indulgent afternoon tea. Things to do in Oxford abound, but because it is a compact little city, even if you only have two days you can cover a lot of ground.

Oxford is located around 60 miles northwest of central London and less than 50 miles from London Heathrow Airport. It’s also relatively close to major tourist destinations in England, including:

Taking the train from London to Oxford: Traveling from London to Oxford by train is incredibly easy. Take a GWR (Great Western Railway) train from London Paddington train station to Oxford station, located in the city center. The ride takes less than an hour, and there are dozens of trains running between the two cities every day.

Taking the bus from London to Oxford: Traveling by bus from London city center to Oxford takes longer than riding the train (two hours instead of less than one hour), but it is a cheaper option. Companies like Oxford Tube and National Express operate buses every day, multiple times per day between the two cities. From London Heathrow, you can make your way to Oxford by riding a bus from Megabus, The Airline, or National Express.

Once you arrive, getting around Oxford is a cinch. Everything you’ll want to see on a first visit is concentrated in the center of the city, allowing you to walk to all the highlights without breaking a sweat. Just don’t forget your waterproof shoes and umbrella or rain jacket — England’s reputation for poor weather is well and truly earned.

Start your trip to Oxford by checking in at the most iconic hotel in the city, The Randolph Hotel. Not only is the 1866 Gothic Revival structure as beautiful inside as it is outside, it is also located in the heart of Oxford, just steps away from the main attractions. Drop your stuff in one of the hotel’s impeccably decorated rooms, take a quick tour of the beautiful on-site dining venues, book your breakfast for the next morning, and get out the door to explore the city.

Across the street from the main entrance is the Ashmolean Museum. Full of archeological treasures and art, this immense museum was founded in the 17th century and has free entry every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. If that’s your thing, you can spend the entire day walking the many galleries, but don’t forget to