It’s July, meaning the school summer holidays are just around the corner. If you are already wondering how to keep the children entertained, we’re rounding up a list of activities for days out with the kids in Oxfordshire and beyond this summer. Share your top days out with us, and we’ll endeavour to add them to the list.
1. Visit a PYO farm
5 pick-your-own farms in Oxfordshire to visit in summer
From to strawberries and blackcurrants, to asparagus and sweetcorn these family-friendly pick-your-own farms in Oxfordshire have it all, and they also offer a fun day out.
2. Visit a museum
Oxfordshire is home to many family-friendly museums and galleries. Whether you’re looking for things to see at the Museum of Natural History or exploring the Ashmolean, each museum and gallery offers a unique and memorable immersive learning opportunity. PS: Many are free, so days out with the kids in Oxfordshire does not have to cost the earth.
3. Make time for alfresco dining
50+ restaurants in Oxford and beyond for al fresco dining this summer
Summer is here! It’s time to soak up all the vitamin D you can get with some for al fresco dining. Here are some of our favourite places to eat outdoors in Oxford and beyond.
4. Go punting
An insider’s guide to punting in Oxford
Punting on the scenic waterways of Oxford city is a relaxing and leisurely way to enjoy the river and seeing the city from a different perspective.
5. Visit a garden centre
7 great garden centres to visit in Oxfordshire
Visiting a garden centre is a bit of a guilty pleasure for most of us. It’s become less about shopping for plants and gardening items and more about browsing for ideas, grabbing a coffee in the cafe, and even visiting the play area with the kids.
6. Enjoy the National Trust’s Summer of Play
Enjoy the National Trust’s Summer of Play in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire
The National Trust’s Summer of Play invites families over the summer school holidays to experience National Trust places in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, in new and exciting ways.
7. Go swimming outdoors
Where to go swimming outdoors and indoors in Oxfordshire
As temperatures continue to soar across the country, take your pick from the lidos and indoor public swimming pools in Oxfordshire – because there’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the pool to cool down.
8. Have a picnic
There are tons of other places to have a picnic in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside – from village greens to public parks and gardens. Many of the parks and public gardens in Oxford and across Oxfordshire allow family picnics. If you want to enjoy the sunshine with a picnic in the park, here are some of our favourite picks.
9. Indulge in afternoon tea
9 indulgent Country House Afternoon Teas near Oxford
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an indulgent afternoon tea in the picturesque surrounds of a Country House within stricking distance of Oxford.
10. Go to a farmers’ market
There are regular Famers’ Markets in Oxfordshire that offer the freshest bread, best cuts of quality meat, gourmet pies and pastries, and exquisite sauces, oils and snacks.
11. Enjoy a family-friendly music and food festival
The Big Feastival 2024
The three-day family-friendly music and food festival returns to Alex James’ Farm near Kingham in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds over the August bank holiday weekend.
12. Get gardening
At this time of the year, the garden is in full swing, with many at their peak, along with a vegetable plot that’s full of produce. It’s such a lovely time of the year in the garden, weather permitting.
13. Visit a Royal residence
Cultural day trip: 7 royal residences to visit on a day trip from Oxford
From Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle, our pick of the best royal residences – palaces, castles and houses – you can visit on a day trip from Oxford.
14. Find your summer reads
The independent bookshops to explore in Oxfordshire
We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse and vibrant range of independent bookshops in Oxfordshire that are perfect for whiling away the tedious hours after brunch.
15. Go see a show in London’s West End
Cultural day trip: The best musicals & theatre shows in London
If you’re looking to go on a cultural day trip beyond Oxfordshire in 2023, here are 20 musicals and theatre shows in London’s West End that would make for a brilliant day out in the capital city.
16. Visit locations used in the Harry Potter movies
An insider’s guide to Harry Potter walking tours in Oxford
A Harry Potter walking tour in Oxford takes you to the real-life locations that inspired and were used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.
17. Raise funds for charities
Cowley Classic Car Show 2023
The Cowley Classic Car Show is a great Summer’s day out to raise much-needed funds for local and international charities. The main beneficiary for this event is Dogs for Good.
18. Join Paddington™ in an immersive outdoor adventure
Paddington™ Lo-commotion
Paddington™ Lo-commotion is the perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in storytelling and puppetry.
19. Take part in orienteering family fun
Summer Sculpture Trail at Waterperry Gardens
Take part in orienteering family fun during the summer holidays. Enjoy exploring the ornamental gardens at Waterperry, using directions and clues to follow the sculpture trail.
20. Enjoy summer at Britain’s Greatest Palace.
Summer at Blenheim Palace
Enjoy summer at Blenheim Palace – Britain’s Greatest Palace. The lineup of events and activities will ensure everyone has a fantastic time so you can create cherished memories together this season. Here are our top picks.
21. Take unlimited steam train rides.
Didcot Railway Centre Steam Days
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s.
22. Eat out for free
Kids eat for free at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Oxford
With the school holidays underway, parents can treat their children to a free meal out during the summer at Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill at the Leonardo Royal Hotel on Godstow Road in Oxford.
23. Outdoor theatre
Bad Dad
Pack your picnics, grab your wet weather gear or sun-cream (or both), something to sit on, and join Frank and Gilbert as they navigate their way through car chases and convicts in the struggle to escape the clutches of the local crime lord and clear Gilbert’s name.
