Oxford Open Doors: nine properties to explore without booking

Oxford Open Doors returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, giving visitors the chance to step inside some of the city’s most fascinating buildings — including places that are rarely open to the public.

With many of the bookable venues now fully booked, we’ve handpicked nine properties where visitors can simply turn up and explore, without needing to book ahead.

The selection prioritises free drop-in access, while also offering a broad mix — from historic interiors and architectural landmarks to working buildings and contemporary spaces.

From a hidden Elizabethan room above Cornmarket Street and a working fire station to medieval landmarks, historic libraries and some of Oxford’s newest architecture — each property offers an opportunity to see a different side of the city.

1. The Painted Room

3 Cornmarket Street, Oxford OX1 3EX
Open on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm

Hidden above the bustle of Cornmarket Street, the Painted Room is one of Oxford’s most remarkable historic interiors. Behind an unassuming 18th-century frontage lies a late medieval timber-framed room, once part of a wine tavern run by London vintner John Davenant, a friend of William Shakespeare.

Its rare Elizabethan wall painting, dating from the 1560s or 1570s, was hidden for more than 300 years before being rediscovered in 1927 and carefully conserved. Today, the room offers a fascinating glimpse into Oxford’s medieval and Elizabethan past — and a chance to discover one of the city centre’s true hidden gems.

2. Lincoln College Library

3 Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DQ
Open on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Last entry at 4.45pm

Housed in the former All Saints Church, Lincoln College Library is one of Oxford’s more unusual historic interiors. The church, which stood on the site for centuries, was rebuilt in the 18th century and later transformed into the college’s Upper Library.

Inside, the soaring space combines the grandeur of its ecclesiastical origins with the character of an historic Oxford library. Its collections reflect centuries of scholarship, while the building itself provides a striking example of how old spaces have been adapted for new purposes. Open during Oxford Open Doors, it offers visitors the chance to see an atmospheric interior that is rarely part of the city’s usual sightseeing trail.

3. Carfax Tower

Queen Street, Oxford OX1 1ET
Open on Sunday 13 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Last admission at 4.30pm.

Standing at the crossroads of Oxford’s historic centre, Carfax Tower is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and the oldest surviving part of St Martin’s Church. The tower dates largely from the 12th century, with later additions reflecting the building’s long history at the heart of Oxford.

Climb the 99 steps to the top for panoramic views across the city centre and its historic rooftops. The tower offers a different kind of Open Doors experience — less about grand interiors and more about discovering Oxford from above, while exploring one of the city’s most enduring medieval landmarks.

Beyond Oxford Open Days, the tower is open 10.00am to 5.30pm from Easter to October, and 10.00am to 3.30pm between October and Easter.

4. Rewley Road Fire Station

Rewley Road, Oxford OX1 2EH
Open on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Go behind the scenes at one of Oxford’s working fire stations and discover a side of the city rarely open to the public. Rewley Road Fire Station provides an opportunity to see inside a building where firefighters work and train while learning more about the role of the fire service in Oxford.

Alongside exploring the station, visitors can discover more about the equipment, vehicles and people involved in responding to emergencies across the city. It offers a very different Open Doors experience from Oxford’s historic colleges and grand civic buildings.

There will also be a range of activities for visitors, including the chance to climb aboard a fire engine and have a go at squirting water from one of its hoses.

5. Sheldonian Theatre

Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ
Open on Saturday 12 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm

Designed by Christopher Wren and completed in 1669, the Sheldonian Theatre is one of Oxford’s most recognisable buildings and one of its most spectacular interiors. Built for University ceremonies, it continues to play a central role in Oxford’s academic traditions more than 350 years later.

Inside, look up at the great auditorium and its celebrated painted ceiling, created by artist Robert Streater. Visitors can also explore the upper levels and enjoy views across the historic rooftops of central Oxford, offering a different perspective on the city.

There will be a variety of activity sheets and interactive games for children and young people.

6. Rhodes House

South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RG
Open on Saturday 12 September from 10.00am to 4.00pm

Built in the 1920s as a memorial to Cecil Rhodes, Rhodes House is one of Oxford’s finest examples of Arts and Crafts architecture. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the Grade II* building was created as a home for the Rhodes Scholarships and remains closely associated with the international community of scholars.

Following a major programme of renovation and expansion, Rhodes House combines its historic architecture with new spaces designed for contemporary use. Open Doors provides an opportunity to look inside this distinctive building and discover its courtyards, interiors and architectural details.

There will be colouring activities for children.

7. Schwarzman Centre

Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG
Open on Saturday 12 September from 10.00am to 5.00pm

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is the University of Oxford’s new home for the humanities and a major cultural destination for the city. As part of Oxford Open Doors, visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore a range of the Centre’s striking performance, rehearsal and public spaces, many of which are normally only accessible during ticketed events and programmed activity.

The event will showcase key venues across the building, including the Sohmen Concert Hall, Theatre, Black Box, Recital Hall, White Box and Cinema, offering a glimpse into the spaces that support the Centre’s academic work, artistic collaborations and public cultural programme.

Some activities may require booking, so visitors are advised to check the programme before visiting.

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9. University Church of St Mary the Virgin

High Street, Oxford OX1 4BJ
Open on Saturday 12 September from 9.30am to 6.00pm and Sunday 13 September from 12.00pm to 6.00pm

Standing at the heart of Oxford’s historic centre, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin has played a central role in the life of the University for centuries. The church’s history stretches back to the early medieval period, but much of the present building was developed from the 13th century onwards.

Step inside to discover a richly layered interior featuring medieval architecture, stained glass, monuments and memorials. The ornate 17th-century porch is one of the church’s most distinctive features, while the tower offers spectacular views across Oxford’s historic rooftops.

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Outside of Oxford Open Doors, access to the church remains free, but visitors need to purchase a ticket for the tower for an allocated 20-minute period.