Historic Sites in Oxfordshire

Oxford Castle and Prison

While Oxfordshire has many historic buildings, this famous castle and former prison is the oldest. It was built in 1073 by a Norman baron who arrived in England with William the Conqueror. The castle later served as a prison and is among the county’s most popular tourist attractions. 

Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 10:30-16:30. Friday to Sunday, 10:00-17:00. 

Ticket prices: Adult £15.25, children £9.95, student £14.25. Children under 5 and carers go free.

Visit Oxford Castle and Prison

Blenheim Palace

This stunning palace is one of the largest stately homes in England, belonging to the Dukes of Marlborough. Explore the palace’s grand interior, then walk around the landscaped gardens and parkland. Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this a must-see attraction in Oxfordshire and a fantastic day out for the whole family.

Opening times:  Blenheim Palace is open from 10:30-15:45, the gardens from 10:00-17:00 and the park from 9:30-17:00.

Ticket prices (for the palace): General admissions begin at £32, concessions at £27. Find more ticket types and information on the website.

Visit Blenheim Palace

Stonor Park

On the border of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire lies Stonor Park, a 13th-century country house with walled gardens and a deer park. The mansion is nestled in the Chiltern Hills and surrounded by woodland, making it one of the best locations to enjoy a historic walk in Oxfordshire. It’s also home to the adventure park, Tumblestone Hollow, perfect for a fun-filled family day out.

Opening times vary throughout the year, see website for more information.

Ticket prices for entry to the house, gardens, chapel and Tumblestone Hollow: Adults (over 16) £10.50, children £7- £10.50, carers go free.

Visit Stonor Park

Christ Church Cathedral

Sitting in the heart of Oxford, Christ Church Cathedral is hard to miss. Visitors can enjoy the impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture and learn more about its history, from a 12th-century priory to its significance during the reign of Henry VIII. The cathedral is also the chapel of Christ Church college at the University of Oxford, hence its name.

Opening times vary for visitors. See website for more information 

Ticket prices: Adult £16, concessions £15, family £50, children under 5 go free. 

Visit Christ Church Cathedral

Broughton Castle

This fortified and moated manor house is located near Banbury in Oxfordshire. Excavations have shown this was once the site of a Roman villa, so there’s plenty of history to explore here! Although the castle is still lived in by the Barons of Saye and Sele today, you can visit the house and gardens during the summer.

If you’d like to live near this historic landmark, browse our selection of 3 and 4 bedroom homes at the Whitechapel Gardens development. 

Opening times: The castle is open to the public on Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays between April and September, from 14:00-17:00.

Ticket prices for entry to the castle and gardens: Adults £10, concessions £9, children £6 and under 5s go free.

Visit Broughton Castle

Uffington White Horse

Look out for the white horse carved into the chalk hills if you’re passing through Uffington, believed to represent a Celtic god of the ancient Belgic tribe. You can see the horse up close and enjoy stunning views across Oxfordshire on the circular walking route around White Horse Hill. 

Rollright Stones

At the edge of the Cotswolds is a complex of ancient stone circles dating to the Neolithic period and Bronze Age. In folklore, they are believed to represent a king and his men who were petrified by a witch. This is a must-see historic site for anyone interested in the ancient civilisations of Britain. 

Open daily. Entry costs £1 for adults and 50p for children (7-16 years).

Visit Rollright Stones

North Leigh Roman Villa

You’ll find North Leigh Roman Villa a short drive north of Oxford. The remains of this Roman villa suggest it was one of the largest in Britain, dating to the 4th century. Only two courtyard sections are visible today, including a well-preserved mosaic tiled floor. 

Open daily, free entry.

Visit North Leigh Roman Villa