Oxford this weekend..

[longshot]

We have a few things planned (Asmoleum, Pitt Rivers, Christ church college) but I’m finding much of the Halloween events are booked up and wondering what people would recommend with the kids (ages 6 & 3)? Doesn’t have to be Halloween themed just general activities / things to see / places to eat.

Thanks

We just spent a day in Oxford. The Pitt Rivers museum was the biggest hit - they loved it. Such a different kind of museum, and good for Halloween with its shrunken human heads ... It's in the same building as the natural history museum, which is more conventional but worth a look.

Climb the tower of St Mary's church on the High St.- fantastic view from the top, nice close peek at some gargoyles half way up, and fun to go up the short spiral staircase.

I like the Nosebag cafe off of Cornmarket, relaxed atmosphere, good food, great deserts, and you buy your lovely lunch at a counter then go find a table, so not too much waiting around. Blackwell's bookshop has a pretty good children's section. There's a great exhibit on at the moment about Tolkien and LOTR in the new Bodleian library. Your kids are too young to really like it, but it is free, and cool to see. One of my kids would have enjoyed it when he was 6...

There's so much to see in Oxford, just wansdering about. Look out for the Gormley statue on top of Blackwells Art shop on Broad Street!

Thirsty Meeples Games Cafe on Gloucester Green for fun and Cafe food.

If you're going to Pitt Rivers, the South Parks is right next door if you need a run around!

Worcester College has massive gardens, and Magdalen has the deer park. Botanic Gardens also lovely.

Punting is a possibility if the weathers nice, but I've never seen life jackets for youngsters. Magdalen Bridge.
There are lovely half hour boat trips from
Folly Bridge, book in advance https://www.oxfordrivercruises.com/sightseeing-highlights-tour/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpKveBRAwEiwAo4Pqm6OcUeZOxJX3mSy2BDeTSRnTlwMUvvu-gAHfCZEBU54-ka-FYAMdxoCaWkQAvDD_BwE

You need tickets for the Tolkien exhibition at the Weston (its small and not really great for children, either)

Opposite Christchurch is a lovely Alice in Wonderland gift shop which is worth a pop-in.

The Covered Market is not that interesting for children, but there are some nice shops and loads of cafes.

So many places to eat, but I find the new Westgate soulless and bland. There are all the usual chains like LEON, Bella Italia, Pizza Express, but I'd avoid and take advantage of the so many independent places in town.
Handlebar Cafe, the Nosebag, Crisis Cafe, any of the G&Ds, the Vaults Cafe at St Mary's. I'm not sure about 'posh' places to eat as I rarely use them, but the Randolph and No 1 Ship Street are recommended.

Oxford Castle (up past the Westgate) www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/
There are places to eat there.

Hope that helps

Anothr vote for Thirsty Meeples. It's next to Noodle Nation which is cheapish and quick, my lad always liked it.

Link here -
It is possible to book a table in advance if you ring them.. Might be worth it at busy times.
thirstymeeples.co.uk/

Story Museum is good, as is Oxford Castle if not booked up. George&Danver or George&Davis for ice cream, depending which end of town you are when you get peckish!

(You are right about the Tolkien exhibit SmokeandBone- I mentioned it because one of my kids would have loved it at 6, but he was a bit of an oddball.)

Thank you! Perfect list of things to do...we will be happy wandering but always useful to have a list of places / things to head for.

Weather looks lovely which is another bonus!

Ooh, I'm going to be near Oxford on Monday. Is there a good park and ride, and what time does it close?

There are five. Where do you need to get to?

And where are you coming from?

Or which direction are you coming from?

If you’re in Oxfordshire (not just centre of Oxford) then Woodstock and Blenheim Palace is also a good shout with the children

I didnt mention Story Museum as it's closed for re-furb at the moment. The Story Cafe is only open weekdays.
Should all be fab when it re-opens!

I'm sure he's not an oddball Clara! That exhibition is a bit small, isn't it? I was a bit meh. Children would like the 'light up' journey but the rest is all looking at stuff in cases. Not very imaginative for a Tolkien exhibition

Open-top bus rides are a good idea. Children will like the ride and grown-ups will learn something! Hop on, hop off around the city.

And this - www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/oxfordshire/oxford

Hello, sorry for the delay in replying. We will be coming down the M40 from Bicester and would like to get to the centre.

You can get the train from Bicester to Oxford, plenty of parking at Bicester Village station. Otherwise, go down A34, you can come off at the Kidlington exit for Water Eaton P&R or the next exit south (A44 exit) for Peartree P&R. Both well signposted

Thanks!

The Covered Market is always good for interesting shops. There are entrances in thr High Street and Market Street.

Also various market stalls in Gloucester Green, with different kinds of markets depending on the day of the week.

The Old Fire Station shop and cafe, in Gloucester Green is good.

www.dailyinfo.co.uk/feature/10081/gloucester-green-market
www.dailyinfo.co.uk/places/shopping-centres/t95-p586/covered-market#review61660
www.dailyinfo.co.uk/places/theatres/t15-p862/the-old-fire-station

@longshot Did you have a nice time? What did you do in the end?
The weather was glorious. Hope you had fun. It's a beautiful city.

We had a great time thanks! Ashmoleum, Pitt Rivers, Christ Church, Botanical Gardens and the Castle. The Castle was the biggest hit but generally all very enjoyable and lots of sitting out in the sun enjoying a coffee!

Fabulous! Glad you enjoyed it and you were sooo lucky with the weather.
Come back soon, there's still loads more to see!