Oxfordshire is a beautiful county year-round, but never more so than in autumn- golden leaves, crisp air, and charming towns make it a perfect backdrop for seasonal escapes. Whether you’re looking for a weekend staycation, spooky half-term ideas, or a quiet walk surrounded by nature, here are some of the best things to do this autumn in Oxfordshire.

1. Visit Blenheim Palace

A must-visit in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is one of the country’s crown jewels. The palace is breath-taking, and the gardens and parkland truly come alive during autumn time.

The Capability Brown parkland stretches across 2,000 acres and is bathed in amber and copper tones come October. A gentle autumn walk here is a lovely way to soak in the season. During half-term, Blenheim often has seasonal events and light trails (check their events calendar).

If you're a fan of TV, you may recognise Blenheim Palace from some incredibly iconic films- including Harry Potter, Transformers, James Bond, and, most recently, Bridgerton.

Another interesting fact is that Blenheim Palace is the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of ‘palace’.

BUY TICKETS HERE

2. Book a Staycation at The Old Dairy Retreat

Looking for a cosy base for your Oxfordshire getaway? The Old Dairy Retreat is a beautifully converted dairy barn in Upper Heyford; a spa-like oasis nestled in the heart of the English countryside.

  • The Old Dairy Retreat sleeps four guests and features a sauna, hot tub, and an open-air bath!
  • It’s just 6 miles from Bicester village, and 11 miles from Blenheim Palace making it the perfect location for both designer shops and country walks

This luxury stay is a top pick for a romantic or wellness staycation in Oxfordshire this autumn.

BOOK HERE

3. Go Shopping in Bicester Village

Bicester Village is a popular outlet destination in Oxfordshire; it's best known for designer discounts from some of the biggest names including Gucci, Coach, and Mulberry.

Spend a day investing in your autumn wardrobe, or getting some early Christmas shopping out of the way, before stopping for a meal at one of their luxury eateries.

The famous Cotswolds restaurant, Double Red Duke, is coming to the village this autumn and is bound to impress with their award-winning British cuisine...

VISIT BICESTER VILLAGE

4. Explore the City of Oxford

As well as being incredibly beautiful, Oxford is a city brimming with rich history, architecture, and culture at every turn.

Take a stroll through the winding streets and see some of the most iconic University of Oxford buildings...

Suggested stops:

  • Bodleian Libraries / Divinity School / Duke Humfrey’s Library- some of these interiors were famously used in Harry Potter.
  • Addison’s Walk (Magdalen College)- a peaceful riverside footpath that circles through college grounds and along the River Cherwell.
  • Harcourt Arboretum- located 6 miles south of Oxford, this 150-acre arboretum is run by the University and is beautiful for autumn colour walks.
  • Oxford University Museum of Natural History + Pitt Rivers Museum- perfect Oxford activities for rainy days, fascinating for adults and children alike.


LIBRARY TOURS

5. Try some Oxfordshire Half-Term Activities for Families

If you’re looking for ideas to keep everyone entertained this October half-term, here are some of our favourite family-friendly things to do across the county this autumn:

  • Science Oxford Centre- Enjoy hands-on exhibits, woodland pumpkin trails,
    and interactive experiments during half-term.
  • IF Oxford Science & Ideas Festival- Taking place throughout October, this annual festival brings together talks, workshops and family activities across the city.
  • Pumpkin Picking & Autumn Trails- Local farms and garden centres across Oxfordshire often host pumpkin patches, maize mazes and Halloween trails for little ones.
  • Oxford Castle & Prison Tours- Step back in time with guided tours, spooky stories, and panoramic views from the castle tower.
  • The Story Museum, Ashmolean, and Museum of Natural History- Ideal for wet weather days, these Oxford favourites offer creative, educational days out for families.

6. Hidden Gems & Quiet Corners

If you're looking to avoid the half-term crowds, here are a few lesser-known but just as beautiful spots:

  • Port Meadow & University Parks (Oxford)- riverside spaces for contemplative walks, picnics, or quiet reflection.
  • The Perch, Binsey- a charming riverside pub just outside Oxford, ideal for lunch or tea after a countryside walk.
  • Walking Routes in the countryside- explore paths near the Ridgeway, White Horse Hill views, or local footpaths in the Cherwell Valley.

If you were looking for fun activities to do in Oxfordshire this weekend, we hope we've given you lots to consider!

Wherever your autumn adventures take you, bring the scent of the British countryside home with our County Collection candles, soaps and diffusers- handcrafted right here in the UK.

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The Scent of Oxfordshire...

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