In this third post of the Oxford series, members of the Oxford EMI team share some more of their favourite things to do, see and taste in and around the university city.
While just 18 square miles, Oxford is full of places to see and things to do to keep the locals and visitors busy, whatever the weather. As part of our blog post series on what to see and do in Oxford, members of the Oxford EMI team share some more of their top tips to enjoy the city to its fullest.
Natural History Museum
Dr. Kari Sahan, Senior Trainer & Researcher
One of my favourite places in Oxford is the Museum of Natural History. With its many exhibitions related to biodiversity, wildlife, and geology, there is plenty to see and do here.
Situated in a gorgeous neo-Gothic building, the museum offers free entry (although donations are welcome to support its collections). Many of its exhibits are hands-on: you can touch meteorites, see the Oxford Dodo, and learn about ancient animal species. If you’re visiting with family, the museum is perfect for a day out in Oxford with kids. My son especially loves the giant dinosaur fossils!
The Pitt Rivers Museum is housed in the same building, located at the back of the Museum of Natural History. So make sure you check it out, too! The Pitt Rivers is an ethnographic and archaeological museum with all sorts of objects from around the world. You can find musical instruments, textiles, tools, and much more. The museum was founded in 1884 when General Pitt-Rivers donated his collection to the University of Oxford.
As the museum is conveniently located next to University Parks, I like to combine my visits with a walk around the park. When I was a student, I used to come here for runs. If the weather is nice, you’ll see students and locals out for a picnic or perhaps playing football. If you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, I’d recommend walking along the River Cherwell.
Riverside walks
Julie, Oxford EMI director
One of my favourite things to do in Oxford is taking a walk along the river — it’s just a really lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon. The path is easy and relaxed, with plenty to look at along the way: ducks, punts, dog walkers, and gorgeous views across Port Meadow.
After a good walk in the fresh air, heading to one of the riverside pubs feels like the perfect reward. The Head of the River, right by Folly Bridge, is a great pub and it has a big riverside terrace where you can have lunch or just a drink. If you fancy walking a bit further out, The Perch in Binsey is a longer walk, with a large garden and a reputation for a great pint of beer — a proper hidden gem.
For those staying longer in the UK, here’s a good list of 12 good riverside pubs that can be found on the Thames from Oxford to Teddington (just outside London).
Punting on the Isis
Ben, Educational Designer
The River Thames, known locally in Oxford as the Isis, has long been home to punting, a gentle, relaxing boating activity. The boat is a narrow, flat-bottomed boat – traditionally made of wood – which you propel by using a 4-5 metre pole – traditionally wood, but now almost always made of metal. Using this, you push off the riverbed and then use the pole as a rudder to steer (a bit like the gondolas in Venice).
It’s a little tricky to get the hang of at first, but a very enjoyable challenge. Most people get the hang of it in about 15 mins and wobbling about as your try is all part of the fun!
Usually enjoyed as a group with some picnic snacks, chatting, enjoying the river, and laughing as everyone has a go at punting and swerves from side to side (you don’t need to be perfect)!
The most popular punting hire companies include Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, which has the most famous views and very central, and Cherwell Boathouse, located in a slightly quieter area near beautifully green British nature and a great pub to stop at for a refreshing drink (The Victoria Arms).
Fun fact: As part of the historical rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge, there is disagreement about where to stand in the boat as you punt. As a true Oxonian (someone from Oxford), I’m doing it the ‘correct’ way: inside the boat, on the sloped part. 🙂
Oxford Castle & Prison
Yvette, Projects and Sustainability Manager
Located in the city centre and with over a thousand years of history, Oxford Castle & Prison is a fascinating place to visit. A guided tour is definitely worthwhile – not only do you learn about the history of the castle (built by the Norman King, William the Conqueror) and the prison, but you can also climb the castle mound. This was designed and constructed by the Normans as part of the castle defences and originally had a wooden watchtower on top. It’s a great place to learn about local and national history, and there’s also a great view from the top of this 18 metre high mound!
If you’re here for the Oxford EMI Summer Programme, you could also book to see a theatre production of Macbeth in the Castleyard of Oxford Castle, as part of The Oxford Shakespeare Festival.
Oxford cheese
Simon, Senior Trainer
It may surprise some to know that the UK produces over 700 varieties of cheese (that’s more than France)!
This huge range of British cheeses includes hard cheeses, like Cheddar, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester, as well as softer varieties like Baron Bigod, Somerset Brie and Wigmore (made with sheep’s milk). For those that like blue cheeses, my favourites include Stilton, Shropshire Blue and Oxford blue, and for the very adventurous, there’s Stinking Bishop – voted Britain’s smelliest cheese in 2009 and recently featured on popular YouTube channel Jolly).
Turophiles (cheese connoisseurs) will be please to know the closest cheese shop to the Oxford EMI office is the Oxford Cheese Company in the covered market. It has a good range of cheeses and friendly staff. The company has been trading since 1983, and boasts famous customers, including HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
My favourite cheese shop in Oxford – the Jericho Cheese Company – can be found on Ship Street. Celebrating their ten year anniversary in 2016, the staff are all extremely knowledgeable, often let customers sample from their excellent range of cheeses from the UK and Ireland, and put together the perfect mix in their selection boxes.
Sadly, cheese is not an easy gift to take back home as a souvenir, so best to eat it up while you’re here!
More top tips – just ask!
There’s so much more to explore and discover in Oxford. We’ve got plenty of other top tips for anyone joining us for the Oxford EMI Summer Programme in July 2026 or any visitors to our office in Oxford. We always look forward to welcoming EMI and TNE lecturers from around the world to this wonderful city.