Things to do this summer in Oxfordshire

Posted July 21, 2022

School is out for the summer! But what to do with the weeks stretching out ahead of us? Well, if you’re keen to stay local this season, Annabel Lee has some awesome Oxfordshire inspiration for things to do, see, eat and drink in our county over the holidays. >>

“Summer is more summery here than anywhere else I know; not hotter, certainly not sunnier, but more like summers used to be, in everyone’s childhood memories.” – Author Jan Morris on Oxford.

Oxfordshire is beautiful in every season, but summer in the county is magic. From boutique festivals and foodie treats to splashing about on the river, what’s on your Oxfordshire summer bucket list?

Get on the water

Don’t think the lack of beaches means you can’t have fun on the water this summer. The Oxford SUP Club offers stand up paddleboard lessons at Farmoor reservoir as well as group trips on the Thames and Cherwell.

Or if you fancy a dip, Wolvercote Mill Stream, north of Port Meadow, became the second stretch of river in the UK to achieve designated bathing water status earlier this year.

Be a home-town tourist

Summer is a perfect time to visit some of the classic sights of Oxford that you don’t get time to otherwise. What about an afternoon trip to the Natural History Museum followed up with coffee and cake from Horsebox Coffee Company, based outside?

The Story Museum is bursting with fun for little ones (and their grown-ups) or take a guided or walking tour around Oxford and don’t forget to pop in an see some friendly Indie Oxford shops – (check out the city centre map in the Summer issue of the Indie Oxford Magazine!)

Tastes like summer

Foodies rejoice! Not only is the Oxfordshire Foodies festival back this summer in South Park on Saturday 27^th August in South Park, there are also some new treats to try in the city.

How about a cold brew from Missing Bean, enjoyed outside their original café on Turl Street? Or give Bearded Viking’s ‘Vikings in Bloom’ cocktail collection a try – perfect for summer evenings in the garden – get yours through the Bearded Viking website.

Summer Camps

And if you’re looking for childcare solutions over the holidays, House of Fun are back with a jam packed programme of activity camps for children ages 2 – 13. Find their summer camps in Oxford, Abingdon and Culham.

events, Oxford, summer

Rosie Jacobs

I’m really passionate about Independent Oxford and supporting and promoting independent businesses in Oxfordshire. Indie businesses are the life blood of our towns, cities and communities, but they need support to survive and thrive. Creating a network that provides a space for indies to find peer support, knowledge and information is so important, and means businesses are far more likely to continue. Supporting indies means a stronger local economy and a closer, inclusive community for all.