Activities Advice City Guides Days Out Ideas For Mums

Your guide to the perfect family day out in Oxfordshire

Written by Annabel Middleton

 

Have you ever wanted to visit a Palace?
Or discover the inspiration for the Wonderland of Alice?
Then to Oxford you must go,
where you could also learn how people row!

Bicester Village

It’s your chance to visit the brilliant Bicester Village! Browse the boutiques and get some amazing discounts in over 160+ boutiques! If you start to feel hungry, you’ll be spoilt for choice with restaurants and cafes in the village. Plus, there’s a Creperie and artisan ice cream shop for a sweet treat fix that your little ones will love! If you’re visiting nearby during the day, why not experience Bicester Village in the late afternoon/ evening as it is open until 9pm (excluding Sundays). Enjoy the balmy evenings and have a cooler shopping experience, or simply stop for dinner before driving home. Find out more here!

Blenheim Palace

Visit the previous home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill! With over 300 years of history to discover and more than 2000 acres of Parkland to marvel at, you’ll leave the Palace amazed. See the State Rooms, the Great Hall, and the Pleasure Gardens home to Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House. There’s even a large adventure playground for your little ones to climb, crawl and run around! Find out more here!

Pitt Rivers Museum

Photo credit: Pitt Rivers Museum Facebook

Pitt Rivers Museum is one of Oxford’s most popular attractions and that’s because of its period atmosphere and incredible collections from many cultures around the world! From Hawaiian feather cloaks and hand-woven textiles to masks from Africa and a Tahitian mourner’s costume, there is so much to see past and present! There are also many ‘Summer Art Challenge’ events throughout the summer so be sure to check out their website! Find out more here!

Didcot Railway Centre

Photo credit: Didcot Railway Centre Facebook

See how the Great Western Railway became the premier railway company in the 1940s at Didcot Railway Centre! Explore the steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings, and small artefacts set around the original Engine Shed! Plus, you can enjoy unlimited steam train rides on weekends and Wednesdays throughout the summer! If you fancy taking a break on your day out, then head to the lovely cafe serving cakes and a good English breakfast tea! Find out more here!

Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland Tours


Are your little ones Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland fans? If so, then a walking tour of Oxford visiting film locations and places that inspired the Harry Potter films will make the perfect day out! Christ Church a constituent college of the University of Oxford and the surrounding meadows were also used by Lewis Carroll as inspiration for his books about Alice. So, why not take a tour this weekend! Find out more here!

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary

Photo credit: Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary Facebook

Island farm Donkey Sanctuary cares for abused and ill-treated donkeys and other animals. As a charity, donations are accepted when you visit and if your little ones want to, they can adopt or sponsor a donkey which is a really lovely idea. Head to Island Farm this weekend to learn all about how the Sanctuary cares for and helps the donkeys! Find out more here!

Partyman World of Play

Imagine your child’s idea of heaven… this is it! A world of play with multi-level play structures, ball ponds, go-karts, and comfy seats for mums and dads what else could you want? There’s even an area specifically for under 3’s so everyone can join in with the fun. Find out more here!

Fairytale Farm

Photo credit: Fairytale Farm Facebook

Fairytale Farm is a sensory wonderland for all the family to enjoy! Although designed for children with disabilities, everyone is welcome. The magical farm is divided into six main zones, the Huff and Puff for adventure play, the Enchanted Walk, Alfie and Friends where you can meet the amazing animals, Jack’s Yard, and the brand-NEW Wilderness Walk and Fairy Dell areas! Find out more here!

Millets Farm Centre

Photo credit: Millets Farm Centre Facebook

This is an amazing attraction with so much to offer! Make fruit more appealing to your little ones by letting them pick their own! Meanwhile, you can explore the farm shop which has so many yummy goodies. For those who love a maze, the Maize Maze is open until the 4th of September for you to wind your way around through transport time! Plus, the fun park has three woodlands, trampolines, ride-on tractors, pedal go-karts, 9-hole crazy golf, and many sand pits. Find out more here!

River and Rowing Museum

Photo credit: River and Rowing Museum Facebook

Set in the picturesque Henley on Thames beside the river, this Museum brings rowing, the river, and the arts to life! Throughout August there are several free summer holiday family activities such as dressing up as Mr. Toad and friends or a visitor to the Henley Regatta! There’s also a Wind in the Willows walk-through which must not be missed! Cool down with ice cream at the end of the day or a milkshake from the Chocolate Cafe! Find out more here!

Millets Falconry Centre

Bring the family to Millets Falconry Centre to admire over 70 different birds of prey! Learn how they live in the wild and watch the feeding sessions as you get up close. Find out more here!

The Story Museum

Photo credit: The Story Museum Facebook

On the 20th of August and the 17th of September in ‘Saturday Story Sports’, you can hear a story from the story leaders before learning the moves yourself! Not only are their obstacle courses based on the story of Hercules but also ball games based on the story of The Frog Prince. This unusual museum will inspire and delight your kids as they explore all the different ways that stories can be enjoyed! Find out more here!

What have you been up to? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!
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