We had a great time exploring the Pitt Rivers Museum! There is SO much on display it's almost hard…read moreto take it all in. If you're an anthropology buff, this is your place. So many neat things to see and everything you can imagine, too many to list. From clothing to masks to weapons to toys all from different cultures and different times. We even saw a Totem Pole! Overall a fascinating place to visit, just wish we'd had more time to explore!

What you think of Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum likely depends on how you like your museums. With…read moremore than 500,000 objects on display, Pitt Rivers is ripe for exploration. There's multi-level display cases everywhere, each seemingly containing more than the last. And don't get me started on the drawers; they're everywhere too, and when you pull them out you'll find hundreds more items in each. So if you like your museums with a few paintings on each wall this might not be your jam but you'll still probably be happy you went. You've likely never seen anything like this. A young woman in a shop mentioned, several days before my visit, that she particularly liked this museum and the way she described the entrance intrigued me. As it should: the entrance to this museum is found when you're already inside another museum (The Museum of Natural History; both are free of charge). Officially, the Pitt Rivers Museum displays both the archeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford. But unofficially, it's like entering someone's giant garage, very well organized but also packed to the rafters. One could spend months in here and only skim the surface.

The Ashmolean was a wonderful surprise during our stay in Oxford. I had heard of the museum and did…read morea little research so I knew what to focus on, but it far surpassed my expectations. There's archeological artifacts, art, and so much more from so many varying parts of the world and times. Best of all, it's FREE! If you're planning a visit to Oxford, carve out some time and be sure to visit the museum. (Great rooftop restaurant to boot)

We were visiting Oxford as part of a tour and had several hours of free time to explore on our own…read more My wife convinced me to that we should visit the Ashmolesn Museum and she wasn't wrong. As with most of the museums we visited in Britain, this one was also FREE. The Ashmolean was fantastic. In some respects it reminded me of the British Museum but it was a much more manageable (enjoyable) size. The exhibits were superb yet not overwhelming. We enjoyed the 2 hours we had to spend here and were sorry we didn't have more time.

Visited the museum while in Oxford for the day. Lots of history and neat exhibits to visit. We…read moresaw insects, fossils and tons of other things, almost too many to list. The day of our visit, there were a few schools visiting but everyone we encountered from the staff to the young preschool students were friendly and considerate. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Oxford.

A museum of natural history would generally be on my list of "museums I don't wish to visit" but…read morethe Oxford Museum of Natural History proved that I barely know myself. First, it's free of charge which automatically makes it attractive. But though free may get me in the door it won't guarantee I'll enjoy it. This museum isn't just free but it is also gorgeous and interesting, a real home run. And, in the event that Natural History isn't your jam even here, this place contains the portal to the almost indescribable Pitt Rivers Museum (also free). One of these is bound to be your happy place.

Oxford is amazing no matter where you go!! It's so steeped in history and this museum delivers!! We…read moresaw the chalkboard with Einstein's scribble of his theory of Relativity!! If that isn't a humbling experience, look at all the other artifacts that this museum houses!!! It's brilliant and incredible!! Too much to list and do, you just have to go and see for yourself!!! Highly recommend stopping in and just immersing yourself in history!!!

Quality/Quantity - Fortunate enough to come on a kids event…read moreday. A hosted event, not only inside the museum but they also set up tents outside for all the kids. Very small museum, so if it wasn't for the event today, this would not have been a 5 star review. Cut and pasted from their website as I can NOT say/write it better: "The Museum now holds an unrivaled collection of early astronomical and mathematical instruments from Europe and the Islamic world and an exceptionally rich set of microscopes. Complementing the wide range of objects are manuscripts and early printed works, early photographs, portraits of scientists and scientific prints." Atmosphere - Next to the photogenic Bodleian, Weston Library, see picture. Open 6 days a week from noon to 5pm; closed Mondays. Service - Good, they also gave us free local maps and suggestions of places to visit. Price - FREE!! Donations welcome, please donate. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1683 and in 1924 (1935 name change) as the Museum of History and Science.

A great tour of the Oxford Castle & Prison…read more The tour was a fantastic experience. Packed with history, storytelling with a fun tour guide that all ages could appreciate. Well worth the time and money. The demonstration of a real pillory was icing on the cake.

This is a must-see if you visit Oxford. The guided tour takes you through the vestiges of the…read morecastle to view its architecture and give you an idea of its original use as a fortress. The moderate climb to the tower is worthwhile as you get a nice panoramic view of the city. As the tour transitions to the use of the castle in more recent times as a prison, there is an interesting display concerning that era highlighting criminal justice practices over the past couple of centuries. The "mug shots" of prisoners held there were fascinating and often poignant. This was particularly true for those stories of the children incarcerated for things like petty theft, acts they committed just to survive. The instruments of "correction" such as stocks were also described in detail. Notorious prisoners held at the castle prison were highlighted and their tales were intriguing. The stories of Mary Blandy and the Black Panther were especially memorable. Our guide did a fabulous job of informing us about the history and significance of the structure in a very engaging manner. The Castle Mound at the front of the grounds is also worth climbing as the views are terrific. This is definitely worth the time and price of admission if you are in Oxford.

Amazing contemporary art, great atmosphere and a good time altogether. I had gone there for a…read moreprivate party and the basement was done up so well with the lights, music and everything.

The gist: Art gallery with a range of exhibitions, talks, events, workshops and films…read more Who's it for? Mainly the local community, although it's well worth visiting if you're a tourist as well. What's so great about it? Variety, and it's free (donation recommended)! If you don't like the art they're displaying, it changes every couple of months. Will the kids like it? They cater for children. 2-4pm at weekends with exhibitions, there's a 'modern art trolley' with activity sheets. They also have family guides, family days and artist-led workshops for children. See the website for more details. I'm just hungrycan I eat there? Yep, like all the best places there's a cafe. What's the catch? Well, modern art's not for everyone

So this place is very small! Not bad, just small. Think almost the opposite of Ashmolean in terms…read moreof scale. There is a gallery for local exhibitions and upstairs is historic town hall. I just came out of the current exhibit, which is the work of a local man who died young as a result of his disability. Very touching that the town puts on local work to look at local artists and such. Nice little cafe, gift shop, and friendly folks who know city very well.

This museum tells the history of Oxford from the first river crossing through to the 20th century…read more I don't find it as interesting as the other museums in Oxford but maybe that is because I was brought up near Oxford and knew a lot of the history anyway, or maybe it is because I've only ever been in it whilst in the company of small children who have a tendency to rush round and not let you read all the notices. It does have things to keep the children interested just not quite as many exciting things as the Pitt rivers and Natural History museum. They often have children's activities and events on but you do sometimes have to pay for these (the other musuems just ask for donations). The nearest toilets are in the Town Hall next door - which also has a cute cafe hidden away in its depths.

Christ Church Picture Gallery is often called one of the hidden gems of Oxford. It's almost…read moreliterally hidden, as the gallery is semi-underground and tucked away in the back of the college. To go in, enter Christ Church via the Oriel Square entrance (tell the person who will try to stop you that you're going to the Picture Gallery). When you get in, you will be rewarded by an amazing collection of Old Master paintings and drawings. The drawings collection in particular is spectacularly good, though of course they can only display a small fraction of it at any one time. They usually have a temporary exhibition on as well.

I am so glad I found this tour! Lisa was an amazing tour guide! She was very friendly and funny…read more She took our group around Oxford and told us so many historical stories, showed us some excellent views and even gave us suggestions about where to eat/drink, and how much it costs to get into local museums and colleges. She certainly knew a lot about the area and can answer your questions. I cannot believe that this 2-hour walking tour was FREE! Yes, you heard that right. Lisa operates solely off of tips (aka what you think it was worth). I wish I had more money on me since she was so excellent. There is just so much to see and learn in Oxford. Since my group was smaller (about 11 people versus the max of 20), we were able to get into Balliol College to view (it was discounted since we went as a group). It was absolutely stunning! Make sure you bring comfy walking shoes since there is quite a bit of walking (all flat), and have coins handy in case of admissions to places (several pounds works). Also have your camera handy since you will want to forever capture the moments. I think young children would probably be bored on this tour, since it is very historical-based. As long as you don't mind moderate walking, viewing some amazing architecture and listening to stories about World War II, college rivalries, etc., this is the tour for you!

Neither fancy nor run down, I'd not shy away from another performance at The Oxford Playhouse - and…read moreneither should you - but I'd set my expectations accordingly. Having bought advance tickets to a very good, creative, evening performance (Moby Dick) I was surprised to see how casual the Playhouse's interior looked and felt. It wasn't just the presence of a lot of children in the audience but also the sale of ice cream in the theater at intermission. This is not a theater experience that one should feel the need to dress up for; it's sort of the opposite of that. If ancient yelp reviews are accurate, The Oxford Playhouse is an attractive option for Oxford students. As a visitor to the town, I'd not call this a "must" but after a day of doing "whatever" it offers a comfortable finale.

I really love the Optin program and it's a great way for students to see good theatre for a…read morereasonable price. It's near the Ashmolean Museum which makes it a great way to end an evening of sightseeing.