5 things to do in Oxford this summer!

So, if you’re like me, you’ve FINALLY finished that dissertation, FINALLY finished all your exams and the mammoth amount of assignments that you had. Now you can FINALLY sit back and chill. So, now what? Well if you’ve got time to kill in Oxford here’s a few things that you really need to do in Oxford – student style.

1. Punting
Okay, so it’s pretty stereotypical but if you haven’t done it you really must. If it’s a sunny day then even better. You can even try stopping at one of the many gorgeous river side pubs for lunch to refuel e.g. The Victoria Arms.

Drop down to Magdalen Bridge for a punt with your pals. It costs £18 per hour on weekdays and £20 per hour on the weekends. If you don’t think you can handle the punt then hiring a chauffeur is £25 per half hour. You will need a £30 deposit and identification. If you want to go for something a bit cheaper then visit the Salter’s Steamers at the bottom of St. Aldate's - to rent a punt there is £15 per hour with a deposit of £50. Whichever you choose, always bring a picnic!

2. Ice Skating
What better way to cool down from the hot summer sun then to pretend that you’re a graceful princess/prince for an hour or two? Plus, for those fairer in skin it’s a good way of avoiding the sun at its peak times and the horrendous lobster look that no one should have. General admission is £7.60 but with an NUS card you only have to pay £5.80. There’s even a disco session every Thursday night. Groove on!




3. The Ashmolean Museum
It’s free and its indoor so avoid the heat in one of the 67 galleries that the museum has to offer. Currently there is a show of works by Paul Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh to name a few. If you get peckish you can order afternoon tea or a spot of light lunch at their Dining Room. 

4. Outdoor pool
Yup, I'll say it again. Oxford has an outdoor pool! For only £5.90 head yourself and all the floaties you can carry to the Hinksey Outdoor Pool. It’s even heated - winning! 





5. Eat & Drink
Oxford has an incredible array of eating and drinking places. For all the foodies out there here are a few of my personal recommendations and discoveries. 

Jacobs Chop House, Headington. It’s behind Subway and satisfies all of your meat cravings. Everything is cooked to excellency and if you want something to follow I suggest their Death’s Door Collins, a drink with gin, lemon and sugar. If you’re not a fan of gin you certainly will be after this. Not to mention their service is genuine and lovely. Take it from one of the fussiest hospitality students, this place is damn good. If you fancy a spot of brunch, they do have a café just next to Waitrose. Whilst I haven’t been myself, I have heard good things about that place as well!

Sojo, Hythe Bridge Street. It’s right next door to Bridge and is anything other than cheap greasy Chinese food. If I ever feel homesick this is my go-to place. Be sure to order the Beef Stir Fry Noodles and always order the Sweet and Sour Chicken. I highly recommend going with a large group of friends and ordering as much as you can possibly take. It will be 100% worth it.

Mad Hatter, Iffley Road. This place could possibly be the coolest speakeasy in all of Oxford. It is incredibly difficult to find and you will need to solve a riddle before you enter but it is totally worth it! The ambience and the drinks offer this weird/cool vibe as if you really have fallen into a mad rabbit hole. Choose a drink from their mixologist menu and allow your tastebuds (and yourself) to get totally and utterly mind blown. Good luck!

The Trout Inn, Wolvercote. A gastro pub that delivers everything that a pub should do with class. It’s best enjoyed on a super sunny day with a large jug of Pimms. Bring your sunglasses and enjoy the fabulous riverside scenes. Check out their website before you go, right now they’re offering free bar snacks with a G&T... Cheers!



Freud, Jericho. This church converted bar offers an extensive cocktail menu that will leave you needing a good 10 minutes to decide what the heck you want. Everything is a good choice and with the deep house music you will slowly forget that you are surrounded by people that are waaaaay brighter (and weirder) than you (Oxford University students).