Attractions & Museums in Oxfordshire

Largest gallery in the South East devoted to contemporary art.  Exhibitions display various types of art including paintings, photography and sculpture.

Museum tracing the history of rowing, the town of Henley and the Royal Regatta. Visitors can find out about rowing across the world, re-live many great rowing races including the Boat Race and Olympics, meet the coaches and boat builders, and find out about professional rowers.  An interactive exhibit gives visitors a 360 degree panoramic experience of what it is like to take part in a race at Henley Royal Regatta.

Museum set in an historic manor house and stone farm buildings, depicting life during Victorian times in Oxfordshire.   There are displays about farming during this time, Victorian maids wandering around who visitors can ask about their lives, and who can be seen cooking on old ranges, and an area where children can try on replica Victorian clothes, and play authentic toys and games of the period.

The Museum tells the story of Oxford from prehistoric times to present day, exploring life before and after the university, when kings were crowned and parliaments debated in Oxford.  Artefacts, treasures and a film presentation tell the story of Oxford.   Find out about the city’s earliest residents, medieval crafts, civil war and famous literary connections.  Regular exhibitions and a range of hands-on workshops run throughout the year.

The Oxford Bus Museum has over 40 vehicles on permanent display, and various exhibits on loan, from fire engines to bicycles. Access to some vehicles is available. There are also photographs, tickets, uniforms and other memorabilia on display.  On the first Sunday of the month between March to October, the Museum offers a free bus ride on a bus from the collection.  The museum is now also home to the Morris Motors Museum, which tells the story of how cars and commercial vehicles were produced at Cowley. There are  photographs, drawings and memorabilia, together with an impressive display of vintage Morris vehicles, representing the earliest to the last.  Please call to check days open before traveling.

Unique collection of Great Western Steam engines, wagons, over 40 coaches, railway buildings and small relics, including signalling equipment, a transfer shed and Didcot Halt. There is a quiz for children and Thomas the Tank visits at different times of the year. Adults can take a Railway Experience Day at set times throughout the year, and Steam Days are spread through the year where visitors can ride on the steam locomotive.

Take a journey on a steam train from Chinnor station along seven miles of track and take in the views and the history of the area.  In 2008 Chinnor are offering a series of Steam locomotive driving experience days, ranging in price and intensity.

Christmas Events & Activities: Santa will be giving out presents to children on the train on the 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December.  Adults will receive seasonal refreshments.  On the 13th December listen to traditional carols on the Carol Evening Train.