Travel to Oxfordshire by train with GWR
Oxfordshire has it all…from the vibrant city of Oxford to the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds. From the picturesque town of Charlbury to the winding waterway of the Thames…and what better way to discover it all than to travel there by train.
With GWR (Great Western Railway) you will be there in no time, giving you ample opportunity to discover the iconic sites of the city of Dreaming Spires, immerse yourself in the county’s heritage and arts, explore the green grass shire onwards on foot, water or wheels, enjoy countless family-friendly attractions, plus so much more…
Take the hassle out of your journey and book your train to Oxford and beyond with GWR.
Travel to Oxfordshire by train with GWR
With great value fares and free online booking, you can hop on a GWR train to a variety of destinations across Oxfordshire, travelling in the comfort of state-of-the-art Intercity Express Trains with free Wi-Fi and at seat power sockets.
With two direct services an hour from London Paddington to Oxford, journeys from the capital take from as little as 52 minutes! Alternatively, there are great connections to Oxford and stops across the county from GWRs vast network in the South West and Wales, including direct train services from Worcester, Reading, and Banbury.
Ride the train to Henley-on-Thames for the River & Rowing Museum, Didcot Parkway for Didcot Railway Centre, and Hanborough for Blenheim Palace. Just a few of GWR’s stops in Oxfordshire giving you easy access to many of the county’s must-see attractions and sights for a day trip, weekend break or family holiday.
Choose GWR and see where you can go…
…Dreaming Spires
Oxford’s landmarks are known around the world and can be easily accessed from Oxford station. Explore the city and beautiful Oxford University buildings on a walking tour, take in a show at Oxford Playhouse and shop ‘til you drop in Oxford’s Covered Market and Westgate Oxford with its boutique cinema and rooftop bars and dining.
Here are just a few of the many sights in the city of Dreaming Spires that you can look forward to discovering when you travel by train with GWR.
Oxford Official Walking Tours
Breathe in all the history and heritage that Oxford has to offer on an Oxford Official Walking Tour! Your knowledgeable guide will lead you past Oxford’s most popular sights, cobbled lanes and show you the places where your favourite TV series and movies, from Harry Potter to Inspector Morse, were filmed.
University of Oxford
Oxford University is the oldest University in the English speaking world, and to date one of the best and most prestigious in the world, where countless famous figures and great minds have studied. The University is made up of 39 independent colleges, and their quads and buildings can be found all over the city.
Salter’s Steamers
Salter’s Steamers offers a variety of hugely popular boat trips through beautiful Thames scenery. From ‘Private charter’ to hourly 40minute trips or the 2.5hour picnic cruises, they have something for everyone. If you fancy hiring a boat for yourselves, they offer self-drive motorboat hire, punts and rowboats.
…arts, culture and heritage
Oxfordshire is well known for its historic buildings and museums, but it is also home to some inspiring art spaces, theatres and music venues. From permanent collections at the Museum of Oxford to temporary exhibitions at Modern Art Oxford, festivals including Wilderness Festival and The Big Feastival, the county is bursting with arts, culture and heritage sights.
Here are just a few of the many attractions across Oxfordshire that you can look forward to discovering when you travel by train with GWR.
Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology with an incredibly rich collection. As Britain’s first public museum, it’s home to half a million years of human history and creativity, from ancient Egyptian Mummies to modern art, and much more.
New Theatre Oxford
Set in the heart of the city centre, New Theatre Oxford is home to some of the biggest names in entertainment. From West End musicals to world class music, top comedians to the best of dance and much more – there is something for everyone on the New Theatre Oxford stage.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
Oxfordshire Artweeks is the UK’s oldest and biggest artist open studios & pop-up exhibition event, which takes place each May in hundreds of venues across the county. From 7th-29th May 2022, explore amazing art in wonderful places across Oxfordshire! And all for free!
…fresh air and freedom
The city of Oxford and its stunning shire are full of green spaces to get active in or to simply relax and unwind. Enjoy the seasons in the county’s many ornamental, landscaped and wild gardens and parklands as well as in Oxford’s legendary Port Meadow. Put on your walking shoes or bring your cycle and explore sections of the Thames Path, or cruise or punt along the river itself.
Here are just a few of the many attractions and activities across Oxfordshire that you can look forward to discovering when you travel by train with GWR.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picture-perfect stately home sits among more than 2000 acres of extraordinary landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens.
Cherwell Boathouse
Make the most of your trip and take part in the quintessential Oxford activity of punting at Oxford’s biggest punting station. Take your punt and sail upstream or down river, admiring the city’s beautiful architecture and landscape from a totally unique perspective.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK’s oldest botanic garden, founded in 1621. Situated in the heart of Oxford, this historic garden is an oasis of green in the city centre. Indeed it is one of the most compact yet diverse collections of plants in the world.
Are you looking for an adventure? There are so many great places to walk and explore in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. Check out the top 10 walks in the county.
…family fun
There’s fun to be had for all the family in Oxfordshire – from family-friendly attractions and exciting museums to acres of outdoor space! Arrive by train and step back in time at the Oxford Castle Quarter and discover the 1,000 year history of Oxford Castle & Prison or join a Harry Potter Highlights Tour and visit The Divinity School.
Here are just a few of the many attractions across Oxfordshire that you and the family can look forward to discovering when you travel by train with GWR.
City Sightseeing Oxford
Embark on a journey on this award-winning open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour to reveal the ancient and modern history and mystery of Oxford. With 20 bus stops, you’re free to hop on and off at your leisure to make the most of your experience!
Cogges Manor Farm
Discover Cogges Manor Farm – a hidden gem at the heart of Witney in the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Explore over 17 acres of naturally beautiful grounds, the enchanting walled garden, picnic orchard, moated islands and river Windrush walk – dogs are welcome too!
Didcot Railway Centre
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 25-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s – you can even climb onto the footplates of some locomotives!
For further ideas and information about the many fantastic things there are to see and do across Oxfordshire and the city of Oxford – as well as where to stay – when you arrive by train with GWR, take a look at the 2022 edition of the official Oxfordshire Visitor Guide.
Don’t forgot to eat! Oxford and the county is full of amazing eateries, catering for all tastes and budgets. Check them out in the latest official Oxfordshire Hospitality Guide.
