Midnight Mass in New College Chapel

Dec 2008 (annual)

New College has one of the most beautiful chapels in Oxford and one of the finest choir schools. The college has no Christmas services after the end of the university term in early December, so one of the few chances the public has to hear Christmas carols in the college is during this service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Othello - RSC

24 - 28 Feb 2009

Kathryn Hunter directs this new Royal Shakespeare Company production of Othello, starring Patrice Naiambana in the title role, with Natalia Tena as Desdemona and Michael Gould as Iago. Here the tour arrives at Oxford Playhouse.

Easter Egg Rolling

Mar 2009 (annual)

There's no point going to the Easter Egg Rolling event at Shotover Park unless you take a painted hard-boiled egg and enter it for at least one of the competitions, which include Best Painted Egg and the messy Demolition Derby.

David Byrne

9 Apr 2009

David Byrne is on tour with his band having just released Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, his first collaboration with Brian Eno since 1981. This show is at Oxford's New Theatre.

Oxford May Day

May 2009 (annual)

Centuries-old traditions are upheld for Oxford May Day by the population of this student town, who gather in their thousands to hear the choir of Magdalen college sing in the new May dawn from the top of their chapel tower.

Beating the Bounds

May 2009 (annual)

0nce a year on Ascension Day, members of St Michael's congregation process through Oxford marking out the parish boundary in a traditional ceremony known as "the Beating of the Bounds."

Oxford Balloon Fiesta

May 2009 (annual)

The sky above Cutteslowe Park fills with colourful balloons once again as Oxford's Balloon Fiesta returns for another year.

Eights Week

May 2009 (annual)

Eights Week is the biggest event in the year for keen rowers at all the 30+ colleges of Oxford University. Each is set against the others in a "bumps" racing competition to find the best college rowing team of them all.

Oxford Pride

Jul 2009 (annual)

Against the backdrop of the city's dreaming spires, Oxford Pride brings together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities for a day of entertainment at Oxpens Meadow.

St Giles Fair

Sep 2009 (annual)

This annual fair and flower festival celebrates St Giles' Day in and around the ancient church in Oxford, as it has done for centuries.

Botanic Garden

Daily

The University of Oxford's Botanic Garden is a national reference collection of 7000 different types of plant. Tucked besides Magdalene Collge, there is even more biological diversity here than there is in tropical rainforests.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Daily

The Pitt Rivers Museum is the ethnographic museum of Oxford University, a treasure trove of man's creations from all over the world - from a witch in a bottle and Inuit fur parkas to Hawaiian feather cloaks and a Kalabari household shrine.

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

Daily; not Mon

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, established in 1683, is the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It houses the University of Oxford's collections of art and antiquities, ranging over four millennia - from the civilisations of the ancient worlds to Renaissance Europe and the present day.

Covered Market

Daily

Dating back to the Middle Ages, when goldsmiths plied their trade here, Oxford's atmospheric Covered Market is a souk-like shopping experience with lots of little shops to browse through. Don't miss Emma Bridgwater's beautiful pottery, a cup of tea from your very own pot in Brown's Cafe (which does a mean "greasy spoon" breakfast) and a visit to the Oxford Cheese Company for some pungent Oxford Blue. Across Cornmarket at the Golden Cross Arcade, housed in a 1,000 year old coaching inn, you can pick up a remedy or two at the Neal's Yard shop or stop for a pizza at Pizza Express.

Oxford Castle

Daily

Built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, Oxford Castle was once a royal residence, a centre for justice and then a prison, up until 1996. The Castle's dark history of violence, executions and escapes is now revealed to visitors.

Westgate Shopping Centre

Daily

The Westgate, as locals call it, is Oxford's best shopping mall, with plenty of fashion brands, homeware and speciality shops. There is something for everyone here, from the latest computer games and mobile phone accessories to quality teas and party dresses.

The Living Room

Daily

Lounge on brown leather banquettes in Oxford Castle's sleekest drinking haunt. The Living Room attracts a sophisticated, fashionable crowd who sip expertly-mixed cocktails and bottled lagers. Check out the terrace on warm summer evenings.

Freud's

Daily

Housed in a renovated church complete with stained-glass windows, the popular Freud's bar and restaurant has live jazz, Latin American and contemporary live music most nights. The menu features light snacks such as nachos and a wide selection of pizzas.

Blackwell's

Daily

As the biggest and best bookshop in one of the greatest academic cities in the world, Blackwells is a sight bibliophiles cannot miss. Though it may not have quite as many books at the Bodleian Library across the road, this cavernous five-floored bookshop is a place to lose yourself for hours. Discover everything from philosophy and technology to fiction and performing arts, archaeology, children's books and secondhand bargains.

Blenheim Palace

Daily

Home to the Duke of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace is one of England's most spectacular stately homes, located eight miles from the medieval city of Oxford. It is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Designed by Vanbrugh (assisted by William Hawksmoor), the building is a fine example of the English Baroque style, with Italianate formal gardens and a beautiful park designed by Capability Brown.

Oxford University

Daily

As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, Oxford lays claim to eight centuries of continuous existence. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed here in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. It houses many treasures - in building and park form - and any visit to the town should include at least one of its gems.

Museum of Oxford

Daily; not Mon

Housed in the Town Hall, the Museum of Oxford tells the story of the city and the university from prehistoric times to the present day.

Green

Daily

The place to be seen in central Oxford, the atmosphere at Green shifts subtly between brunch café, cocktail bar and nightclub.

No monthly events available.

Torpids

Feb 2009 (annual)

The Torpids, one of the two bumping races in Oxford, takes place in the sixth or seventh week of the Hilary Term. Over 130 rowing crews take part, with more than 1200 participants.

St Giles Fair

Sep 2009 (annual)

This annual fair and flower festival celebrates St Giles' Day in and around the ancient church in Oxford, as it has done for centuries.

Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride

Sep 2009 (annual)

The Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation links England's two most famous university cities. Starting in Oxford, the 89-mile route heads through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, into the Cambridgeshire fenlands and ending in Cambridge.

Oxford Round Table Firework Display

Nov 2009 (annual)

The Oxford Round Table celebrates the demise of Guy Fawkes, raises money for charity and entertains the people of Oxford all in one fell swoop. This annual firework display takes place in South Park, which separates Headington from Cowley Road.

Oxford Pride

Jul 2009 (annual)

Against the backdrop of the city's dreaming spires, Oxford Pride brings together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities for a day of entertainment at Oxpens Meadow.

Oxford Mela

Jun 2009 (annual)

Oxford's Mela returns to Cowley Marsh with a full day of events celebrating various aspects of culture from India.

Oxford May Day

May 2009 (annual)

Centuries-old traditions are upheld for Oxford May Day by the population of this student town, who gather in their thousands to hear the choir of Magdalen college sing in the new May dawn from the top of their chapel tower.

Oxford Lieder Festival

Oct 2009 (annual)

From humble beginnings in 2002, the Oxford Lieder Festival has established itself as the leading celebration of song in the UK. The Holywell Music Room and Jaqueline du Pré Building host 26 concerts, masterclasses, talks and workshops.

Oxford Folk Festival

Apr 2009 (annual)

The town hall and other city venues play host to a variety of folk performers and workshops at the annual Oxford Folk Festival.

Oxford City Royal Regatta

Aug 2009 (annual)

The popular historic Oxford City Royal Regatta is held along a beautiful stretch of the Isis (River Thames). It takes place over two days with a 1000-metre course on the Saturday and a 500-metre sprint the following day.

Oxford Chamber Music Festival

Oct 2009 (annual)

The Oxford Chamber Music Festival was established in 2000 by violinist Priya Mitchell. The idea is to gather together international musicians for three days of intensive rehearsals followed by four days of concerts in various venues around town.

Oxford Balloon Fiesta

May 2009 (annual)

The sky above Cutteslowe Park fills with colourful balloons once again as Oxford's Balloon Fiesta returns for another year.

Midnight Mass in New College Chapel

Dec 2008 (annual)

New College has one of the most beautiful chapels in Oxford and one of the finest choir schools. The college has no Christmas services after the end of the university term in early December, so one of the few chances the public has to hear Christmas carols in the college is during this service at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Eights Week

May 2009 (annual)

Eights Week is the biggest event in the year for keen rowers at all the 30+ colleges of Oxford University. Each is set against the others in a "bumps" racing competition to find the best college rowing team of them all.

Easter Egg Rolling

Mar 2009 (annual)

There's no point going to the Easter Egg Rolling event at Shotover Park unless you take a painted hard-boiled egg and enter it for at least one of the competitions, which include Best Painted Egg and the messy Demolition Derby.

Cowley Road Carnival

Jul 2009 (annual)

Cowley Road Carnival returns with a colourful procession, street theatre, live music and other activities for all the family.

Christ Church Regatta

Nov 2009 (annual)

Christ Church Regatta is a novice-only regatta at Oxford University where potential rowing champions fill the River Isis. Watch from the Boathouse Island or the Towpath for the best views.

Beating the Bounds

May 2009 (annual)

0nce a year on Ascension Day, members of St Michael's congregation process through Oxford marking out the parish boundary in a traditional ceremony known as "the Beating of the Bounds."

No biennial events available.