A Summer Day Out in Oxford

Oxford is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day, and is the home of our flagship store. Whilst a day trip to Oxford can be easily filled with stunning architecture and tours of the historic university, continue reading for an alternative itinerary…we’ve pulled together popular things to do in Oxford from a local’s perspective, for some unique Oxford recommendations.

North Oxford

Slightly off the tourist trails, why not start your day with a visit to Port Meadow? Oxford’s largest green space, Port Meadow stretches from the indie suburb of Jericho (just a short walk from the city centre), all the way to the village of Wolvercote.

Photo of horses standing by a river flowing through a meadow. The meadow extends into the background, where there is a line of trees followed by the spires of Oxford

A crisp, morning walk through the meadow and along the river sets you up nicely for your day. Take in the expanse of sky, and the wildlife and cattle that Port Meadow is home to.

Stop off at the Medley for a morning coffee or soft drink, nestled under the trees of the river bank. If you’re loving the feeling of being away from the City, take yourself strawberry picking at Medley Manor Farm down the road, for a great Oxford activity with kids.

Image of people sitting outside at tables with drinks. There are fairy lights hanging between trees, and on the right is an orange bar.

Oxford City Centre

Now that you’ve had your fresh-air fix, head on into the town centre.

The Oxford Covered Market is the perfect place to cool off and find relief from the sun. Whilst you’re here, pop in to say hi to the team at Y.O.U. You could even pick up some breathable, organic cotton underwear whilst you’re here to help you move through the rest of your day with comfort.

Image of the outside of the YOU Oxford shop. The photo is taken from the left of the shop, and the door is open. In the background is the local butchers and the pride flag, as well as the ceiling beams of the covered market.

Pick up some floral blooms from our neighbours at The Garden, browse for your holiday read at Gulp Fiction, and finally grab yourself a refreshing ice-cream from iScream, before heading out of the market.

Just a short walk away is Christchurch Meadow; an iconic Oxford place to visit and the perfect location for a lunch-time picnic.

Image of Christchurch College, an old Oxford University building, with gardens in front of it. Right at the bottom of the image is a small stone wall and a mowed lawn.

Cowley Road

A stroll down the historic High Street, takes you to the University Botanical Gardens. Treat yourself to a wander around these beautifully maintained gardens, with their array of rare plants.

Image of the Oxford University Botanical Gardens. In the foreground are lots different types of foliage. In the background is a big stone wall, behind which you can see the top of Magdalen College Tower

Walk a little further down the High Street, and you’ll find yourself on the Cowley Road. Cowley Road is a bustling hub for independent food businesses, and you’ve arrived just in time for dinner!

Close off the day with a sun-downer in one of Cowley’s buzzy pubs and bars. The Star boasts an irresistible beer garden, or grab a street-side table at Bigfoot for some sunset people-watching.

Image showing the outside of a bar/ restaurant. There are wooden tables and benches in the foreground, with two people sat. Through the big windows you can see more people enjoying drinks

For more Oxford content, look no further!

5 Top Places to Visit in Oxford

An Eco-Friendly Guide to Visiting Oxford

6 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Oxford

Author: Evie Tucker, Comms and Retail Team, Y.O.U Underwear

Images courtesy of Y.O.U Underwear, The Medley Oxford, Bigfoot and Visit Oxford.