Oxford Must-See's?

Looking through other threads will bring up a lot of things to see in Oxford. I’d suggest one or two colleges at least, the Bodlean Library (book a tour) and the Ashmolean Museum or the University Museum/Pitt Rivers Museum. Decide on your priorities but it’s all walkable.

Definitely the University Museum (natural history) and the Pitt Rivers (anthropology).

What sort of things interest you - museums, colleges, punting, gardens, shopping... My must see places might be the exact opposite to you....

I was lucky enough to be there when students were not and got a room At Christ Church College in the Annex across the street. Breakfast was in "Harry Potters" hall each morning which was a special treat. I took a Morse/Lewis/Endeavor tour which was not impressive, but was a good walk around Oxford. I was unable to see the Ashmolean or get inside the Bodleian so I will be back. Just walking around town was the biggest treat for me aside from where I was able to stay.

A day isn't long in Oxford, especially as it will be dark by around 4pm in early January. Oxford is where two rivers (the Thames and Cherwell) meet, so it is damp in winter and often foggy, particularly in the mornings. Dress appropriately would be my advice.

Depending on where you are staying in London, you may be better to get the coach (= bus in US english) called the "Oxford tube". This will drop you in the centre of Oxford whereas the train station is about 20 mins walk away; I haven't checked prices but it may well be cheaper too.

New Years Day, which is a UK public holiday, is a Thursday in 2026 and I suspect that some places (but probably not the museums) will not reopen on the 2nd (or 3rd) to create a long holiday. If you have anything you really want to see, I would check opening times and dates.

Some colleges charge visitors for entry - notably Christ Church with the Harry Potter link - and again you may want to decide which college(s) you want to see.

I loved the Ashmolean Museum and could easily have spent hours and hours there.

New years day is a bank holiday in the UK so moderate your expectations what will be open and transportation options.

That aside "must sees" are subjective, to that end I'd be down the pub for a couple of hours in the afternoon watching some football.

Thanks for all the suggestions! We will be going as a group so no need to worry about transportation, and no I'm not spending the afternoon in a pub with 15 year olds. I've been checking times for sites for the week we are in London and we will be fine. Just hadn't been to Oxford before, but London 5 or 6 times. Thanks all who had helpful suggestions!