It’s a double whammy and we deserve it after dishing out for six weeks! Make sure you don’t miss out…let’s go!
Saturday 12th September
Oxford Open Doors: Weston Library family crafts, printing and storytime
As always, the Weston Library delivers with a packed day of family fun! Get creative with crafts, try a Victorian printing press, discover how library collections are photographed, and enjoy a fun storytelling session about pets with award-winning poet James Carter. Most activities are free and drop-in, with storytelling at 11.30am and 2pm for ages 4+.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰11am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
🚂 Heritage Open Day: Free entry to Pendon Museum
If you haven’t been then absolutely sprint to one of these free open days. This museum sails under the radar but is absolutely fascinating. There will be the usual miniature trains running around landscapes that you recognise! My boys have all loved this place in their train era and we continue to visit as it brings us so much joy!
📅 Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Wednesday 16th September ⏰11am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on the Heritage Open Day website.
🍽️ Sandy Lane Farm: Farm to Fork Open Day
One of our favourite farm experiences! Families can explore the market garden and polytunnels, meet the chickens, sample local produce and discover how organic vegetables make their journey from farm to fork. There’ll also be food from local producers and plenty to eat (we loved the wood fired pizzas last time – they sell out!) of space to explore. Entry is free and £3 to park your car. No dogs. Love these events for our children – so important to understand where our food comes from (I feel this now more than ever).
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰10am – 2pm (last entry 3.30pm) 💷Free, £3 per car 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on the Sandy Lane Farm website.
🚌 Oxford Open Doors: Free heritage bus rides
Hop aboard a free heritage bus ride around Oxford and see the city! Check out the timetable on the website below.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰11am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
Oxford Open Doors: Old Road Campus Research Building
Do you have a mini scientist? Had to the Old Road Campus Research Building to discover the biomedical research happening at Oxford University! Meet researchers, try hands-on activities and explore everything from cancer research and vaccines to surgical science. There’ll be children’s crafts, games and colouring, plus the chance to book a behind-the-scenes lab tour on the day.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰12 noon – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website .
🚒 Oxford Open Doors: Rewley Road Fire Station Open Day
A highlight! Meet the firefighters, take a look around the fire station and have a go on the equipment – including spraying a hose! This is defo a fave for my boys.
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website .
🎭 Oxford Open Doors: Sheldonian Theatre
One of Oxford’s most spectacular historic buildings and a brilliant one for curious kids with its grand architecture, fascinating history and plenty of activities and interactive games. Climb to the top for unreal views of Oxford! We’ve been previously and loved it.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on the Sheldonian website
🦈 Oxford Open Doors: Free silk screen printing at Oxford Castle
Get creative at Oxford Castle with a pop-up silk-screen printing workshop led by local artist Mani. Bring along an old T-shirt/ tote and personalise with Oxford-inspired designs, including the Radcliffe Camera and the iconic Headington Shark. It’s beginner-friendly, hands-on.
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website
🦅Oxford Open Doors: St John’s College
Architecture, beautiful gardens…and Missy! Loads on for kids at this open day including a treasure hut (with prizes!), the chance to meet Missy the Harris hawk and some interactive storytelling. You can also enjoy refreshments on the dining hall (£3.50) and have a great big nose around. Love it.
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September ⏰10am – 7pm 💷Free 💷 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website
🗺️ Oxford Open Doors: Free entry to Museum of Oxford
Free entry! Step back in time and discover how the city has changed over the centuries through fascinating objects, films, audio and interactive displays. Little oxplorers can also pick up a free family trail or backpack and explore at their own pace.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰10am – 5pm 💷Free 💷 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
🚗Oxford Open Doors: MINI Plant
This is an exciting one! Get a glimpse into Oxford’s motoring history at the MINI Plant, where you can explore a small museum packed with cars from the Bullnose Morris through to the latest MINI models. Celebrating 25 years of the modern MINI, it’s a chance to get up close to some iconic cars and discover the story behind Oxford’s famous car-making history.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰9.30am – 4pm 💷Free 💷 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
⚔️Oxford Open Doors: Yarnton Manor
You many have visited this beautiful 17th-century manor on one of their previous open days. Families can enjoy a garden trail and garden games in the huge grounds , a children’s craft activity. Picnics welcome and the weather looks good!
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in by 3pm ℹ️ More info on the Oxford Open Doors website.
🥳 East Oxford Farmers’ and Community Market: Happy 20th birthday!
Happy birthday! A community run, not for profit market that has been going for 20 years! The celebrations this weekend include and extended market plus craft tables, facepainting and more!
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰10am – 2pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on the East Oxford Farmers’ and Community Market Facebook page.
Sunday 13th September
🏰Oxford Open Doors: Free entry to Oxford Castle and Prison
Step into 1000 years of history! Visit the bottom of St George’s Tower, the Crypt, D-wing and the 1st floor, with tour guides on hand to provide further information. All for free! St George’s Tower will be closed.
📅 Sunday 13th September ⏰10am – 5pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on the Heritage Open Day site
🪜Oxford Open Doors: Free entry to Carfax Tower
Never climbed Carfax Tower? Climb the 99 steps to the top for brilliant views across the city skyline. It’s a bit of a leg workout, but the panoramic views are well worth the climb!
📅 Sunday 13th September ⏰10am – 5pm, last admission 4.30pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on the Oxford Open Doors website.
🦈 Oxford Open Doors: Free silk screen printing at Oxford Castle
Get creative at Oxford Castle with a pop-up silk-screen printing workshop led by local artist Mani. Bring along an old T-shirt/ tote and personalise with Oxford-inspired designs, including the Radcliffe Camera and the iconic Headington Shark. It’s beginner-friendly, hands-on.
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
📚Oxford Open Doors: Magdalen College School Gardens storytelling sessions
If you’ve ever walked past MCS then you will know that they are a bit fancy! As well as the gardens being open for a walk around, The Story Museum will also be there for free interactive storytelling sessions inspired by its Academy: School for Young Detectives exhibition. Follow the clues and solve the mysteries. For children aged 6+. Storytelling sessions at 1pm and 2.30pm.
📅 Saturday 12th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
🧸Oxford Open Doors: Somerville College
Explore Somerville College and discover what life is like inside an Oxford college. Children can take part in a Teddy Trail, finding teddy bears dotted around the college for a small prize!
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 12th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website
🚒 Oxford Open Doors: Rewley Road Fire Station Open Day
A highlight! Meet the firefighters, take a look around the fire station and have a go on the equipment – including spraying a hose! This is defo a fave for my boys.
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 12th September ⏰10am – 4pm 💷Free 🎫 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website
🦅Oxford Open Doors: St John’s College
Architecture, beautiful gardens…and Missy! Loads on for kids at this open day including a treasure hut (with prizes!), the chance to meet Missy the Harris hawk and some interactive storytelling. You can also enjoy refreshments on the dining hall (£3.50) and have a great big nosey around. Love it.
📅 Saturday 12th and Sunday 12th September ⏰10am – 7pm 💷Free 💷 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website
🚗Oxford Open Doors: MINI Plant
This is an exciting one! Get a glimpse into Oxford’s motoring history at the MINI Plant, where you can explore a small museum packed with cars from the Bullnose Morris through to the latest MINI models. Celebrating 25 years of the modern MINI, it’s a chance to get up close to some iconic cars and discover the story behind Oxford’s famous car-making history.
📅 Sunday 13th September ⏰9.30am – 3pm 💷Free 💷 No booking required – drop-in when you like ℹ️ More info on Oxford Open Doors website.
