The first guide of the year! We’ll start with some good January deals ⬇️
🌳FREE entry to Waddesdon Manor grounds
Enjoy free entry to Waddesdon Manor grounds between January 10th – February 8th. Walks to go on, stunning views to see and nature to connect with. The beautifully landscaped grounds of Waddesdon are yours to explore for free. Just a reminder that the playground is currently closed for refurbishment and will re-open in the Spring.
Between January 10th – 8th February the grounds are open 10am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays only.
📅 Free entry until 8th February (Saturday-Sunday only) ⏰ 10am – 3pm 💷 Free entry, shuttle bus £2.50/ £1.50 for adults/ children 🎫 Pre-booking recommended ℹ️ Visit the Waddesdon website for more info.
🏰 Oxford Castle and Prison: 30% off guided tours for Oxfordshire residents
Throughout January, local residents can enjoy 30% off guided tours. Definitely worth a visit! I went recently on a year 2 school trip there and the children were absolutely captivated! Climb the 101 steps of St. George’s Tower and enjoy the panoramic views of Oxford, descend into the candle-lit crypt and learn about the Castle’s connection with the legend of King Arthur. Our favourite? Exploring the 18th Century prison cells, home to poisoners, miscreants and desperate criminals. See website for qualifying postcodes.
📅 Until 31st January ⏰ 10am – 5pm 💷 Adult: £12.95, Child: £8.23, Under 5: Free 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ More info on the Oxford Castle and Prison website.
⚜️ Warwick Castle: Local offer
Another cracking offer for Oxfordshire residents – around 50% off standard day price for OX postcode residents. Warwick Castle is a real medieval castle where you can climb towers, explore dungeons, watch knights joust and roam huge grounds, plus there’s a brilliant Zog-themed adventure area for little ones. Hands-on history with dragons, swords and enough to keep all ages busy. See website for qualifying postcodes.
📅 Until 12th February ⏰ 10am – 5pm 💷 Adult: £19.50, Child: £19.50, Under 2: Free 🎫 Booking recommended ℹ️ More info on the Warwick Castle website.
Saturday 17th January
✏️Blackwell’s Bookshop: Comic art superheroes
Author Sam Hart will be giving a practical demonstration of how to draw superheroes, villains and monsters based on his recently released title Comic Art Superheroes. Aimed at young teens and upwards, this must-have guide is the perfect introduction to creating dynamic, memorable comic book superheroes, supervillains and monsters.
📅 Saturday 17th January ⏰ 3pm – 4pm 💷 £5 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Book via eventbrite.
🐏 Oxford City Farm: Family Friendly Day
Lots of animals at the farm including chicks, pigs and kids. There’s also old favourites: goats, sheep and chickens. Walk the Wildlife Walk amongst the chickens and peep at the beehives. There’s also an area for free play and much to learn about farm to fork in the vegetable patch. Community farming – we love you!
📅 Open every Friday and Saturday⏰ 10am – 1pm 💴 Free 🎫 Booking only needed for parties over 10 ℹ️ Visit the Oxford City Farm website for more info. Never been to the farm? Check one of our many visits here.
💻 Code Club: Westgate, Headington, Abingdon and Wallingford Library
Free coding sessions for children using Scratch. Learn how to make your own games, no experience needed! These book out quickly so if you don’t get a spot this weekend, book ahead.
📅 Every Saturday ⏰ Saturday mornings, different times at each different library 💷 Free 🎫 Booking essential ℹ️ Book Oxford Westgate via eventbrite. Call other sites to book.
✂️Pitt Rivers Museum: Family Activity corner
Free drop-in activities on the Clore Balcony (First Floor) led by Museum volunteers. Join for family-friendly activities. Pick up a trail, get creative with a craft, find books to explore and more! The Wonderful Winter Family Trail is on until the 30th January.
📅 Every Saturday ⏰ 12 noon – 3pm 💷 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️More info on Pitt Rivers website
Sunday 18th January
🍎Marston Community Garden: Wassail
An afternoon of music, noise and colour – sounds perfect! There’ll be singing (easy to join in!), a lively procession, cakes and even fire – a proper winter community celebration.
📅 Sunday 18th January⏰ From 3pm 💷 Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on Marston Community Garden Facebook page.
🎶FUNmusica Family Concert: Family Film Favourites
These fun, family-friendly concerts are only three times a year at Oxford Town Hall, and are a brilliant intro to live music for kids: themed, interactive, and lots of fun. Expect to hear the music of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Frozen, Coco, Encanto and other Disney favourites. This is a relaxed affair so don’t worry about wrigglers – music IS movement! Dress up encouraged! Arts and crafts start from 3pm.
📅 Sunday 18th January⏰ Concert from 4pm, crafts from 3pm💷 Adults: £10, Children; £4, Under 2: Free 🎫 No booking required ℹ️ More info on Oxford Philharmonic website.
