Spring is here and I am so excited! As a March baby I always love this time of the year and am always ready to get out and about. Spring time around Oxfordshire has so much to offer and in this guide I’ve put together some of my favourite things to do, along with some great events put on for 2024. I hope this provides you with a few ideas, especially with the Easter holidays fast approaching!
Spring Time Around Oxfordshire
See the Spring Flowers
One of my favourite things about Spring time is finally being able to get outdoors and enjoy it. The sun comes out (most of the time although as I write this it’s pouring with rain) and daffodils start popping up all over the place, not to mention all the candy floss like trees showing off their delicate blossoms. If you’ve not yet managed to take a day trip to see the Spring Flowers it isn’t too late! Check out my most recent guide for all the best places to see the Spring flowers around Oxfordshire.
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Another great Spring time spot is the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden. This is also the UK’s oldest Botanic Garden and celebrated 400 years back in 2021! Within its grounds you will find over 5000 different sorts of plants from all across the world. A particularly lovely spot is the Walled Garden. This actually used to be a Physic Garden and now provides a welcome place for some peace and quiet away from the centre of the city. Also check out the various glasshouses. There are seven in total and contain tropical rainforests, the world’s biggest water lilies, desert cacti, carnivorous plants and alpine flora.
Whilst you can buy tickets on the day, it is always recommended to buy online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. A ticket costs £7.20 (student and over 65 concessions available). The Gardens are open every day from 10am – 4pm during the Spring months (March – June).
Harcourt Arboretum
Another University establishment, the Harcourt Arboretum, makes it on to this list due to the beautiful blossom you can enjoy during a Spring visit. Harcourt Arboretum is located just outside of Oxford in the village of Nuneham Courtney and offers over 130 acres of the world’s rarest and most endangered trees.
Once again, you can buy tickets on arrival but booking online is advisable. You can book tickets here. A ticket costs £7.20 (student and over 65 concessions available). The Gardens are open every day from 10am – 4pm during the Spring months (March – June)
If you happen to visit on the first Wednesday each month you can join one of the free tours that are offered by the Arboretum staff. They start at 1:30 from the Welcome Center.
Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames
The lovely Greys Court, located just outside of Henley, is a firm favourite of mine. Whilst the house and grounds aren’t as extensive as other National Trust properties in the area, they do provide a pleasant place to spend half a day and personally I don’t think you can beat a Spring time visit!
There are plenty of events coming up too including an Easter Egg Hunt (23rd March – 14th April), the Henley Arts Trail (26th April – 6th May) and an ongoing exhibition, focussed on the conservation of the stained glass panes in the house.
Admission for National Trust members is free. For adults a ticket costs £14. Make sure you check opening times before your visit – more information can be found here.
White Horse Hill to Ashdown Walk
Oxfordshire has so many great walks to choose from. A favourite of mine has to be the walk along the Ridgeway from White Horse Hill to Ashdown Walk. The 7.7 mile walk takes you across the chalk downs and provides some gorgeous views out across the county, especially on a sunny day. I would recommend following the steps outlined here by the National Trust.
Thame Spring Market
For just a few days at the beginning of March (8th – 10th) you can enjoy the street market that takes over Thame’s High Street. The market almost takes on a festival vibe, offering an eclectic mix of street food, handmade arts and crafts, groceries, as well as clothes, jewellery and other accessories.
Oxford Covered Market
If you’re reading this too late for Thame’s offering, the Covered Market in Oxford usually puts on something special for Easter. Information on the Easter Egg Hunt has not yet been released but keep an eye on their events page for information hopefully coming soon!
Enjoy a Spring time picnic
On a warm Spring day why not pack yourself a picnic? Some of my favourite picnic spots include Fawley Meadow in Henley-on-Thames, Rye Farm Meadow in Abingdon-on-Thames, Blenheim Palace (combine your picnic with a visit!) and the Castle Gardens in Wallingford.
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Other posts that may help you:
- Best Places to see Spring Flowers around Oxfordshire
- Days Out in Southern England
- What to do in Henley on Thames
Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you with a few ideas for Spring time around Oxfordshire! If you have any questions about the items on my list or the area in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
