Things to do this Easter in Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a county that has everything from lush countryside and wildlife gardens, to fascinating museums and historic castles. If you’re looking for something to do in the upcoming holidays, look no further – here are some of the best things to do in Oxfordshire this Easter.

Pitt Rivers Museum

The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is home to over 600,000 items from around the world. As a way of celebrating cultural diversity, the artefacts are organised by type, instead of by geographical region or time period. One of the most interesting displays are the shrunken heads from South America, and are labelled the ‘Treatment of Dead Enemies’. Other highlights include a brass mermaid dish from Nigeria, a Roman shoe from Egypt, and a Moai figure from Easter Island.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is one of England’s largest houses, and is the primary residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. You can take tours of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get a glimpse of the Marlborough family’s lavish private apartments. Make your way through the different rooms and admire the extravagant decor and extensive collection of artwork. You can also take a tour of the area where the palace staff lived and worked, including the network of corridors and kitchen. There are plenty of things to see outdoors too, including the formal gardens, pleasure gardens and the stunning Marlborough Maze.

Crocodiles of the World

Oxfordshire is home to the UK’s only crocodile zoo, and Crocodiles of the World is the best place to come face to face with these predators. The zoo has a wide range of crocodiles, from Nile crocodiles to the endangered Siamese crocodiles from Cambodia. There is underwater viewing, talks and animal feeding sessions which you can get involved in. You can also meet the Komodo dragon and the giant Galapagos tortoise, and learn about how you can help protect them.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

There are plenty of things to keep you busy at the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. The park consists of 160 acres of landscape parkland and gardens, and is home to more than 260 species of animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. The park is divided into four areas: birds, mammals, primates and small mammals, and reptiles and amphibians. You can meet giraffes, watch rhinos graze, and get eye to eye with the Asiatic lion. Other favourites include Humboldt penguins, meerkats, lemurs, zebras and red pandas. The well kept gardens provide a stunning backdrop to the animals, and Easter time is particularly beautiful as all the spring flowers are in full bloom.

Oxford Castle and Prison

If you’re looking for adventurous Easter activities in Oxfordshire, then a trip to Oxford Castle and Prison is a great choice. This Norman medieval castle was built for William the Conqueror in 1071, but was then used as a prison after the Civil War. You can listen to the intriguing stories of the people who lived in the castle and learn about its history by taking a guided tour and visiting the exhibitions. Climb St George’s Tower to enjoy panoramic views over Oxford, make your way down into the 900 year old crypt, and explore the Debtor’s Tower and Prison D-Wing.

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