Leisure time
With a year-round calendar of festivals, exhibitions, lectures, concerts and competitions, Oxford is a city that celebrates talent, curiosity and participation.
The city is home to a vibrant and accessible art scene, with museums and galleries catering to every interest. Whether you're drawn to ancient artefacts, contemporary installations or the work of emerging local artists, you’ll find it all here. The University itself is home to some of the most beautiful art spaces in the city and collectively, Oxford’s museums and galleries showcase fifty centuries of artistic endeavour.
University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) features some of the city’s most beautiful spaces and significant collections. Together, they provide important places of scholarly enquiry and represent an entry point to a beautiful, accessible world of discovery and joy. The Ashmolean Museum, the UK’s oldest public museum, houses a vast collection of art and antiquities. Meanwhile, modern art lovers will enjoy the exhibitions at Modern Art Oxford, and college galleries and independent spaces showcase work from both local and international artists.
Our music scene is rich and varied, hosting everything from world-class classical concerts at the Sheldonian Theatre and Holywell Music Room to lively gigs at grassroots venues and pubs. Oxford has a proud musical heritage, having nurtured famous acts like Radiohead and Foals, and it continues to be a hub for emerging talent.
Theatre lovers are also spoilt for choice as the Oxford Playhouse stages a dynamic mix of professional productions, student performances and national tours, whilst smaller venues such as the Burton Taylor Studio offer more intimate and experimental shows. And in summer, outdoor theatre in college gardens and parks brings Shakespeare and other classics to life in stunning settings.
Oxford is a sporting city too, with top-class facilities and a vibrant sports culture. Run at the Iffley Road Sports Complex, where Roger Bannister famously hit the tape on the world’s first sub-four-minute mile and explore our Olympic-standard pool, gyms and courts, as well as boathouses supporting the city’s iconic rowing traditions.
And, as you might expect at the oldest university in the English-speaking world, nine centuries of continuous existence has made us one of the best places to stretch your mind and continue your learning. Every year, more than 15,000 adult learners from across the globe enrol on part-time continuing education programmes with Oxford Lifelong Learning. The huge range of subjects on offer, provides stimulation for every curious mind. And for everyone interested in pursuing spiritual growth the Religious life section below is packed with suggestions of places and spaces to connect with like-minded souls from a plurality of faiths and interfaith organisations.