Autumn Bus Adventures
Feel like discovering something new this autumn? We do too! That’s why we’ve been harvesting ideas, sifting through bus routes and gathering travel tips to help you make the most of the season. While some of us embrace the changing colours, for others the shorter days can feel a bit meh. Either way, just a few hours away from the everyday routine offers a chance to reset and reconnect with your sense of curiosity. So, spend less time planning and more time leaf-kicking, puddle-jumping and memory-making.
Here’s to all our trail finders, pumpkin spice sippers and curious wanderers. This one’s for you.
Annora's Tomb, Iffley Village
In the quiet village of Iffley, in the suburbs of Oxford, you’ll find St Mary’s Church. Built by the St Remy family, the Romanesque sanctuary has been a place of worship for the local community for around 800 years. At the eastern end, tucked up against the wall, is a small grave. A little overgrown, and with few markers, this is the grave of the Anchoress Annora.
Annora lived for nine years in a small stone cell, known as an anchorhold, practising prayer and living frugally for the remainder of her life. The stone floor of her cell would eventually become the lid of her tomb, with scripture and church providing structure to her days.
The anchoritic life was entirely voluntary, with only 92 known anchoresses in the 12th and 13th centuries in England, and it had its benefits too. In return for offering advice and observation, Annora often received visitors and gifts, including a yearly firewood delivery from King Henry III. Keen-eyed visitors will also be able to spot a bricked-up archway in the wall of the church, which once served as Annora’s window to church services.
Today Annora’s Tomb serves as a peaceful, reflective place. Under the evergreen boughs of an ancient yew tree, with the River Thames running just a short distance away, why not stop by to pay your respects and say hello?
The Treacle Well & St Margaret’s Church, Binsey
In the hamlet of Binsey, just north of Oxford, is another church linked to a remarkable woman from local history. St Margaret of Antioch church, at the end of Kingston Road, was built in 1893 to serve local Church of England parishioners; however, its origins date back much earlier to an unassuming well in the churchyard.
It is said that Oxford’s patron saint, St Frideswide, escaped to Binsey to avoid marrying the Mercian Prince Algar. During her escape, Algar was blinded by a lightning strike. Frideswide, in her kindness, prayed to God and brought forth a healing spring, which she used to cure him. That spring is now known as the Treacle Well.
The name ‘treacle’ comes from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, in which three sisters live at the bottom. In truth, Carroll likely got the name from the medieval word ‘triacle’, meaning healing or medicine. The healing properties of the well are still firmly believed to this day, with water being drawn for regular church services.
Swing by to try and cure your ills or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the churchyard.
North Hinksey Conduit House, Hinksey Heights
Once a vital source of clean drinking water to Oxford, the North Hinksey Conduit House is well worth a visit this autumn. The house was built around 1617 to take water from the spring at North Hinksey to the Carfax Conduit, an elaborate fountain that once sat in the town centre and was later moved to Nuneham House. The Conduit House itself is rarely open to the public, though visitors are welcome to explore the exterior throughout the year. On the border of the Hinksey Heights Nature Reserve, the views from Conduit House are stunning at any time of year, but are particularly beautiful as autumn sets in.
When visiting, why not join the Hinksey Heights Nature Trail? Covering around 12 hectares, the trail cuts through rich habitats and biodiverse valleys, faithfully maintained by local trusts to create a thriving environment for native wildlife. Twitchers will delight at bullfinches, woodpeckers and kites sailing through the skies, while kids will love taking a closer look at the creepy crawlies who make their home in the leaf litter. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the local herd of deer who call the park home.
Dyke Hills Iron Age Earthworks
Discover the unassuming magnificence of Dyke Hills. Just outside of Dorchester-on-Thames, this Iron Age site was once a major fortification, used to protect the local settlements and made up just a small part of the local prehistoric landscape, including Castle Hill and the Wittenham Clumps.
Popular with history buffs and archaeologists alike, ancient pottery, Roman coinage and more have all been found at Dyke Hills. If you want to seek a discovery of your own, or simply enjoy the surrounding area, Dyke Hills are well worth a visit this autumn.
To make the most of your visit, why not embark on the 5-mile circular loop from Dorchester-on-Thames? Starting in the heart of the village, this steady meander takes you past the Dyke Hills fort, continuing through the wider Iron Age landscape.
Along the way, you’ll also see other popular local landmarks like the Poem Tree and Dorchester Abbey. If you’ve worked up an appetite, then the Snug café and farm shop are located conveniently on the route, serving up an ever-changing menu of seasonal delights.
Bayeux Tapestry Tours, Reading
Within the walls of Reading Museum, visitors can find a full-sized Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Starting with a meeting in 1064 between Edward the Confessor and Harold, Earl of Wessex, in the Royal Palace of Westminster, the tapestry documents the entirety of the Norman Conquest up until the final Norman victory over the English army.
Normally housed in Bayeux, France, the original Bayeux Tapestry inspired a group of women in the late 1800s to create a British copy of the famous work.
Heading up the project was Elizabeth Wardle, with 36 total women taking just over a year to hand-embroider the recreation. Today, Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry is displayed in full for visitors to marvel at. Three times a week, Reading Museum offers guided tours of the tapestry, exploring the replica and telling the story of the conquest.
When you’re done with your tour, it's well worth taking some time to explore the rest of the museum. From ancient civilisations to local ecosystems, you can see it all here. Kids will love the ROARsome Dino and Fossil Trail, available to be picked up on the day, while budding historians can wonder at Reading Abbey, open to the public with museum-guided tours every Saturday.
Love & Legacy at the Ashmolean
Established in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum was only the second university museum in the world. Home to art, culture and curiosity, the museum’s elaborate, honey-stoned façade stands tall as an unmissable presence on Oxford’s Beaumont Street. Well worth a morning or afternoon of exploration, the museum’s lofty walls house works by Picasso, da Vinci and Michelangelo, alongside the lantern carried by Guy Fawkes at the time of his 1605 arrest, the death mask of Oliver Cromwell and the Alfred Jewel, to name just a few exhibits.
In the coming season, the Ashmolean is celebrating Love & Legacy, delving into how traditions and practises are shared across cultures and generations through talks, workshops and exhibitions. The highlight of the series is Aphrodite: The Making of a Goddess from 8th October until early next year. Shining the spotlight on different sculptures, paintings and jewellery, the exhibition traces Aphrodite’s journey from the island of Cyprus to her present-day representations. A journey of love, beauty and desire, the exhibition promises to be a fair and complex look at one of the ancient world’s most famous deities.
Feeling inspired? Why not join the Medieval Embroidery Workshop Weekend: Opus Anglicanum? A two-day workshop with author and embroiderer extraordinaire Tanya Bentham, you’ll work hard to create a proud unicorn or fearsome dragon in the style of Opus Anglicanum medieval needlework. This style was traditionally used for ecclesiastical or secular works, creating detailed, golden art that has been enjoyed for centuries, and now can be mastered by you to create a beautiful new piece of art for your home.
If needlework isn’t your thing, why not join the Aphrodite Natural Materials Art Workshop on 21st November. Suitable for both total beginners and experienced artists, tutor Helen Garrett joins you in the studio to guide you through sketching the goddess of love, using natural materials on handmade paper. Real, authentic artefacts from the collection will also be available for you to handle, getting a closer look at ancient artworks to inspire the artist in you.
The Bate Collection of Historical Musical Instruments
The Bate Collection of Historical Musical Instruments is an unparalleled collection of instruments, dating back to the Middle Ages. The most comprehensive collection of European woodwind, brass and percussion in Britain, the collection can be found in the Schwarzman Centre, newly opened in 2026. From Civil War trumpets to futuristic saxophones, you’ll find it all in the Bate Collection.
Once a week, on a Tuesday evening, the Oxford Gamelan Society welcomes visitors to the collection to have a go at playing the Javanese Gamelan. With enthusiasm being the only thing required, it’s a great hobby to pick up, especially as the evenings get darker. The peaceful, chiming drums create a calm, meditative atmosphere, helping you let go of the worries of the day and relax into playing. If you’re wanting to find something new to try this autumn, why not pop along and have a go for yourself?
If you’re headed that way anyway, why not see what else the Schwarzman Centre has on offer? As well as being the home of the Bate Collection, they also host a variety of events throughout the year.
On 14th October, the world premiere of The Silent Songs of Josefine, comes to the Schwarzman Centre, with award-winning singer Anna Dennis and critically acclaimed pianist John Reid. Created as part of the Kafka centenary celebrations, in partnership with the Oxford Kafka Research Centre and Bodleian Libraries, this all-new song cycle is a creative and bold journey, and well worth experiencing.
Seasonal celebrations at Harcourt Arboretum
Explore over 130 acres of rare and endangered trees from across the globe, including some of the oldest redwoods in the UK, at Harcourt Arboretum. Owned by the University of Oxford, the arboretum is a satellite site of the university’s botanical gardens. Autumn at Harcourt is a particularly special time of year, with visitors from all over coming to see the trees turn into a blaze of vivid reds, golds and orange, leaves gently fluttering to the floor from above as you as you wander the arboretum’s winding paths.
On 24th October, the Harcourt Arboretum Autumn Fair returns for a memorable day of festive fall fun. Enjoy working horse demonstrations, crafting activities inspired by nature, learn traditional techniques and get involved with interactive theatre performances. Sustainable market stalls are set up for you to peruse, with seasonal food and drink also on offer. The whole day is set to a backdrop of live music from local band Horns of Plenty, who bring the sights and sounds of autumn to life with dazzling, jazzy tunes.
Oxford Botanic Garden’s Autumn Attractions
Nature lovers and gardeners alike will love Oxford Botanic Garden. The oldest botanic garden in the UK, and one of the oldest in the world, this green oasis in the heart of the city is home to over 5,000 plant species from around the globe. Take a picturesque stroll through the gardens, littered with stunning architecture and rare plant life. Head into the glasshouses to find some more exotic specimens or over to the Lower Garden, where Lyra and Will meet in His Dark Materials.
On 22nd October, embrace the magic of the season with Enchanting plants: Ethnobotany and Halloween. On a tour of the gardens with the Botanic Garden’s Plant Records Officer and ethnobotanist Dr Sarah Edwards, visitors can explore and discover a brilliantly unique perspective on plants and their roles in people’s lives. From healing to harm, Dr Edwards tells spellbinding stories of how these plants have been used across the globe. At the end of the tour, you’ll also get the chance to pick up a signed copy of Sarah’s book, perfect for those who have been intrigued by the tour.
To get prepared for jingling bells and festive cheer, why not head to the Botanic Garden on 27th November for Christmas Wreath Making? With morning and afternoon sessions available, spend some time getting into the spirit of the season and create a unique wreath to take home and display on your door. Using native plants, exotic spices and materials gathered from the gardens and Harcourt Arboretum, you’ll be able to create a stunning display that is perfect for your home. Learn a new skill, have fun and get creative.
Deer Spotting in Magdalen College Deer Park
Take a step away from the hustle and bustle of the city into Magdalen College’s extensive grounds. Set in 100 acres of parkland dating back to 1458, here you’ll find winding riverside walks, the picturesque Fellows’ Garden and a stunning water meadow, all watched over by a herd of fallow deer. Descendants of the original 18th-century herd, the deer can be seen stotting about the trees, foraging for food and quietly observing visitors. On a misty autumnal day, you could almost believe you’re on the film set of a costume drama, minus all the romantic intrigue and fancy tailcoats.
The college is open most days for visitors, with tickets costing £10 for adults and £9 for children, while under-7s go free.
A community farm in Oxford
On the edge of Oxford, amongst lively houses and busy streets, you’ll find Oxford City Farm. A community-led space, the farm offers people of all ages and stages the opportunity to meet friendly goats, sheep, chickens and other animals while growing food and supporting the neighbourhood.
Every Saturday, the farm hosts a market, selling seasonal produce grown on site, as well as homemade preserves and pantry staples. For the kids, on term-time Tuesdays, Little Wellies sessions give children 5 and under the chance to get involved in farm life. Kids will learn how to properly interact with the animals, get stuck in with the mud kitchen and let their imaginations run wild in the playhouse, so don't expect boredom to set in any time soon.
On 3rd October, Oxford City Farm will host their annual Autumn Festival. An afternoon of nature, food and community, the festival is the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season. Meet and greet the animals, have a go at apple pressing and crafting, and get involved in a range of hands-on activities. Local food vans will be coming along, serving up global eats and tasty treats to sate appetites as you explore everything the festival has to offer. To top off the day, enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire while sitting back and taking in the atmosphere of the farm.
Wantage Literary Festival
Returning for its 16th year, the Wantage Literary Festival is back for 2026. From 26th October to 7th November, the festival will be offering a wide range of thought-provoking events, interesting ideas and, of course, books. Internationally acclaimed authors, renowned journalists, celebrated historians and expressive musicians and artists all come together for a fortnight of creativity, sharing ideas and new perspectives. From talks and tours to family days and workshops, you can do it all at Wantage Literary Festival.
On 28th October, head over to the Vale and Downland Museum for the Wind in the Willows Family Day. Ideal for the kids, enjoy enchanting storytelling, get stuck into with crafts and take part in exciting activities, all inspired by the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad. Tickets for the day are free, but booking is essential to secure your spot.
If music’s more your thing, then on 31st October join the Monkeyfists at The Beacon for an evening of Sea Shanties. The UK’s most landlocked shanty band, the Monkeyfists, don’t let the geography of being nearly two hours from the sea stop them; they've been playing maritime music and salty tunes since 2014. Enjoy the foot-stomping, galleon-rousing music and sing along if you know the words, or simply have a go if you don’t. The band will also be taking requests from landlubbers and seafarers alike, so if you have a favourite rhyme or tune, be sure to ask.
Heading back outside for clearer skies, local history buffs should look no further than James Mitchell’s Short Walking Tour Through the Anglo-Saxon History of Wantage. As the birthplace of Alfred the Great, Wantage’s role in history is storied and varied. This walking tour, beginning at Alfred’s statue, celebrates one of England’s greatest rulers and the history of the town of Wantage from humble pre-Roman beginnings to the height of the Industrial Revolution. Tickets are just £10, and space is limited, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy a brew at Dick Turpin’s favourite coaching inn
The George Hotel is a 16th-century coaching inn, just off the River Thames in Wallingford. Believed to have once been the dower house for nearby Wallingford Castle, the inn is also linked to the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who is said to have once kept rooms there while evading the law along the Thames.
The Afternoon Teas at the George Hotel should not be missed, with an array of handmade finger sandwiches, sugar-sprinkled scones and cakes on offer, served with generous helpings of clotted cream and jam
If you fancy something more substantial, the kitchen also serves up hearty pub grub to enjoy under ancient beams by the fire, or al fresco in the Courtyard Garden.
Music at the FUNomusica Family Concert
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra are back for their newest family concert: Halloween Spooktacular. On 18th October, head to Olivier Hall in a spooky disguise for mysterious music and ghoulish revelry. Master of Ghostly Revels, Alisdair Malloy, introduces goosebump-inducing tunes and classical tales about witches, ghosts, vampires and gnomes, plus a special story version of Saint-Saëns’s Danse Macabre.
An hour before the concert, kids can get crafting uncanny disguises and eerie masterpieces to help make the show truly spooky!