The best museums in Oxford in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Oxford, England, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Oxford, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Oxford.

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Looking for the best museums in Oxford? These are the best ones:

  1. Ashmolean Museum1

    Ashmolean Museum

     Oxford
    The Taylorian's collections are vast, with around five hundred thousand volumes in total. These collections include Modern European languages such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. The library also holds many world-class collections, including works from Dante, Tasso, Foscolo, and Futurist manifestos. Its French holdings are particularly strong, with a complete collection of all the French editions of Voltaire's Candide printed in 1759.
  2. Pitt Rivers Museum2

    Pitt Rivers Museum

     Oxford
    The Pitt Rivers Museum is a unique institution that houses the archaeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford. It is a place where visitors can explore the rich history of human culture through a vast array of objects from different periods and regions of the world.
  3. Oxford University Museum of Natural History3

    Oxford University Museum of Natural History

     Oxford
    The Oxford University Museum of Natural History, also known as the Oxford University Museum, is a significant institution that displays a vast array of the University of Oxford's natural history species collections. This includes a diverse range of specimens from various fields of natural science, providing a comprehensive overview of the natural world.
  4. Oxford Castle Unlocked4

    Oxford Castle Unlocked

     Oxford
    Oxford Castle is a significant historical site, located on the western outskirts of Oxford. This medieval Norman castle was constructed by Robert d'Oilly, a Norman administrator, in 1071. This was just five years after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, marking it as a key location in England's history.
  5. University of Oxford Botanic Garden5

    University of Oxford Botanic Garden

     Oxford
    The Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum, established in 1621, holds the distinction of being the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain. This historic garden, located in the heart of Oxford, was initially created as a garden for medicinal plants. Today, it spans an area of 1.8 hectares and is home to specimens of over 8,000 different botanical species, representing 90% of higher plant families.
  6. Museum of the History of Science6

    Museum of the History of Science

     Oxford
    The History of Science Museum, located on Broad Street in Oxford, England, is home to a significant collection of scientific instruments that span from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of scientific tools and methodologies over several centuries, offering visitors a unique insight into the history of science.
  7. The Story Museum7

    The Story Museum

     Oxford
    The Story Museum is situated in the heart of Oxford, England. It is not just a museum, but also a registered charity under English law. This unique institution aims to encourage education and foster community engagement by exploring all forms of stories. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of stories in a unique and engaging way.
  8. Harcourt Arboretum8

    Harcourt Arboretum

     Oxford
    Harcourt Arboretum, a property of the University of Oxford, is situated six miles south of Oxford near the village of Nuneham Courtenay in Oxfordshire. The arboretum spans an impressive 150 acres, offering a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy.
  9. Christ Church Picture Gallery9

    Christ Church Picture Gallery

     Oxford
    Christ Church Picture Gallery is an art gallery situated within the premises of Christ Church, a renowned college of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to explore both the gallery and the historic college grounds.
  10. Museum of Oxford10

    Museum of Oxford

     Oxford
    The Story Museum, located in Oxford, England, is a unique institution that promotes education and community involvement through the exploration of various forms of stories. As a registered charity under English law, the museum is dedicated to fostering a love for storytelling in all its forms, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate literature, history, and the art of storytelling.

All museums in Oxford