🗝️ Oxford Open Doors 2026 - Saturday 12 September
Oxford Open Doors returns for its annual celebration of the city’s heritage, with 30 venues opening their doors exclusively on Saturday 12 September 2026. From historic colleges and libraries to working fire stations and cutting-edge research centres, discover places usually closed to the public.
What to expect:
🏛️ Explore world-class heritage sites — Visit iconic Oxford colleges (Nuffield, The Queen’s College, Rhodes House), the Sheldonian Theatre, Bodleian Library printing workshops, and historic churches spanning centuries of architecture
🔬 Go behind the scenes at working institutions — Tour the MINI Plant Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford Bus Museum, and Blavatnik School of Government to see the city’s modern life in action
🎨 Enjoy hands-on activities and live demonstrations — Try letterpress printing at the Bodleian, ride vintage buses, hear the City of Oxford Silver Band, or join printmaking at Oxford Printmakers — all free and drop-in
đź“Ť Saturday Venues
| Venue | Description |
|---|---|
| Alliance Française d’Oxford | French cultural centre in historic building |
| Bodleian Libraries - Drop-in Discovery Stations | Interactive library treasures |
| Bodleian Libraries - Printing in the Old Bodleian’s Schola Musicae | Historic printing press demonstrations |
| Bodleian Libraries - Us and Them: The Story of Pets with James Carter | Children’s author event |
| City of Oxford Silver Band | Live brass band performances |
| Christian Science Church, Oxford | Distinctive modern church architecture |
| Lucy Group Ltd - Past and Present | Oxford engineering heritage |
| Museum of Oxford | City history museum in Town Hall |
| New Road Baptist Church, Bonn Square | City centre Baptist church |
| North Parade Market | Independent market with local producers |
| Nuffield College | Modernist college dining hall |
| Old Road Campus Research Building | Cutting-edge medical research facilities |
| Osney Island Walking Tour | Guided walk of historic island community |
| Oxford Bus Museum - Heritage Buses | Vintage bus rides and displays |
| Oxford Printmakers | Printmaking cooperative studio |
| Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy | Beautiful timber-frame building |
| Oxford University Tennis Club (Real Tennis) | Historic real tennis court |
| Pavlova Wind Quintet at St Michael at the North Gate | Classical music concert |
| Plans, plans, plans! at the Museum of Oxford | Architectural drawings exhibition |
| The Queen’s College | High Street college with grand architecture |
| Rhodes House | Headquarters of Rhodes Scholarships |
| Sheldonian Theatre | Wren’s ceremonial masterpiece |
| St Alban’s Church | Victorian church in Jericho |
| St Columba’s United Reformed Church | Historic chapel with stained glass |
| St Ebbe’s Church | Norman doorway and historic interior |
| St Francis of Assisi CE Church | Modern church building |
| St Frideswide Church | Arts and Crafts parish church |
| St James the Apostle Church | Victorian church in Cowley |
| St Michael at the North Gate | Oxford’s oldest building (Saxon tower) |
| Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities | New university humanities centre |
| Taylor Institution Library | Modern languages library in historic building |
| University College | Oldest college with medieval hall |
| Warneford 200: Warneford Walk and Therapy Garden | Historic hospital grounds and garden |
| Wesley Memorial Methodist Church | Distinctive spire on High Street |
| Yarnton Manor | 17th-century manor house |
đź“‹ Practical Information
- Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
- Typical hours: 10:00–17:00 (varies by venue — check the digital brochure or interactive map for specific times)
- Cost: Free (some venues may require booking for tours)
- Accessibility: Varies by venue — check individual listings
🗺️ Plan Your Day
Use the interactive venue map to plan your route. Venues cluster in areas — consider grouping visits by neighbourhood (city centre, Jericho, East Oxford, etc.).