Oxford was a hive of activity this weekend as thousands of residents and visitors explored nearly 150 sites across the city, all free of charge, as part of Oxford Open Doors 2025. Sunshine for much of the weekend set the perfect backdrop, and even a Sunday afternoon shower did little to dampen the excitement.

Organised by Oxford Preservation Trust, with support from the University of Oxford, Headington Rye Prep School, and Oxford City Council, this year’s programme was filled with fresh discoveries. New highlights included Ballads at the Bodleian with talks, performances, and family-friendly printing activities; a fascinating talk by local historian Liz Woolley on the history of cinema at The Ultimate Picture Palace; and the MINI Plant Oxford’s museum. Contemporary architecture was on show at Oxford Brookes’ new Teaching Building, while at Yarnton Manor visitors explored the newly created library inside the beautifully restored tithe barn.

History came alive at Slade Camp, the former army training ground that became home to families displaced after the Second World War, where over 150 people joined guided tours led by local historians. Meanwhile, visitors climbed to new heights at Carfax Tower, Oxford Castle & Prison’s ancient mound, and the Radcliffe Observatory to take in sweeping views of the dreaming spires.

The Painted Room, with its remarkable Elizabethan wall paintings hidden above Cornmarket Street, remained a firm favourite, drawing nearly 2,000 visitors. Oxford Castleyard bustled with heritage skills workshops, stone carving demonstrations, classic cars, and a printing workshop where local artist Mani helped families customise t-shirts and tote bags with Oxford icons from the Dodo to the Radcliffe Camera.

On Rewley Road, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomed families to the Fire Station for behind-the-scenes tours, water hose demonstrations, and rides in a 30m hydraulic lift. Nearby, OPT volunteers introduced visitors to the city’s industrial heritage at the historic Swing Bridge, restored in 2022 from its original 1851 Robert Stephenson design.

Transport and waterways heritage were also in the spotlight. The Oxford Bus Museum ran popular heritage bus tours, while the Canal & River Trust hosted a pop-up event at Isis Lock. The Corpus Christi College Barge, once a rowing clubhouse, was also open to the public, showcasing historic photographs and architectural plans.

Guided walks offered glimpses of Oxford’s hidden corners, from the geology of Holywell Cemetery to Love Lane, closed to the public for over a century. Music added to the festival atmosphere, with performances from the Oxford City Silver Band, the Ghaetta Medieval Band, the Oxford Song Festival, and a lunchtime concert at the Sheldonian Theatre by the Pavlova Wind Quintet.

Oxford Open Doors once again proved a celebration of the city’s history, heritage, and culture, offering something for everyone and reminding us all of the unique treasures tucked behind Oxford’s many doors.

Oxford Preservation Trust is an independent charity, founded in 1927. We enable public access to Oxford’s historic places through events like Oxford Open Doors. If you enjoyed your weekend and would like to help us continue this work, please consider supporting us.