Explore Oxford with Catalyst

1. Wanna chill?

Why not glide down to Oxford ice rink for a cool time? Dance, fall, laugh or maybe even cry – everyone can have a go and it’s only a short walk from Catalyst HQ, (well 25 mins to be precise.). The ice rink also hosts ice hockey matches, so if skating isn’t your thing, you can still grab a seat and watch some seriously fast and furious ice action.

2. What a load of Junk

Junk Yard Golf is in. Think crazy golf with cocktails, bars and a 9-hole course, all made up of pre-loved and reclaimed junk. Sounds fun right? Then go find Junk Yard Golf in Oxford’s marvellous new retail and lifestyle destination – the Westgate, where you can also enjoy some serious shopping and gorgeous rooftop bars and dining with arresting views over Oxford’s dreaming spires.

3. Drink in the Culture

Venture on down to The Eagle and Child for a pint with a difference. Not only were the hobbits created here, but also the whole of Narnia. The Eagle and Child was a regular haunt for the inklings writers group, including J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. So grab a pint and let your imagination run wild.

4. Oh Deery me

A deer park in the centre of Oxford? It sounds magical, and that’s exactly what you’ll find if you visit Magdalen College. Magdalen is one of the largest colleges in Oxford, and the only Oxford College to have its own herd of deer within the College grounds. Drop in for a beautiful riverside walk along the Cherwell with views over the dreamy deer park and sprawling grounds.

5. Ever feel like you need to break free?

At the Escape Hunt in Oxford’s Westgate Centre you can do just that. Pick a themed room and get locked in. Solve the clues and beat the clock to finally break free – just don’t blame us if you can’t.

6. Anyone for a game of Quidditch?

Potter on down to the University Parks where you can fully embrace the beauty of nature within the city. Enjoy a picnic, kick about a ball and see if you can spot Oxford University’s very own Quidditch team in action, complete with broomsticks, bludgers and a snitch.

7. Travel by Time Machine

Oxford hosts a number of fantastic museums, including the Ashmolean; Britain’s oldest public museum, founded in 1683. World famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. Or if you fancy something truly weird, check out the shrunken heads at the Pitt Rivers museum. Housing over 600,000 objects, photographs and manuscripts from almost every country in the world, you’ll never find a more wonderful celebration of human creativity and cultural diversity.

8. Prepare to be entertained

What a treat: Oxford hosts two incredible theatres. If you fancy more of a mainstream production skip along to the New Theatre and behold the wonders of fantastic costumes, sets and more. For a more local and smaller scale production, but with the same great quality, the Oxford Playhouse is the place to be. Enjoy intimate showings of comedy, lectures, family shows and music.

9. Quench your thirst

Just a few minutes walk from Seacourt Tower, you’ll find Tap Social, a brewery and taproom where you can try a diverse selection of superb craft beers. Founded in 2016 by a team of criminal barristers, The Tap Social Movement provides work and training to help ex-offenders rehabilitate and pursue a whole new life. Sip exquisite beers, happy in the knowledge that you’re supporting a vital cause.