Trip to Oxford (Discover the UK) - 2nd May 2026

Step into the dreamlike beauty of Oxford — and make your first Discover the UK trip of 2026 one to remember! 

About Oxford

Oxford is a world-famous university city with history woven into its streets. On this trip, you'll start the day out with plenty of time to explore on your own. Whether you want to explore the many colleges, visit the Botanic Garden, or grab a cup of coffee with new friends, it's up to you. After having explored the city at your own pace, you’ll take part in the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Tour, a walking tour that digs into the complex stories behind the university’s past and present. 

What to expect on the day:

Guided walking tour

On this trip, we’ll go on the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Tour, a thought-provoking walk through the city that looks at its history of power, inequality, and the untold stories behind the university’s iconic spaces. Led by university researchers, this tour aims to go beyond the usual narrative of Oxford, and shine a brighter light on the shadows hiding in the city's past.

Free time to explore

In your free time, you’ll have the chance to explore the heart of Oxford at your own pace. Explore its centuries-old colleges, poke around in a bookshop or a coffee shop, and snap plenty of photos of the stunning old buildings that give the city its magic.  

Itinerary

Saturday 2nd May 2026 

08.00: Meet at Student Centre UCL, 27-28 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0AW, outside the building for a private UCL coach transfer  
10:15: Estimated arrival in Oxford 
Free time to explore Oxford, including centuries old colleges, museums, Botanic Garden, Covered Market and the many historic landmarks     
15:00: 1.5hr guided walking tour of Oxford - Original Uncomfortable Oxford Tour
17:40: Meet for departure in Oxford 
20:00: Estimated arrival at Student Centre UCL, 27-28 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0AW  

About the Discover the UK Visits programme

The Students’ Union’s Discover the UK visits programme has been designed to provide you with easy and low-cost opportunities to explore the UK. Our ambition is to enable you to see the best of British heritage and culture, whilst providing you with the opportunity to make new friends, helping you to create lasting memories during your time at UCL.

In November 2025 we brought a group of almost 50 students to Bath as a part of the programme.  

"I was alone on this trip but everyone made me feel welcome and I had a great time!" - student who attended the Bath trip

In June 2025 we went on a trip to Cambridge, which involved punting, a museum visit, and tons of new friendships!

"All pre-planned visiting spots were amazing and having the free time to explore the town was excellent." - student who attended the Cambridge trip

FAQ

What is included in my ticket?

• Private UCL coach travel to and from Oxford
• Guided 1.5-hour walking tour of Oxford

How long will we be in Oxford for? 10:15 -18:00.

Where is the departure and when should I arrive at the departure point? We will all meet at 08:00am outside Student Centre UCL, 27-28 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0AW.  

What should I bring along on the trip? As the weather in the UK can be unpredictable, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing in case of rainy and cold weather. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as you'll be walking and exploring throughout the day. Food is not provided on the trips, however, you are more than welcome to bring along packed lunches or to purchase refreshments at your destination.  

Are tickets refundable? No.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know.

Please note that no money can be refunded if you do not show up on the day of the trip or are late and miss the coach.

The Union and staff cannot be held responsible for any damage, loss or injury sustained by participants on Discover the UK trips.

Please note that by signing up for this trip, you are agreeing to follow the code of conduct and are aware of the bullying and harassment policy.

Student Participation Fund

If you’re interested in joining the day trip to Oxford but need some financial assistance, the Participation Fund might be able to help. You can apply for support through their contact form. Please let us know as soon as possible if you apply so we can put a ticket on hold for you.