The Museum of Oxford has released its 2026 programme, featuring talks, tours, family activities and a new small entry charge starting in late January.
January–February highlights at a glance
The winter schedule centres on local stories and accessible activities that bring Oxford’s social history to life. Events range from guided walks and family workshops to wellbeing sessions and behind-the-scenes tours of the Town Hall.
- Stories of Oxford Tours (22 and 31 January) — guided walks that trace key moments and everyday lives from medieval times to the present.
- Movers & Shakers (23 January) — gentle music-led movement sessions for older people focused on shared memory and wellbeing.
- Hands-on History! (24 January) — family-friendly activities using real and replica objects in the gallery.
- Inside the Oxford Town Hall (24 January) — behind-the-scenes access to the Grade II listed building that houses the Museum of Oxford.
- Lunchtime Talk (11 February) — local historian Dan Poole discusses “Charlie Hutchison: Life of a Black-British anti-fascist from Oxfordshire.”
- Hidden Voices of WW1 (16 February) — a family-friendly presentation on Hardit Singh Malik, Britain’s first Indian fighter pilot, by Bali Raj.
- Opera in a Day (18 February) — Oxford Opera runs a day-long family workshop to recreate Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera HMS Pinafore.
Where storytelling and community meet
The Museum places community voices at the heart of its exhibitions, oral histories and outreach. Through collaboration with local groups, the programme aims to reflect diverse perspectives on the city’s past and present, supporting learning and shared memory across generations.
Practical information: admission and visiting
From 26 January 2026, the Museum introduces a small entry fee to sustain its work: £4 for adults and £2 for children. Many visitors will continue to enjoy free entry under specific concessions.
| Admission | Price | Who is free |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £4 | — |
| Child | £2 | Children under 5, carers, volunteers |
| Concessions & free days | Varies | People on benefits, school groups (Oxfordshire), pre-booked activities |
Free entry days in 2026
The Museum will continue to schedule 12 free open days throughout the year to ensure accessibility.
- 18 February
- 21 March
- 8 April
- 27 May
- 13 June
- 4 July
- 5 August
- 12 September
- 28 October
- 14 November
- 23 December
Getting to the Museum and travel tips
The Museum of Oxford is located inside Oxford Town Hall and is open Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm. Visitors arriving from the station or airport should allow time for city traffic and narrow streets — the museum’s central location makes it easy to combine with walking tours.
Tips for a smooth visit:
- Book transfers in advance for busy days and evening events to avoid waits.
- Confirm accessibility needs when you book group visits or school trips.
- If travelling from the airport, consider a private transfer or shared shuttle for direct drop-offs close to the Town Hall.
Travel options and what to expect
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi/private car | Door-to-door convenience | Good for groups, luggage and timed arrivals |
| Bus/local transit | Budget-conscious visitors | May require a short walk to the Town Hall |
| Pre-booked transfer | Airport arrivals and departures | Ideal for exact arrival times and large luggage |
The programme and new charges matter to anyone planning visits, tours or education trips: they shape budgets, timetables and the need to coordinate transport. Where possible, advance planning for transfers makes attending talks, family workshops or behind-the-scenes tours much easier. LocalsRide helps by showing vehicle make, model and driver ratings so travellers can choose the exact car they prefer.
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In short, the Museum of Oxford’s 2026 programme blends storytelling, community practice and accessible events while introducing a modest entry fee to sustain its work. Plan your visit with attention to opening times, free days and travel arrangements, and consider booking a taxi or private transfer when exact timing matters. LocalsRide.com supports this by offering transparent, user-friendly booking for airport transfers, city rides and private services so you can pick the right car, driver and fare for your destination with confidence. Whether you need a private limousine, a cheap cab, a family seater or a reliable airport transfer, the app helps you get the best service, compare prices and book the precise ride for your time and location.