EXPLORING CULTURAL GEMS ON A STUDENT BUDGET
Plus, find out the best public-transport routes you can take from Headington Campus.
Oxford Brookes’ students are in the perfect spot to explore some of the UK's top attractions without breaking the bank. With a bit of planning, you can enrich your time here with day trips to museums, galleries, and cultural centres, many of which are accessible on a modest budget.
Here’s a guide on the tone 10 affordable day trips you can make as a Brooke’s student – Enjoy!
1. Ashmolean Museum – Oxford
Location: Oxford
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Brookes Bus (Free for Oxford students)
Right in the heart of Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum offers treasures from ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary art, all at no cost. As the world’s first public museum, it’s a must-visit for students keen on broadening their cultural knowledge. Highlights include the Egyptian Galleries and the Western Art galleries, with works by Turner and Michelangelo. The rooftop café also offers a scenic view of Oxford, making it a relaxing stop.
2. Bodleian Libraries – Oxford
Location: Oxford
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Brookes Bus (Free for Oxford students)
The Bodleian Libraries are among Europe’s oldest, with over 13 million items. For Oxford students, the library offers historical tours and access to rotating exhibits, revealing Oxford’s academic heritage. The Weston Library is free to enter with no ticket required. Brookes students can apply for a vocational access card or a full access card for deeper access, especially if you're in your third year or working on a dissertation. Situated in the city centre, it’s easy to reach with the free Brookes Bus.
3. Oxford University Museum of Natural History – Oxford
Location: Oxford
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Brookes Bus
This museum is perfect for anyone interested in the natural world, housing dinosaur skeletons, gemstones, and interactive exhibits.
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is an ideal spot to immerse yourself in science without spending a penny. Its location in central Oxford makes it a convenient and engaging choice.
4. Natural History Museum – London
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) + London transport fare
A London icon, the Natural History Museum houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections, from gemstones to dinosaur skeletons. The Oxford Tube, which you can board right outside the JHB Building on Headington Campus, takes you directly to Palace Gardens. From there, a quick ten-minute ride on the Circle line brings you to South Kensington, where the museum is located. The London Day Pass for public transport (£10.70 off-peak for unlimited travel within London zones 1-6) can help you get around London affordably once you arrive.
5. British Museum – London
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) + TFL fare
The British Museum’s vast collections span the globe and human history. After hopping on the Oxford Tube and arriving at Marble Arch, you can reach the museum in just a few stops on the Central line. This is an ideal stop for history buffs, with artefacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
6. Tate Modern – London
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) + TFL fare
Housed in a former power station, the Tate Modern is one of the world’s premier modern art galleries, with free entry to its main exhibits. Board the Oxford Tube to Baker Street, then take the Jubilee line five stops to Southwark. A great choice for art students or anyone interested in modern art, the Tate regularly hosts exhibits by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.
7. Southbank Centre – London
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) + TFL fare
Located along the Thames, the Southbank Centre is a hub of cultural activity, hosting festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. You can enjoy the riverside scenery, live performances, and free events. The Oxford Tube drops you near the Jubilee line, which connects to Waterloo, just minutes from the Southbank Centre. With the London Day Pass, this becomes an affordable, cultural day out.
8. National Gallery – London
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) + optional TFL fare
In Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to masterpieces from van Gogh, Turner, and da Vinci. You can walk from the Oxford Tube stop at Buckingham Palace Road or take a quick trip on the Bakerloo line to Charing Cross. This gallery is a must for art lovers, with free admission to its collection.
9. Victoria and Albert Museum
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) + TFL fare
The V&A Museum showcases applied arts, fashion, and design, from historical fashion to contemporary textiles. It’s perfect for anyone interested in design or fashion. Board the Oxford Tube, get off at Hillingdon, and take the Piccadilly line to South Kensington, which leads you right to the museum.
10. Somerset House – London
Location: London
Entry Cost: Free
Transport: Oxford Tube (£20.50 return) +TFL fare
Come December, it’s almost impossible to have not seen the gorgeous Somerset House skating rink plastered across social media. But you don’t have to spend money to have a good time here. Somerset House offers a range of free cultural exhibits, some of this months (December 2024) include the ‘Aut-OOO- Arcadia: Louis Morlce exhibit’ and the ‘Making a ruckus!’ exhibition which explores joy, friendship and resistance and the art of black LGBTQIA+ people in Britain.
Once you’ve boarded the Oxford Tube from Headington Campus, you can stay on until Baker Street, where you’ll board the Baker Street underground station’s Bakerloo line to Embankment tube station. Once you get o at Embankment it’s only a ten minute walk away!
Making the Most of Your Travel Budget
To cut down on costs, consider group discounts on the Oxford Tube or National Rail services. The London Day Pass also allows unlimited travel across London Transport zones, saving you on fares if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in one day. Packing a lunch can also help you manage food expenses while you’re out exploring.
The prices i have included are subject to the time this article was written but it’s important to remember prices are always subject to change so always check out the ticket website for the latest updates before booking your trip!
TFL costs can vary depending on the time of day you travel and which services you use, but here’s a TFL fare calculator so you know exactly how much your transport fair will cost.
With so many iconic attractions accessible by the Oxford Tube from Headington Campus, Oxford Brookes students can explore Britain’s rich cultural heritage without compromising their budgets. Each of these destinations offers both enriching and affordable experiences that fit comfortably into a day trip. So pack your bag and start discovering our local gems - happy travels!
