Oxford is famous chiefly for its university, which is one of the oldest in the world and dominates the city. Visitors tend to engage with Oxford traditions that originate in and around the academic institution, and this has given the area a reputation which makes it out to be rather stuffy and conservative.
Even if, as a tourist to Oxford, you do choose to do typically Oxfordian things, visiting university gardens, playing croquet and punting up and down the river, there remains a whole different underside to the life of an undergraduate that has very little to do with picnics in the sun or tours of the chapel.
The city's drinking culture and student nightlife is nothing short of spectacular and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous bars and clubs. In fact, Oxford has been hailed as the ideal destination for a Stag Do since it offers tourists the chance to stretch a party out over both day and night.
Stag party-goers can spend the day drinking pimms in the sun, or enjoy pints and lunch at one of the town's classic pubs. After dark, stag groups can head for a club, restaurant or bar, and will also find opportunities to experience night-time go-kart racing and even paintball.
To conclude, Oxford is not quite the place its stereotypical representations have made it out to be. As is the case with all stereotypes, it is, in real life, far more complex and exciting.