Oxford

Getting about Oxford is often helped by seeing it from above first. To get an overview of Oxford City, try climbing up Carfax Tower in the city centre. Other views over the city are available from the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin in the High Street, and St. Michael Northgate, in Cornmarket. All of these vantage points have small admission charges.

Oxford is home to a world famous University of Oxford, and most of the colleges and university buildings are located in the centre of Oxford, within easy walking distance of each other. Don’t miss the Bodleian Library, which has its own shop, and the nearby Radcliffe Camera, which is not open to the public, but is well worth a view from the outside. Nearby, in Broad Street, is the Sheldonian Theatre, a venue for official university functions as well as a variety of concerts (tickets available from The Oxford Playhouse in Beaumont Street). The University also owns the Ashmolean Museum on Beaumont Street (opposite The Playhouse), Britain’s oldest public museum.

Enjoy the green spaces in Oxford - Parks, Gardens and Meadows

There are plenty of green spaces in Oxford including parks and gardens if you tire of historic buildings. Close to the city centre are wonderful green spaces and gardens to relax and enjoy the beautifully maintained surroundings. Even the parks further out of the city are equally attractive, with vantage points providing views of the city centre with its historic spires and towers of Oxford University.Six of the city’s parks and green spaces have also been recognised as among the very best in the world. St Sepulchre’s Cemetery, Hinksey Park, Florence Park, Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, Bury Knowle Park and Blackbird Leys Park all receiving a Green Flag Award status. This is the mark of a quality park or green space in recognition of the highest possible environmental standards, maintenance and excellent visitor facilities.Below is a small selection of green spaces in Oxford from parks, gardens and meadows in and around Oxford for you to enjoy. Don’t forget lots of the colleges have their own gardens as well, but some charge a small entrance fee.

Christ Church Meadow

Entrance via St. Aldate’s towards the river Thames. Paths follow the river towards the boathouses, which makes the Meadows a popular place to view the boat races during University term times. Another path follows the back of Merton College to the Botanic Gardens. Along this walk is a plaque commemorating the balloon flight of James Sadler in 1784.During term-time it loses some of its air of calm as devoted rowers jog their way towards the boat houses by the river. A great place to watch the races though in the spring and summer terms.Opening times: Daily, 8am until dusk.Access: Wheelchair access from St. Aldate’s via St. Aldate’s Lane, at side of Christ Church College.

Port Meadow and Wolvercote Common

Entrance from Walton Well Road in Jericho, north Oxford, or from the canal and riverside tow-paths. Used for horse racing in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, as well as grazing land for cattle and horses – the latter still taking place today.A popular walk (of about an hour) leads to the village of Wolvercote and the Trout Inn for refreshments. Also along the way is the Perch pub, and nearby a pick-your-own farm in Binsey Lane.Be wary of the Meadow in winter and spring, as flooding is frequent.

South Park & Headington Hill Park

Oxford’s largest parks often play host to open-air concerts and circuses. South Park is located alongside Headington Road, and St Clement’s links the park with central Oxford. A 19th-century bridge links the park with Headington Hill Park. On the southern boundary is the gently curving Morrell Avenue, named after a local brewery family.

University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Located just off the High Street opposite Magdalen College, and along the river Thames.It can also be reached from Christ Church Meadow.Founded by the Earl of Danby, Henry Danvers as a physic garden in 1621, this is the oldest botanic garden in Britain. It houses a good collection of trees and plants, has tropical greenhouses, a Bog Garden and a Rock Garden.Access: Wheelchair access to all areas with ramp access to glasshouses.

Wellington Square

Hidden in the very heart of Oxford, between Beaumont Street and Little Clarendon Street, a favourite haunt of office workers at lunchtime.

University Parks

In amidst the leafy roads and Victorian houses of north Oxford is this pleasant green space. In summer you can watch cricket for free, or just walk by the river-side at any time of year. A footpath carries on to Wolfson College and a nature reserve in north east Oxford.Royalist troops used to exercise here during the Civil War.Access: Wheelchair access via gates in Parks Road and South Parks Road.