The Oxford University Parks, commonly referred to locally as the University Parks, or just The Parks, is a large parkland area slightly northeast of the city centre in Oxford, England. The park is bounded to the east by the River Cherwell, though a small plot of land called Mesopotamia sits between the upper and lower levels of the river. To the north of the parks is Norham Gardens and Lady Margaret Hall, to the west the Parks Road, and the Science Area on South Parks Road to the south. The park is open to the public during the day, and has gardens, large sports fields, and exotic plants. It includes a cricket ground used by Oxford University Cricket Club.
Part of the land on which the Parks is located had been used for recreation for a long time, and it formed part of the University Walks said to have been used by Charles II to walk his dog in 1685. The land originally belonged to Merton College, and in 1853/1854, the University of Oxford purchased 20 acres (8.1Â ha) from Merton College to build the parks. Over an eleven-year period a total of 91 acres (37Â ha) of land was eventually acquired. A portion of this land (4 acres) was set aside for the University Museum which was built between 1855 and 1860. Between 1912 and early 1950s, a further portion was used to build the Science Area, so the current site measures around 74 acres (30Â ha).
Simply Eva | Dec 19, 201710
This is a lovely park especially in the spring and summer seasons where there are blossom and pretty flowers. There is vast space for a picnic and the kids love to run about and play football and climb trees. It's a great place!
Johannes von Grone | Jan 11, 201810
Wonderful place to visit! Perfect for a short walk in Oxford with the River Cherwell flowing sideways. One "lap" round the park takes about 30-45 minutes and that includes taking pictures and short breaks on one of the benches provided. :-)
Blue Bird | Sep 19, 201710
'The Parks' has many attractive flower beds, tree lined paths with small, wood-like sections, a river running down the East side where people punt, a large pond full of ducks and other water birds, lots of benches, a beautiful sports pavilion which in the summer has a small cafe attached, and there is a public loo next door. The Parks offer long circular walks for anyone who wants to exercise. University members can apply to play tennis on the grass courts in the summer, when there are also cricket matches which attract spectators. Many University sports teams use the Parks for matches too.
Gustav Boethius | Feb 14, 20188.0
Yes yes yes I remember going here. It had some sort of cirkus then, but I didn't go as I was feeling a bit cheap and not childish enough. Without the cirkus the park would have been even nicer. Many dogs.
MJ E | Oct 5, 201710
Beautiful parks, very well maintained. Bikes not allowed (and they enforce this). Peaceful place to take a walk or jog. Good place for a picnic. You might even be lucky and see a group of posh kids playing quidditch (I kid you not!)
Ollie Bridle | May 24, 201810
A lovely, peaceful park just outside the centre of Oxford and close to tourist attractions at the Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum. The park offers a network of walking paths, access to walks by the river, wide lawns and beautifully planted flower beds. The Park is generally open dawn to dusk.
Jeff Lidgard | Jun 9, 201810
Our favourite park on Oxford. Amazingly well kept, gardens are beautiful. Short walk from town.
Andrea Mannarino | Apr 21, 201810
My fave place in Oxford. If you are blessed with a sunny day, there is nothing better than a stroll in this park. Perfect also for some relaxed jogging
Matthew Bull | Apr 7, 201810
It’s a park, so... That said it’s a nice place to go, safe, clean, and offers a nice walk along the Cherwell. Great for a walk if you also happen to be visiting the nearby Pitt Rivers museum. And being Oxford it’s not really that far from the centre of town.
Efthymios Tampakis | Jun 19, 201810
Amazing park ,defently worth a walk ! The park has a vast variety of trees , flowers and bushes around the world . Have a wonderful walk !!
Terence Bilverstone | Jul 17, 201810
Lovely park grounds nice place to sit and enjoy a picnic watch the punts up and down the river or just didn't I enjoy some peace and solitude can get busy with visitors but always a space to enjoy
Laurenti Arnault | Jul 12, 20188.0
A little paradise for overbearing summer days (and we had quite a few this summer of 2018). Grab a beer (or two) a few good friends and enjoy one of the best parks in Oxford City.
Steve McQueen | Jun 24, 20186.0
We were there most recently to visit the Giffords' circus which was excellent. Have visited the parks many times for walks and exercise.
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