Oxford University Parks is a large parkland area northeast of Oxford city centre. The University Parks consist of about 70 acres (30 hectares) of parkland on the bank of the River Cherwell, together with a 4 acre (1.5 hectare) spur of land running towards the south.
University Parks is a parkland for sports and recreational purposes since 1864. Today, University Parks has a wide range of sport facilities available, allowing visitors to participate in cricket, lacrosse, tennis, football or rugby. Harry Potter fans also have the special opportunity to play Quidditch.
Additionally, the parkland features beautiful plants and trees. You can enjoy a pleasant walk by following the cycle path over the river Cherwell at the rollers, turning left at the second cattle grid and re-crossing the Cherwell at Rainbow Bridge to return to the University parks (see the Lunchtime Walkers’ routes).
Other interesting places in the park are the Cricket pavilion, the giant sequoias, which was planted in 1888, the High Bridge and the Genetic Garden.
A perfect place for a picnic, to stroll around, feed the ducks at the pond or play ball games as the mood takes you. But tree climbing is not advised – as the trees are mainly rare specimens from all over the globe in need of respect and protection.
University Parks and Mesopotamia Walk are open daily from 07:45am.
University Parks close approximately 30 minutes before dusk each day and the Mesopotamia Walk closes 30 minutes earlier than the Parks.
Free entry
