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Discover everything University Parks has to offer

The Parks is open free of charge in daylight hours every day of the year except Christmas Eve.

Its accessibility to all makes it a space where members of the University, local residents and visitors to the city can meet to relax, socialise or exercise.

This green oasis is linked with other University owned land that is free for everyone to enjoy. The River Cherwell borders the North East side of the park, beyond which is Park Farm, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The gate in the South East corner provides access to Parsons Pleasure and Mesopotamia, a strip rich in nature between the upper and lower levels of the river.

Opening times

The Parks and Mesopotamia open at 7.45 am, and close at sunset or just before.

Visitor map

Explore the University Parks with our digital map to find walks, facilities, sports areas and more.

Rules and Advice

The Parks' rules help to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.

How to find us

Located in the heart of Oxford, you can easily reach the Parks by foot, bicycle, bus and train.

Points of interest

Whatever the season, University Parks always has a lot to offer its visitors.

Access and Facilities

Visitor information, including facilities and access to the University Parks.

University Sports Facilities

Discover the sports grounds of University Parks - home to official Oxford University pitches for competitive collegiate fixtures alongside dedicated pitches available for public use.

Visitors sitting on the grass under the trees at University Parks with Keble College in the background

Lost Property

If you think you may have lost an item in the Parks, please fill out our contact form.

Walks and borders

South Walk: Stroll beneath an impressive avenue of summer-flowering tulip trees and bean trees.

West, North & Lucas Walks: Enjoy attractive displays of flowering shrubs and colourful perennials lining the pathways.

The Hayrick Border: Features a colourful display of herbaceous perennials, including a specialised collection of salvias and tender perennials chosen for late-summer interest.

Lime fragrance: Lime trees planted throughout the Parks fill the air with a sweet, distinctive scent, especially noticeable in warm evenings.

Foliage, meadows and waterways

Canopy colours: Our diverse tree collection showcases rich displays of purple, golden, and variegated foliage throughout the warmer months.

Pond life: The central pond provides a haven for moisture-loving plants – look out for the green and purple-leaved forms of mugwort, which produce clusters of white flowers throughout the summer.

Wildflower grasslands: To encourage native flora to flourish, flower, and seed, the grassland across The Leys and through Mesopotamia is left unmown until late summer, providing vital habitat for pollinators.

See the Parks through our gardeners' eyes

Go behind the scenes

Discover more about the Parks, new planting projects and more...

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