Guidebook for Oxford
Parks & Nature
Large open spaced play area with a few wooden climbing objects, swinging bars and huge slide! Lots of steep bumpy hills to run or roll down. Lovely forest land surrounds the playground equipment – this is the real attraction. Definitely the place for exploring
10 locals recommend
Quarry Hollow Play Area
Quarry HollowLarge open spaced play area with a few wooden climbing objects, swinging bars and huge slide! Lots of steep bumpy hills to run or roll down. Lovely forest land surrounds the playground equipment – this is the real attraction. Definitely the place for exploring
Shotover Country Park offers everyone a chance to enjoy a place of beauty and history right on the edge of Oxford. Covering 117 hectares on the southern slopes of Shotover Hill there are spectacular views from the top across south Oxfordshire. The park is an intimate mosaic of hidden valleys, varied landscapes and diverse habitats; a haven for wildlife and an ideal setting for peaceful enjoyment of the countryside. Because Shotover is a nationally important wildlife site, most of the Country Park is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Open 24 hours.
41 locals recommend
Shotover Country Park
Old RoadShotover Country Park offers everyone a chance to enjoy a place of beauty and history right on the edge of Oxford. Covering 117 hectares on the southern slopes of Shotover Hill there are spectacular views from the top across south Oxfordshire. The park is an intimate mosaic of hidden valleys, varied landscapes and diverse habitats; a haven for wildlife and an ideal setting for peaceful enjoyment of the countryside. Because Shotover is a nationally important wildlife site, most of the Country Park is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Open 24 hours.
This scenic park offers a delightful two-mile walk through meadows and along river banks, offering picturesque views and ideal spots for picnics, sitting or just relaxing.
76 locals recommend
Christ Church Meadow
This scenic park offers a delightful two-mile walk through meadows and along river banks, offering picturesque views and ideal spots for picnics, sitting or just relaxing.
70 acres of riverside parkland with areas for sport, plus a large collection of landscaped flora.
132 locals recommend
University Parks
South Parks Road70 acres of riverside parkland with areas for sport, plus a large collection of landscaped flora.
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. The garden was founded in 1621 as a physic garden growing plants for medicinal research. A beautiful and peaceful 2 hectare garden to wander around in the heart of the city. Located in: University of Oxford, OX1 4AZ Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm but check the website to be sure.
93 locals recommend
Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose LaneThe University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. The garden was founded in 1621 as a physic garden growing plants for medicinal research. A beautiful and peaceful 2 hectare garden to wander around in the heart of the city. Located in: University of Oxford, OX1 4AZ Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm but check the website to be sure.
Essentials
For laundry and ironing, dry cleaning, 24hr express service, alterations & repairs, suede & leather, key cutting.
7 locals recommend
Regency Dry Cleaners
For laundry and ironing, dry cleaning, 24hr express service, alterations & repairs, suede & leather, key cutting.
ATM
50 Gladstone Rd For all your essentials and an ATM too, open late
The Co-operative Food
152 London RdSupermarket and Post Office
Waitrose
Southam RoadFor all your food and household shopping
Standard opening hours (check website for bank holidays opening times):
Sunday: 06:00 - 23:30
Monday:06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday:06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday:06:00 - 23:30
Thursday:06:00 - 23:30
Friday: 06:00 - 23:30
Saturday:06:00 - 23:30
9 locals recommend
Little Waitrose & Partners Headington, London Rd
52 London RdStandard opening hours (check website for bank holidays opening times):
Sunday: 06:00 - 23:30
Monday:06:00 - 23:30
Tuesday:06:00 - 23:30
Wednesday:06:00 - 23:30
Thursday:06:00 - 23:30
Friday: 06:00 - 23:30
Saturday:06:00 - 23:30
Shopping
Boots
8-10 Cornmarket St For all your pharmacy and beauty needs
Food Scene
Coco Noir
77A London RdGreat little hand made Belgian Chocolatier for a treat (or two!)
Jacobs & Field
15 Old High StA fabulous delicatessen, cafe and bar all in one.
All day breakfast, sandwich bar, coffee shop, delicatessen, eat in or take out service too.
6 locals recommend
Cafe Bonjour
136 London RdAll day breakfast, sandwich bar, coffee shop, delicatessen, eat in or take out service too.
A traditional real ale pub with a log fire and outdoor seating, serving simple British cuisine.
9 locals recommend
The Butcher's Arms
5 Wilberforce StA traditional real ale pub with a log fire and outdoor seating, serving simple British cuisine.
Traditional real-ale pub renowned for its pie selection, with a large, leafy beer garden, opposite the pretty parish church, all very English!
28 locals recommend
The White Hart
12 St Andrew's RdTraditional real-ale pub renowned for its pie selection, with a large, leafy beer garden, opposite the pretty parish church, all very English!
Entertainment & Activities
The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema. The cinema is privately owned and owner managed. They show a mix of recent releases from around the world, classic seasons and a programme of exciting one-off events.
77 locals recommend
The Ultimate Picture Palace
Cowley Road The Ultimate Picture Palace is Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema. The cinema is privately owned and owner managed. They show a mix of recent releases from around the world, classic seasons and a programme of exciting one-off events.
ODEON Oxford George St
George StreetODEON Oxford Magdalen St
Magdalen StreetPhoenix Picturehouse
57 Walton StGreat little cinema with a bar
Everything Else
A hospital of excellence with an A & E department. Go by bus or taxi if possible as parking is very limited
29 locals recommend
John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley WayA hospital of excellence with an A & E department. Go by bus or taxi if possible as parking is very limited
Churchill Hospital
Old RoadNuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill RoadOxford Brookes University
Gipsy LaneSightseeing
University of Oxford
Wellington SquareEnjoy punting on the river Cherwell at Oxford’s biggest punt station!
Sail along the river Cherwell on this idyllic form of transport and discover Oxford in a totally unique way. Whether you choose to float downstream to University Parks – one of the most popular picnic spots in Oxford, sail to ‘The Victoria Arms’ for a pit stop, or simply admire the stunning architecture and landscape of Oxford from the water, hiring a punt will guarantee your trip to this historic city will be an unforgettable one.
For bookings and enquiries: 01865 515978
52 locals recommend
Cherwell Boathouse
Bardwell RoadEnjoy punting on the river Cherwell at Oxford’s biggest punt station!
Sail along the river Cherwell on this idyllic form of transport and discover Oxford in a totally unique way. Whether you choose to float downstream to University Parks – one of the most popular picnic spots in Oxford, sail to ‘The Victoria Arms’ for a pit stop, or simply admire the stunning architecture and landscape of Oxford from the water, hiring a punt will guarantee your trip to this historic city will be an unforgettable one.
For bookings and enquiries: 01865 515978