Considering how close we live to Oxford, I really haven’t explored the city very much. I keep meaning to take Monkey on one of the open top bus tours so we can both learn a little more about a county city. A couple of months ago we were there to review Las Iguanas, we’d been to the Natural History Museum and had a little time to kill before our meal. It was the perfect opportunity for a first visit to Oxford University Parks, on the banks of the River Cherwell.
In the middle of a bustling city on a Sunday afternoon we found a little oasis of peace. People playing cricket, chilling on the grass, enjoying a lovely Spring day.
Monkey soon challenged Daddy P to a running race.
Run Monkey Run!
We all enjoyed just spending a little time enjoying the tranquility of the park. I’ve no idea why I’ve never been there before. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, and one we will have to explore more in the summer holidays.
There were flowers to be spotted at every turn along the pathways.
We walked through the middle of University Parks and headed down to the High Bridge which straddles the River Cherwell. Monkey had spotted some punts and watched on with interest.
I wished I had a longer lens on my camera as we spotted a number of different birds in the trees, from Chaffinch to Robin, Tits and Sparrows. We stood on the bridge and watched our feathered friends flit from tree to tree.
There was just time for Monkey to pick a Daisy or two before we headed back into the busy streets of Oxford.
A first visit to Oxford University Parks went down well with us all. It was all too brief and we will definitely be back in the weeks ahead to explore this little hidden treasure.
It’s crazy isn’t it: sometimes those areas so close to us remain undiscovered for so long. We’re guilty of exactly the same thing and, like you, I’ve no idea why. The park looks beautiful and peaceful and I’m sure you’ll now make it a regular destination.
Potty Adventures
#countrykids
You’re so right, I’d lived in the area for years before ever even going to Oxford at all
It is so easy to ignore the things that are on our doorstep isn’t it? Looks beautiful #countrykids
I always love finding a little tranquil spot like this in the middle of a busy city – it makes it all seem extra special 🙂 #CountryKids
Such a beautiful spot to find in the middle of Oxford, looks so tranquil #countrykids
It’s a little gem
This is what I actually love about UK that even on your busiest cities you have a lot of open space for people to explore. In my country we dont have parks in the cities.
And this park looks so lovely to visit! So many space to run around =)
#coutrykids
We are so lucky here. I love walking around London and finding hidden parks there too
Looks like a great place to play and explore #countrykids
We live in the Lake District and this summer I do plan to take the kids out for some days around our local area because we simply don’t explore it enough.
My childhood memories of Oxford all revolve around shopping and eating, I really had no idea these lovely parks were lurking too. they look stacked with interesting wildlife in summer and so far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. What a lovely way to spend time in the city.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
That looks so peaceful with all the open space but also the wonderful flower gardens! Love spaces like this #CountryKids
Looks like nice place to have a wander, who would have thought that there’s this beautiful place tucked in there. Lovely photos too. x
#countrykids
Oxford University Parks are so beautiful! I’ve just graduated from St.Hilda’s College Oxford (and recently done a blogpost on my bizarre graduation ceremony from Oxford on my blog). So sad to be leaving but so lucky to have spent such a long time in this beautiful city! http://www.theyoproedit.com
It’s a beautiful city once you get past the traffic. Good luck for the future.