Hinksey Park

Just a short 15 minute walk or cycle ride, from the centre of Oxford, off Abingdon Road, Hinksey Park is a wonderful green and watery haven for people and wildlife.

It's avenues of Giant Redwood and Pine trees, create a unique space and picturesque venue for picnics, play, sport and relaxation.
 
The park is open all day everyday. Car parking charges do apply, see our Car Park Charges page for details.

History

The park was laid out in the 1930s on the site of the former Oxford Waterworks.

What can I do there?

The park caters for a range of water-based activities including:

• swimming (open - May to September)
• 'splash' feature (May - September (currently closed - awaiting repair). Free to use.
• model-boating
• sculling
• scuba-diving
• fishing - rod licence required but no permit required

Other activities available:

• large play area and sand pit
• tennis courts
• table tennis
• allotment
• sports field and football pitch
• walks and health walks

Wildlife

The park is also important as a wildlife habitat. The lake and its surrounds support colonies of:

• amphibians
• small mammals
• bats
• water-foul
• seabirds
• fresh water sponges

For more information download the leaflet below:

 Hinksey Park leaflet (221kB PDF)

Walks and health walks

The park is an ideal starting point for a walk into the countryside and offers access to:

• South Hinksey
• Chiswell Valley
• Boars Hill
• A network of new paths within the ring road

Whether you are a keen walker or you are considering starting some gentle exercise, why not join our walk leaders on a lead walk in the city.

Health Walks 
Wednesdays, 10 - 11am, Free
Hinksey Park - meet in car park

Clubs that use the park

• Oxford Model Boat Club
• Oxford Scuba Diving Club

Green Flag Award Winner

Hinksey Park was recently awarded a Green Flag Award by the Civic Trust. The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.  The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country.

Management Plan

We have produced a Management Plan for the park that outlines how we will manage it over the next 10 years. If you have any comments on the plan, please contact us.

Hinksey Park Management Plan (kB PDF)

Get involved

Would you like to have a say in how the park is run? Visit our Friends of Parks page to find out how to get involved.

Page last updated 7 May 2013