- Park
- Hinksey Park
- Overview
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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.
Its avenues of Giant Redwood and Pine trees create a unique space and picturesque venue for picnics, play, sport and relaxation. - Safety considerations
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- Location map
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- Travel and Parking
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By foot: The park is a short walk, approximately 15 minutes from the city centre or Park and Ride.
By cycle: The No 5 cycle route runs through the park. Cycle racks are available within the park.
By bus: Buses pick up and drop off outside the park. Alternatively use Redbridge Park & Ride.
By car: There is a small car park, off Abingdon Road. Charges apply. Visit our Hinksey Park car park page for details.
- Opening Times
- Hinksey Park is open all day every day.
- History
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The park was laid out in the 1930s on the site of the former Oxford Waterworks since then it has become a focal point for the community and visitors alike looking for a sporting activity or to relax and enjoy the surroundings and wildlife.
- Things to do
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Whatever the season Hinksey Park has lots of water or land based activities to offer:
- swimming at Hinksey Outdoor Pool (April - September)
- splash park - free to use throughout the summer
- mini wheels track for bikes and scooters - free to use all year round
- large play area and sand pit
- four hard tennis courts (charges apply) - book a court online
- table tennis
- Deans Ham allotments
- sports field and open grass areas
- walks and health walks
- model-boating
- sculling
- scuba-diving
- fishing - EA rod fishing licence and ODAA permit required
- cycling
Park map
Download our Hinksey Park map.
Wildlife
The park is important as wildlife habitats for many insects and mammals. The lake and its surrounds support:
- amphibians
- small mammals
- bats
- water-fowl
- seabirds
- freshwater sponges
Drones
It is currently not possible to fly model aircraft or drones (both with and without camera for filming purposes) within Oxford City Council’s public open spaces, including parks and nature reserves.
As these spaces are open to the public and experience high visitor numbers throughout the year, flying model aircraft and drones are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Activities
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Tennis
It is now easy to book tennis courts online before you come to the park. This is a great way to make sure one will be available for your game. You can book in minutes from your mobile, tablet or computer.
If you forget to book before you arrive at the park the easiest option is to quickly use your mobile phone to reserve a court.
Visit out Tennis page for more information.
Walking
The park is an ideal starting point for a walk into the countryside and offers access to:
- South Hinksey
- Chiswell Valley
- Boars Hill
- Thames Path
Clubs that use the park
- Friends Group
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We are currently looking for active members of the Friends of Hinksey Park. If you would like to join the group, please contact us to find out more.
- Downloads
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Download documents related to Hinksey Park
Hinksey Lake water analysis report - October 2024
This laboratory report presents the findings of the systematic water quality testing at Hinksey Lake from autumn of 2023 through to the end of the summer in 2024.
Download the Hinksey Lake water analysis report - October 2024.
The results confirm the inevitable fluctuations in water quality to be expected in an open body of water within an urban location. Such fluctuations are most commonly connected to heavy rainfall events when drains and sewers become overwhelmed, resulting in run off and high levels of e-Coli. Other climatic conditions and localised factors can also impact on water quality.
Before publishing the results from Hinksey Lake, the City Council awaited comparable results from testing at other locations in the city to better understand the scale and potential causes of water quality fluctuations.
There were no periods of drought during 2023 and 2024 when the testing took place at Hinksey. However, testing elsewhere - including longer term testing done at Wolvercote Mill Stream over several years - shows that water quality risks are greatest during drought conditions, and that flow rates may also be a significant factor. Hinkey Lake is fed by the Eastwyke Ditch and has a gradual flow from north to south.
In addition to the water quality risks, the City Council strongly advises against swimming in Hinksey Lake due to the more serious risks to life:
- it’s a deep, cold lake created from a former quarry, where the year-round low temperatures can trigger involuntary gasping and inhalation of water, increasing the risk of hypothermia and drowning
- there are hidden depths and submerged objects
- there are limited exit points for anyone in difficulty, and none at all along the western edge of the lake, which is bordered by the railway line
- difficult access and long distance across the lake making any rescue challenging
- the unpredictable water quality includes periodic blooms of toxic algae
Whilst the Council recognises that some people may choose not to follow this advice, individuals ultimately have personal responsibility for their own safety. The Council’s role is to take reasonable steps to warn of risks that may not be immediately obvious, such as hidden depths or cold water, as highlighted in the report.
- Photos
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- Contact
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Contact the Parks Team: 01865 249811
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