Hinksey Park
Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4PZ, GB
Rating: 4.5 ★ (989 ratings)
Details
Hinksey Park is a verdant and aquatic sanctuary for both people and local wildlife, conveniently located a short fifteen-minute stroll or cycle ride from Oxford city centre, just off the Abingdon Road. Established in the 1930s on the former Oxford Waterworks site, the park offers a unique and picturesque setting for relaxation, play, and sporting pursuits. Its distinctive avenues of Giant Redwood and Pine trees create a calming atmosphere, making it a cherished focal point for the community and visitors seeking a refreshing escape. The park's commitment to quality is recognised by its prestigious Green Flag Award.
This welcoming park boasts an array of attractions, including a tranquil lake and a pond teeming with wildlife, providing lovely opportunities for quiet contemplation or a leisurely walk. For those seeking more active entertainment, visitors can enjoy the popular outdoor swimming pool during the warmer months, or make use of the free splash park and mini wheels track, which opened in April 2025. Additionally, there is a large, well-equipped children's play area with a sand pit, four hard tennis courts available for booking, and table tennis facilities. Pleasant walks and health routes crisscross the park, offering access to the renowned Thames Path and scenic views.
The park caters wonderfully to families with children of all ages, offering a superb destination for a full day out or a pleasant few hours combined with other Oxford excursions. It is particularly well-suited for picnics, recreational activities, and engaging in various sports. Hinksey Park serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside, with paths leading towards areas like South Hinksey and Boars Hill. Its easily accessible location and diverse offerings make it a consistently appealing choice for locals and tourists alike.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hours; Thursday: Open 24 hours; Friday: Open 24 hours; Saturday: Open 24 hours; Sunday: Open 24 hours
Contact
+44 1865 249811
Comments
remembered the fantastic row of giant redwoods by the tennis courts. They’re so splendid I couldn’t resist taking some photos of them.
I’d forgotten about (or, in the past, never even noticed) that besides this row of redwoods there were also a couple of them standing by themselves close to the Devil’s Backbone footpath.
Once again, I couldn’t resist taking some photos of them which lured me back to the row of redwoods by the tennis courts. I took some more photo of them from the other side of the lake than was the case with the first lot of photos.
The ducks are so tame they completely ignored me taking photos.
Playground for children of all ages. Little toddler climbing frame and slide, swings. Sand pit, climbing frame for older kids too. Warning, the toilets are gross so I wouldn’t recommend letting your little ones use it.
There is also a splash park, heated swimming pool, and tennis court facilities too.
You can also see the train tracks and oncoming trains if you go over the bridge and climb the stairs. Great for kids!
There is a community cafe with hot drinks and cake/soup available, which is open on Tuesday 10:30 till 2pm, and Thursday 1:30pm till 3:30pm.
Coffee van from Jericho coffee traders are there too, not sure what days specifically.
Parking here is limited, I never come by car but I always see cars having to leave as there are no spaces. Gets really busy during school holidays and sunny days.