The Best Places To Enjoy Spring In Oxford

A view of Oxford from South Park
A view of Oxford from South Park | © Vy Dan Tran
Vy Dan Tran

The city has a variety of parks and gardens to hang out in when the sun is out during spring. While the high street and the University of Oxford Botanic Garden are popular choices, why not check out other spots such as Oxford University Parks are off the beaten track? Here are our best places to enjoy spring in Oxford.

High Street

In front of the south porch of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, the one and only ancient tree would bloom as early as late March. Its pretty pink blossoms are one of the first signs of springtime, and its unique presence ensures no one misses it while walking down the high street. A few steps from the tree are some magnolia trees, which flower around April. This area on high street is one of the most famous photo spots for tourists visiting Oxford.

High Street, Oxford, OX1

Pink blossoms framing the south porch of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

2. University Parks, Oxford

Park, Sports Center, University

Bridge over [River Cherwell] in summer, [University Parks], Oxford, England, UK
© Chris Deeney / Alamy Stock Photo
The University Parks is home to no fewer than 500,000 spring bulbs. While picnicking in the park, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the marvelous 19th-century Gothic Revival architectural style of Keble College. In 1854, the land of University Parks was bought by the University from Merton College.

3. Headington Hill Park, Oxford

Park

Magnolia flowers in the Headington Hill Park
© Vy Dan Tran
For fans of magnolia trees, Headington Hill Park is an ideal spot to relax. Somewhere in the middle of the park, a magnolia tree grows so low to the ground that it is easy to touch and smell its flowers. Close to the tree on the other side of the park’s fence is a 19th-century mansion, which was originally built for the Morrell family.

South Park

Not only does the South Park have many spring-flowering trees, but it also offers a spectacular view of Oxford’s skyline as it is located on the Headington Hill in the east of Oxford. From the top of the hill, viewers can fully admire the iconic ‘dreaming spires’, as described by the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold.

South Park, 75 Hill Top Rd, Oxford OX4 1

A view of Oxford from South Park

4. Harcourt Arboretum

Lodge

The bluebell wood at the Harcourt Arboretum
© Vy Dan Tran
Only about five miles away from central Oxford, Harcourt Arboretum is famous for its bluebell wood. In addition to the bluebells, a plethora of spring flowers including the fragrant daphne can also be found in the park.

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