University Parks, Oxford (must see)

If you want to spend an agreeable, relaxing afternoon away from visiting colleges and museums, you should head for the University Parks to the northeast of the town.

The University bought this large parkland little by little from Merton College between 1853 and 1864. At first it covered 91 acres, today some of the land has been taken up by the Science Area and the University Museum, so the parks now total 74 acres.

It comprises beautiful gardens, rare plants and sports fields. It lies mostly on the west bank of the River Cherwell, with an area known as Mesopotamia which lies between the upper and lower levels of the river.

The parks are bordered to the west by Parks Road, to the south by the Science Area and to the north by Northam Gardens. There are plenty of benches and lawns to relax on, and the winding paths are bicycle-free.

You can sit under the shade of one of the seven giant Sequoias or the Japanese Pagoda, which were all planted in 1888, or watch a cricket match on the only cricket ground in the UK that lets spectators watch free of charge. The cricket pavilion was built in 1881 by Sir Thomas Jackson.

There is a lovely duck pond with a small island in its centre and the High Bridge, also called the Rainbow Bridge, built in 1924. You can stroll through the Genetic Garden where you will learn about the evolution of plant-life. A small copse of trees called the Coronation Clump was planted in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne.