Hinksey Park - Image 1

Hinksey Park

Oxford, United Kingdom•4.5(988)•City Park, Playground

Explore a scenic 1930s park featuring playgrounds, splash park, sports facilities, and wildlife-rich waterways just 15 minutes from Oxford city centre.

Hinksey Park is a distinctive green space located off Abingdon Road, just a 15-minute walk or cycle from Oxford city centre. Originally laid out in the 1930s on the site of the former Oxford Waterworks, the park has evolved into a vibrant community hub offering something for every season and interest. Families will find excellent facilities including a large play area with sand pit, a free splash park (summer months), a mini wheels track for bikes and scooters (year-round), and access to Hinksey Outdoor Pool (April-September). The park's distinctive landscape, created by avenues of Giant Redwood and Pine trees, provides a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation. Beyond children's activities, the park caters to various interests with four tennis courts, table tennis, model-boating, sculling, fishing, and cycling opportunities. The lake and surrounding habitats support diverse wildlife including amphibians, bats, water-fowl, and seabirds, making it an ideal location for nature observation and countryside walks connecting to South Hinksey, Chiswell Valley, Boars Hill, and the Thames Path. Parents should note that the park contains open-access water bodies (stream, pond, and lake) with no designated bathing area, requiring careful supervision of young children. The park is open daily and free to enter, with paid parking available at the car park off Abingdon Road.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.5(988 reviews)
C
Chloe B

Chloe B

3 months ago

We went to Hinksey outdoor pool during the recent heatwave and it was fantastic. Our two young daughters absolutely loved it. Splashing in the water, soaking up the sun and eating an ice cream. The grounds are clear, the pool is really well maintained and a cooling temperature. We struggled to find parking and ended up being late for our alot because we had to park in the Westgate shopping centre car park and walk 20 mins back. So just keep this in mind as there are only 40 parking spaces on site. Overall, a fantastic day. It honestly felt like we were on holiday for the day. We went into the free splashpark after the pool, which is lots of fun!

N
Nina Haddou Aguilar

Nina Haddou Aguilar

3 months ago

Perfect place for an outdoor swim when the weather is nice out!

F
Francis Bediako

Francis Bediako

5 months ago

Really nice park/space beautiful views 👌

A
A Miah

A Miah

a year ago

Beautiful park! 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.

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Madan Bhandari

Madan Bhandari

a year ago

This is a lovely spot with outdoor swimming facilities and a stunning view of the lake. You can also see the train tracks nearby, which might get a bit noisy at times, but the sunset view makes up for it with its beauty. The only downside is parking—I used RingGo for an hour but couldn’t extend my stay beyond that. Next time, I might need to book for two hours or more in advance.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Hinksey Park

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Hinksey Park

Is Hinksey Park free to visit?

Entry to Hinksey Park is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is Hinksey Park dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Hinksey Park.

Is there parking at Hinksey Park?

Yes — Hinksey Park has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Hinksey Park?

Hinksey Park doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Hinksey Park pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Hinksey Park is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Hinksey Park?

Hinksey Park is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Hinksey Park by public transport?

Hinksey Park is well-served by public transport.
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