Oxford Parks

There are so many lovely parks in and around Oxford. Each with their own personality and each is well worth a visit, especially in the spring.  I was away for a month and on my first day back I walked through three of Oxford's finest parks -- all are quite near each other:  South Park, Headington Hill Park, and University Park. They are in their glory at this time of year.  It was a great way to celebrate a renewed visa that will allow us to stay another 3 years.    

Headington Hill Park

South Park on Headington Hill. It is the largest park within Oxford city limits with a good view of the city centre with its historic "dreaming" spires.

 
Oxford University Parks, commonly referred to locally as the University Parks, the Uni Parks or just The Parks.  

Let me know where your favorite park is.  After 3 years, years I'm still discovering new ones.  I'd love to hear about and add your favorites to this blog.

For more information about Oxford parks:  

http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decLP/Parks_occw.htm
http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/ee2/index.php?/SeeDo/ParksMeadows/
http://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/oxford/guide/parks

Bonfire Night in Oxford

Tonight was bonfire night in Oxford.  Each year South Park hosts the city's biggest bonfire preceded by fireworks and a small fair.  Thousands of people gather to watch the spectacle.  It is all in honor Guy Fox and his foiled plot to blow up the Parliament in London in 1605.  

 Trees silhouetted by the fireworks

 An enormous pile of pallets ignited by fireworks 

 The sparks catch and the fire begins

Remember, remember the fifth of NovemberGunpowder, treason and plot.I see no reason, why gunpowder treasonShould ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intentTo blow up king and parliament.Three score barrels were laid belowTo prove old England's overthrow.By God's mercy he was catch'dWith a darkened lantern and burning match.

So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.And what shall we do with him?Burn him!

Where to go for great views of the Oxford Skyline or "The Dreaming Spires"

The view from the top of South Park (photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:South_Park_Oxford.jpg)

 From Boars Hill, west of the city...

...there is a lovely view from the Old Berkeley Golf Course or from Berkeley road just off Foxcombe Road.  (These pictures were taken from the same spot --  the top one was with a telephoto lens)

There is still a bit of a view from Port Meadow. I hear the view from the balcony of Headington Hill Hall is excellent but you need permission from Oxford Brooks University. I haven't been there yet. I've had a glimpse of the Dreaming Spires from Barrack Road, off Hollow Lane in Cowley but I was driving and couldn't stop to take a photo. 

Do you have a favorite view of the Oxford skyline?  I'd love to know about it.

Here is what folks on Tripadvisor have said: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186361-i440-k6739839-Dreaming_spires_view-Oxford_Oxfordshire_England.html