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

Spring Awakening Oxford Style

The rain has stopped, the sun has come out, and the flood waters are abating. The earth here doesn't know what to make of all of this except to think that is it Spring.  On a walk in Oxford this week I was surprised to see so many plants blooming so early.  February is snowdrop month -- the first flower to bloom in the early Spring here in Oxfordshire.  But this year it seems that everything is trying to bloom at once.  I've never seen such an early Spring.  Here is what I saw just on the grounds of Nuffield College in Oxford. 

 Daffodils

 Wild Geraniums

 English Holly

 Dogwood

 Fuchsia

 Mini Iris

 More Daffodils

 Asia Lilac Tree

And of course, snowdrops!  Happy early Spring!