Parks and Gardens

Parks and Gardens

What are they and what do they involve?

As a type of outdoor activity, parks and gardens are organised areas that usually feature a grassy open space with extras such as mazes, outdoor sculpture and adventure playgrounds. They are different to wildlife/nature venues in that the contents of a park or a garden have been designed for a specific purpose, and

What are the benefits?

Parks and gardens are excellent for ensuring students don’t spend all their time indoors, are great ways to get them interested in nature and the outdoors in a relatively safe environment.

What students is it suitable for?

Although generally suitable for all ages, younger students will probably enjoy the novelty and excitement of parks and gardens more than older teens; however, if there are activities aimed for all ages everyone can have fun!

Costs?

Parks and gardens are usually public areas and therefore free to access, but some privately owned venues may charge a small entry fee.

Safety Implications?

As with all outdoor venues, younger groups should be carefully supervised to ensure they don’t run off!

National Organisations?

Parks and Gardens UK

 

See below for a list of venues and providers of this kind: 

Bury Knowle Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Bury Knowle is one of Oxford's most beautiful parks and the historic Bury Knowle House and its parkland setting provides a picturesque back-drop for picnics and events.

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South Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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South Park occupies 50 acres of open space, with magnificent views overlooking Oxford.

What can I do there?

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University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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This Garden is a national reference collection of 7,000 different types of plant, making it the most compact yet diverse collection of plants in the World: there is even more biological diversity here than there is in tropical rain forests!

For young (and old!) minds fascinated by the wonderful variety and splendid aesthetics of the collection, and certainly not forgetting budding artists, it is an excellent learning opportunity and partly for this reason they strive to label clearly every plant in the Garden for your information and reference.

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Hinksey Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Just a short 15 minute walk or cycle ride, from the centre of Oxford, off Abingdon Road, Hinksey Park is a wonderful green and watery haven for people and wildlife.

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Foremark Reservoir

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland.

Foremark also has a sailing and a fishing club, a play area and a kiosk for refreshments, making it an ideal day out for all the family to enjoy.

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Puzzlewood

A magical day out in the Forest of Dean
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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At Puzzlewood you can explore a mile of pathways winding through deep gulley’s of moss covered rocks, over wooden bridges and through fantastic tree and rock formations; all set in 14 acres of ancient woodland.

In addition to the wood, there are pony rides (holidays/weather permitting), farm animals, a willow maze, an indoor maze, playgrounds, picnic benches, cafe and gift shop selling local crafts.

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Trentham Gardens

Something for everyone...
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Enjoy a great day out at Trentham. Visit the award-winning Trentham Gardens, for shopping and eating out, peace and quiet, fun and action!

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Cannon Hill Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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With beautiful flowerbeds, lakes, pools and a wonderful collection of trees, it's easy to see why. There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea.

Cannon Hill Park has successfully achieved Green Flag status for the past ten years but it's not all about looks! There are 5 good tennis courts, a bowling green and a mini-golf course all located in the central area between the Midland Arts Centre and the Russell Road car park.

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Haden Hill Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Haden Hill Park is an historical Victorian landscape with a Victorian Mansion and Tudor Hall. The landscape offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The park is a popular venue for historical local events and environmental activities. It has childrens play areas, bowling greens, ornamental lakes and formal garden areas.

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Brocks Hill Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Spend the day exploring Brocks Hill Country Park. The children will love playing in sandpits, climbing castles and whizzing down the the large 'wiggly' slide! Take a walk around the park and stop off and enjoy a picnic.

Environment Centre

Adults and children alike will enjoy exploring Brocks Hill Environment Centre and discovering more about sources of environmentally friendly sources of power.

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