South Park
🏟 Playground & park · East Oxford, Oxford
South Park
A 50-acre hillside park with panoramic Oxford views, a children's play area and zip wire, a fitness trail and jogging route.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open all day, every day · Free · No booking needed
About South Park
South Park is a sweeping 50-acre open space on Headington Hill, a few minutes' walk from Cowley Road in East Oxford, offering some of the best panoramic views over the city's spires. Managed by Oxford City Council, it is best known as a place to roam, picnic and take in the view, but it also has a children's play area with a zip wire for younger visitors. Fitness fans can use the park's fitness trail and the 321 jogging route, while the gentle slopes make it a popular spot for kite-flying and, in April and October only, hot air balloon flights. Picnicking is welcome, though barbecues are not allowed, and drones and model aircraft are prohibited for safety. A path links the park to neighbouring Headington Hill Park. There are several entrances, including Morrell Avenue opposite Cross Street, Headington Road, Cheney Lane and Warneford Lane. Free on-street parking with a two-hour limit is available on Cheney Lane, with paid car parks at St Clement's and Union Street, and disabled bays at nearby Headington Hill Park. The park is open all day, every day, and entry and the play area are free.
⭐ What makes this place special
- fitness trail
- 321 jogging route
- picnicking areas
- panoramic city views
- walking link to Headington Hill Park
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: True
🧒 Ages & play
- children's play area
- zip wire
📍 Nearby places to play
- Manzil Way Gardens · approx 0.2 miles · East Oxford (Cowley Road)
- Meadow Lane Recreation Ground · approx 0.7 miles · East Oxford (Iffley Fields)
- Cowley Marsh Park · approx 0.9 miles · Cowley
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is South Park free to visit?
Yes. South Park and its children's play area are free to enter.
What is in the South Park playground?
There is a children's play area with a zip wire. The wider park also has a fitness trail and a 321 jogging route.
Are there toilets and a cafe?
Toilet and cafe provision is not confirmed on the council listing. Cafes and shops are nearby on Cowley Road and St Clement's.
Where is South Park?
It is on Headington Hill in East Oxford, with the main entrance on Morrell Avenue, postcode OX4 1NG, managed by Oxford City Council.
Is there parking?
There is free two-hour on-street parking on Cheney Lane, with paid car parks at St Clement's and Union Street and disabled bays at Headington Hill Park.