Bury Knowle Park: A Historic Green Haven in Headington, Oxford
Historic and family-friendly green space in Headington, Oxford, blending culture, play, and nature across 7 hectares.
Bury Knowle Park is a charming and historic 7-hectare green space located in Headington, Oxford. Featuring the picturesque Bury Knowle House, a vibrant children’s play area inspired by Narnia, tennis courts, sensory gardens, and artistic sculptures, it offers a perfect setting for families and nature lovers. The park is open daily and includes the Headington Library, making it a cultural and recreational hub.
A brief summary to Bury Knowle Park
- 178 London Rd, Oxford, Headington, OX3 9ED, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the Narnia-inspired children’s play area to enjoy interactive sculptures and themed play features.
- Explore the sensory garden and wildflower areas for a peaceful retreat and mindfulness experience.
- Check out the Headington Library inside Bury Knowle House for a cultural break during your visit.
- Use public buses stopping at Headington for convenient access; parking is limited and may require nearby alternatives.
- Enjoy the café adjacent to the tennis courts, a popular spot for refreshments and socializing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Bus
Multiple bus services operated by Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach, and Arriva stop at Headington, a short walk from the park. Journey times from Oxford city centre range from 15 to 25 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2 to £4 one way.
-
Car
Limited free parking is available in the car park off Old High Street near the park. Additional paid parking can be found near Waitrose. Expect parking charges and limited spaces during peak times.
-
Bicycle
Cycling to the park is allowed via local roads, but cycling within the park is prohibited to maintain safety and tranquility. Bicycle racks are available near the entrances.
-
Walking
From Headington centre, walking to Bury Knowle Park takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes on mostly flat, paved paths suitable for all abilities.
Bury Knowle Park location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bury Knowle Park
A Legacy Rooted in History and Community
Bury Knowle Park stands as one of Oxford’s treasured green spaces, purchased by Oxford City Council in 1930 from Henry Beaufoy, a notable vinegar manufacturer. Opened to the public in 1932, the park spans approximately 7 hectares and retains elements of its original landscaping, including venerable trees like the Ha Ha tree and a large chestnut near the play area. At its heart lies Bury Knowle House, a historic building that has housed the local Headington Library since 1934, anchoring the park’s cultural significance.A Vibrant Playground of Imagination and Activity
The park is renowned for its Narnia-themed children’s play area, featuring whimsical sculptures such as 'The Story Book Tree' which brings to life tales by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien through interactive elements like a horse, lion, and dragon. Beyond imaginative play, the park offers tennis courts, basketball and table tennis facilities, climbing rocks, a zipwire, swings, sand pits, and a pirate-themed play feature, catering to visitors of all ages seeking active recreation.Artistic Touches and Natural Beauty
Art enriches the park’s landscape with notable sculptures like 'The Wheel of Hope' and carved seating areas including a recently added Aslan carving. The sensory garden and wildflower areas provide tranquil spots for relaxation and mindfulness, while floral displays enhance the park’s seasonal beauty. These features contribute to the park’s inviting atmosphere, blending art and nature seamlessly.Community Engagement and Events
Bury Knowle Park is more than a green space; it is a community hub with a dedicated Friends group that supports conservation, health, and wellbeing initiatives. Regular health walks, tennis classes, and seasonal events foster local engagement. The park’s café near the tennis courts serves as a social focal point, complementing the library and picnic areas where visitors gather to unwind.Accessibility and Location
Situated off London Road in Headington, approximately 2.2 miles from Oxford city centre, Bury Knowle Park is easily accessible by public transport, with multiple bus services stopping nearby. While cycling is permitted to the park, cycling within the park itself is restricted to preserve its peaceful environment. Limited free parking is available, with additional paid options nearby. The park is open 24/7 year-round, welcoming visitors at all times.A Welcoming Destination for All Visitors
With its blend of historic charm, recreational facilities, artistic features, and community spirit, Bury Knowle Park offers a serene yet lively environment for families, solo visitors, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Its well-maintained grounds and diverse amenities make it a beloved destination in Oxford’s suburban landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Magdalen Bridge
2.9 km
Historic stone bridge over the River Cherwell, blending centuries of architecture, culture, and Oxford traditions.
Bridge of Sighs
3.2 km
An iconic covered bridge connecting Hertford College’s quadrangles, blending Gothic charm with Oxford’s academic spirit.
Clarendon Building
3.3 km
An iconic neoclassical landmark in Oxford’s academic heart, blending historic grandeur with university tradition on Broad Street.
Brasenose College
3.4 km
Historic Oxford college founded in 1509, renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and prestigious academic tradition.
2.1
3.4 km
Discover Oriel Square, Oxford’s historic academic hub where royal heritage meets timeless scholarly tradition in a serene city setting.
Visit Oxford Tours
3.5 km
Explore the captivating history and stunning architecture of Oxford with expert-guided tours for an unforgettable experience.
Oxford Tours UK
3.5 km
Discover Oxford’s rich history and literary heritage through personalized, expert-led walking tours in the city’s vibrant heart.
Oxford Magic Walking tours
3.5 km
Explore Oxford's hidden gems and rich history with expert-led Magic Walking Tours, revealing the city's enchanting past and vibrant present.
Oxford Experience (University Official Souvenirs)
3.5 km
Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and authentic memorabilia at the Oxford Experience, your ultimate shopping destination in this historic city.
Museum of Oxford
3.6 km
Explore Oxford's rich history and culture at the Museum of Oxford, where engaging exhibits bring the city's past to life.
Oxford Town Hall
3.6 km
Historic Victorian Gothic landmark at Oxford’s heart, blending civic governance, cultural heritage, and vibrant community events.
Great Jewry Marker
3.6 km
Commemorating Oxford’s medieval Jewish quarter on historic St Aldate’s, a testament to a vibrant community’s enduring legacy.
Tom Tower
3.6 km
Historic Gothic bell tower by Christopher Wren at Christ Church, home to the iconic Great Tom bell and a symbol of Oxford’s academic heritage.
The painted room
3.6 km
Explore The Painted Room in Oxford, a historical museum showcasing exquisite frescoes and captivating artistry that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage.
Martyrs' Memorial
3.6 km
A towering Gothic Revival monument in Oxford honoring three Reformation martyrs who stood firm in faith during religious upheaval.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Storybook Tree
0.1 km
A charming literary landmark in Headington, Oxford, where imagination and storytelling blossom beneath a magical tree.
Statue of Aslan
0.1 km
Discover the majestic Statue of Aslan in Oxford’s Bury Knowle Park, celebrating C.S. Lewis’s timeless lion in a serene literary setting.
The Headington Shark
0.5 km
A surreal 25-foot shark crashing through a rooftop, symbolizing protest and creativity in the heart of Oxford’s Headington suburb.
The Kilns (C S Lewis House)
1.4 km
Step into the Oxford home where C.S. Lewis wrote the Narnia books and discover the quiet house that shaped a literary legend.
C S Lewis Nature Reserve
1.4 km
Where C.S. Lewis found inspiration: a tranquil woodland and pond sanctuary teeming with dragonflies, toads, and literary magic.
The Oxford Artisan Distillery
1.5 km
Discover Oxford’s premier grain-to-glass distillery crafting award-winning spirits with heritage grains and sustainable practices.
South Park
2.0 km
Sprawling green hills and panoramic city views make South Park a beloved outdoor escape in Oxford.
Headington Hill Park
2.1 km
A historic Oxford park with mature trees, scenic slopes, and city views, perfect for peaceful walks and community events.
Shotover Country Park
2.3 km
Explore 117 hectares of scenic woodlands, wildlife, and historic trails at Shotover Country Park on Oxford’s doorstep.
New Marston Meadows
2.5 km
A serene riverside sanctuary in Oxford offering rolling meadows, rich wildlife, and peaceful paths for nature lovers and families.
Great Meadow
2.5 km
A tranquil and historic green space nestled within Magdalen College’s iconic Oxford grounds, perfect for peaceful strolls and nature appreciation.
The Plain
2.8 km
Historic crossroads and vibrant urban gateway where Oxford’s past meets its lively East End community.
Magdalen College
2.9 km
Explore Magdalen College’s medieval architecture, tranquil gardens, and unique deer park nestled beside Oxford’s scenic River Cherwell.
Oxford Botanic Garden
3.0 km
Explore the UK’s oldest botanic garden, a compact urban oasis with 5,000+ plant species, historic walled gardens, and immersive global glasshouses.
Punting in Oxford
3.0 km
Experience Oxford’s timeless charm gliding gently along the River Cherwell on a traditional punt, surrounded by historic colleges and serene landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Yeti
2.4 km
Authentic Nepalese and Indian dining with warm hospitality and rich flavors on Oxford’s vibrant Cowley Road.
The Coconut Tree Oxford
2.4 km
Discover vibrant Sri Lankan flavors and lively vibes at The Coconut Tree Oxford, a must-visit spot for authentic cuisine and creative cocktails.
Antep Kitchen
2.4 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in Oxford’s vibrant Cowley Road neighborhood.
Le Kesh
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine in a cosy, welcoming Oxford restaurant with authentic flavours and warm hospitality.
Pan Pan Restaurant
2.6 km
Discover vibrant pan-Asian flavors and casual dining charm at Pan Pan, Oxford’s hotspot for authentic small plates and bubble tea.
La Cucina
2.7 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Oxford at La Cucina, a family-run gem with a vibrant open kitchen.
CuttleFish
2.7 km
Fresh, beautifully cooked seafood with a relaxed vibe in the heart of Oxford’s vibrant St Clement’s district.
Arbequina
2.7 km
Bold Spanish tapas in a converted chemist with bohemian buzz and impeccable service.
Moya
2.7 km
Discover authentic Slovak cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy Oxford setting on St Clement's Street.
Spiced Roots Restaurant
2.7 km
Authentic Caribbean cuisine and rum cocktails in Oxford's most celebrated island-inspired restaurant.
Kazbar Restaurant
2.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and North African tapas in a cozy Moorish-inspired setting on Oxford’s lively Cowley Road.
The Magdalen Arms
3.0 km
A vibrant gastropub on Iffley Road blending hearty British fare with seasonal European flavors in a welcoming, lively setting.
Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant
3.3 km
Historic riverside dining in Oxford offering modern British cuisine, award-winning wines, and scenic boat hire in a charming Victorian boathouse.
Vaults & Garden
3.3 km
Historic vaulted crypt café in Oxford’s Radcliffe Square serving organic, wholesome meals with stunning views of the Radcliffe Camera.
Quod Restaurant & Bar
3.3 km
Elegant European dining with a lively atmosphere and historic Oxford views on the High Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Retro Room
2.5 km
Discover Oxford’s stylish hub for vintage and designer second-hand fashion, blending sustainability with unique finds in a welcoming boutique setting.
Babylon Trading
3.1 km
Discover eclectic home and gift treasures in a charming Grade 2 listed boutique on Oxford’s historic High Street.
Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
3.3 km
Discover exclusive scholarly gifts and rare books in the historic heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
Bodleian Weston Library Shop
3.3 km
Explore exclusive literary gifts and scholarly treasures at the Bodleian Weston Library Shop in Oxford’s iconic Weston Library.
The Varsity Shop
3.4 km
Oxford’s premier destination for authentic university apparel and accessories, blending tradition and style on historic High Street.
Cool Britannia
3.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and unique gifts in the heart of Oxford at Cool Britannia, your go-to shop for memorable memorabilia and more.
Scriptum
3.5 km
Discover Oxford’s premier luxury stationery shop, blending tradition, artistry, and personalized service in the heart of the city.
Objects of Use
3.5 km
Discover beautifully crafted, sustainable household tools and unique gifts at Objects of Use, Oxford’s modern hardware store with a global soul.
Broad Canvas
3.5 km
Oxford’s trusted art and craft supply store since 1981, offering expert advice and quality materials for artists and creatives.
Space Store Oxford
3.5 km
Explore authentic space merchandise and immersive VR experiences in Oxford’s historic Covered Market at Space Store Oxford.
Goodies Oxford
3.5 km
Discover curated clothing and timeless style at Goodies, a vibrant boutique in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.
Crystal Spirit Emporium
3.5 km
Discover unique crystals, minerals, and artisanal gifts in Oxford’s historic Covered Market at Crystal Spirit Emporium.
Soctopus
3.5 km
Discover quirky, personality-filled socks with British charm at Soctopus, nestled in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.
Watsons of Oxford
3.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts in a charming Oxford shop offering authentic souvenirs and stylish finds in the city center.
The Chapter House Shop
3.5 km
Discover authentic Oxford heritage through unique gifts and local crafts at The Chapter House Shop within Christ Church’s historic grounds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Baron
2.4 km
A vibrant cocktail bar on Oxford’s Cowley Road, offering creative drinks and a welcoming late-night atmosphere for all.
The Mad Hatter
2.8 km
A quirky bar and boutique hotel in Oxford offering creative cocktails, themed rooms, and lively nightlife in a vibrant, welcoming setting.
The Cape Of Good Hope
2.8 km
A lively Oxford pub blending traditional charm with modern vibes, great food, craft beers, and a welcoming community spirit.
King's Arms, Oxford
3.3 km
Oxford’s oldest pub since 1607, famed for its literary heritage, academic ties, and ghostly whispers in a historic setting.
White Horse
3.4 km
A classic Oxford pub on Broad Street offering cozy charm, well-kept ales, and a taste of local history and culture.
All Bar One Oxford
3.5 km
Lively and stylish wine bar on Oxford’s High Street, perfect for drinks, sharing plates, and social gatherings in a vibrant city setting.
The House
3.5 km
A vibrant cocktail bar in Oxford’s Wheatsheaf Yard, blending expertly crafted drinks with a lively garden and stylish atmosphere.
The Varsity Club
3.5 km
Experience Oxford’s best rooftop views and vibrant nightlife at The Varsity Club, a stylish multi-floor venue blending cocktails, music, and cityscape charm.
St Aldates
3.6 km
A vibrant Oxford city centre pub serving quality ales, homemade food, and hosting lively events in a welcoming, historic setting.
The Three Goats Heads Pub
3.6 km
A historic Oxford pub offering traditional ales, hearty food, and a relaxed, phone-free atmosphere in a charming Victorian setting.
The Grapes
3.7 km
A classic Oxford pub renowned for award-winning ales, hearty food, and warm, friendly hospitality in a historic city-center setting.
Hanks Bar
3.7 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Hanks Bar, where classic American style meets energetic dance floors and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Duke Of Cambridge
3.7 km
A stylish Oxford cocktail bar blending traditional pub charm with expert mixology and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Rose & Crown PH
3.7 km
Discover the heart of Oxford's pub culture at Rose & Crown PH, where tradition meets flavor in every bite and sip.
The Royal Blenheim
3.7 km
A historic Oxford pub renowned for exceptional real ales, hearty food, and a welcoming atmosphere blending tradition with modern charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fever Oxford
3.6 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Fever, a multi-room nightclub blending live DJs, dynamic music, and a lively party atmosphere.
Plush Oxford
3.6 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife hotspot with great music, cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere at Plush Oxford.
ATIK Oxford
4.1 km
Oxford’s largest nightclub with diverse music rooms, vibrant atmosphere, and strong security, offering a late-night hub for students and locals alike.
Oxford Leisure Ltd
4.1 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic music, themed events, and a lively dance floor at Oxford Leisure Ltd.
Kiss Bar
4.1 km
An intimate late-night club in Oxford known for its vibrant atmosphere and close-knit party scene until its recent closure.
The Bridge Nightclub
4.1 km
Oxford’s lively student-focused nightclub with diverse music, multiple dance floors, and a spacious pub garden for late-night socializing.
Mirage Aylesbury
27.9 km
Experience Aylesbury’s vibrant nightlife at Mirage, a lively nightclub offering music, dancing, and late-night fun in the heart of town.
TWC
34.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and energetic party scene at TWC, Aylesbury’s premier nightclub destination.
The Venue, Bucks
34.7 km
Experience High Wycombe’s vibrant nightlife at The Venue, Bucks – a lively nightclub with great music, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
34.8 km
A lively multi-room nightclub in High Wycombe offering dynamic music, vibrant crowds, and late-night fun on Paul’s Row.
Popworld - Reading
37.6 km
A vibrant pop-themed nightclub in Reading’s city centre, where retro beats meet neon-lit fun for unforgettable nights.
Reading Lola Lo
37.6 km
Experience Reading’s premier tiki-themed nightclub with vibrant cocktails, lively music, and a unique Polynesian atmosphere on Friar Street.
Diligence
37.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic music scene at Diligence, High Wycombe’s energetic nightclub on London Road.
Q Club
37.6 km
Experience Reading’s energetic nightlife at Q Club, a lively nightclub and bar offering music, drinks, and late-night fun on Friar Street.
Gun Street Garden
37.9 km
Experience Reading’s vibrant nightlife in an urban jungle-themed club with diverse music, rooftop bar, and VIP lounges.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly