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Hinksey Park Oxford

4.5
·938 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant park with a heated outdoor pool, free splash pad, mini wheels track, playground, and a scenic lake for wildlife spotting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Hinksey Park - Image 1

Hinksey Park Oxford

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant park with a heated outdoor pool, free splash pad, mini wheels track, playground, and a scenic lake for wildlife spotting.

4.5
(938 reviews)

"This park has a fantastic splash pad and mini wheels track, perfect for kids!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is a Nightmare

Parking is very limited and fills up fast. Consider the park and ride or public transport.

🏊 Book Pool Slots Early

The heated outdoor pool is popular and often fully booked. Reserve your swim time online in advance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splash Park & Mini Wheels Track

Splash Park & Mini Wheels Track

Hinksey Park

A vibrant, free splash pad and a fun mini wheels track for bikes and scooters. Perfect for energetic kids!

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Hinksey Outdoor Pool (Lido)

Hinksey Outdoor Pool (Lido)

Hinksey Park

A large, heated outdoor swimming pool offering a refreshing dip with beautiful park views. Booking essential!

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Lake and Wildlife Spotting

Lake and Wildlife Spotting

Hinksey Park

Enjoy a stroll around the lake, watch the ducks and swans, and soak in the peaceful, natural surroundings.

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Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Hinksey Park

A well-equipped playground with areas for toddlers and older children, including swings, slides, and a sandpit.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Book Ahead

Hinksey Park is a popular spot, especially on sunny days and during school holidays. Arrive early for limited parking or consider the park and ride. The outdoor pool often requires booking in advance, so check availability to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Splash Park & Pool Fun

The new splash park and mini wheels track are free and fantastic for younger children. The heated outdoor pool is a major draw, but it's often fully booked, so secure your spot online. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays outside school holidays
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Vibrant park life
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

new favorite spot!!!!! be sure to visit Miscellanea in Oxford MS #oxfordms #olemiss #newrestaurant
@kateboucek
7.9K likes • 91K views

🚗 Parking is a Nightmare

Parking is very limited and fills up fast. Consider the park and ride or public transport. Reddit

🏊 Book Pool Slots Early

The heated outdoor pool is popular and often fully booked. Reserve your swim time online in advance. Instagram+1

This brand new mini wheels track & splash park has just opened at Hinksey Park in Oxford 💦 This was already an amazing day out in the summer as you’ll find a huge heated pool here, complete with a big water fountain in the middle of the zero entry pool and a giant sandpit playground. The new splash park and mini wheels track opened in April and is free to use 🙌🏻 It’s perfect for scooters and bi...
babyinbucks
4.8K likes • 652.8K views
We're looking for a part-time outdoor barista to join us at the little vespa coffee truck in beautiful Hinksey Park, Oxford. Are you someone who: ☕ Has barista experience, and is passionate about making really brilliant coffee 🌳 Enjoys being out in the fresh air 🙏🏼Has a naturally relaxed and welcoming style 🛵 Can take initiative, and work on your own We think you'll love: 🍂Our lovely regular...
jct.tradingpost
19 likes • 789 views

💦 Splash Park Fun

The splash park is free and a huge hit with younger kids. Bring swimwear and towels! Instagram+1

☕ Community Cafe Hours

Check the community cafe's limited opening hours for hot drinks and snacks. Reddit

From splashing around to soft play and high-energy games, there's a wave of new leisure facilities now available for young people in Oxford this Easter holidays and beyond! 💧🛴 A brand-new splash park within the beautiful Hinksey Park opened earlier this month – a free space for all the family. There's even a mini wheels track for bikes and scooters which can be enjoyed all year round. 🏊‍♀️ @hinks...
oxfordcitycouncil
26 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is a Nightmare

Parking is very limited and fills up fast. Consider the park and ride or public transport. Reddit

🏊 Book Pool Slots Early

The heated outdoor pool is popular and often fully booked. Reserve your swim time online in advance. Instagram+1

💦 Splash Park Fun

The splash park is free and a huge hit with younger kids. Bring swimwear and towels! Instagram+1

☕ Community Cafe Hours

Check the community cafe's limited opening hours for hot drinks and snacks. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and lake. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(938 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hinksey Park is widely praised for its excellent family-friendly facilities, particularly the new splash park, mini wheels track, and well-maintained playground. The heated outdoor pool is a significant draw, though booking is essential. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty of the lake and wildlife. The main drawback consistently mentioned is the extremely limited and often full parking.

"Beautiful park!

Playground for children of all ages. Little toddler climbing frame and slide, swings. Sand pit, climbing frame for older kids too. Warning, the toilets are gross so I wouldn’t recommend letting your little ones use it.

There is also a splash park, heated swimming pool, and tennis court facilities too.

You can also see the train tracks and oncoming trains if you go over the bridge and climb the stairs. Great for kids!

There is a community cafe with hot drinks and cake/soup available, which is open on Tuesday 10:30 till 2pm, and Thursday 1:30pm till 3:30pm.

Coffee van from Jericho coffee traders are there too, not sure what days specifically.

Parking here is limited, I never come by car but I always see cars having to leave as there are no spaces. Gets really busy during school holidays and sunny days."

A Miah

"This is a lovely spot with outdoor swimming facilities and a stunning view of the lake. You can also see the train tracks nearby, which might get a bit noisy at times, but the sunset view makes up for it with its beauty. The only downside is parking—I used RingGo for an hour but couldn’t extend my stay beyond that. Next time, I might need to book for two hours or more in advance."

Madan Bhandari

"It says don’t swim but ignore it it’s lovely! Just be careful not to go in after heavy rainfall or swallow too much water!!!"

Holly Barrett

What People Like

Fantastic splash park
New mini wheels track
Heated outdoor pool

What People Dislike

Very limited parking
Basic toilet facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hinksey Park is located south of Oxford city centre. You can reach it by bus, with several routes stopping nearby. Parking is extremely limited, so using the park and ride or public transport is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, there is parking, but it is very limited and fills up quickly, especially on sunny days and during school holidays. Many visitors report cars having to leave due to no available spaces. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option. The park has a new mini wheels track for bikes and scooters, making it a fun destination for young cyclists. Instagram+1

The park generally offers good accessibility with paved paths around the lake and to key facilities. The splash park and playground are designed for easy access for families. Instagram

For toddlers, consider public transport or cycling if feasible. The park has excellent toddler-friendly facilities like the playground and splash park, making the journey worthwhile. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Hinksey Park itself is free. However, there is a charge for using the heated outdoor pool, and booking is usually required. Instagram+1

The cost for the Hinksey Outdoor Pool is approximately £5.70 per person for a 2-hour session, though prices may vary. Booking in advance is highly recommended as it gets fully booked. Instagram

No, the splash park at Hinksey Park is free to use and does not require booking. It's a popular attraction, so it can get busy. Instagram+1

Hinksey Park is generally open during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the outdoor pool and community cafe have their own operating times, which should be checked in advance. Reddit

While some visitors mention swimming in the lake, there are signs advising against it. It's generally recommended to use the designated outdoor pool for swimming. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Hinksey Park offers a fantastic splash park, a new mini wheels track for bikes and scooters, a well-equipped playground for various ages, and the opportunity to watch ducks and swans on the lake. Instagram+3

Yes, the park has lovely walking paths around the lake, offering scenic views and opportunities to enjoy nature and spot wildlife. Instagram

Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, a splash park, a playground, tennis courts, sports facilities, and a community cafe. Toilets are available but have been described as 'gross' by some visitors. Reddit

Yes, you can see train tracks nearby, and if you go over the bridge and climb the stairs, you can watch oncoming trains, which is a hit with kids. Reddit

Absolutely! There are plenty of nice green spaces to sit and enjoy a picnic while watching the ducks. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a community cafe that offers hot drinks, cake, and soup on specific days (Tuesdays and Thursdays). A coffee van from Jericho Coffee Traders is also often present. Reddit

The community cafe is typically open on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 2 pm and Thursdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which is a popular option. Instagram

While Hinksey Park has onsite food options, Oxford city centre is a short distance away and offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. TikTok

The community cafe usually offers simple fare like hot drinks, cake, and soup. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture vibrant shots of the splash park, the outdoor pool, families enjoying the playground, and the serene lake with its wildlife. The sunset views are also beautiful. InstagramReddit

Yes, the lake and surrounding greenery provide opportunities for nature photography, especially for spotting ducks, swans, and ducklings. Instagram

Yes, the proximity to the train tracks offers a unique photographic element, particularly for those interested in industrial or transport photography. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. The sunset views over the lake are particularly picturesque. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always advisable to be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Hinksey Park is a dream for families with young children! The brand-new splash park is a huge hit, offering free, watery fun. Don't miss the mini wheels track for scooters and bikes – it's perfect for little legs. The playground is also well-equipped with areas for toddlers and older kids. Remember to book the heated outdoor pool in advance if you want a swim session. Instagram+3

While the park offers fantastic play opportunities, be aware that the parking is very limited, so consider public transport or the park and ride. Some visitors have noted the toilets can be quite basic, so plan accordingly. The community cafe offers a convenient spot for a quick snack or drink. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Active Adults & Swimmers

For those looking for an active day out, Hinksey Park's heated outdoor pool is a must-visit. It's a great place for a refreshing swim, offering a good alternative to indoor pools. The park also has tennis courts and plenty of space for walking or jogging around the lake. Instagram+1

While the focus is often on family activities, the park's natural setting provides a pleasant environment for a leisurely walk or run. Be prepared for the limited parking if arriving by car, and consider booking your swim slot well in advance to guarantee your spot. Reddit

🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers

Hinksey Park offers a delightful experience for nature lovers. The lake is a focal point, attracting various birdlife like ducks and swans, making it ideal for wildlife spotting and photography. The surrounding greenery and walking paths provide a peaceful environment to connect with nature. Instagram

Photographers will find picturesque scenes, especially around the lake and during sunset, which offers beautiful light. The contrast between the natural elements and the park's facilities, like the pool and playground, can also make for interesting shots. Remember to bring your camera and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The New Splash Park and Mini Wheels Track

Hinksey Park has recently unveiled a fantastic new splash park and mini wheels track, significantly enhancing its appeal for families with young children. The splash park is a free-to-use area, perfect for cooling off on warm days with its water jets and playful features. Complementing this is the mini wheels track, designed for toddlers and young children to safely ride their bikes and scooters, complete with humps and mini roundabouts. This upgrade has made Hinksey Park an even more attractive destination for a fun-filled family outing. Instagram+2

These new additions were part of a substantial upgrade to the park's leisure facilities. The vibrant colours and engaging design of the splash pad and track are a big hit with kids, offering hours of entertainment. It's a testament to the council's investment in creating accessible and enjoyable public spaces for the community. Instagram+1

Hinksey Outdoor Pool (Lido) Experience

The Hinksey Outdoor Pool, often referred to as a lido, is a major attraction at Hinksey Park. This heated outdoor swimming pool offers a refreshing experience for visitors of all ages. It's situated in a beautiful park setting, providing a pleasant atmosphere for swimming and relaxing. However, due to its popularity, booking sessions in advance is crucial, as the pool frequently reaches full capacity. Instagram+1

Visitors can typically book 2-hour slots for the pool, with a fee per person. It's advisable to check the official booking platform for current pricing and availability. While the pool itself is a highlight, remember that the surrounding facilities, including toilets, have received mixed reviews, with some visitors noting they are not always in the best condition. InstagramReddit

Wildlife and Nature at Hinksey Park

Beyond the recreational facilities, Hinksey Park is a haven for local wildlife, particularly around its lake. Visitors often enjoy observing ducks, swans, and ducklings, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers and casual strollers alike. The park's wooded areas and walking paths offer a tranquil escape from the city bustle. Instagram

The lake itself is a central feature, providing a scenic backdrop for walks and relaxation. While some reviews mention swimming in the lake, it's generally advised to stick to the designated outdoor pool for safety. The natural beauty of the park, combined with the accessible wildlife, makes it a well-rounded destination for a day out. InstagramReddit

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