Hinksey Park Oxford
A vibrant park with a heated outdoor pool, free splash pad, mini wheels track, playground, and a scenic lake for wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Hinksey Park Oxford
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
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.
"This park has a fantastic splash pad and mini wheels track, perfect for kids!"
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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!
Hinksey Outdoor Pool (Lido)
Hinksey Park
A large, heated outdoor swimming pool offering a refreshing dip with beautiful park views. Booking essential!
Lake and Wildlife Spotting
Hinksey Park
Enjoy a stroll around the lake, watch the ducks and swans, and soak in the peaceful, natural surroundings.
Children's Playground
Hinksey Park
A well-equipped playground with areas for toddlers and older children, including swings, slides, and a sandpit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Book Ahead
Splash Park & Pool Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
💦 Splash Park Fun
The splash park is free and a huge hit with younger kids. Bring swimwear and towels!
☕ Community Cafe Hours
Check the community cafe's limited opening hours for hot drinks and snacks.
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.
🏊 Book Pool Slots Early
The heated outdoor pool is popular and often fully booked. Reserve your swim time online in advance.
💦 Splash Park Fun
The splash park is free and a huge hit with younger kids. Bring swimwear and towels!
☕ Community Cafe Hours
Check the community cafe's limited opening hours for hot drinks and snacks.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and lake.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Yes, the park has lovely walking paths around the lake, offering scenic views and opportunities to enjoy nature and spot wildlife.
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.
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.
Absolutely! There are plenty of nice green spaces to sit and enjoy a picnic while watching the ducks.
🍽️ ☕ 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.
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.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, which is a popular option.
While Hinksey Park has onsite food options, Oxford city centre is a short distance away and offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
The community cafe usually offers simple fare like hot drinks, cake, and soup.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, the lake and surrounding greenery provide opportunities for nature photography, especially for spotting ducks, swans, and ducklings.
Yes, the proximity to the train tracks offers a unique photographic element, particularly for those interested in industrial or transport photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. The sunset views over the lake are particularly picturesque.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always advisable to be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
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.
🏊♀️ Active Adults & Swimmers
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.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Splash Park and Mini Wheels Track
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.
Hinksey Outdoor Pool (Lido) Experience
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.
Wildlife and Nature at Hinksey Park
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit