The University Parks

Walking through University Parks in Oxford feels like stumbling into someone's rather well-maintained back garden - except it's 44 acres of proper loveliness right in the heart of the city. The meadows roll gently toward the Cherwell, with woodland edges that offer decent shelter when the weather turns, and you'll spot flowering shrubs dotted about that actually look like they're meant to be there rather than planted by committee.

It's the sort of place where locals bring dogs and families let kids run about without fear of them bolting into traffic. The riverside walk is the main draw - flat enough for pushchairs, long enough that you won't feel cheated for the effort. On a decent afternoon, you'll see students sprawled on the grass between lectures, which tells you something about how accessible it is. There's a small café near the entrance if you need a coffee without leaving the park.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate that it's been the university's green space since the 1880s, though you needn't be an Oxford scholar to enjoy it. Free admission, open during daylight hours. Allow an hour for a proper wander, maybe two if you're the sitting-and-reading type.

If you're staying at Cedar Hollow or The Oaks just 3 miles away, this beats a repeat visit to the colleges for an afternoon. It's real Oxford, not the postcard version.