South Park

Has anyone ever lost a city? I ask because, here at South Park, it sometimes feels like Oxford’s dreaming spires have been misplaced amongst the clouds. South Park, spread across fifty acres of Headington Hill, offers the most breathtaking panorama of Oxford’s heart. From this vantage point, the university’s historic towers and spires rise like a stone forest on the horizon. South Park isn’t just a beautiful green space. It holds a unique piece of Oxford’s history. Originally part of the Headington Hill Hall estate, owned by the Morrell family, this land was almost lost to development. Thankfully, the Oxford Preservation Trust stepped in, purchasing the land in 1932 to protect it as open space. A few years later, in 1951, the Trust generously gifted South Park to the city of Oxford. A testament to this act of preservation is a carved stone inscription near the park’s entrance, created by the renowned sculptor Eric Gill. It commemorates the Trust’s, the Pilgrim Trust’s, and David and Joanna Randall-MacIver’s roles in securing South Park for generations to come. South Park has seen its share of grand events too. In 2001, the iconic band Radiohead chose this very park for a massive concert. Over 40,000 people gathered, making it possibly the largest gathering in Oxford’s history. Today, South Park continues to be a vibrant hub for the community. From the annual Lord Mayor’s parade to the dazzling firework displays organized by the Oxford Round Table, this park holds a special place in the city’s heart. So, next time you’re in Oxford, and you feel the need to reconnect with the city’s essence, make your way to South Park. Find that perfect spot on the hill, breathe in the fresh air, and let Oxford’s skyline reveal itself in all its splendor. You might just rediscover a city you thought you knew.