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Parks #13 in Oxford

Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park

4.6 · 1,723 reviews
Active, family-oriented, and community-focused.
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, Elsfield Way, Oxford OX2 8NP, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The park houses a miniature railway track operated by the Oxford Society of Model Engineers, which offers public rides on scheduled days.

2

The park contains a notable sensory garden designed specifically to be accessible for those with visual impairments and mobility challenges.

3

It is a site of significant geological interest, with the park's terrain reflecting the floodplain of the River Cherwell.

4

The park was historically two separate entities, Cutteslowe and Sunnymead, which were amalgamated into a single managed parkland.

5

The site includes a designated 'wild area' that is left intentionally unmanaged to encourage native insect and plant population growth.

Overview

Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park is the largest park in Oxford, spanning over 42 hectares of managed green space. It is divided into two distinct areas: Cutteslowe Park, which features traditional landscaping, and Sunnymead Park, which encompasses natural meadowlands. The park hosts extensive sports facilities including tennis courts, football pitches, a miniature railway, and an adventure playground. A dedicated sensory garden provides specialized planting for visitors with varying accessibility needs. The site includes a large ornamental pond that attracts local waterfowl and supports local biodiversity. The grounds are intersected by the Cutteslowe ditch and connect to public footpaths leading toward the River Cherwell. It serves as a major recreational hub for North Oxford residents and families. The park is managed by the Oxford City Council and maintains Green Flag status for its environmental standards.

Photo spot

The wooden footbridge overlooking the ornamental pond during the golden hour.

Insider tips

Bring a picnic blanket as designated seating is concentrated near the main playground and café area.

Check the Oxford Society of Model Engineers website for miniature train run days before visiting if you are traveling with children.

Use the North Oxford parking entrance for direct access to the miniature railway and adventure playgrounds.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to swim in the ornamental ponds or the ditches, as they are not monitored for water quality or safety.

Etiquette

Dogs must be kept under control; please clean up after pets using the provided bins.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in late spring or early autumn to avoid peak crowds and extreme heat.
Address
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, Elsfield Way, Oxford OX2 8NP, United Kingdom
51.791, -1.258
Get directions
Details
AmenitiesMiniature railway, tennis courts, football pitches, adventure playground, sensory garden, café
TerrainMix of manicured lawns, wild meadows, and riverside woodland

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in late spring or early autumn to avoid peak crowds and extreme heat..

The wooden footbridge overlooking the ornamental pond during the golden hour.

Close by you'll find Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Ashmolean Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum.