The Christ Church Meadow is set in the heart of Oxford and provides a wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded on two sides by the rivers Cherwell and Isis, on the third by Christ Church, Merton College and part of the old city wall and on the fourth by Poplar Walk, it is quite common to see cattle grazing here. Christ Church College now regards ownership of the meadow as a trust and fights hard to defend it against proposed encroachments.
Founded in 1621, the garden originally provided medicinal herbs. Today, the Oxford Botanic Garden has evolved into a vast collection of over 8,000 plants in a compact, beautifully laid-out setting accurately reflecting the appearance of a Tudor or Stuart college garden. Tucked away close to the edge of the central district, it is a breeding ground of research, conservation, and intensive studies centered around biology, botany, horticulture and gardening. Dissected into two major parts, together, the garden is like a breathing canvas that is home to an array of theme-based collections which include the 'Plants that Changed the World' exhibit. The troupe of glasshouses that are adorned with bursts of colors and scents lent by rarefied and exotic blooming species is particularly a subject of interest and intrigue to the visitors. Occupying a place of pride in the prestigious University of Oxford, the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum is hence, a legendary amalgam of nature and education.
South Park is a beautiful park in the south of the city towards Headington. Situated on one of the few hills in Oxford, it's the place where people go sledging when it snows and tripping through the daisies when spring is in the air, and organized fireworks displays are held here in November. The park is also the home of the circus that seems to pop into town every so often. It's a delightful spot—just the place to have a picnic or walk your dog.
Blenheim Palace has been the home of the Dukes of Marlborough since 1704, when Queen Anne gave a ruined royal manor and dukedom to John Churchill as a gift for his victory at the battle of Blenheim on the Danube. Winston Churchill also happened to be born here - look out for the Churchill exhibition, which includes the bed he was born on, and many personal belongings, including books, photographs and letters. His tomb is in the graveyard of St Martin's church in nearby Bladon. The palace also sometimes plays host to major concerts.
Located within the Chilterns ANOB, the Warburg Nature Reserve is truly a landscape of magnificent beauty and abundance characterized by ancient woodlands and chalk grasslands. The reserve supports an astounding array of over 2000 species of birds, plants, fungi and animals, including 15 different species of orchids. When in bloom, the flowers take over the landscape creating a breathtaking scene that is awash with colors. There are a number of trails and paths that are easily accessible to visitors of all ages. This along with the availability of a picnic area and visitor center, make the reserve an ideal getaway for the whole family. So come along and explore this bewitching haven, with new and amazing sights to see in every season.