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.
Spread across 74 hectares lies a beautiful nature reserve - Stanton Country Park. The park is a perfect spot for a family picnic or to hang out with your friends while surrounded by the luscious greens and fresh air. The park is home to a beautiful lake where one can just sit and enjoy the calm or wander around on a variety of footpaths.
Coate Water Country Park is a charming park surrounding the huge Coate Water Lake. The 28.33 hectares (70 acres) reservoir is the main attraction of the park and was built in 1822 by diverting the River Cole. Coate is quite famous with the locals as well as the tourists for great outdoor day trips. IT has almost turned into a pleasure park with wooden diving boards, changing rooms etc. The park is a favorite among bird watchers as it is home to various notable species of birds such as Little Auk, Eurasian Spoonbill, Rock Pipit etc.
Spend quality time with the family as you interact with farm animals at the expansive Roves Farm. Housing all kinds of animals from piglets and guinea pigs to ducks, hens, and ponies, the Roves Farm is a delight for those who wish to catch a glimpse of farm life. Besides the numerous animals, fun events and activities like camping weekends for the family, tractor rides, bonfires during the winter and feeding the various farm animals also keep taking place throughout the year. If you want to experience rural life, even if it is only for a couple of hours, certainly head to Roves Farm.
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.