Summer in Oxford…

By Elisa Smith

Ahhhhh… the relief in feeling the sun on your face after surviving two terms of fairly cold British weather. With the beginning of Trinity term comes the beginning of the beautiful Oxford summer. It’s what we all envisioned as offer holders: sitting on your college’s lawn with a book, punting with friends in the sun, gallivanting about town in summer clothes whilst being ogled by tourists who are amazed by your being at Oxford University. There’s something so validating about existing in Oxford in the summer months – the ideas of any exams you have being done and dusted, getting trashed by friends, long days in the sun in Port Meadow… the list goes on! So, I’ve compiled a short list of my favourite places to go during the Oxford summer complete with photos.

University Botanic Gardens Rose Ln, Oxford OX1 4AZ

This is an idyllic spot which is accessed for free by Oxford students – simply show your bod card at the entrance to allow yourself entry to a beautiful sun trap. It’s a lovely place to go to relax. You can sit by the Cherwell with your cold drink from the Jericho Coffee Traders van and admire the classic Oxford views of Magdalen tower, people punting, and of course their variety of beautiful plants and flowers. It also tends to not be as busy as the typical touristy spots so at the right time of day you can enjoy some peace from all the city bustling! Enjoy these pictures of me revelling in the glorious sunshine in front of Magdalen tower last summer.

Port Meadow Walton Well Rd, Oxford OX2 6ED

Port Meadow is the classic Trinity term sunny-day hangout spot. As soon as the temperature exceeds 18°C you can guarantee there will be a swarm of Oxford students soaking up the sun and frolicking in the water. If you are in for spending a whole day out, you can also spend the evening at the Perch pub across the meadow in their beautiful outside area. Make sure you take sun cream with you as it is a completely unsheltered area so you’ll be in the sun all day!

University Church of St Mary the Virgin High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ

I know it may seem a bit strange to list a church as a good summer spot but trust me when I say that you will get the best view in the whole of the city. For £5 you can walk to the very top of the church and enjoy romantic views of our colleges, libraries, and parks. It’s a really nice activity to do in the summer months and is not a hugely well-known tourist attraction.

Working on my college’s lawn

I am a Hilda’s student and found that during my exams last Trinity, my friends and I really enjoyed taking our laptops on the lawn and working in each other’s company. The good thing about Hilda’s is that there’s four lawns so you can sit in the sun all day long if you really want to!!

Punting

Punting is the classic summertime Oxford activity. Punts can be rented from a business like Magdalen Punts under Magdalen bridge, or some colleges have their own punts/punting vouchers which are free. It’s a fun activity to do with friends and doesn’t have to be expensive if you go to a college with their own/have a friend at a college with their own punts.

Blenheim Palace Woodstock OX20 1PP

Blenheim Palace is set in serene parkland and holds huge historical significance. It’s a great day out but a bit more on the pricey side at £16 for a student ticket to access the park and gardens. Although, if going in a big group, they offer group discount. Its easily accessible by bus from the city centre with return tickets at a decent price. Within your park and gardens ticket you can access the nature walks, palace gardens and the butterfly enclosure. Overall it’s an enjoyable, scenic day out.