So far, the park with the best playground I've ever seen: sandpit with water, lots of different…read moreslides, swings, etc... all very green. And a zip line. I haven't taken pictures because there is loads of kids, you know, but great for them. And lovely for adults too. I loved the lion too

When Noel Gallagher of Oasis dies, will he be cremated? Or will they Bury Knowle?…read more Either way, this is a lovely little park in Headington, and brings back memories of going to see Oxford United play just down the road. Tourists don't really come up this way so it's unspoiled and belongs to the locals. Right in the middle of Headington and close to all the shops. Always did love the parks of Oxford.

I'm no tree expert, but I still find this sort of place fascinating. Everyone knows about the…read moreBotanic Gardens, but this is quite a well-kept secret. It's a shame you have to pay to get in, but it's understandable, as there are some rare and old trees here, and it's very well maintained. I recommend getting a tour, as otherwise it's easy to see things as 'just another tree', and it seems a bit silly paying to wander around what is really an outdoor museum, when you could have the same experience for free if you're really not bothered about the trees. Even if you think you're not interested, you might be surprised. I also recommend going in summer when everything's in full bloom, although it must be interesting to see the changing seasons. Keep an eye out for peacock feathers!

Owned by Oxford University, Harcourt Arboretum is about five or six miles south of Oxford and is a…read morecollection of trees and shrubs open to the public. Some of the collection is very old - massive old trees dating back to mid 19th century. The layout is very informal with lovely open glades and grassy areas between the specimen trees. There are peacocks and bluebells in spring - it can be quite magical. Especially worth a trip to see the rhodedendrons in Spring which are spectacular. Great place for all ages - kids love to run about (in safety). It's free, apart from parking fee which is £3

If you are looking for a great open space to visit then Wendover woods is a good choice. It has 325…read morehectares of woodland and you will find plenty to see and do. You can spend a day orienteering or cycling along its 9km family cycling trail. The recently rejuvenated forest cafe offers drinks and delicious handmade goodies. You can amble, run, hike, cycle, picnic, BBQ or just sit among the trees and watch the wildlife - lovely. A newly built arial climbing run called 'Go Ape' will open again in the spring. My kids loved it although it is a little expensive. The forest is managed by the forestry commission and does charge a small entrance/parking fee but you can get a yearly pass.

Every year in the middle of July, a part of the gardens is the place to be, because of the art…read morefestival: Art in Action, it takes place on the grasfields, in the house, between the apple orchards. Waterperry Gardens is more than only a place to buy your plants and to drink a cup of tea. You can walk arround in the different kind of gardens. Also they have a place where you can just come to your self. O and a great church, open to visit. I just love to be here. Walking a round and think, enjoy and be wonderd about all the different short of gardens.

A good place to take your granny or for a family day out with well-behaved children. It's nice to…read moreescape the hustle and bustle of Oxford to the countryside tranquility of these gardens. Normally I don't like structured gardens too much, but these are more about preserving plants than topiary and fountains. And you can walk on the grass. Good stuff. There's an arboretum, although the trees are just saplings at the moment, so not very interesting. If you're into your moutains, have a look at the rare alpine flowers in the alpine garden, or if you prefer your formal gardens, there's the obligatory area complete with statues. There are lots of borders of fruit trees and herbaceous plants, which bring lots of colour in summer. There isn't much information on anything outside, so I think it's more for a peaceful day out or people who know their plants. However, there is a museum of rural life, which is much more informative, and a Saxon church. All in all it makes a good half day out - a nice Sunday afternoon destination. Entry costs: Adults £4.95 £3.50 OAP £3.95 £3.50 Children 10-16 years £3.30 Free Children under 10 years Free Free

Ruislip Woods backs onto Ruislip Lido. This is a popular place for dog walkers, joggers and…read morecyclists. I have found it best to park the car in Broadwood Avenue and enter the woods through the gates there. The whole area is quite busy and a number of dogs are allowed to wander about without a lead. This is a natural wood and quite ancient, I believe. There is plenty of wild life to see if you walk quietly and a good variety of trees and plants. It's quite an easy walk to the lido through the woods but it's not suitable for wheelchairs or anyone that's unsteady on their feet. Take plenty of insect repellent.

We absolutely loved the drive thru safari. The animals look calm and happy as they stroll around,…read moreextremely close to your car. Excellent experience. The after you park your car exhibits were mostly enjoyable, sweet animals but please someone needs to clean the animals sleep areas, inside boxes and such. The Otter sleep area was disgraceful and there were babies. Looks like it hadn't been cleaned out in a month. No way AZA has been there in a while. Otherwise a very nice day.

It is great. You need to book the ticket online before your trip, it is very smooth to get in the…read morepark. Not very big but a lot to see. we stayed about 2 hour. It is a special experience to see the wildlife.

As parks go, this one is quite wonderful. Loads of open space, running and bicycle track, exercise…read morestations, and such. There are a great many benches for just sitting and enjoying the sounds, sights, and smells of nature. Sunsets are a special treat here, as the main slope of the park runs toward town away west. It's a beautiful sight, even with the construction cranes in silhouette. Grab a picnic bag or a take out pizza and a few pints, and head there on your next visit to the area. You'll not regret it!

South Park is great for lazing around in summer, picnics, meeting friends and, most importantly,…read morefor building enormous snowmen and snow sculptures in winter. I spent a very happy afteroon here one February building snow slides on the slopes and crunching through frozen leaves. It's surprisingly large despite being surrounded by roads, and although you can always hear the traffic in the background, it's still quite a peaceful experience. The worst bit is that it's quite hard to find an exit as they're quite spaced out, and it has a reputation for not being good for women walking through at night. I've never heard of anything bad happening, but it's worth bearing in mind.

This is a large park with a children's play area for both younger and older children. It is…read moresomewhat in the middle of the park so can feel a bit isolated if you are the only ones there though! Great for a walk though, and on the Headstone Lane entrance there is a car park too. Harrow Arts centre is also situated in the park.

This park is very big with numerous fields and pitches to play football. There is a little section…read morefor kids with swings, a slide, climbing frames etc. and seating areas for you to sit down and relax. Round the side of the park is a small river that follows through the park, and at the end are some man made mud hills, which are deep and look quite fun for bikers and bmxers. There is a small parking area at the top of the park, otherwise it is about a 5-10 minute walk from local bus stops.