Oxford Open Doors takes place this weekend – 8th and 9th September 2018. It’s an annual celebration of Oxford across all walks of life, its places and its people. Loads of interesting places normally closed to the public will open their doors to us and, best of all, ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE!
There’s lots going on for families, more than you could fit into one weekend in fact… we’re going to need to make some difficult decisions! Below is my shortlist of top family-friendly Open Doors events, or if you fancy going all over the town centre, Oxford Preservation Trust have put together this Family Trail.
The trail has got eight questions and if you complete the trail you get entered into a prize draw to win £50 and family membership of Oxford Preservation Trust for a year. Not bad, eh.
Oxford Canal Festival, Aristotle Lane Recreation Ground, OX2 6TP – 12 noon to 6pm
The Festival will provide canal boat and canoe trips, guided tours of the towpath and the Trap Ground. The Recreation Ground will host musical performances, many events for children, the Canal Olympics, local food stalls and a dog show.
www.oxfordcanalheritage.org
Oxford Bus Museum (Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ) – 10am to 3.45pm
Free vintage bus rides around the city. For timetables and stops see www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk
University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay, OX44 9PX – 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.15pm)
Part of the University of Oxford since 1947, its 130 acres contain the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire, with some of the oldest redwoods in the UK.
www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/harcourt-arboretum
Hogacre Common Eco Park, off the Abgindon Rd (see Hogacre Common for how to find them) – 12 noon to 5pm
An ecological haven comprising meadow, trees – young and mature, OxGrow Community garden, bee hives, orchard, forest school area, and former sports pavilion with café.
www.hogacrecommon.org.uk
Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford Castle Quarter, OX1 1AY – 10am to 5pm (last tour 4.20pm)
Experience the rich history of Oxford and the Castle. Climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, descend to the Norman Crypt and explore the original cells. Guided tours throughout the day on a first come, first served basis.
www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk
Oxford Castle Mound, Oxford Castle Quarter, New Road, OX1 1AY – 10am to 5pm
Climb the mound of the 11th Century motte-and-bailey castle and see the 13th Century well chamber.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Rewley Road Fire Station, OX1 2EH – 10am to 4pm
Demonstrations, displays, family activities throughout the day.
For full listings for Open Doors go here.
Oxford Open Doors is organised by Oxford Preservation Trust and Oxford University. Oxford Preservation Trust works throughout the year to ensure we look after our heritage, buildings and green spaces for future generations to enjoy.
Source: www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/content/oxford-open-doors
September 2018
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