Oxford - University Parks & River

Essential Intel

University Parks generally open at 7.45am and close at dusk. Part of the Trail route is inaccessible on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and sometimes when the river is particularly high.

This operation includes shared pedestrian and cycle-track sections, waterside paths, bridges and a cattle grid. Watch traffic on Parks Road, stay clear of water and beware of bicycles travelling at speed on the dual-purpose pedestrian and cycle track.

Navigating The Route

This is a walking Spy Mission through Oxford University Parks and along the river, with Agents helping stop University of Cambridge student Lawrence Bowler-Wicket, or 'LBW', from releasing giant moles into University Parks to damage the Oxford University Cricket Club by uncovering the code that will stop him.

The mission covers approximately 3 miles and should take 2.5+ hours to complete. You'll start in front of the main door into the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Parks Road, investigate University Parks, continue along the river and return through Mesopotamia.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route uses park paths, a gravel path, bridges, a cattle grid, a cycle track and some roads, with traffic on Parks Road and bicycles travelling at speed on the shared cycle track.

There is an optional detour after walking round the pond, along the second path that curves around to the right. When the operation is complete, turn right across the pedestrian crossing at the T-junction to return to the University Museum, or turn left and follow Parks Road to walk into town.

Getting There

By car: Your mission begins in front of the main door into the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Parks Road, OX1 3PW. If driving, use the Park and Ride service, or park at Worcester Street car park and walk up George Street, Broad Street and Parks Road, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

By public transport: The train station is a similar distance away. Make your way to the main door into the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Parks Road to begin the operation.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available in the Museum at the start, and there are also toilets in University Park during the mission.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome to join the operation 🐾

The route includes park paths, a gravel path, roads, bridges, a cattle grid, riverside sections and a shared pedestrian and cycle track. Keep canine recruits close around Parks Road, away from the water and under control where bicycles may be travelling at speed.

Food & Drink Stops

Agent fuel is available at the cafe in the Museum, and University Parks has great picnic spots if you'd rather bring your own supplies for a tactical pause between clues.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The operation starts right in front of the main door of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Parks Road, making it a natural add-on before or after the mission. It is also a handy base for toilets and a cafe.

Oxford University Parks Cricket Ground

Keep your eyes peeled for the Oxford University Parks cricket ground, home to the Oxford University Cricket Club and described as one of the finest cricket grounds in the country. It is the only first class cricket ground where you can watch for free, and its Pavilion was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1881.

Mesopotamia

The route returns through Mesopotamia, a narrow island in the River Cherwell named after the land between the Euphrates and Tigris. Purchased by the University in the 1860s, it is a quiet area and an ideal habitat for water fowl and wetland flora - perfect for a slower wander once LBW's mole-based mischief has been contained.

Parson's Pleasure

This riverside spot has a very Oxford story. Parson's Pleasure was formerly an area for male-only nude bathing and was frequented by university dons, while ladies in punts were once directed around it behind a high fence, using a route by the 'rollers' next to the weir. It closed in the early 1990s; a similar nearby facility, Dame's Delight, closed in 1970 after flood damage.