Costa del Hinksey! In the summer make the most of the weather and the 26 degree pool at Hinksey Open Air Pool – one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in the south of England at 35 metres- with dips after school and at the weekend. It’s split into two parts with lane swimming on one side and free swimming on the other; there’s also a clearly defined part within this that non-swimmers aren’t allowed past. There’s a graduated entrance to the pool (like a beach) so it’s perfect for toddlers and learners too.
We spent lots of time here last summer, mostly chasing each other in and under ‘the storm’ (aka the fountain). Nothing beats a swim and a picnic (dipnic?!) after a hot day at school before heading to the park and then a kick about on the green. The new Splash Park and Tiny Wheels Track next door has also opened after a huge revamp. What a time to be alive!
Register for a free MORE membership to become a casual pay as you go customer and book via the app. You have to go to one of the Oxford leisure centres with proof of address. We went to Barton which is always pretty quiet – do it now before we suddenly have a mad heatwave and everyone rushes to book! Sad to see the free swimming offer for children doesn’t include Hinksey anymore but there are concessions for those on qualifying benefits who are Oxford residents.
Final word to the wise: parking can be an utter nightmare here as the car park is tiny! Redbridge Park and Ride is also an option too. Download the Ringo app so you don’t have to faff with paying at the machine when you get there.
