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#ExploringOxfordshire
In the second post of the series I will show you why exploring Headington is a great way to spend some time during your visit to Oxford.
Throughout this series I will be visiting the towns and villages throughout Oxfordshire. Helping you to find inspiration for fab days out across the county.
Headington is a suburb of Oxford, located at the top of Headington Hill overlooking the city below. It has a large and growing population, in the centre of Headington are a number of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants.Â
The area also includes the main campus of Oxford Brookes University, Ruskin College and the city’s main hospitals, (the John Radcliffe, Nuffield Orthopaedic and Churchill.)
The area’s most famous modern landmark is The Headington Shark, made by John Buckley for local broadcaster Bill Heine in 1986 and is definitely worth a quick visit if you’re exploring Headington.
Headington Hill Hall was built in 1824 for the locally famous Morrell Family who owned it for over 100 years, it was later owned by Robert Maxwell (founder of Pergamon Press) who turned it into a family home and ran his publishing business from the former stable buildings.
It is now owned by Oxford Brookes University and used by the School of Law.
Headington has a number of green spaces including Headington Hill and Bury Knowle which is often used for Summer festivals and events.
One of the most famous residents was J. R. R. Tolkien, (author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings) who lived in the Old Headington area from 1953 until 1968.
C. S. Lewis actually lived at The Kilns which is in the neighbouring Risinghurst area – he is however buried at Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry.
Still exploring Headington? Then keep reading for some more info and ideas.
Basic Information
Getting There:
From Oxford City Centre: 8/9 bus from St. Aldates (currently a temporary bus stop) takes roughly 20 minutes if you want to go to Headington Hill Hall and then walk. It also stops at Oxford Brookes and the main shopping area so you do have options. £3.50 return (correct at time of posting)
From London: The Oxford Tube coach picks up at multiple places and drops off at Headington Shops after a journey of around 2hours. £18.00 return (correct at time of posting)
Where to Eat
Asian Mama for delicious Chinese food.
Queens Bakery for yummy cakes and treats.
What to Do
You should definitely check out my post on the pubs of Headington.
Don’t forget you can also follow this series on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #exploringoxfordshire
Do you live in Oxfordshire? Have you visited Oxfordshire? Where would you like to see featured?
Let me know in the comments
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