Oxford Fellows’ Garden

If you follow the meadow path round anti-​clockwise, you will soon come to the Fellows’ Garden. Cross a quaint little bridge, which is somewhat spoilt by the noticeable CCTV camera and signs, and you’re in a lovely area of unusual plants, tame ducks, moorhens, coots and all manner of garden birds.
The first plants were placed by Thomas Hopkins, Bursar of Magdalen, who also helped design the University Parks. There are still some trees surviving from this time, such as the huge redwoods, a poplar, a copper beech and a silver lime. Keep an eye out for fritillaries (pink flowers with a snake-​scale pattern on their petals) and for the dog’s tooth violets.
The best time to visit is Spring, as there are lots of spring-​flowering plants. That said, in summer the trees provide pleasant shade and in winter the frost and snow can make everything look exceedingly beautiful.
This might not be so interesting for older children, but toddlers will like the tame birds, and it’s a great place for a romantic stroll, a catch-​up with an old friend or a walk with relatives. I actually like going here on my own at quieter times, as it gives me a chance to take everything in and to get my thoughts together.