Nestled just to the north of Oxford city centre is Trap Grounds nature reserve. It’s the last remaining wild open space along the Oxford Canal between the city centre and the northern suburbs and makes a lovely little place to explore with kids.
Well maintained and looked after by the Friends of Trap Grounds, they have created five more ponds, installed a boardwalk along the bank of the stream, and constructed a bird hide and an ‘insect hotel’. They’ve also planted trees and created new wildlife habitats.
For Satnav use Frenchay Rd, OX1 1AF. There is free restricted parking in the surrounding streets but much of it is for residents only. We visited on a Sunday and there are no restricdtions then so that’s probably the best time to go. Once you park, walk over the little humped bridge and take an immediate left. You’ll see the canal below and there’s a sign post on the canal path on your right. Keep an eye out for the wonderful Kingfisher mural under the bridge.
The pathways are a little bumpy in places but still possible to get around with a pushchair and much of it has a boardwalk so fun for kids to explore. It’s not too huge so makes an easy circular walk for little legs.
On your way out, keep an eye out for the mural painted under the bridge which goes over the canal. The kingfisher mural was our favourite.
