Oxford Events
April gardening guide and garden tasks
April gardening guide: what to do in your garden this April
April brings the real turning point in the gardening year. Growth is accelerating, borders begin to fill out, and the vegetable garden starts to take shape. But the weather remains unpredictable – sunshine, cold snaps, and even the occasional frost can all arrive within the same week. Preparation is key, particularly for tender plants and young growth.
Protecting new shoots is still important at this stage. Cloches and horticultural fleece remain essential tools if frost is forecast, while on warmer days, vigilance is needed against slugs and snails, which target fresh growth such as delphiniums, hostas and young salad leaves.
Despite the challenges, April is one of the most rewarding months in the garden, as sowing, planting and early colour begin to bring everything to life.
Planting
Buy and grow on bedding plants
If you have a greenhouse or frost-free area, April is a good time to save money by buying small bedding plants and growing them on in sheltered conditions. These smaller plants are usually cheaper and establish well when given time to develop.
Pelargoniums, cosmos, ammi, sweet peas, and nicotiana are all excellent choices, while geraniums, gazanias, and marigolds thrive in sunny positions. For shadier areas, begonias, petunias, and violas provide reliable colour.
Sowing bedding plants from seed can be time-consuming and tricky, and there is now a wide selection of plug plants for both bedding and vegetables available online and in garden centres. These young plants need a frost-free environment with plenty of light – ideally a greenhouse, conservatory, windowsill, or porch.
Watering needs careful management at this stage. Too much water early on can cause young plants to rot, so increase watering gradually as they grow. When plug plants arrive, they are often in small thumb-sized pots and should be potted on immediately, but only one pot size at a time. Moving them into a pot that is too large too soon will hinder growth.
If planting into containers or hanging baskets, it is often best to pot them up and grow them on in a greenhouse before planting outside. This allows the plants to develop a strong root system before exposure to outdoor conditions.
Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushier growth; otherwise, plants such as petunias, fuchsias, and verbenas can become leggy later in the season.
As a general rule, do not plant out bedding plants until the risk of frost has passed, which is usually towards the end of May depending on location. Earlier planting is possible, but plants must be protected with fleece or cloches if frost is forecast, as most bedding plants are not hardy and can be severely damaged or killed by cold weather.
Seed and grow summer annuals
The advantage of growing annuals from seed is the wide variety available, including plants rarely seen in garden centres. Specialist seed catalogues offer an extensive range, making it easy and enjoyable to grow something unusual.
Good summer annuals include Cobaea scandens (Cup and Saucer plant), native to South America, which is a tender climber ideal for summer displays. Amaranthus caudatus (Love lies bleeding) is another striking and exotic-looking annual that is easy to grow from seed.
Both require warmth for germination and should be grown on in frost-free conditions until well established. Delay planting out until plants are strong and well developed.
Other reliable annuals that provide bold colour include nasturtiums, sunflowers, calendula, and cornflowers. These are easy to germinate and more tolerant than tender exotic varieties.
Sow a wildflower patch
A wildflower patch can create a vibrant seasonal display and does not require large amounts of space or time. If a low-maintenance option is preferred, pre-seeded rolls or mats offer a simple and reliable alternative to sowing from seed.
Whether using seed or pre-prepared mats, success depends on weed-free soil and sufficiently warm conditions for germination.
Start planting out potatoes
April is the traditional time for planting salad potatoes and first earlies, with second earlies and maincrop varieties typically planted towards the end of the month. Potatoes can be chitted throughout April before planting.
Maincrop potatoes are generally the largest, taking around 15–20 weeks to reach full maturity. They are ideal for storing and suited to roasting, baking, and mashing.
Planting schedules should always be adjusted according to weather conditions; if a cold spell occurs, delay planting until conditions improve.
Potatoes take up significant space in the vegetable plot but can also be grown successfully in large containers. The emerging foliage (haulm) is vulnerable to frost and should be protected if cold weather is forecast.
It is essential to maintain consistent moisture, particularly as April and May can be among the driest months of the year.
Plant hardier vegetables outside
The weather remains variable in April, so it is important to distinguish between hardy and tender crops. In sheltered gardens, hardier vegetables can be sown or planted outside, including broad beans, beetroot, carrots, Swiss chard, summer cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnips, spring peas, and perpetual spinach.
More tender vegetables should be raised under glass until planting out in mid-May, once the risk of frost has passed. These include courgettes, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, celeriac, French beans, sweetcorn, and globe artichokes.
Seedlings grown indoors can become leggy if not managed correctly. If growing on a windowsill, turn trays regularly to prevent plants leaning towards the light source.
April is also suitable for sowing peas and beans in the greenhouse for later planting out. Successional sowing at regular intervals helps avoid gluts and ensures a continuous harvest.
Broad beans are the hardiest of the bean family and can be planted out first, followed by runner beans and French beans once conditions improve. All beans and peas require a long root run and are best grown in root trainers or alternatives such as toilet roll tubes.
Direct sowing is possible for hardier crops such as carrots, broad beans, onions, garlic, and purple sprouting broccoli, provided soil conditions are suitable and warmed up. Successional sowing every two weeks works well for steady cropping.
If carrot seed fails to germinate, it is often due to cold soil; re-sow when conditions improve.
April is also suitable for planting strawberries, either in beds or containers. Protection will be needed from birds once fruit begins to form. Onions and garlic can also be planted in sunny positions and are both easy, reliable crops that store well.
Start growing herbs
Supermarket herbs can be expensive and short-lived, while home-grown herbs offer greater variety and flavour. April is the ideal time to sow tender herbs such as basil, coriander, dill, Thai basil, and tarragon under glass. These can later be planted out or grown in containers in sunny spots.
Parsley can be slow to germinate, so repeated sowing is often necessary.
Hardy herbs such as chives, thyme, and oregano can be planted outside in pots or borders. Oregano is vigorous, aromatic, and highly attractive to pollinators, but it can self-seed freely, so monitoring is required if spread is not desired.
Most herbs prefer a sunny position, although some will tolerate partial shade.
Care and maintenance
Pruning in April
Early April is suitable for pruning Hydrangea macrophylla, cutting back to a pair of buds and removing around a third of older woody stems each year to encourage new growth. Newly planted hydrangeas should be pruned more lightly until established.
Buddleja davidii can still be pruned or trimmed at this stage to maintain shape and encourage flowering. Lavender, including French lavender and cotton lavender, should be lightly trimmed, along with rosemary and sage, avoiding cuts into woody stems.
Cornus should be pruned by early April at the latest to encourage strong red winter stems. Hard pruning down to near the base is required. Early-flowering heathers can be trimmed once flowering has finished.
Pruning should be avoided during periods of severe or unstable weather.
Feed shrubs
April is an ideal time to feed shrubs as growth begins. General fertilisers such as fish, blood and bone, Growmore, bone meal, or organic chicken manure pellets can be applied around the base of plants and lightly worked into the soil. Water in if rain is not expected.
Some shrubs, including camellias, rhododendrons, and magnolias, require ericaceous feed, while roses benefit from specialist rose fertiliser and preventative disease treatments as growth resumes.
Tie in new plant growth
New growth on plants and climbers will benefit from being tied in. There’re many types of plant ties – from simple strings to bendy ones, green metal ties and, of course, simple raffia ties
Raffia is quite strong and won’t look too intrusive on the plant. It is also cheap and readily available. And it doesn’t look offensive if it blows around or ends up in the compost heap. Raffia is also soft and forgiving as a tie.
Care for Hellebores
Hellebores are fading, and depending on how they look, time to cut down the stems. The new growth can be seen at the plant’s base, and care is needed to ensure this is not snipped instead.
The taller Helleborus argutifolius (also known as Corsican hellebores) is prone to flop all over the place by this stage and is hard to stake. It is best chopped – taking off the flower and stalks down to the ground. Other types of Hellebores can be left alone.
Stake perennials
Many perennials will need support, and early April is the time to stake perennials, especially the early flowering ones, such as Peonies. It can be tricky to place the stakes over or around the plant without damaging the emerging plants if staking is left too late.
Wildlife and pests
Young vegetable growth is particularly vulnerable to pests in April. Carrot fly, for example, requires physical protection such as fine mesh netting to prevent damage. While resistant varieties exist, barriers remain the most reliable method of control.
Slugs and snails are also active in warmer, damp conditions, so regular monitoring is essential across borders and vegetable beds.
Other garden tasks
Spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips should be deadheaded once flowers fade, but foliage must be left intact to feed the bulbs for next year’s display.
Lawns benefit from their first feeds of the year, typically with a high-nitrogen fertiliser after scarifying and mowing begins in earnest. Grass cutting should start high and be lowered gradually as growth increases.
Seedlings raised earlier in the season will need potting on into slightly larger containers, taking care not to over-pot too early, which can restrict growth.
Plants raised indoors should also be hardened off gradually by placing them outside on mild days before bringing them back under cover at night, preparing them for eventual planting out.
Finally, April is a good time to consider composting systems for garden waste, helping to recycle material and improve soil health naturally.
Quick reference – April gardening at a glance
- Buy and grow on bedding plants in frost-free conditions, potting on gradually.
- Sow summer annuals and wildflowers such as nasturtiums, sunflowers, and cornflowers.
- Plant early potatoes and hardier vegetables, while protecting tender crops under cover.
- Sow herbs including basil, coriander, thyme, and chives.
- Plant strawberries, onions, and garlic in prepared soil.
- Prune shrubs and feed borders as growth begins.
- Tie in new shoots on climbers and support perennials early.
- Protect crops from pests, especially carrot fly and slugs.
- Deadhead spring bulbs but leave foliage to die back naturally.
- Feed and begin mowing lawns as growth increases.
- Pot on seedlings and harden off young plants gradually.
- Start composting systems for garden waste.
Oxford Events
Inside Homes: Bridge House – a beautiful 17th-century Cotswold stone home in an idyllic village setting
Inside Bridge House
Tucked away in the idyllic Oxfordshire village of Black Bourton, Bridge House is the kind of deeply atmospheric country residence that feels both rooted in history and quietly attuned to contemporary rural life.
Built in the late 17th century and formed in honeyed Cotswold stone, the house sits within more than an acre of mature gardens, offering a rare combination of architectural integrity, flexibility and pastoral seclusion.
Approached through a gentle village setting, the house immediately establishes its tone: relaxed, characterful and unmistakably English, with time-softened stone elevations and a sense of enduring calm.
A house shaped by history and texture
Inside, Bridge House unfolds with a considered rhythm of rooms that celebrate period craftsmanship at every turn. An entrance hall introduces flagstone floors, exposed beams and original detailing that set a quietly theatrical tone for the interiors beyond.
Reception spaces are both generous and adaptable. The principal sitting room is anchored by an impressive fireplace, offering a warm focal point for winter evenings, while framing views across the gardens. A second reception room provides a more intimate retreat, ideal for reading, conversation or relaxed family living.
At the centre of the home, the kitchen embraces its country setting with confidence. Centred around a traditional Aga, it balances functionality with timeless styling, its cabinetry and workspace arranged to suit both everyday life and informal entertaining. Garden views ensure the space remains connected to its surroundings throughout the seasons.
The dining room feels particularly atmospheric, with its flagstone flooring, vaulted ceiling and wood-burning stove set within a characterful fireplace. A door opens directly to a courtyard, blurring the boundary between inside and out in the warmer months.
From here, a barn-style extension currently used as a gym adds another layer of versatility. This generous space could equally serve as a studio, home office or additional reception room, reinforcing the house’s inherent adaptability.
Restful bedrooms with a sense of retreat
Upstairs, the bedroom accommodation continues the home’s layered sense of comfort and character. The principal suite is especially distinctive, featuring a freestanding roll-top bath within the bedroom itself, creating an indulgent, boutique-style atmosphere. Steps lead down to an adjoining bathroom where views over the gardens add a gentle sense of retreat.
Two further double bedrooms and a single bedroom are served by a well-appointed family bathroom, making the main house well suited to both family life and visiting guests.
Cottage and annexe living
One of Bridge House’s most compelling features is its exceptional ancillary accommodation. A separate two-bedroom cottage and a one-bedroom annexe apartment provide remarkable flexibility, whether for multi-generational living, visiting guests, independent teenagers or potential holiday letting.
This dual-offering of additional accommodation significantly extends the lifestyle possibilities of the property while maintaining privacy between each element.
Gardens of scale and tranquillity
The gardens, extending to approximately 1.1 acres, are a defining feature of the property. Mature planting, sweeping lawns and carefully positioned seating areas create a series of outdoor “rooms”, each offering its own sense of calm and outlook.
A glazed summerhouse sits within the grounds, providing a particularly enchanting vantage point for year-round enjoyment. A generous terrace accessed from the kitchen enhances the home’s al fresco credentials, making it an ideal setting for long summer gatherings and relaxed entertaining.
A quintessential Oxfordshire village setting
Life at Bridge House is closely tied to the character of its surroundings in Oxfordshire, with the nearby village of Bampton offering everyday amenities including independent shops, cafés and services.
The wider area is rich in community and countryside charm, with local gathering places and traditional pubs, while excellent schooling options include nearby institutions such as Burford-area schools and Cokethorpe School, alongside respected independent and state choices across the region.
For those seeking a balance of rural seclusion and connectivity, the setting offers a particularly compelling proposition, with the market town of Witney within easy reach and the surrounding villages of Clanfield and the wider Cotswolds adding further depth to the lifestyle on offer.
A rare and versatile country home
Bridge House is ultimately a home defined by its adaptability as much as its beauty. With its historic core, generous accommodation, separate cottage and annexe, and evocative gardens, it offers a rare opportunity to inhabit a house that can evolve effortlessly with its next chapter of life.
What’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this July
Hello and welcome to your invaluable guide to the best events, exhibitions and things to do throughout July 2026 in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Summer is well and truly here. And so are the festivals. Not just the music festivals, but there are gatherings galore for petrolheads, art lovers, fun lovers and food lovers. There’s even a festival devoted to dogs and their owners. July is, indeed, a brilliant time to be in Oxfordshire.
Make time for brunch at one of the many local restaurants with outdoor seating, or grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket and find yourself a coveted spot at any of the numerous outdoor theatre events across the county.
And if you fancy venturing further afield, consider taking a cultural day trip to London’s west end – the capital city is relatively calmer then for a matinee in one of London’s theatres.
Need we say again that this is a curated list of things to do in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this June. Take a look at the “What’s on” section, where you’ll find a growing array of events in Oxford and across Oxfordshire, plus unmissable ones beyond the county that would make for a great day out.
Got an event that should be on the list? List your event on The Oxford Magazine website and reach our growing audience of people who live, work or place in Oxfordshire. Once again, welcome to your invaluable guide to what’s on in Oxford and across Oxfordshire this July.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Join Creative Writers Group to learn skills in Spoken Word, Performance Poetry and Playwriting and create your own works to be presented as part of OxBright Festival in July.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Join Story Time Adventure around the theatre space for interactive storytelling session for ages 2 to 4 and their parent/carer!
The Oxford Shakespeare Festival is back for its 16th year! This outdoor theatre experience that takes place in the castle yard of Oxford Castle & Prison will see Wild Goose Theatre, BMH Productions, Siege Theatre, and Greensleeved will be putting on marvellous performances of Shakespeare’s finest classics.
Join a Real Alice in Wonderland Tour to see fiction, fantasy and history come to life through the eyes of a local expert in Oxford’s history.
The hit musical comedy Waitress returns for a UK tour, telling the heartwarming story of Jenna, a talented pie-maker searching for happiness. Featuring music by Grammy-winner Sara Bareilles, this five-star show celebrates love, laughter, and friendship in delicious style.
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly one of the best-known regattas in the world; and a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and the English social season. The Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over the six days of action-packed racing. Spectators are thrilled by over 200 races of an international standard which can include Olympic rowers, as well as crews new to the event.
Songs of the Bulbul, a captivating new dance work by Rani Khanam, inspired by the Sufi myth of a caged songbird. Featuring choreography by Rani Khanam and music by Rushil Ranjan, this exquisite performance blends Sufi Kathak, orchestral and Indian classical traditions, and Islamic poetry.
The Oxford Festival Fringe Preview Comedy Festival (Oxford Comedy Festival) is a month-long comedy festival that takes place in Oxford throughout July. The festival brings the best comedians headed to Edinburgh and other large festivals to the Oxford community, with a particular focus on amplifying traditionally underrepresented voices.
Join Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford, and experience Shakespeare’s journey in Oxford during his lifetime. This is an opportunity to pause and look carefully at Oxford city centre, noticing Elizabethan and Jacobean details you might pass by every day. The tour includes a unique Tudor bedroom above Cornmarket Street, the famous Painted Room, which will be opened specially by Oxford Preservation Trust.
Step back into the golden age of the Great Western Railway at this 21-acre living museum, where trains from Victorian times to the 1960s bring railway history to life. Explore historic engine sheds, restored locomotives, interactive signalling displays and wartime exhibits, with the rare chance to see steam-era engineering up close in a quieter, immersive setting.
Silverstone Circuit, Northampton
The excitement starts early at Silverstone with Thursday’s Opening Concert, headlined by David Guetta. Book the standalone event or stay for the full British Grand Prix weekend as major artists, surprise guests, and high-energy entertainment set the stage for 2026.
It has long been an MCS tradition that the Trinity term comes to an end with a concert of Madrigals performed from punts on the river. This hugely popular event will feature a variety of madrigals and folksongs from different periods of musical history interspersed with some instrumental items.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Get ready for an electrifying night as the UK and Europe’s Biggest, best and longest-running Neil Diamond tribute show returns — bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Experience Spanish Renaissance choral works and a wellbeing workshop with The Sixteen at Choral Pilgrimage: Lead, Kindly Light. The range of emotion covered by composers in the Spanish Renaissance is demonstrated beautifully in the selected works by Cristóbal de Morales and Sebastián de Vivanco that form the basis of this Choral Pilgrimage.
Various venues across Oxford
Alice’s Day is the annual city-wide celebration of all things Alice in Wonderland, and it is marked on the first Saturday in July, in commemoration of the afternoon on the 04 July 1862 when the Christ Church mathematician Charles Dodgson took the Dean of Christ Church’s daughters (Lorina, Alice, and Edith Liddell) on a boat trip, from Folly Bridge to Godstow, where they had a picnic.
Join this first ever Classy Clown Custard Pie masterclass! Whether you love panto, circus, theatre slapstick or film, this is a unique opportunity to have loads of fun while learning about clowning technique, prop management, and delivering the perfect pie.
Come and have a go at handling some of the museum objects at Alice’s Day, special edition of hands-on history drop-in session at the Museum of Oxford.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
APAC Presents ‘Dancing Through Life’, a vibrant evening of dance and musical theatre where performers bring all their hard work to the stage.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Kandeez Dance Presents Chapter 1 ‘A Dream in Motion’ at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on Sunday 05 July 2026 by 5.30pm.
Find out what is actually the best job in the world as Michelle Wolf delivers a hilarious deconstruction of society, gender roles and testicles.
The Gigspanner Big Band bring together some of the biggest names in British folk music for an evening of high-energy performance rooted in tradition yet boldly experimental in spirit.
Henley Festival is an exclusive boutique black-tie festival that takes place over five days, celebrating the best of the UK and International music and arts. The festival is a truly unique event. It embraces a vibrant programme from pop to world music, classical to jazz where art and gastronomy share equal billing with music.
Festival lineup includes: Boy George & Culture Club / Sugababes / Lulu / Björn Again / Alex James’ Britpop Classical / Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with very special guest, Laura Mvula / Bootleg Beatles / Alan Davies / Shappi Khorsandi / Russell Kane / Geoff Norcott / Suzi Ruffell / Julian Clary
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Bring your favourite book or book character to the Academy Masterclass: From Page to Stage and explore how to adapt them for the stage.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Divine Comedy’s hits include National Express, Something for the Weekend, A Lady of a Certain Age and Our Mutual Friend.
Following sold-out performances in London’s West End, a Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story continues to stun audiences across the globe, making it a must-see international sensation that features hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.
Learn the principles of transcription and editing in the Storytelling Evaluation Method – how to turn an audio file into a written story on two sides of A4 that preserves the authentic voice and key insights of the storyteller.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Discover the magic behind the curtain with behind-the-scenes theatre tours, featuring history, architecture, and backstage stories, and gain a unique insight into the hidden spaces that bring each performance to life.
Celebrate the music of George Michael with Rob Lamberti, whose uncanny vocals and stage presence bring hits from Wham! to George’s solo career to life, including timeless hits like ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Club Tropicana’, and so many more.
Within These Walls is a compassionate play about those who have lived within the walls of an institution and the people who care for them and about the timeless healing power of human connection.
Lord of the Dance is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour. Expect a dazzling combination of precision dance, powerful music, pyrotechnics, and emotional storytelling.
An evening of Baroque mastery awaits as the Oxford Philharmonic welcomes celebrated harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani. A perfect concert for both Baroque enthusiasts and new listeners alike.
The Leys Festival is back and bigger than ever! Get ready for an unforgettable day full of music, food, and fun for all the family, created and planned by over 60 passionate residents and community organisers from Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys. This isn’t just any festival – it’s one of Oxford’s most beloved free community events and this year’s festival promises more excitement than ever before.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Prepare for a show-stopping performance as The Princess Proms pay tribute to the iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty & The Beast, Anastasia, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and more!
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo returns to cinemas with new footage, exploring the life, art and legacy of the iconic artist through expert insight, personal letters and exclusive access ahead of the Tate Britain exhibition.
A summer celebration of vintage motoring returns to Adwell House, featuring classic vehicles, a rare Formula 1 display, live music, family activities and new interactive show elements, all set within picturesque private parkland near Thame in Oxfordshire.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The British Festival of Performing Arts (BFOPA) is a live performing arts event celebrating young talent from across the UK, featuring performances in dance, musical theatre and singing.
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Horrible Histories brings Awful Egyptians to the stage with dazzling 3D effects, exploring pharaohs, pyramids and mummies in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome facts and humour for audiences of all ages. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Horrible Histories brings Terrible Tudors to the stage with thrilling 3D effects, exploring Henry VIII, Bloody Mary and the Spanish Armada in a fun, fast-paced show packed with gruesome history and humour for all ages. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
This screen acting workshop for ages 7 to 11 introduces young performers to acting for camera, exploring performance techniques, text analysis and on-screen confidence while offering a taste of the Academy’s regular term-time drama sessions.
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
Featuring over 100 incredible young dancers from the local area, this fast-paced, feel-good show is packed with powerful performances, show-stopping routines, and plenty of wow moments.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Bluey’s Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series packed with music, laughter, and fun. Join the Heelers in this live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition.
Party in the Paddock returns in 2026 with two massive weekends of racing and live music at Newbury Racecourse. With world-class racing, unforgettable performances, and an electric summer atmosphere, this is a series you won’t want to miss.
Festival lineup includes: Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes / Ronan Keating / Tinie Tempah / Jessie J.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Join this very special night of stand-up that is headlined – with an extended set – by a certified comedy superstar, Ed Byrne. With legions of fans both in the UK and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Celebrating the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton & Cream – Voodoo Room is a stunning high energy ‘Power Trio’ featuring some of the U.K.’s finest musicians whose credits include: Steve Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder, Lulu etc.
The North Wall Arts Centre
Blake’s Heaven Big Band is a 17-piece modern ensemble delivering funk, pop, jazz and swing styles influenced from all genres of music. The Band’s repertoire ranges from classic big band to fun cartoon, TV and film themes and popular time-honoured hits from the 60s through to the 90s and beyond.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Return to the cosmos – or discover it for the first time – with Wonders of Our Universe – The Next Chapter: a brand new, stand-alone instalment in the acclaimed live series from astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, is a darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets filmed live on stage at the National Theatre.
The North Wall Arts Centre
The inaugural OxBright Festival will bring together young performers from the UK and around the world for a celebration of creativity, featuring workshops, performances, Q&A sessions and opportunities to showcase work on a professional stage.
Join Spread the Joy: Marmalade Stitching and learn about Sarah Cooper, whose 1874 marmalade recipe became a huge hit in Oxford and beyond. Use hessian from another thriving local business as the blank canvas on which you’ll stitch your own marmalade-inspired picture using yarn and pipe cleaners.
Truck Festival takes place in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, offering a long weekend of live music, camping and community spirit. Family-friendly and inclusive, the festival features multiple stages, arts, workshops, food and bars, along with full campsite facilities, making it one of the region’s most cherished independent summer festivals.
Festival lineup includes: The Maccabees / Two Door Cinema Club / CMAT / The Libertines / The Wombats / Primal Scream / Kaiser Chiefs / The Vaccines
Guiting Power Village Hall
Guiting Music Festival continues to grow its reputation as one of the leading music festivals in the Cotswolds, offering a superb eclectic mix of artists and genres of music at its annual event in the Cotswold village of Guiting Power. Over 10 days it will play host to world-renowned, international, European and UK artists.
The Oxford Piano Festival was founded in 1999 by Marios Papadopoulos, renowned pianist and Music Director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Each year, the Festival welcomes piano players and pedagogues, experts and enthusiasts, to some of Oxford’s most historic venues, such as Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room, and Christ Church Cathedral.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Alon Goldstein and fellow piano masters.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Kathryn Stott and fellow piano masters.
Festival favourite Paul Lewis returns with a programme framed by two of Mozart’s most appealing piano sonatas – one known for its charm and grace, the other for its intensity and restlessness.
Our Man in Havana follows the hilarious exploits of James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba. Jack Ashton, Bob Barrett, Leon Ockenden, and Jodie Steele play over 30 characters to bring 1950s Havana vividly to life in this wonderfully funny and fast-moving romp!
The Masterclass Series is three introductory workshops in professional skills used by creatives across the industry, designed for both beginners and those looking to revisit foundational techniques, including Movement & Physical Theatre, Directing and Improvisation.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Momoro Ono and fellow piano masters.
Wilderness festival is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, artisanship, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and culinary experiences. It’s one festival where genres are redefined, identity is turned on its head, and arts from across the spectrum sit side by side.
Festival lineup includes: Scissor Sisters / Carl Cox / The Last Dinner Party / Sisters: curated by Annie Lennox / Soulwax / Baxter Dury / Saint Etienne / Good Neighbours / The Hot 8 Brass Band / Groove Armada (DJ Set) / Nic Fanciulli / Eats everything / Olive F / Dan Shake • Say She She / Demi Riquísimo / Delilah / Chloe Qisha / Mr Cutts and many more.
The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from acclaimed pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja and fellow piano masters.
The Oxford Piano Festival is thrilled to present one of the most exciting emerging instrumental talents, Greek pianist Theodosia Ntokou.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Suzanne Vega will perform a career-spanning show including favorites like ‘Tom’s Diner’, ‘Luka’, ‘Marlene On The Wall’, and many more, plus songs from her latest album, Flying with Angels
Every Saturday (Except 26 December)
Out of the Deep is a family-friendly specimen handling and exploration of the underwater world of marine reptiles.
Modern Art Oxford is delighted to present Little Fennel’s Complaint, a major solo exhibition by Olivia Plender (b. 1977, London), exploring historic and ongoing inequalities in women’s healthcare, from early modern witchcraft to contemporary debates on reproductive rights and medical authority. Plender developed the exhibition through research with leading Oxford institutions, including the Bodleian Library, Oxford Botanic Garden and John Radcliffe Hospital.
The exhibition displays a collection of work created using foraged plants, transformed through ancient techniques such as cordage and weaving, to reflect the raw beauty and cyclical nature of the natural world, that is both ephemeral and enduring.
In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World at the Ashmolean Museum uncovers the hidden histories behind Britain’s most beloved blooms. Explore over 100 artworks and objects that reveal how plant exploration and trade shaped landscapes, cultures, and economies – from roses and tulips to camellias and peonies.
Anna Ridler’s A Perfect Language of Images is a digital artwork created with Oxford’s Dr William Poole, exploring systems of classification through AI. Inspired by John Wilkins and Jorge Luis Borges, it reflects on how machine learning both organises and destabilises knowledge.
Developed through research into the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments at the University of Oxford, the exhibition brings together sound, video and photography to consider what is revealed and concealed through the collection, preservation and display of musical instruments. At its centre is a new sound work created using recordings of historic instruments from the collection.
The Bodleian Libraries’ Wonder of Birds exhibition explores art, science and culture through the lens of avian life. Featuring rare archives, manuscripts and immersive sound, it invites visitors to reflect on both the beauty of birds and their decline.
Lidos and public swimming pools in Oxfordshire
Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot summer’s day, swim lengths beneath open skies or enjoy a family day out by the water, Oxfordshire offers a surprising variety of places to take a dip.
From heated outdoor lidos and open-air pools surrounded by lawns and picnic spots to modern indoor leisure centres that provide year-round swimming whatever the weather, there are options for every age and ability.
Across the county, you’ll find much-loved community-run lidos, family-friendly outdoor pools with splash areas, and indoor swimming facilities offering everything from casual swims to fitness sessions and lessons.
Whether you prefer the atmosphere of a traditional open-air pool, the comfort of a heated indoor complex, or even the challenge of open-water swimming, Oxfordshire has plenty of opportunities to get in the water.
Explore our guide to outdoor and indoor swimming across Oxfordshire and discover some of the county’s best places to swim, relax and make the most of the season. PS: We’ve added a section for wild water swimming right at the end.
The Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool is an open-air swimming pool in Abingdon. The venue also offers heated outdoor pools, crazy golf and a play area. The newly renovated pool is heated to make every swim an enjoyable experience, whatever the weather. The centre offers both lane swimming and ‘swim for all’ sessions, ensuring there’s a swim session for all ages and abilities for fun and fitness.
Located in the heart of Banbury, the Banbury Open Air Pool (also known as The Banbury Lido or Woodgreen Lido) at Woodgreen Leisure Centre is a 50m outdoor swimming pool with an aqua-splash area and slide. The pool is co-located with the Woodgreen Leisure Centre that offers an indoor bowling hall, 50 station gym and 2 fitness studios.
A much-loved local landmark, this outdoor swimming facility in Oxfordshire has been providing summer fun and great memories since it opened back in 1934. This excellent Lido/Outdoor Pool for swimming and group exercise activities is brought to you by Oxford City Council. Get the Hinksey Summer Pass and go swimming as often as you like.
Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, The Lido Chipping Norton has two fully-heated outdoor pools: a 25m swimming pool and a toddlers’ paddling pool. It also has a café and a large, tree-lined lawn, making it perfect for families looking for an afternoon’s outdoor fun. Whether seeking sport, leisure or fun with friends, The Lido has something for everyone.
Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire, offer a heated outdoor pool ideal for a family day out with a Splash Park for children. It is attractively located adjacent to the River Thames between Crowmarsh Gifford and Wallingford. The 23 x 10m swimming pool is heated, making for a more enjoyable swim for people of all ages whatever the weather.
Located in the heart of Banbury, Woodgreen Leisure Centre offers a 50m outdoor swimming pool in Oxfordshire with an aqua-splash area and slide. Go swim-ready, although not essential as the changing rooms are fully open with no restrictions. But booking in advance remains is required for all lane swimming sessions.
Woodstock Open Air Pool is a heated outdoor lido in the heart of West Oxfordshire and a short walk from Blenheim Palace. There is also a separate paddling pool for toddlers. It is open during the summer months (April to September), whatever the weather. The pool is surrounded by a large grassed area, ideal for relaxing and picnics on a sunny day.
Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield offers a welcoming community swimming pool with lane swimming, casual sessions, family fun swims and swimming lessons. The 17-metre indoor pool is ideal for fitness, confidence-building and family activities, with accessible facilities and year-round swimming opportunities.
Barton Leisure Centre offers a modern indoor swimming pool with lane swimming, family sessions, lessons and fitness-focused activities. The welcoming community facility provides year-round swimming for all ages and abilities, alongside a gym, sports hall and wider leisure amenities.
Bicester Leisure Centre features a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a dedicated learner pool, offering lane swimming, family sessions, lessons and aqua fitness classes. The modern leisure centre provides year-round swimming for all ages and abilities, alongside extensive fitness, sports and wellbeing facilities.
Carterton Leisure Centre has a modern 25-metre main pool and a learner pool, catering for both casual and more serious swimmers. It offers lane swimming, family sessions, lessons and aqua activities, providing accessible year-round swimming for all ages and abilities within a community-focused leisure setting.
Carterton Leisure Centre features a modern 25-metre main pool alongside a learner pool, supporting lane swimming, casual public swims, lessons and family sessions. It provides a convenient, community-focused swimming facility in West Oxfordshire with year-round access for all ages and abilities.
Didcot Wave Leisure Centre offers a large leisure pool with wave machine, flumes and a dedicated teaching pool, making it popular for both family fun and swimming lessons. It also provides lane swimming, fitness sessions and year-round access for all ages and abilities.
Faringdon Leisure Centre features a 25-metre swimming pool offering lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and family swims in a friendly community setting. It provides year-round access for swimmers of all abilities, supported by a range of fitness and leisure facilities for health and wellbeing.
Ferry Leisure Centre includes a 25-metre main pool for lane and casual swimming, alongside a dedicated teaching pool used for swimming lessons and one-to-one tuition. It caters for all abilities with family sessions, structured courses and general swim times all year-round.
Henley Leisure Centre offers a 25-metre swimming pool with lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and family swims, plus a teaching pool for structured courses and one-to-one swimming support. Conveniently located for Henley and nearby towns including Reading, Marlow and Wallingford, it provides year-round swimming for all abilities.
Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centre features a 25-metre main pool alongside a learner pool used for swimming lessons and one-to-one instruction. It offers lane swimming, casual public sessions and family swims, for swimmers of all ages and abilities year-round, alongside a spacious gym and group exercise classes.
At Leys Pools & Leisure Centre, brought to you by Oxford City Council, swimmers can enjoy a 25-metre, 8-lane main pool alongside an 8-metre learner pool designed for lessons and beginner sessions. The centre also features a 35-station air-conditioned gym, an 8-court sports hall and two multi-purpose studios hosting a wide range of classes and activities.
Located in the heart of Banbury, Spiceball Leisure Centre offers a modern 25-metre swimming pool alongside a learner pool for lessons and beginner sessions. It caters for all ages and abilities with lane swimming, casual public swims and family sessions, supported by a well-equipped gym and fitness studios for year-round activity.
Situated on the edge of the small market town, Thame Leisure Centre offers a welcoming 25-metre swimming pool alongside a learner pool for lessons and beginner sessions. It provides lane swimming, public sessions and family swims for all ages and abilities, supported by a gym and fitness classes for year-round use.
Wantage Leisure Centre offers something for everyone, including a modern 25-metre indoor swimming pool suitable for lane swimming, casual sessions and lessons for all ages and abilities. The centre also features an air-conditioned gym equipped with Technogym equipment, supporting a wide range of fitness and wellbeing activities year-round.
White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre offers a 25-metre swimming pool with lane swimming, casual public sessions, lessons and family-friendly swim times for all ages and abilities. Alongside its swimming facilities, the centre is also known for its extensive tennis provision and wider fitness and sports amenities, supporting year-round activity.
Located in the heart of Witney, Windrush Leisure Centre offers a welcoming 25-metre swimming pool with lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and family swims for all ages and abilities. It provides a community-focused environment for both casual and fitness swimmers, supported by a gym and fitness classes for year-round health and wellbeing.
Wild swimming locations in Oxford
Oxford has several well-known wild swimming locations that are popular with some open-water swimmers during the warmer months. However, these are not designated swimming areas, and conditions can change quickly. Anyone considering entering the water should be aware of the risks and follow local safety advice.
- Tumbling Bay – A picturesque stretch of the River Thames beside Tumbling Bay in the Osney area, around a 15-minute walk from Oxford city centre. The shallow weir pool is one of the city’s best-known wild swimming spots.
- Longbridges – Located on the River Thames near Longbridges Nature Park in New Hinksey, just south of the city centre. This riverside area has long been used for paddling and open-water swimming.
- Hinksey Lake – Situated within Hinksey Park in south Oxford, approximately 1.5 miles from the city centre. Although primarily known for boating and recreation, the lake is also used by some for open-water swimming.
- Fiddler’s Island – Found where the River Thames and Castle Mill Stream meet, close to Port Meadow and a short walk north-west of the city centre. The secluded setting makes it a recognised wild swimming location.
- Wolvercote Mill Stream – Running alongside Port Meadow near Wolvercote, about 3 miles north of Oxford city centre. The gently flowing stream is a traditional spot for paddling and swimming during warm weather.
- Sunnymead Park – Located in north Oxford near Cutteslowe and the River Cherwell. The river here attracts swimmers looking for a quieter natural setting away from the city centre.
Before entering any river or lake, always check for local safety information, be aware of water quality and hidden hazards, and never swim alone.
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