Let's begin our journey with the most famous and oldest botanical garden in the UK - Oxford Botanic Garden. Founded in 1621, this remarkable garden is a true jewel of Oxfordshire and a must-see on the map for any nature lover visiting the region.

Oxford Botanic Garden is not only a beautiful park, but first and foremost a living plant museum and scientific research center. On an area of more than 4 hectares, more than 5,000 species of plants from all over the world are gathered here. The garden is divided into different thematic sections, allowing visitors to learn about plants from different climatic zones and ecosystems.

One of the biggest attractions of the garden are the greenhouses, which have a tropical microclimate. Here we can admire exotic species, including an impressive collection of insectivorous plants. This is an ideal place to introduce children to the fascinating world of plants and arouse their interest in nature.

Also not to be missed are the beautifully designed flower beds, which change their appearance with the seasons. In spring and summer, the garden explodes with colors, creating a fairy-tale setting ideal for family walks and picnics.

It is worth noting that Oxford Botanic Garden is not only a place to contemplate the beauty of nature, but also an educational center. It regularly hosts workshops, lectures and events for children and adults, making it an ideal place for a family outing combined with learning.

Keep in mind, however, that admission to the garden is paid. A ticket for an adult costs £5.45 (as of 2023), children under 5 enter for free. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during the summer season, when the garden is most popular.

Oxford Botanic Garden is a place that delights at any time of the year. Whether it's spring, when the first flowers bloom, summer, when the garden bustles with life, autumn, when the leaves change colors, or winter, when the conservatories offer shelter from the cold - you'll always find something to delight and inspire you.

Continuing our tour of Oxfordshire's most beautiful parks, we can't leave out two remarkable places that are the green lungs of Oxford - University Parks and South Park. Both of these places offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and families looking for outdoor relaxation.

University Parks, located in the heart of Oxford, is a sprawling green space of 70 acres. Owned by the University of Oxford, this park is open to the public and is an ideal place for walks, picnics or active recreation. Picturesque paths meandering among old trees, flowering meadows and quiet corners by the Cherwell River create a unique atmosphere in this place.

University Parks is famous for its rich flora and fauna. A variety of bird species can be seen here, and in spring the park delights with blooming crocuses and daffodils. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a quiet walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park also offers sports fields, making it a popular destination for students and local residents.

South Park, on the other hand, located to the east of downtown Oxford, offers a very different but equally fascinating experience. This sprawling 50-acre open space is the highest park in Oxford, which translates into breathtaking views of the city.

South Park is the perfect place for those who appreciate space and panoramic views. The expansive lawns are ideal for outdoor games and activities, and the park's gentle hills are a popular picnic spot, especially on warm summer days. It's also a great place to fly kites or watch the sunset over Oxford's distinctive skyline with its famous 'dream spires.

Both parks have their own unique features and atmosphere. University Parks offers more secluded, wooded areas and proximity to the river, while South Park impresses with its open space and spectacular views. University Parks is ideal for families with young children because of its safe paths and proximity to the center, while South Park may be a better choice for older children and teens who will appreciate the opportunity to be active in an open space.

Importantly, admission to both parks is free, making them accessible to all. The parks are open year-round, from dawn to dusk, offering a variety of experiences depending on the time of year and day.

Both University Parks and South Park are places to appreciate the beauty of nature in the heart of a university city. They are perfect examples of the importance of green spaces in urban areas, offering residents and tourists an oasis of calm and relaxation.

To conclude our tour of Oxfordshire's most beautiful parks and gardens, it is worth noting two unique places that perfectly illustrate the diversity of the region's landscapes - Florence Park and Port Meadow. These two areas, although quite different in character, are an important part of Oxfordshire's green fabric and offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Florence Park, located in the eastern part of Oxford, is a relatively small but extremely charming city park. Established in the 1930s, this park is an excellent example of a well-designed recreational space. Florence Park is famous for its beautiful flower beds, meticulously maintained lawns and picturesque alleys.

One of Florence Park's greatest strengths is its family-friendliness. The park offers a well-equipped children's playground, sports fields and a ping-pong table. On warm days, you can find families enjoying the picnic areas or children playing in the secure, fenced area. The park is also popular with the local community - various events and festivals are often held here.

What's more, Florence Park boasts a small but charming cafe where you can relax after a walk and enjoy a cup of coffee. It's the perfect place for a quiet family day out.

Port Meadow, on the other hand, presents a completely different character. It is a vast open area of over 300 acres, located on the banks of the Thames River. Port Meadow is one of Oxford's oldest sites - the right to graze cattle on the land was granted to local residents by King Alfred the Great in the 9th century and is still respected today.

Port Meadow is stunning in its natural, wild beauty. It's a place where nature rules undivided - vast meadows, a meandering river and an abundance of wild birds create an extraordinary ecosystem. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, amateur ornithologists or simply those seeking peace and contact with nature.

At Port Meadow you can find horses and cattle grazing freely, which adds a unique rural character to the place. On warm days, the meadows fill up with picnicking families, and the river attracts kayakers and swimming enthusiasts. In winter, when the meadows sometimes turn into a vast floodplain, Port Meadow becomes a popular place for ice skating.

It is worth noting that both Florence Park and Port Meadow offer free admission, making them accessible to all. Florence Park is open from dawn to dusk, while Port Meadow, being an open area, is accessible 24 hours a day.

Comparing the two, Florence Park appears as a more structured, urban space, ideal for families with young children and those seeking organized recreation. Port Meadow, on the other hand, is a paradise for wildlife lovers, offering unlimited opportunities for exploration and contact with nature.

Both Florence Park and Port Meadow are excellent examples of the diversity of green spaces in Oxfordshire. From carefully designed urban parks to wild, natural meadows, the region has much to offer nature lovers of all ages. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot for a picnic, want to be active outdoors, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, Oxfordshire is sure not to disappoint.