The view of Oxford City centre from South Park appears on our Ethiopian Sidamo coffee packets.

South Park in Oxford sits between the Headington Road, Cheney Lane at the base of Headington Hill, Warneford Lane, and Morrell Avenue. At 50 acres, the sloping park offers unrivalled vistas of the historic skyline and "Dreaming Spires" of Oxford City centre.

Currently owned by the City Council, it was handed to the council in 1951 with a covenant ensuring it remains a green open space for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. Bought in 1867 by the Morrell family who lived in Headington Hill Hall, it remained as part of the family estate until James Morrell passed it and the Hall to the City Council.

Numerous events are held in park each year, including fairs, parades, circuses, concerts and fireworks displays. Open 24 hours a day, it is well used by the local population for sitting and relaxing, exercising, playing and walking. During term-time, it is popular with students from the nearby Oxford Brookes University campus, who study and sunbathe as soon as the sun comes out. In 2001 world-famous band Radiohead, who were originally from Oxford, played at South Park to a crowd of 40,000. Despite the rain, the band were playing to their hometown faithful which resulted in an unforgettable concert.

Further Reading :

- South Park in Wikipedia
- Oxford City Council South Park page
- History of the Morrell family