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What to see and do

Why not make the most of your time at the Grill Academy and visit some of the local attractions Oxfordshire has to offer. We have added a few of our favourite places below.

Buses run from outside the Grill AcademyTM into central Oxford and the Park and Ride is conveniently located a few miles away.

Oxford Castle
The old buildings have been preserved and are now open to the public revealing a time capsule: allowing the buildings to tell their captivating story.
Visitors to Oxford Castle Unlocked will learn about the real people and events from the sites turbulent past: the first Oxford teachings, the owners, visionaries, activists and inmates. People like Marshall William Smith, the King’s prison keeper, who in the 1600s made Oxford Prison as feared and as notorious as Colditz; Mary Blandy a convicted murderess, who became an 18th-century celebrity; Jack Ketch, the public executioner and the man on whom the Punch & Judy hangman character was modelled; and Anne Green, who survived her own hanging and narrowly escaped being anatomised by an Oxford medical student in 1650!
Tours leave every 20 minutes from the admissions area in the Gift Shop and last 40 minutes with one of the experienced, costumed guides. After this time you are able to explore the Prison Wing and the wider castle site in your own time.
Probably not for the more sensitive kids, it's not gruesome but it is affecting.
www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk
Distance from the Grill Academy™ - 6.2 miles

Ashmolean Museum
The Museum of the History of Science houses an unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean on Broad Street, Oxford.
They are an active public museum, offering a programme of public lectures, family-friendly events, gallery tours, table talks and much more, along with taught sessions for schools. As well as their permanent displays, visitors to the Museum enjoy special exhibitions highlighting areas of the collection.
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 7.0 miles

Modern Art Oxford
Founded in 1965, the Modern Art Oxford is the South East's leading centre for modern and contemporary art. It also has a cafe and museum shop.
Located 5.6 miles from the Grill Academy™
www.modernartoxford.org.uk

Parks and Meadows
Oxford has many surprisingly large open spaces that are open to the public and are great for walking, getting away from the crowds, and even taking your Smokey Joe with you! Visit Oxford City Guide for more information.
Located 6.8 miles from the Grill Academy™
www.oxfordcityguide.com

Partyman World Oxford
Partyman World Oxford: imagine a place with multi-level play structures, ball ponds, go karts, comfy seating for mums and dads to relax, an ever changing menu with freshly prepared food: Fun!
If you’re looking for a great day out or the perfect location for your little one’s birthday party then look no further.
Partyman World Oxford has four specially designed party rooms which you can use for the entire duration of your party, just to make it that little extra special!
For the little ones we have our Fabadousa ‘Cosmo Club’ Toddler Sessions which run Monday to Friday (Term Time Only) between 11am and 12pm and change every day from Musical, Props and Actions to Cooking and Decorating so why not come and join along?
www.partymanworld.co.uk/oxford
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 3.4 miles

Oxford Bowlplex
Need something new and exciting to do with the family? We've got the perfect answer! You can bring the kids, cousins, parents, grandparents, whoever you like; nothing says family fun like Bowlplex!
Bowlplex is suited to all ages with lightweight bowling balls, ramps and bumpers so even our young toddler bowlers have no excuse not to be part of the action!
Looking for more than just bowling? We also have our one and only Sega Active Zone! Play the latest most exciting games that Sega has to offer and challenge your opponents but don't underestimate anyone in your family once they get a controller in their hand!
Food and drink for afterwards is served throughout the day from our Grill.
www.bowlplex.co.uk/locations/oxford/oxford.aspx
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 3.4 miles

Outdoor Laser
Laser-gaming is a live combat entertainment experience using infra-red gaming guns.
Outdoor Laser-gaming is LIVE GAMING suitable for players aged 8 years+.
The laser-guns use a harmless infra-red beam, similar to a TV remote, that tags sensors worn by each player. They're harmless infra red guns, built tough, with realistic sound effects, realistic weights and real scopes!
Everyone in the team participates, their range of guns cater for all levels of fitness, each player has a gun and is fully involved.
On the same site they have a new High Ropes course too, listed separately.
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 4.0 miles

Karting Oxford
The facilities at Oxford's amazing circuit are second to none.
The circuit is set within a stadium, so the spectator areas are fantastic!
Well maintained Sodi Karts provide the speed, whilst the exciting circuit provides the thrills and spills. A computerised lap timing system will be able to accurately inform you of how you're performing and what you need to improve on. Helmets and race suits are provided.
Parents need to be aware that Karting is not without danger. Safety is paramount and for this reason children's sessions must be vigorously controlled. To ensure the events are enjoyable, run smoothly and as safely as possible they have the following restrictions: -
• Minimum age 8 years.
• Minimum Height 1 meter 40cm.
• Maximum of 6 children on tract at any time.
• Children between 8 and 11 years can only participate in controlled lesson.
• No children's karting on Saturdays.
• With the exception of Mondays all children karting must be pre-booked.
www.kartingoxford.co.uk
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 4.3 miles

Hinksey Outdoor Pool
Hinksey Outdoor Pool is a large heated pool located close to the centre of Oxford.
For 2011 the pool is open from 30th April to 25th September.
Great fun for all the family, visit for a swim or a relaxing day playing in the water and sunbathing.
www.oxford.gov.uk/leisure
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 4.9 miles

South Oxford Adventure Playground
South Oxford Adventure Playground is a supervised playground for children aged 7 to 15, which features elaborate climbing frames, wooden play structures and more set out as an assault course.
It plays an important role locally by providing a space for play that is physically challenging as well as creative play in a natural environment.
The playground is open to children of all ages, but those under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please be aware that parking is limited in Whitehouse Road. There is some additional parking available at Hinksey Park. SOAP is now open Mon to Fri from 3.15 to 5.30.
www.soapoxford.org.uk
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 5.1 miles

Magdalen Bridge Row Boats
Rowing is fun and relaxing and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon on the river.
You can hire the row boat for an hour or if you want to make a day of it, just stay on the river as long as you like, simply returning the row boat to the boathouse at least half an hour before sunset.
As you set off south from the boathouse row past Oxford's famous Botanic Gardens, through Christ Church College Meadows, where Lewis Carroll taught in the mid-19th century when he wrote the famous Alice Through the Looking Glass (1871) and Alice in Wonderland (1865). Then either take the river left past St Hilda's College gardens, past the stunning Magdalen School rose gardens, under the miniature white bridges and back past the Botanic Gardens to the Boathouse.
Or alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, continue south towards the Isis (Oxford's name for the River Thames), along the entire Christ Church Meadow to where the river opens up for you to enjoy this peacfull and stunning natural river environment.
Pedalos and punts also available.
www.oxfordpunting.co.uk/row-boat-hire
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 5.2 miles

Oxford Ice Rink
A visit to Oxford Ice Rink is great fun for all the family.
General sessions, family sessions and lessons for children of all abilities are held daily. The rink is very easy to reach as it's right in the heart of Oxford; just a short walk from Oxford City centre and railway station.
Car parking is also available right outside the rink. There are general sessions every day of the week and with morning, afternoon and evenings sessions there is always a good time to visit. You can also hire the ice for a Big Day Ice Party for your child's special occasion. Keep an eye out for the Ice Disco sessions which are also extremely popular.
Look out for the new 'Penguins' a great training aid for young skaters £4 for half an hour.
http://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/Oxford_Ice_Rink
Telephone - 0844 893 3222
Distance from the Grill Academy™ - 5.7 mile

Oxford Ghost Trail
Historically informative yet hugely entertaining, it's the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of this famous city, leaving you with a deliciously scary tingle running down your spine!
Intrepid ghost hunters should meet Bill Spectre or Hector Spectre (distinctively dressed as a Victorian undertaker) outside the glass fronted gift shop of Oxford Castle Unlocked.
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 from the castle or 1 hour 15 from the Tourist Information Centre if you want a shorter version, and ends near the Sheldonian Theatre.
Suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users.
www.ghosttrail.org/ghost-walk-oxford.htm
Distance from the Grill Academy™ - 6.2 miles

Oxford River Cruises
A trip aboard an Edwardian River Launch in Oxford offers a taste of a slower life, where cares drift away with the gentle flow of the water and life’s pleasures can be enjoyed to their utmost.
www.oxfordrivercruises.com
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 6.3 miles

Rock Solid Climbing Wall
Rock Solid Climbing Wall facilities include bouldering room, bottom rope wall and Walltopia lead tower.
Kids Open Session for 7yrs+.
Mondays 4.30 to 6pm. Costs £5.50 includes entry and supervision. The session is a supervised climbing experiance of bouldering and bottom roped climbing run by our experianced instructor team. Places can be booked in advance on 01865 484373.
http://www.brookes.ac.uk/brookes-sport/brookes-sport-headington/climbing-wall/
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 6.4 miles

Footprint Tours
Footprints Tours was created to show you the best of British history, and not to bore you to death with stuffy, dry academic tours.
We provide a general fun walking tour of Oxford, a Harry Potter tour of Oxford and an Oxford bike tour. Our bike tours include bike hire for the full day, and represents great value for money. All these tours are delivered in a way that we have become famous for and are fun for kids! Can't decide which one to do? Try our "Make a Day of It" where we combine the best bits, just for your family.
www.footprints-tours.com/oxford-walking-tours/
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 7.1 miles

Cutteslowe Park and Miniature Railway
• Cool off in the paddling pool (open July - August)
• Use the 18 control orienteering course (maps available at the kiosk)
• Use the two children's play areas
• Book the football pitches or cricket square
• Sit by the duck pond
• Ride the trains on the Cutteslowe Park Miniature Railway (operated by The City of Oxford Society of Model Engineers Ltd.)
• Admire the ornamental flower beds
• Skate the concrete skate park with ramps and grind rail
• Play football or basketball in the streetsports site
• Use the ping pong table
• Play Miniature Golf (hire clubs at the kiosk)
• Play on the outdoor Tennis Courts (book at the kiosk)
• You can catch a Balloon flight from Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park with Adventure Balloons or Cameron Flights between April and October
www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decLP/2_Cutteslowe_and_Sunnymead_occw.htm
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 11.4 miles

Millets Farm Centre
Millets Farm Zoo is adjacent to the fishing lakes, set in beautiful countryside behind the Farm Shop and Restaurants.
They have a large variety of farm zoo animals which originate from across the world and graze all year round at Millets for families to enjoy watching and learning about. These include ponies, pygmy goats, kune kunes, sheep, cattle and domesticated camels! A lakeside pergola allows wild fowl including swans to be fed and watched safely.
The Childrens' Play Area is located next to the Farm Zoo. It is a great setting in the country to have some fun in the fresh air. There is a mix of swings, slides and other playground equipment for all children to enjoy.
Plus garden centre, farm shop, pick your own (over 30 different fruits and vegetables seasonally), craft gallery and woodland for a family ramble.
www.milletsfarmcentre.com/farm_centre/farm_zoo_play_area.html
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 12.8 miles

Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is set in 2000 acres of beautiful parkland in the middle of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and only 8 miles from Oxford.
It is a World Heritage site and well known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
There are two areas to investigate within the Palace. The State Rooms which is the main guided tour of the Palace and 'The Untold Story'; which is a hi-tec self guided tour about the people who have lived here over the last 300 years. A quiz for children is available at the front door or from the website.
Outside the Palace there is 100 acres of formal gardens, 2000 acres of parkland including a forest and a 150 acre lake.
A miniature train runs between the Palace and the Pleasure Gardens, which is a great area for children. Located here is the Marlborough Maze (second largest symbolic hedge maze in the world), an Adventure Playground and a Butterfly House.
Throughout the year there is a great number of exciting events. From jousting and Easter and Halloween events to Horse trials and the Bike Blenheim Palace.
www.blenheimpalace.com
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 15.0 miles

Windrush Path Mosaic Trail
The Windrush Path Mosaic Trail consists of a series of striking and individual mosaics to act as way-markers and points of interest along a pretty two mile footpath.
They have used exclusively recycled materials, many of them donated by local people, and hope that the creation of these way-markers will inspire visitors.
The Lower Windrush Valley Mosaic Trail can be started at either Standlake or Newbridge.
It is a flat walk taking in a few bridges and stiles. It is approximately 2 miles long and you should allow 1 hour each way to enjoy all the mosaics along the trail.
Half way along the path you can visit Standlake Common Nature Reserve before continuing on to the attractive village of Standlake.
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/windrush-path-standlake-newbridge
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 18.3 miles

Crocodiles of the World
Come and visit the UK's only crocodile zoo! See more than 80 crocodiles, alligators and caimans, including critically endangered Siamese crocodiles, a large group of more than thirty Nile crocodiles, Albert the giant 3-metre American alligator, rare Cuban crocodiles, the UK's only pair of black caimans, and year-round enclosures for juvenile and hatchling crocodiles!
Crocodiles of the World is open to visitors every Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm.
www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk/index.html
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 18.8 miles

Cotswold Wildlife Park
Stroll around the Park and enjoy uninterrupted views of the animals, so it feels as though you are in a wild setting.
There are animals galore that you can get up close to including: Lions, Leopards, Wolves, Ostriches, Giant Anteaters, Camels, Meerkats, Wolverines, Otters, Red Pandas, Crocodiles, Anacondas, Giant Tortoise! Watch Rhinos and Zebras graze on the lawns in front of the Gothic Manor House. Walk up the Giraffe walkway and get eye-to-eye with these amazing creatures or explore the Walled Garden's Tropical House with free roaming sloth, birds and bats.
Watch the Penguin's being fed daily at 11am and 3pm and then get up close with the Lemurs in their free-roaming Madagascar Exhibit, with talk and feed at 12 noon.
Or why not take a ride on the Bella the Train around the Park and explore the Tree House in our adventure playground. Pet the goats in the Children's Farmyard and then do a brass rubbing in the Manor house.
Indoor Exhibits include Reptile,Insect, Tropical and Bat Houses. The Park is pushchair and wheelchair friendly open daily from 10am.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Distance from the Grill Academy™ – 26.5 miles