Visitors are drawn to this suburb in search of the famed shark sculpture which protrudes from one of the modest homes. While the ‘Headington Shark’ gives an insight into the character of this quirky area, those who relocate become acquainted with the warm community feel and impressive local attractions.
Two residential pockets known as ‘old’ and ‘new’ are separated by London Road. As a main transport link, this offers quick access to Oxford city centre, as well as the nearby M40. On both sides of the road a selection of properties from Victoria era terraces to modern flats and Edwardian semi-detached homes provide newcomers with a wide variety of choice.
Given the area’s principal employers which include the city’s main hospitals – John Radcliffe and the Churchill – it’s not surprising that many young professionals and families settle here. Academics are also drawn to Headington as the area is home to the main campus of Oxford Brookes University.
Catering to the diverse population, all the modern conveniences can be found in Headington’s centre. Aside from the high street retailers, independent businesses showcase locally sourced produce. This is also present at the many stylish eateries, as well as the weekly farmers’ market.
The outdoor spaces are just as impressive where locals can enjoy the many sports facilities of Bury Knowle Park. Other nearby treasures include Headington Hill and Shotover Hill which promise unrivalled views across Oxfordshire. Coupled with the top-performing schools of the area, this scenic setting continues to attract both young and old.
Transportation in Headington
Headington’s proximity to the transport links of Oxford city centre make it a desirable location for those commuting to surrounding towns and Central London. From Oxford railway station, direct services travel to Paddington in just under one hour. Alternatively, trains to the north connect to Manchester Piccadilly and Newcastle via Birmingham New Street.
The recently opened Oxford Parkway is another convenient option with half-hourly trains to London Marylebone, as well as local services to High Wycombe, Islip and Bicester.
Due to its location adjacent to the A40, Headington boasts a similar appeal for those travelling by car. Connecting to the M40 via a short 10-minute drive, residents can enjoy a speedy commute to the capital and other hubs across the UK. Heathrow is the closest international airport with an approximate journey time of 38minutes without traffic.
What is Headington Like?
Headington is an Eastern suburb of Oxford, sitting at the top of Headington Hill. The town overlooks the city of Oxford and is a large residential area. Headington has its own commercial area and for many, it is within walking distance of Oxford’s city centre. The town is centred upon London Road, which connects Oxford with London.
Headington has a large and growing population and is known as one of Oxford’s more bohemian locations. The main employment sectors in Headington are education, research and medicine.
Headington is considered safe and is a popular area for expanding families looking to move out of London for more affordable and spacious properties.
Headington is a popular area with students too, and is home to Oxford Brookes University campus. This gives the town a young and vibrant feel, which is most evident with the large selection of pubs, bars and restaurants.
Oxford’s main hospitals, John Radcliffe, Nuffield and Churchill, are all in Headington too.
Schools in the Area
Headington boasts a wide array of first rate schools. Primaries that have been judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted include Bayards Hill, Wood Farm and Saint Nicholas.
Alternatively, all of the independent schools offer primary facilities through to sixth form. Headington School for girls remains the most sought-after and once educated Emma Watson of the Harry Potter films.
Other options at the private level include Magdalen College School for boys and Rye St Anthony School – catering for girls aged 3 to 18, and boys aged 3 to 8. Finally, the local grammar Cherwell School has gained academy status along with Cheney School – both of which are consistent topperformers.
Finally, those embarking on higher education have an extensive choice of courses at the Headington Campus of Oxford Brookes University.
Attractions in Headington
The local attractions of Headington range from impressive sports facilities to family-friendly entertainment and scenic parks. That’s not to mention the nearby cultural sights of Oxford City.
Headington’s main attraction and most famous landmark is The Headington Shark, which was made in 1986 by John Buckley for the local broadcaster, Bill Heine. This rather bizarre and eccentric monument is sure to cause a smile!
The Kilns, or C.S. Lewis House, is the house where C.S. Lewis wrote all of his Narnia books and other classics. For fans of C.S. Lewis, this is a gem. On the guided tours, you will explore the history of C.S. Lewis and life at the house, delivered by very knowledgeable tour guides.
There is also the Holy Trinity Church, which is a small and peaceful church and the final resting place of C.S. Lewis.
Pubs, Restaurants and Eateries
Headington has an impressive selection of restaurants and eateries with a wide range of cuisines on offer including Indian, classic pub food, fish and chips, Lebanese, Greek, Italian and Japanese.
Among the favourites are Beirut Oxford, a highly regarded Lebanese restaurant serving delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. Acropolis Greek Taverna is an authentic Greek restaurant which serves large portions of food that are cooked beautifully. ADRIA Restaurant Pizzeria is a small and cosy Italian restaurant with great pizza, coffee and desserts.
The Royal Standard is a welcoming traditional local pub with a great atmosphere, which serves a global menu of food too.
The White Hart is a popular choice for a drink or two. This cosy pub boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and you can enjoy a pint of real ale or a glass of wine while sampling their menu of classic British dishes.
The Black Boy, a historic pub that has been serving patrons since the 16th century. The pub offers a wide selection of beers and ales from local and national breweries, as well as delicious pub food.
For those looking for something a bit different, The Rusty Bicycle is an excellent choice. This quirky bar serves up craft beers and cocktails, as well as delicious vegan and vegetarian fare.
Here’s what else can be enjoyed in and around the area:
- Headington Farmers’ Market
- The Theatre at Headington
- Rock Solid Climbing Wall
- Headington Quarry
Leisure and Sport in Headington
There are a number of excellent sport clubs and leisure facilities in Headington.
Barton Leisure Centre is a community leisure club which has a large gym equipped with a range of resistance and cardiovascular equipment as well as free weight areas. There is also a multi-purpose fitness room which is used for a range of group exercise classes including aerobics, tai chi, pilates and Zumba. This leisure centre also has a spacious swimming pool, suitable for all ages for fitness or fun.
There is also Anytime Fitness gym, which is open 24/7, with all the equipment to reach your fitness goals.
Barton Community Pavilion has fantastic community facilities with a tennis court, 3G and grass pitches, as well as a hall and bar suitable for all kinds of functions.
Oxford Badminton Club is a friendly and social club with a good standard of badminton. The club caters for all abilities.
Viking Sports Club is based in Old Headington and has a main bar room with pool and billiards tables and dart boards. There are associated teams in these sports too.
There is also Headington Bowls Club and Headington Road Runners. Residents of Headington are also within easy reach of many other excellent sport clubs including Oxford Fencing Club, Oxford Golf Club and Oxford Hockey Club.
Headington’s residents are blessed to be within easy reach of a number of tranquil green spaces including South Hill Park, Headington Hill Park and Bury Knowle Park.
Shotover Country Park is Headington’s most beautiful outdoor space. This extensive area of woodland is a protected area with hidden valleys, varied landscapes and diverse habitats. The park is a wonderful place all-year-round for walking, running and cycling.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy the wider Oxfordshire countryside.
History of Headington
Headington boasts a rich heritage which is believed to outstretch that of neighbouring Oxford. Excavations from 2001 suggest an Iron Age settlement was formed here in the 7th century BC. Other artefacts such as Anglo-Saxon burial remains and Roman kilns give further indication of the area’s long-standing history.
It wasn’t until the Norman Period that Headington was overtaken in size by Oxford, but the town still remained an important strategic point. Headington Quarry grew around the stone pits, bringing prosperity and encouraging labourers to settle here. Despite this burgeoning industry, the area remained largely rural.
That all changed during the early 20th century where towns surrounding Oxford began to cater for the overspill of this growing city. Infrastructure brought added convenience while London Road gave direct access to the city. As it became a desirable area for academics, new housing developments were situated around the once medieval village of Old Headington; while New Headington offered all the modern luxuries.