Summertown, located just north of Oxford’s city centre, is known for its leafy streets, stylish shops, and peaceful suburban vibe. But beneath this tranquil exterior lies a neighbourhood with some fun and fascinating secrets that are bound to surprise your kids. From its unexpected history to hidden gems like crazy golf, Summertown is full of interesting stories that will leave your little ones saying, “Wow!” Here are five things you never knew about Summertown, Oxford that will amaze your kids.
1. Summertown’s Ice Age Secrets
Believe it or not, Summertown has a connection to the Ice Age! Long before it became the vibrant neighbourhood it is today, Summertown was part of an ancient landscape shaped by glaciers. Remnants of the Ice Age can still be found beneath the surface, with layers of glacial sediment lying under the streets and gardens of modern-day Summertown. In fact, scientists have discovered fossils and other geological treasures in the area, offering a fascinating glimpse into what Oxfordshire was like millions of years ago.
Kids who love dinosaurs and prehistoric times will be excited to know that Summertown’s past is more ancient than they could have imagined. The area once lay on the edge of an ice sheet, where woolly mammoths and other Ice Age creatures might have roamed. While you may not find fossils in your backyard, just knowing that Summertown has ties to such an ancient period will make any kid feel like an explorer of the past.
2. The Oxford Canal’s Hidden Past
Summertown may not be directly on the Oxford Canal, but its history is closely tied to the canal’s development during the Industrial Revolution. The Oxford Canal played a vital role in transporting goods to and from the city, and Summertown grew as a residential area for workers and merchants who relied on the canal for trade. While the canal itself runs closer to Jericho and North Oxford, Summertown was an essential hub for the businesses and families connected to the bustling waterway.
Today, you can still explore the nearby Oxford Canal on foot or by bike. Kids might be amazed to learn that these quiet, tree-lined paths were once a key part of Oxford’s industrial heart, with boats transporting coal, timber, and food along the water. A walk along the canal offers a peaceful break from the busy streets of Summertown, where children can feed the ducks, watch the narrowboats glide by, and imagine what life was like during the canal’s heyday.
3. Summertown’s Crazy Golf Fun
Who doesn’t love a game of crazy golf? Summertown may be a quiet suburb, but it’s home to one of the city’s quirkiest mini-golf courses. Hidden within the Summertown area is a playful and creative crazy golf course that’s perfect for family outings. At The Oxford Golf Centre, you’ll find a fun and challenging mini-golf course that’s designed to test your putting skills while also providing plenty of laughs.
With colourful obstacles, tricky twists, and some surprising hazards, the course is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, whether your kids are seasoned mini-golf pros or just looking to have a bit of fun. Summertown’s mini-golf scene adds an element of playful adventure to the area, making it a perfect destination for families looking to enjoy a relaxed day out together.
4. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Connection to Summertown
For kids who love The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this fact will definitely be a wow moment! Summertown has a surprising connection to the world of Middle-earth, thanks to J.R.R. Tolkien. Although most people associate Tolkien with central Oxford, where he was a professor at the University of Oxford, he also lived in Summertown for several years.
Tolkien moved to Summertown with his wife, Edith, in the 1920s before they eventually relocated to Headington. It was during his time in Oxford, including while living in Summertown, that Tolkien began developing his ideas for the fictional world of Middle-earth. Kids will love the idea that the quiet streets of Summertown may have helped inspire Tolkien’s epic tales of hobbits, elves, and dragons. Next time you’re strolling through Summertown, you might just be walking through the very streets where Tolkien once dreamed up his magical worlds.
5. Summertown’s Hidden Art Scene
Summertown is known for being a cultural hotspot, and one of its best-kept secrets is its thriving local art scene. Scattered throughout the neighbourhood, you’ll find galleries, studios, and workshops where artists create everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics and textiles. Summertown is home to several art galleries that regularly host exhibitions showcasing local talent, and you can often find works by Oxfordshire artists on display.
Kids might be surprised to learn that some of their neighbours could be painters, sculptors, or even illustrators of their favourite books. The Summertown Artists group, for example, is a collective of local artists who regularly open their studios to the public. If your kids love drawing, painting, or getting creative with their hands, a visit to one of these galleries or studios might just inspire them to start their own artistic adventures.
Summertown may appear to be a quiet and peaceful suburb, but beneath its tranquil exterior, it’s filled with fascinating stories and fun facts that are sure to captivate your kids. From its Ice Age secrets and connections to J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy worlds to its crazy golf courses and vibrant art scene, Summertown is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether your kids are interested in history, literature, or just having some outdoor fun, Summertown offers plenty of surprises that will leave them eager to learn more about this charming corner of Oxford.
