Cowley, one of Oxford’s liveliest and most diverse neighbourhoods, is known for its buzzing high street, colourful street art and down-to-earth community spirit. It’s the kind of place where cultures mix, stories unfold and something unexpected is always around the corner. This summer, Cowley has welcomed a new attraction that fits the area’s quirky charm perfectly: a pop-up minigolf course with a twist that’s as local as it gets.
Set up in a tucked-away green just off Cowley Road, the course has quickly become a favourite for families, students and curious passers-by alike. At first glance, it looks like your typical minigolf layout, with winding lanes, bright obstacles and a few classic features like loop-the-loops and tricky ramps. But what sets this course apart is the way it weaves Cowley’s personality and local lingo into the experience.
Each hole has its own theme, inspired by the places, slang and spirit of the area. One of the early challenges, called “The Cowley Crawl,” mimics the gentle but steady slope of the neighbourhood’s pub trail, while a later hole, “Cheeky Detour,” nods to the area’s maze of side streets and alleyways that locals know all too well. The design is playful without being over-the-top, and it feels genuinely rooted in Cowley’s rhythm.
There’s a real sense of humour throughout the course. One particularly frustrating hole has been named “Proper Faff,” and it lives up to its name, demanding patience and a bit of creativity to conquer. Another, “Sorted,” features a straight shot to the hole – if you line it up just right. Along the way, players are introduced to bits of Oxfordshire and Cowley slang, with small signs offering translations for visitors less familiar with the local talk. Words like “natter” (a chat), “dosh” (money), and “dodgy” (a bit suspect) help add character to the experience without feeling forced.
It’s not just the language that adds flavour. The course has been built with input from the community, and it shows. Local artists have painted murals around the space, blending urban style with colourful illustrations that reflect everyday Cowley life – buses, bicycles, takeaway boxes, market stalls and music notes are all cleverly woven into the backdrop. There’s even a nod to the area’s musical heritage with a reggae-themed hole called “Bassline Bounce.”
The wider neighbourhood has joined in the fun too. Independent cafés and food stalls have created playful minigolf-themed snacks and drinks, including iced teas called “Putter’s Punch” and mini pies known simply as “Hole-in-Ones.” Cowley’s street market has seen a little boost in footfall from people heading to or from the course, and shopkeepers have added golf-themed window displays for a bit of extra colour.
It’s the sort of event that feels both fresh and familiar. There’s no big fuss, no overdone branding – just a genuinely fun, local activity that brings people together. Children race to the next hole with grins on their faces, while adults get caught up in light-hearted rivalries and casual conversations. Friends cheer each other on, and strangers sometimes end up playing side by side, united by the simple joy of trying to land a tricky putt.
Even with the occasional drizzle or gust of wind, the course has stayed busy. It’s one of those things that seems to capture a certain Cowley energy – spontaneous, inclusive and just a little bit cheeky. For those who know the area well, it feels like a celebration of everything Cowley stands for. And for those new to Oxford, it’s a warm and witty introduction to one of its most characterful corners.
