Summertown, one of Oxford’s most elegant and easy-going neighbourhoods, has a reputation for leafy streets, artisan cafés and a calm, village-like atmosphere. But recently, it’s added something a little more playful to its charm: a pop-up minigolf course that’s drawing locals and visitors alike with its clever design and subtle nods to North Oxford life.
Tucked behind South Parade, this temporary course has turned a quiet green space into a lively spot where people of all ages are coming together to enjoy a round or two. At first glance, it’s classic minigolf – bright colours, wooden obstacles and winding paths – but there’s a local twist. Each hole has been carefully themed around bits of Summertown life, with names and features that speak to the community’s character, all peppered with a touch of Oxfordshire lingo.
Take “Parade Hop,” for example – a gentle nod to the street itself, where a simple putt takes you past tiny replicas of Summertown’s shopfronts. Or “Cyclist’s Dilemma,” which offers a narrow lane bordered by painted ‘cycle lanes’ and miniature traffic bollards, echoing the area’s bike-friendly routes. These small, thoughtful details help the course feel not just like an activity, but an extension of the neighbourhood.
The course doesn’t just look the part – it sounds it too. Each hole is introduced with a phrase you might hear on a stroll down Banbury Road or over coffee in one of the local cafés. One challenge, named “Bit of a Palaver,” comes with a deliberately tricky set of turns that often leads to lively grumbling and laughter. Another, “Nip Down the Lane,” involves a tight, winding shot that rewards patience and a steady hand. Even the simplest holes carry playful commentary that captures Summertown’s polite but quietly competitive spirit.
To help those unfamiliar with local phrases, a light-hearted glossary has been added near the entrance. Expressions like “didn’t half whack it,” “not bad going,” and “fancy a go?” are explained in simple terms, adding a touch of fun without overcomplicating things. It’s subtle and well judged, inviting everyone in without making too much of a fuss.
Local businesses have embraced the event in typically Summertown style – quietly supportive but full of quality. One independent bakery is serving “Birdie Biscuits” in the shape of golf balls, while a nearby café has introduced a special “Summertown Swing” iced latte. There’s a relaxed, neighbourly feel throughout, with shopkeepers chatting about their scores and recommending the best holes to try.
What stands out is how naturally the course fits into the area’s rhythm. It’s not loud or over the top. It’s thoughtful, a bit tongue-in-cheek, and thoroughly local. It gives families a place to unwind on a sunny afternoon and offers teenagers and students a light-hearted challenge that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The pace is slow and sociable – players chat between holes, wave to passers-by, and often stick around after their round to enjoy the atmosphere.
The layout itself is well balanced. A few holes demand a decent level of skill, while others are ideal for younger children or anyone just having a go. The final hole, “End of the Road,” offers a surprisingly tricky shot and a humorous sign reading, “That’ll do nicely,” in true Oxfordshire fashion. Even when things go off course, it’s hard not to smile.
The pop-up minigolf in Summertown has managed to capture something many events miss: a genuine sense of place. It doesn’t try too hard, yet it brings people together and adds a fresh layer to a familiar neighbourhood. A round here is more than just a game – it’s a gentle stroll through Summertown’s spirit, one putt at a time.
