Welcome to University Parks. The Parks and Mesopotamia open at 7.45am every day, year-round.
Closing times change throughout the year as the days lengthen and shorten.
Please check the table below for this month’s exact opening and closing times, along with details on short-term path closures or holiday arrangements.
Please note
During heavy rain or rising river levels, Mesopotamia Walk and Rainbow Bridge may need to close at short notice to keep everyone safe.
River conditions can change quickly, so physical signage or online updates aren't always possible straight away. If it’s been particularly wet, we recommend taking an alternative route to save you from having to turn back!
Thank you so much for your understanding and for helping us look after our visitors.
In the unlikely event that you find yourself in the Parks after the gates are locked, the University's 24-hour Security Services team will be able to assist you. Call 01865 272944 from a mobile phone or use the emergency telephone located in a grey box next to the front door of South Lodge. After picking up the handset, press 4 to speak directly with the Security team.
The Parks and Mesopotamia are fully closed on Christmas Eve, 24 December.
The South Lodge to Marston End cycle track is closed on 25 December (Christmas Day) and 1 January (New Year's Day).
Opening Hours
| Date | Gates Open | Gates Close |
|---|---|---|
| January | ||
| 4 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| 11 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| 18 | 07:45 | 17:00 |
| 25 | 07:45 | 17:00 |
| February | ||
| 1 | 07:45 | 17:00 |
| 8 | 07:45 | 17:30 |
| 15 | 07:45 | 17:30 |
| 22 | 07:45 | 18:00 |
| March | ||
| 1 | 07:45 | 18:00 |
| 8 | 07:45 | 18:00 |
| 15 | 07:45 | 18:30 |
| 22 | 07:45 | 18:30 |
| 29 | 07:45 | 20:00 |
| April | ||
| 5 | 07:45 | 20:00 |
| 12 | 07:45 | 20:00 |
| 19 | 07:45 | 20:30 |
| 26 | 07:45 | 20:30 |
| May | ||
| 3 | 07:45 | 21:00 |
| 10 | 07:45 | 21:00 |
| 17 | 07:45 | 21:00 |
| 24 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 31 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| June | ||
| 7 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 14 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 21 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 28 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| July | ||
| 5 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 12 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 19 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| 26 | 07:45 | 21:30 |
| August | ||
| 2 | 07:45 | 21:00 |
| 9 | 07:45 | 21:00 |
| 16 | 07:45 | 20:30 |
| 23 | 07:45 | 20:30 |
| 30 | 07:45 | 20:30 |
| September | ||
| 6 | 07:45 | 20:00 |
| 13 | 07:45 | 19:30 |
| 20 | 07:45 | 19:30 |
| 27 | 07:45 | 19:00 |
| October | ||
| 4 | 07:45 | 19:00 |
| 11 | 07:45 | 18:30 |
| 18 | 07:45 | 18:30 |
| 25 | 07:45 | 17:00 |
| November | ||
| 1 | 07:45 | 17:00 |
| 8 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| 15 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| 22 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| 29 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| December | ||
| 6 | 07:45 | 16:30 |
| 13 | 07:45 | 16:00 |
| 20 | 07:45 | 16:00 |
| 27 | 07:45 | 15:30 |