Still searching for that special Christmas gift? Not everything will fit under the Christmas Tree...
This year why not treat your loved ones to a year of enjoyment with an OPT membership....
Latest News
Philip Pullman plants OPT Coronation Tree at Boars Hill
Sir Philip Pullman helps Oxford Preservation Trust once again celebrate the King’s Coronation by planting a tree on Boars Hill with local Scouts.
For nearly 90...
Read our Autumn 2023 Newsletter!
Our new Autumn/Winter newsletter is hot off the press. It is jam-packed with what we've been doing for the last few months and what to look forward to next year. It includes our Winter events...
Have your say on the Oxford Local Plan 2040
Do you know what the plans there are for future development in your area? Now is the time to comment on Oxford City Council’s draft Oxford Local Plan 2040 which will act as the blueprint...
Congratulations to all OPT Awards Winners
Sustainability and social housing were at the heart of the success of the OPT Awards 2023, now in their 46th year. Nine plaques were awarded across town and gown to projects which make an...
Could you be our new Engagement Officer?
Applications are now closed for this role.
Are you the right person to join our small and busy team in the heart of Oxford? We are a forward-thinking independent heritage...
OPT received annual basket of apples from Wolvercote Community Orchard
OPT was given their annual rent in the form of a basket of apples from Wolvercote Community Orchard during the traditional Apple Day celebrations!
The orchard was planted...
Join as a member for year-round events
Oxford Preservation Trust does so much more than organise Oxford Open Doors. We look after 1,000 hectares of green spaces in Oxford and care for buildings like Oxford Castle & Prison and the...
Oxford Open Doors 2023 - Thank you!
The Sun shone and the crowds came as all enjoyed another special weekend at this year’s Oxford Open Doors
There was a warm welcome awaiting the...
Join us to help keep Oxford Open Doors going
Join Oxford Preservation Trust to be in for a chance of winning some amazing prizes!
Our members are our lifeline. Without them we couldn't restore and preserve all the amazing Oxford...
Energy Saving Homes this Oxford Open Doors
Have you ever wondered about making your home more energy efficient? We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Energy Saving Homes this Oxford Open Doors!
Homes...
Aged 18-25? There's a special Open Doors event for you!
Aged 18-25 years old? Lucky you! This year we are excited to feature several new events for Open Doors, especially created by and for young people! You don't want to miss it!
On Saturday...
Oxford Open Doors launches!
Oxford Open Doors returns for 2023
Buildings and venues around Oxford will welcome the public for a sixteenth year this September for Oxford Open Doors. Taking place on 9...
Fencing works on Boars Hill
If you’ve visited Old Berkeley Golf Course recently you will have seen that works to replace the fencing and gates along Berkeley Road and Foxcombe Road are well underway. Nicholsons are doing a...
Improvements at Heyford Meadow
We've recently made some improvements to Heyford Meadow! We're grateful that our ongoing volunteer work parties are keeping on top of general maintenance and tidying, but we've made some...
Entries to the OPT Awards 2023 are now Closed
The #OPTAwards 2023 entries are now CLOSED! Thank you so much to everyone who submitted an entry into...
The Big Help Out
To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation Oxford Preservation Trust held two volunteer events as part of the nationwide Big Help Out campaign. The Big Help Out is a voluntary initiative aimed at...
Snake's Head Fritillary Count 2023
On Friday 19th April, Dr Tim King and Dr Judy Webb (along with several knowledgeable and willing volunteers) carried out the 2023 Snake's Head Fritillary count at Hinksey Meadow.
The Snake...
Could you be our next Chief Executive Officer?
We are looking to recruit a new CEO to lead our small but passionately committed team and be responsible for imagining the future of the Oxford Preservation Trust as it enters its second century...
Shakespeare Birthday Parade 2023
Oxford Preservation Trust look after the Painted Room in Oxford – all that remains of the Crown Tavern, where it is said Shakespeare stayed several times on journeys between London and his home in...
Movement for Good
Nominate OPT for the Movement for Good Awards and we could win £1,000 to help promote and protect the beautiful heritage and green spaces within Oxford. The Movement for Good Awards is an annual...
Things to do in Oxford this half-term
There are of plenty things to do in and around Oxford for families this half-term with our Oxford Preservation Trust membership. Get unlimited access to Oxford Castle and Prison year-round with...
OPT Easter Egg Hunt!
OPT Easter Egg Hunt! From 1 to 16 April, Find the eggs, spot the letters and crack the word in Abraham Wood!
Decipher the word spelled out from letters on the eggs, and...
Entries for the OPT Awards 2023 are now open!
The entries for the OPT Awards 2023 are now open!
From conserving the best of Oxford’s past to encouraging great new projects, the Awards seek to recognise the contribution that projects,...
Welcome Hannah and Louise!
We are wishing a warm welcome to two new members of the OPT team!
Hannah will be covering the maternity leave of our Green Spaces Officer Charlie, and Louise who started this week as...
OPT Green Spaces Volunteering
If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to get outside more, then why not become a Green Spaces Volunteer for OPT?
Come and join our friendly teams to carry out practical...
Check out our 2023 events programme
Why not beat the winter blues and explore Oxford this February? Check out our range of 2023 events, which includes lectures, walks, and tours of both Shakespeare's Painted Room and the Medieval...
Happy New Year from OPT!
Happy New Year from everyone at OPT! Thank you to everyone who supported us this year. We look forward to a great 2023.
We have an exciting programme of events planned for this upcoming...
Swing Bridge Restoration wins Railway Heritage Award
Early December, OPT Director Debbie Dance and TMP Project manager Russ Turner attended the National Railway Heritage Award at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London, where against strong competition...
Christmas Tree light switch-on at Oxford Castle
Christmas cheer as the lights go on at Oxford Castle with the help of young singers from St. Frideswide’s Primary school.
The Castle was filled with happy people, smiling...
Looking back on our previous Jubilee projects
We have a history of marking royal events and centenaries, so when we were approached to take part in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Wildlife Spaces project in 2002, we were delighted. In 1997, we had...
Sir Philip Pullman plants Jubilee Oak Tree at Larkins Lane Field
Last Friday, Sir Philip Pullman planted an Oak Tree at Larkins Lane for the Queen's Green Canopy with the help of pupils at St. Andrew’s School, Headington
Larkins Lane is...
Swing Bridge removed from Heritage at Risk Register
We are delighted to announce that the Oxford Swing Bridge has been taken off the Heritage at Risk Register following renovation by Oxford Preservation Trust.
The London Midland and Scottish...
We are looking for an Assistant Heritage & Membership Officer
We are currently looking for an Assistant Heritage & Membership Officer post to join our small friendly team.
To find out more about the role and how to apply click ...
OPT Awards 2022 Winners Announced
We hope that you enjoyed the OPT Awards 2022! With a grand total of 54 entries submitted to this year’s competition, there were plenty of wonderful projects to celebrate over all 6 categories. ...
OPT buys a new piece of land at Harcourt Hill and fills in another piece of the jigsaw
We are delighted to announce the purchase of a new green space for Oxford with fabulous views looking out to the dreaming spires. This ten-acre field at Harcourt Hill to the west of Oxford went...
Check out our Autumn events programme
If you are looking for something to do check out our range of Autumn events, which includes our Oxford Castle at 950 lecture series, walks, and tours of both Shakespeare's Painted Room and the...
Oxford Open Doors 2022: A Word of Thanks
As the doors close on Oxford Open Doors for another year, we can do so in the knowledge that the sun came out, the doors opened and the feeling of warmth radiated from the stones of Oxford’s many...
Join as a member for year-round events
Oxford Preservation Trust does so much more than organise Oxford Open Doors. We look after 1,000 acres of green spaces in and around Oxford for you to enjoy, and care for buildings like Oxford...
OPT remembers Her Majesty the Queen at Oxford Castle
OPT was saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. In order to show our respect and to honour the Queen’s contribution to our city’s heritage, the Trustees have agreed that...
Oxford Open Doors - Family events
There are plenty of things to do for families and kids this year during Oxford Open Doors! From a special children's tour of Oxford to treasure hunts in colleges, there is something for everybody...
Oxford Open Doors - Explore more than 100 venues and events
A firm favourite in the Oxford calendar, OPT has been running Oxford Open Doors for 15 years! In this entirely free weekend, places which are not usually open to the public open...
OPT Celebrating the Festival of Archaeology - 16 - 31 July!
Between July 16 – 31st we are celebrating the Festival of Archaeology and we have two very special events to share with you. On Wednesday20 July, 5pm, ...
Join us for summer drinks at Barrack's Lane Community Garden!
On Thursday 14th July, 6.30pm we will be having a summer drinks party at Barracks Lane Community Garden. Join us for a drink in the sunshine and to hear all about the community endorsed project by...
Get your limited edition OPT Eco Coffee Cup
Support OPT's work even when drinking your coffee!
Get one of our limited edition eco coffee cups, they also make great presents.
You can get your through our online shop...
Debbie's May Blog: Oxford Preservation Trust is having a right royal time
At the beginning of this Platinum Jubilee year, a friend let me know about a two-acre field in Headington, sitting rather neglected and tired, which had recently come onto the open market. The...
Happy Jubilee Weekend from the OPT Team!
From us all here at the OPT Team, we wish you a Happy Jubilee weekend!
We are pleased to be a part of the City’s celebrations as on Thursday 2 June a beacon will be lit on the Castle...
Help us restore Larkins Lane Field as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
We are delighted to let you know that we have bought Larkins Lane Field, two-acres of green space within the ring road at the edge of the Old Headington...
Buy our Limited Edition OPT Eco Coffee Cup!
Our Limited Edition Eco Coffee Cup have arrived!
Why not get your own for your next walk on OPT land or for your morning commute? Support OPT and get your caffeine fix at the same time! ...
Help us buy Larkins Lane Field, Old Headington
WE NEED YOUR Support for OPT’s Queen's Platinum Jubilee project.
We are delighted to have secured a two-acre field at Larkins Lane, Old Headington. There is much to do...
St Thomas's and St Ebbe's Exhibition
“A tough but full-blooded area…”
An exhibition on display in the windows of the Oxford Castle Education Centre from Wednesday 20 April to Sunday 5 June explores the...
Join us for Nick Millea's talk on the Oxford Historic Towns Atlas - Wednesday 11 May, 5pm
Nick Millea is the current Map Curator at the Bodleian Library.
Nick will be discussing the recently published Oxford Historic Towns Atlas. The intention is to place it in its Europe-wide...
OPT Award Entry Submission Deadline Approaches! Friday 27 May
Less than a month until submissions close for the...
OPT Day School - Oxford Castle through the Ages - Celebrating 950 years
The Annual Oxford Day School 2022, in partnership with the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education will explore the rich history of Oxford Castle. Join us as we unlock the...
OPT Chairman's Lecture! 'The Other Oxford' talk by Patrick McGuiness
Join us for our first OPT Chairman's lecture of the year at the Key Learning Centre at the Oxford Castle.
Patrick McGuinness is a novelist, poet, and academic and author of Real Oxford...
Debbie's March Blog - Broad Meadow - The People's Quad
It has become an enjoyable annual event for me to join the Oxford Brookes urban design students for one of their sessions, to talk about Oxford’s streets, and in particular, Broad Street and the...
Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations - Family Activities and New Members Offer
Oxford Preservation Trust look after the Painted Room in Oxford – all that remains of the Crown Tavern, where Shakespeare is said to have stayed on several occasions.
Each year on 23 April...
The OPT Awards 2022 entries are now OPEN
Welcome to the OPT Awards 2022
From conserving the best of Oxford’s past to encouraging great new projects, the Awards seek to recognise the contribution that projects,...
Archaeology Open Day at Frewin Hall
Join Oxford Archaeology on Saturday 19 February from 10am-3pm...
OPT's first Hybrid Event!
Please join us either virtually OR in-person for Dr Geoffrey Tyack's talk- "Breathing new life into old buildings" on Tuesday 15 February at 6pm. In this...
Happy New Year from OPT
Happy New Year from the OPT Team! We wish you joy and good fortune for the upcoming year and hope you will continue to support OPT's work in and around Oxford by joining, donating and attending...
Castle at 950- Join our Events!
To continue celebrating Oxford Castle & Prison's 950th Anniversary, we have a range of events lined up over the coming months.
From Lectures such as "...
Volunteer in 2022
If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to get outside and exercise more, then why not become a Land Volunteer for OPT!
Volunteering is a great way to get outside in the...
Merry Christmas from OPT!
We wish you a Merry Christmas from the whole OPT team!
As an early Christmas Present, click HERE to watch the...
Christmas Tree light switch-on at Oxford Castle
Come and see the 25-foot Christmas Tree (delivered from Bagley Wood at Kennington as a gift from St John's College) in Oxford Castle & Prison Castleyard. To mark the Christmas Celebrations, ...
Rewley Road Swing Bridge - Phase I Complete!
We hope you are looking forward to Christmas whatever it brings…
As we head towards the end of the year, we are delighted to report that we have successfully...
Welcome to the OPT team, Charlie!
A big OPT welcome to the newest member of our team - Charlie Jackson, who has joined us as our new Green Spaces Officer!
You can find Charlie taking care of OPT's...
Get your OPT calendar 2022 here
Celebrate Oxford's heritage whilst also helping support Oxford Preservation Trust by purchasing our OPT 2022 Calendar!
It is full of beautiful photographs...
Castle at 950- Son et Lumiere
"Different roads lead to the same castle" - George R. R. Martin
On Friday 19 November, Oxford Castle & Prison was transformed into a light spectacular, telling...
Winter Newsletter 2021 Released
Our Members have now all received our latest OPT Winter Newsletter! Have you read it yet? It is full of all the exciting events and projects that we have been working on over...
Light Switch-On at the Castle Mound
OPT were delighted to have Oxfordshire's Lord-Lieutenant, Marjorie Glasgow join us at Oxford Castle & Prison Castleyard on Thursday 11 November to help inaugurate the new lighting system on...
OPT Awards 2021 Winners Announced
We hope that you enjoyed the OPT Awards 2021! It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the contribution made to Oxford's buildings and green spaces over the past year in-person once again.
...OPT Calendar 2022
Celebrate Oxford's heritage whilst also helping support Oxford Preservation Trust by purchasing our OPT 2022 Calendar!
It is full of beautiful photographs...
Virtual Talk: Wholesome Dwellings by author Dr. Malcolm Graham - book now
Click HERE to book a place for our latest virtual talk on Wholesome Dwellings by Dr. Malcolm Graham.
Join local author and former head of...
Oxford Castle at 950: Members Month - November 2021
Oxford Castle celebrates its 950th anniversary this year: 1071 - 2021. OPT are organising a Members Month of events: walks, talks and trails. Click...
Please give us your Feedback!
We would love to hear your experience of Oxford Open Doors 2021!
At Oxford Preservation Trust, we value your feedback and want to improve Oxford Open Doors to make it even...
Thank You!
Oxford Preservation Trust wants to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make Oxford Open Doors 2021 possible. To all our members and supporters and...
Help us bring back Oxford Open Doors in 2022
We hope you have enjoyed Oxford Open Doors 2021!
We couldn't keep running Open Doors year after year without the support of our members! Please consider ...
Help support Oxford Open Doors and enter Prize Draw!
Oxford Preservation Trust are extremely grateful to our Members, whose generous donations help keep Oxford Open Doors free for everyone, each year.
Please consider...
See our list of Open Doors Events!
We have plenty of events happening over the weekend for everyone to get involved in! From in-person walks, talks and exhibitions, to virtual events and ...
History of the Covered Market with Malcolm Graham Film Screening
A big congratulations to Malcolm Graham and ...
Happy Oxford Open Doors Week!
Happy Oxford Open Doors Week 2021!
We are so excited to invite you to Open Doors 2021 this weekend! If you haven't seen our list of events happening over the weekend yet,...
OPT Calendar 2022- Available now!
Celebrate Oxford's heritage whilst also helping support Oxford Preservation Trust by purchasing our OPT 2022 Calendar! It is full of beautiful photographs of OPT...
Oxford Open Doors- Join today for Members' Week events!
We are drawing closer to Oxford Open Doors 2021 on 11 & 12 September! Remember to pre-book for in-person events from Wednesday 1 September at 12 noon...
Oxford Open Doors - programme to be announced Monday 23 August
We are busy working on the organisation of Oxford Open Doors 2021 (11 & 12 September) with the programme being announced on Monday 23 August. ...
New Blog Post: Summer Gardens at Oxford
Have you read Debbie's new July blog post Summer Gardens at Oxford yet?
"Gardens have been a constant in my life over the past month, not least as we recently...
We are recruiting - Green Spaces Officer
We are currently looking for a Green Spaces Officer to join our small and friendly team. For more information about the role and how to apply please click...
Virtual Talk: Recent Archaeology work in Oxford with David Radford
Click HERE to join us for our latest virtual talk...
OPT Awards 2021 submissions are now CLOSED!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a project for the OPT Awards 2021.
With an unprecedented number of entries, we are very excited to see what is in store for us this year!
Stay...
National Meadows Day 2021
Happy National Meadows Day from everyone at OPT!
Wildflowers are in full bloom on our land at the moment, so why not visit Hinksey...
Rewley Road Swing Bridge: June Update
Progress continues inside the big white tent! The blasting works are now complete, and the damage that this revealed has been mended, with a first protective, primer coat applied ready for the...
A Call for Photographs
A big thank you to Elizabeth Griffiths for sharing her wonderful photographs of Bee Orchids on Kennington Flood Meadows with us!
OPT are currently creating a calendar celebrating Oxford’s...
New Blog Post: New housing deserves the very best of planning
OPT has been working tirelessly throughout lockdown, so come read about just some of the planning projects that OPT have been working on in Debbie's new June blog post. Find it...
2 Weeks to Go!
The OPT Awards 2021 deadline is fast approaching!
With only 2 weeks to go, make sure you have your project entered for a chance to win at the OPT AWARDS 2021. ...
Volunteers' Week 2021
Happy Volunteers' Week 2021 from everyone at OPT!
We are so grateful for all the work our amazing volunteers do across our land and at our events. We couldn’t do it without you!
...
In-person walks return
It is good to finally see you all in person once again!
Throughout the last 2 weeks, OPT have been blowing off the cobwebs and getting back to "normal" with the return of our guided tours...
Rewley Road Swing Bridge Update
There is a lot going on inside the big white tent this month, as the metalwork is blasted clean. All this has been done in a controlled environment and, once it is completed, all the waste...
Looking for Office Space?
OPT are looking for a new neighbour to be our tenant in our Turn Again Lane cottages in central Oxford. The first floor self-contained offices would suit someone wanting to work away from home...
OPT Awards 2021
The OPT Awards 2021 are now OPEN!
Help us celebrate the contribution that building and environmental projects make to Oxford's streets and green spaces. ...
Nest Boxes Update
Our Land Officer Lindsay was able to go to Elizabeth Daryush Memorial Garden recently to check on the bird boxes. We...
Rewley Road Swing Bridge Update
Exciting developments at the Rewley Road Swing Bridge – April 2021 Update
See the thrilling moment when the gears were turned again at Rewley Road - we know the Swing...
Virtual Talk: Saving the Rewley Road Swing Bridge Part II with Tom Hassall
Join us on Thursday 6 May at 5pm to discover the amazing history of the Swing Bridge and the railway in Oxford, and our exciting project to restore it with OPT Trustee, Tom Hassall!
Members...
Snake's Head Fritillary Count 2021
On Saturday 17 April, Tim King and Judy Webb carried out the 2021 Snake's Head Fritillary count at Hinksey Meadow.
The Snake’s Head Fritillary is Oxfordshire’s County flower and is...
Happy Birthday Shakespeare!
It’s Shakespeare’s birthday - Friday 23 April 2021
OPT has the only building in Oxford with proper Shakespeare links, and ...
Blasting works begin at the Rewley Road Swing Bridge
The Rewley Road Swing Bridge site is looking very different at the moment! Scaffolding has been erected all the way around the structure so that it is completely encapsulated. This is to allow the...
New Blog Post: Roadmap by any other name
Click HERE to read Debbie's April Blog Post: Roadmap by any other name...
Spring/Summer Newsletter Released
Our Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter has been released and should be arriving on our members’ doorsteps now!
OPT have been keeping very busy despite the lockdown. This newsletter is full of...
A Return to In-Person Events
As Oxford begins to re-open after lockdown, we are delighted to begin running in-person events again for our members with a range of guided walks alongside our popular virtual talks..
...
Rewley Road Swing Bridge Update
We hope you enjoyed Liz Woolley’s talk on “…those rampageous, dragonnading fire-devils… - The coming of the railway to Oxford”
This week the Rewley Road Swing Bridge was successfully jacked...
Happy Easter from the OPT Team!
If you are looking for things to do with the family this weekend, why not try out one of our family activities here:...
Book now for our latest virtual talk: …those rampageous, dragonnading fire-devils… - The coming of the railway to Oxford
Join us on Thursday 8 April at 5pm to hear local historian Liz Woolley discuss the history of Oxford's railway!
The railway arrived...
New Blog Post: A glorious Summer ahead
As Winter nears its end, Click here to read Debbie’s March Blog...
Virtual Talk: Stories of Oxford Castle: from dungeon to dunghill with Mark Davies
After a wonderful range of online talks over the last few months we now come to ‘Stories of Oxford Castle: from dungeon to dunghill' with author...
Back on site at the Rewley Road Swing Bridge restoration
The sun was shining on the Rewley Road Swing Bridge restoration on Tuesday morning!
It was the team's second day back on site after the winter break (due to flooding) and our Heritage...
The Chairman's Lecture - A plan for Broad Street with award winning landscape architect, Kim Wilkie
Join us on Thursday 11 March at 5pm for William Whyte's quarterly Chairman's Lecture.
Last year there was much interest in Oxford’s empty streets, with pop up pavement cafes appearing...
Congratulations Malcolm Graham!
Congratulations to Malcolm Graham, who has been awarded with a Personal Achievement Award by the British Association for Local History (BALH)....
Winners of the OPT Awards in Lockdown Announced
On Tuesday 23 February, for the first time ever, the OPT Awards Evening went virtual.
OPT were joined online by nearly 200 guests as eight plaques and fifteen certificates were awarded,...
New blog post: Oxford in a Box!
Discover the wonderful story behind the 'Oxford Heritage Walks' books and find out how...
Our latest virtual talk - A Jewel in the Crown - Oxford's Covered Market
While the evenings are still dark, we are delighted to help lighten your evenings with our programme of virtual talks so do join us for ‘A Jewel in the Crown - Oxford's Covered Market’ –...
Magnet fishing at the Swing Bridge
Have you ever heard of magnet fishing? We certainly hadn't, but thanks go to Tom Davis, an archaeology student at Southampton University...
Virtual talk: Turning the bridge - saving the Rewley Road Railway Swing Bridge with Tom Hassall
Have you heard about our recent magnet fishing discoveries? Find out about this and much more...
Oxford Landscape and Trees - book now
'Oxford Landscapes and Trees' - Join us virtually on Wednesday 13 January at 5pm for this fascinating talk with OPT Trustee, Julian Munby. Definitely one not to miss so book...
Committed to keeping our land open
Happy New Year from all the OPT team. OPT are committed to keeping all our green spaces open for you to enjoy. Getting out into the countryside has positive outcomes for all our...
Join the OPT team
We have an exciting opportunity to join OPT as our Assistant Heritage and Outreach Officer. For more information about the role and how to apply click...
East St Helen Street Window Complete!
We are delighted to announce that the restoration of the decorated timber window at our medieval merchant's house on East St Helen Street (the oldest house in Abingdon) is now...
International Film Festival Success
Oxford City Council's 'History of the Covered Market with Malcolm Graham' film from Oxford Open Doors was an Award Winner at the 11th season of the ...
A Review of the Year
We hope you enjoyed OPT Director, Debbie Dance's Christmas Lecture: 'Oxford's Changing Landscape: A Review of 2020'.
This was a virtual first for the annual lecture, and we...
Winter Newsletter Released
Our latest Winter Newsletter is out and should have hit members' doormats!
It is jam-packed full of stories from the last few months and what to look forward to next year...
Christmas Lecture - Book Now!
Start the festive season with our annual Christmas Lecture from OPT Director Debbie Dance!
This year, Debbie will be talking about Oxford's changing...
Full steam ahead on the restoration of the Rewley Road Swing Bridge!
We are delighted to announce that the restoration of the Rewley Road Swing Bridge is to begin, thanks to the support of the Railway Heritage Trust, Historic England, Network Rail, Chiltern...
St Catz virtual event - thank you Geoffrey, and further reading if you want to know more?
A huge thank you to Geoffrey Tyack for his brilliant virtual talk about the history of St Catz last week, exploring the stunning modern architecture and the story of how the College came to be....
Looking for office space?
OPT are looking for a new tenant to be our neighbour in our lovely characterful self-contained offices in central Oxford. It would suit someone wanting to work away from home or looking to...
St Catz - Virtual Event
Join OPT Trustee, Dr Geoffrey Tyack, to discover more about St Catherine's College and “a perfect piece of architecture”.
Please book your place via the...
New blog post! October: Green spaces for all, forever
“Oxford is growing. Its growth may be guided but should not be grudged. The work of the Trust is not to hamper Oxford but to help it… Oxford is not a museum piece. It is a living thing...
Covered Market Site Hoarding
The site hoarding of the former Lindsey’s unit has now come down, which means you can finally see the progress of our brilliant contractors more easily!
...
Oxford Heritage Walks: Box Set Available!
As well as recently launching Book 6 in the Oxford Heritage Walks series, we have also released a set of all six books, supplied in a special presentation box!
The box set...
Oxford Heritage Walks: Book 6 Available!
In advance of Malcolm Graham’s illustrated talk on Monday, we are thrilled to announce that the sixth and final book in our Oxford Heritage Walks series is now available to buy on...
Wolvercote Community Orchard
Our Land Officer and one of our Heritage Assistants were delighted to pick a basket of apples as our rent from Wolvercote Apple Orchard. We are looking forward to tasting the...
Oxford Heritage Walks: Book 6 Launch
On 19 October, we will be launching the final book in the Oxford Heritage Walks series: ‘On Foot from the High to Trill Mill’.
Join Malcolm Graham...
New blog post! September: Oxford Open Doors
With clear blue skies, and without the crowds, Oxford Open Doors 2020 was a great success. Over the...
Walks Still Available!
As a result of recent changes to COVID-19 government guidance, we have decided to keep our variety of self-guided walks from Oxford Open Doors available on the website. From...
Chairman's Lecture - Virtual Event
Join Professor Joanna Innes, Senior Research Fellow at Somerville College, for the Chairman’s Lecture ‘Blogging the Floodplain’ to hear more about her blog writing journey!
...Covered Market Restoration Nearing Conclusion
Have you spotted us on-site at The Covered Market?
The restoration of three historic stalls in Oxford’s Covered Market is drawing to a close...
From Axtell to Zacharias - Virtual Event
Join local historian, Liz Woolley, as she explores the men who built Oxford.
By the late 1880s, there were more than seventy speculative developers and building firms whose...
Success for Oxford Open Doors
With clear blue skies, and without the crowds, Oxford Preservation Trust has scored another success with this year’s new-look Oxford Open Doors.
The weekend (12-13 September) saw an...
Oxford Open Doors is here
Oxford Open Doors is here with a great range of virtual events and self-guided walks with family activities.
Virtual events are available ...
Oxford Open Doors - FEEDBACK FORM
Let us know about your experiences during Oxford Open Doors.
Please complete our Feedback form ...
Oxford Open Doors: VIRTUAL
Oxford Open Doors is going online, with a huge range of virtual events!
Details are available here with all virtual...
Oxford Open Doors: SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Oxford Open Doors is going outside, with a massive variety of self-guided walks!
These are available to view now until Sunday 20 September as part of Open Doors...
Oxford Open Doors - PRIZE DRAW
For extra #OxfordOpenDoors events and content, join Oxford Preservation Trust!
If you become a member...
New blog post! August: Where will the tourists go?
It’s Tuesday lunchtime, and I am enjoying lunch in a friendly bubble at the Old Bank, with thanks to Dishy Rishy. We could have gone...
Oxford Open Doors Goes Online!
Listen out for Oxford Preservation Trust's Director, Debbie Dance, on BBC Radio Oxford's Drive show around 4.10pm...
East St. Helen Street Restoration Continues
The restoration of the window at our medieval merchant’s house at 26 East St. Helen Street continues. Despite the inclement weather, good progress has been made with the ...
Visit Oxford Castle & Prison
Looking for something to do in Oxford? Why not visit Oxford Castle & Prison!
The Castle has the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard and everything you need to know...
Introducing the Heyford Owlets
We are excited to share the news that the Heyford Meadow Barn Owls have successfully fledged four owlets! Many locals have enjoyed the Heyford owls.
Read more about...
Volunteer Work Parties: From Wolvercote to Heyford
After a successful first socially distanced Conservation Work Party since lockdown at Wolvercote Lakes on 7 August, volunteers will be returning to Heyford Meadow for the first...
Covered Market Restoration Continues
Have you seen us on-site at The Covered Market?
The restoration of three historic stalls in Oxford’s Covered Market continues, within the...
Volunteer Work Parties Return
Today (7 August) marks the return of our volunteer work parties!
During a Conservation Work Party, volunteers work alongside OPT staff to maintain and manage land in and...
The Pitt Rivers Museum ‘a dream that failed’ – Virtual Event
Join OPT Vice-President, Professor Malcolm Airs, as he explores the Pitt Rivers Museum and ‘a dream that failed’.
Please book your place on the ...
First Virtual AGM
Following a series of popular virtual talks during lockdown, Oxford Preservation Trust’s 93rd Annual General Meeting took to the screen.
Wednesday 29th July...
New blog post! July: Oxford Meadows
As things ease, I am pleased to accept an invitation to meet with much-missed friends who live in South Hinksey, able to be outside to enjoy a summer’s evening, heading over at the end of a day in...
East St. Helen Street Window Restoration
We are excited to share the news that we are back restoring the window at our medieval merchant’s house at 26 East St. Helen Street, Abingdon which has been dated to 1430...
Entries Closed for OPT Awards
Friday 17th July marked the closing of the OPT Awards 2020 application window and we have received a brilliant number of submissions!
Thank you to all of those who have...
OPT Celebrates Festival of Archaeology
To celebrate this year’s Festival of Archaeology (11-19 July), we held another sold-out webinar yesterday evening. This time, David Radford, City Council...
New Team Member at OPT
Last week, we welcomed our newest member of staff, Lucy Inskip, who has joined us from The Heritage Alliance.
You can read more about Lucy and the rest of the team...
Oxford Castle & Prison Reopened on 4th July
As Oxford Castle and Prison enter the second weekend of reopening their doors, your safety continues to be their highest priority, and the Castle team have been busy putting...
Oxford's Hated Buildings and Failed Projects - a virtual event via Zoom
Join OPT Chairman William Whyte as he explores the city's hated buildings and failed projects in the 20th century. Definitely not to be missed!
Please book your place on the ...
New blog post! June: Oxford gets back to work
I have returned to the office and thinking forward as the entries come in for this year’s Oxford Preservation Trust ...
There's still time to enter the OPT Awards 2020!
Some of you asked if you could have a little more time to send in your projects, so we're extending the deadline to Friday 17 July.
Anyone can enter a project...
Sustrans Kennington Meadows project
Sustrans have completed their project to introduce a new surface and drainage scheme in the water meadow near the river at...
Release of Forward Events Programme!
Join OPT for a host of virtual events this Summer!
From talks including "Oxford's Hated Buildings and Failed Projects" with OPT Chairman William Whyte, to self-guided walks on National...
New Blog Post! May - Oxford's empty streets are still alive
Working from home is not an easy fit at OPT when we need to have a sense of what is happening on the ground in and around the city, keeping our eyes and ears open, meeting and talking with people...
Visiting our green spaces
Open green space is essential for our health and wellbeing, and we are delighted that more people than ever are now out and about enjoying OPT land. With our commitment to the green agenda, OPT...
OPT Awards 2020 - open for entries!
The OPT Awards 2020 are still open for entries!
Anyone can enter a project, and this year we have a new Green Award to recognise the importance of...
OPT remember Kennington Servicemen on VE Day
Friday 8 May 2020 marks 75 years since VE Day as Oxford Preservation Trust remember the servicemen of Oxford and share the history of our own Kennington Memorial Field.
...
New Blog Post: April - From Shakespeare to South Park, an OPT legacy lives on
Thursday 23 April was Shakespeare’s Birthday, and we should have gathered in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, surrounded by robed Oxford dignitaries across town and gown, ready to parade from the Town...
A toast for Shakespeare's birthday!
Welcome to our virtual celebration of Shakespeare's birthday!
Join OPT Chairman William Whyte as he gives the OPT annual toast to Shakespeare on his birthday, raising a...
Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday with our family activities
Oxford Preservation Trust look after the Painted Room in Oxford – all that remains of the Crown Tavern, where Shakespeare is said to have stayed on several occasions.
Each year in April, ...
Painted Room virtual tour to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday
Oxford Preservation Trust look after the Painted Room in Oxford – all that remains of the 13th century...
OPT to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday!
Join OPT at 11.30 am on Thursday 23 April to raise a toast to the immortal bard, remembering the NHS and all those doing so much to look after us at the same time.
Oxford Preservation Trust...
Family activities for Easter
We’re sure that, like us, if you’re lucky enough to have some outside space, you’ve found a whole new appreciation for your balconies, courtyards and gardens during lockdown.
Exploring your...
New blog post: March - Oxford and your Health & Wellbeing
Our glorious City is a jewel in a sea of green, where town meets country, with its fingers of green running into and through it. All is heightened by this glorious weather, signs of spring with...
Visiting our green spaces - our latest update on COVID-19
OPT is continually thinking about access to our green spaces as well as the health and safety of our members and local communities. We are closely following guidance and best practice to help...
The Covered Market
Have you seen that we’re on site at The Covered Market?
We’re working in partnership with...
26 & 26a East St Helen Street
We're doing conservation work on an almost 600-year-old window!
The window comes from our medieval house in Abingdon - 26 and 26a East St Helen Street.
It dates from c.1430 and...
A message to our members
I wanted to write to you at this extraordinary time to let you know that OPT remains in good heart and, despite the many challenges facing it, will continue its vital work.
Our OPT team are...
Chairman's Lecture
Are you interested in the future of our countryside? Join Crispin Truman OBE, Chief Executive of CPRE The countryside charity, for the third in our series of Chairman's Lectures. 'Cycling, CPRE...
Entries for the OPT Awards 2020 are now OPEN!
The launch of this year’s Awards took place at The Oxford Trust’s Science Oxford Centre and Wood Centre for Innovation, Stansfield Park – winners of...
Annual Day School
The OPT Annual Day School will be on Saturday 25 April!
In partnership with the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education, this year’s OPT Annual Day...
We're recruiting!
There is currently a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their heritage career to join our team as an Assistant Heritage and Planning Officer.
To find out more and apply, please...
Excavations at Oxford Castle, 1999-2009 Awards Nomination
We are delighted that 'Excavations at Oxford Castle, 1999-2009' has been nominated in the Book of the Year category for the 2020 Current Archaeology Awards!
Voting is live and open to...
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to all our supporters! This January we have welcomed OPT's two newest members, Laura and Katie, who have joined us as Planning Officer and Heritage Outreach and Projects Officer....
Ann Spokes Symonds
We are sorry to begin the year with the sad news that our Vice President, Ann Spokes Symonds sadly died on 27 December. Ann was 94 and had been ill in the latter half of last year. Ann’s family...
Merry Christmas from OPT
Thank you to all our supporters who have helped us to make 2019 another fantastic year and we look forward to a busy year in 2020, with more members than ever before, numerous events planned...
Walks in our Green Spaces
Each of our walks have been restyled into printable booklets - take a walk through our beautiful landscape, enjoying the glorious views and multitude of wildlife. Visit our walks page to download...
OPT's Annual Christmas Lecture
On Tuesday 3rd of December, OPT held their annual Christmas Lecture at the Key Learning Centre Oxford Castle. After Debbie's recital of her 12 blogs of Christmas the evening turned its focus to...
OPT Awards 2019 Plaque Unveiling - Dora Carr Close
On Wednesday 11th December, our Chairman William Whyte was delighted to have been invited to the plaque unveiling of one of this year’s OPT Awards, Dora Carr Close. The Development by GreenSquare...
A great Christmas gift - special deal on our Heritage Walk Books
Still searching for that special Christmas gift? Buy the full set of our 5 Heritage Walk Books for only £29.99 (plus post and packaging).
Our Oxford Heritage Walks open a treasure chest of...
Oxford Castle & Prison Education Programme awarded the Sandford Award
Congratulations to Lisa Price and the staff at Oxford Castle and Prison having been awarded the prestigious Sandford Award.
The Sandford Award recognises outstanding education programmes at...
Our latest newsletter
Our latest newsletter is now available, updating you all we have been doing here at OPT. ...
OPT Awards 2019 - Congratulations to all our plaque winners
Thank you to all our participants in this year's OPT Awards, which has been our biggest year yet with 56 entries across town and gown. Join in the conversation online using the hashtag #...
Launch of Heritage Walk Book 5
Yesterday, a very jolly event event took place at the OPT offices to celebrate the launch of Book 5 in Heritage Walk...
Chairman's Lecture with David Prout
As part of OPT's Chairman's Lecture series we welcomed David Prout, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford to give a talk on the past present and future of the University of Oxford Estate...
Carole Souter speaks at Oxford's Citizens Assembly on Climate Change
On Sunday 29th of September OPT Trustee, Dr Carole Souter represented the Trust at the UK’s first full citizens assembly on climate change, which was held in Oxford. All the presentations were...
We're hiring - do you fit the bill?
OPT are seeking a Planner/Senior Planner to provide part-time maternity cover for 12 months from November 2019. (Some...
Oxford Open Doors 2019 - Over and Out
Oxford Open Doors 2019 has officially closed. It has been another amazing year, bringing together people from Oxford and further afield together to appreciate our beautiful city in all its glory....
Oxford Castle Publication Launch
Join us on Monday 9th of September at the Key Learning Centre, Oxford Castle, for the launch of the highly anticipated publication 'Excavations at Oxford Castle 1999-2009'. There will be a...
Our Venue Packs are on the Way!!
On Wednesday evening the lovely CyclOx and OxPA arrived to collect this year's venue pack for delivery ready for Oxford Open Doors. We are so grateful to both these organisations for their...
Oxford Open Doors Bookings now Open!
At 12 noon on the 28th August bookings for a select amount of Oxford Open Doors Events went live! We have lots of amazing venues in the line-up for OOD 2019 and are looking forward to seeing you...
Oxford Open Doors 2019 - the brochure is coming...
Oxford Open Doors is fast approaching. Join us on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September for a weekend full to bursting of events and places to visit with the theme 'Made in Oxford'.
The...
Oxford Castle & Prison wins Sandford Award
Oxford Castle and Prison have been announced as one of this year's Sandford Award Winners 2019. The Sandford Award is independently judged mark of quality for education programmes of heritage site...
Festival of Archaeology at Oxford Castle
As part of the 2019 Festival of Archaeology, two events were held in Oxford's Castle Quarter. On ,Tuesday 16 July Tom Hassall gave a talk on 50 Years of Archaeology, which described the changing...
Pub Walk to Vicky Arms
On Tuesday 9th of July OPT members, guided by Rachel Sanderson, Land Officer, walked from the University Parks along the Cherwell, finishing up at the Vicky Arms. The weather was perfect and the...
Celebrate Archaeology with OPT
Join us for this free event on Tuesday 16 July at 5pm when OPT Trustee Tom Hassall will share '50 years of Archaeology' in Oxford with us.
For further information and to...
OPT Welcomes Chief Exec of Historic England to AGM
OPT were pleased to welcome Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England to speak at our AGM on the 27th of June this year. Duncan's talk, 'Historic England’s approach to championing and...
OPT Vice-President Malcolm Airs awarded OBE
The OPT Team wish to send their heartfelt congratulations to our Vice-President, Malcolm Airs, upon being awarded an OBE in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to the...
LMS Swingbridge community open evening on 10 July
OPT is restoring the LMS Swingbridge in 2019. Want to know more? Come to the community open evening on Wednesday 10 July from 5.30-7pm to hear about the history of this rather special...
North Hinksey Pub Walk
On the 23rd May our members and some of the OPT Team enjoyed a pub walk from our offices at 10 Turn Again Lane to the Fishes at North Hinksey.
The walk was led by our Land Officer, Rachel...
A celebration for Shakespeare's birthday
On the weekend of 26th April, OPT helped Oxford to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday!
Kicking off with the annual Parade from the Town Hall to our very own Painted Room, we enjoyed...
Celebrate your project! OPT Awards 2019
The OPT Awards 2019 are now open click here.
Now in their 42nd year we are...
An opportunity to tour the Painted Room
Enjoy a tour of the Painted Room on Weds 27th February 12:30-13:00. You'll see rare Elizabethan wall paintings, learn the history of the rooms and the connections to both Shakespeare and Betjeman...
Free year round entry to Oxford Castle & Prison
OPT members enjoy year round historic talks, walks, unique experiences, great discounts and FREE year round entry to Oxford Castle & Prison and mound.
OPT membership costs from just £...
Oxford Outdoors 2019
Nothing beats a good walk in the fresh air and OPT encourage everyone to enjoy a walk on their land. You'll experience a good dollop of Oxford history and some breathtaking views - a very special...
Year round free entry to Oxford Castle and Prison
Did you know that OPT members receive year round free entry to Oxford Castle and Prison, as well as a 10% discount in the gift shop and café?
Click ...
Our Medieval Merchant's House
Did you know that you can visit our Medieval Merchant's house in Abingdon?
The house on East St. Helen Street is the oldest in Abingdon, with construction being dated at 1430. It is full...
We are 90!
For 90 years we've been striving to keep the best of Oxford's past and building a brighter future.
If you love Oxford, support us and the crucial work that we do and become a member. You'...
Looking for a new walk this spring?
If you fancy getting out and about more this spring, why not try a walk on some of our land?
Over the 90 years since we first began, we have sought to protect Oxford's green setting for...
Do something positive for Oxford
If you are passionate about Oxford and ensuring a positive future for this special city, then why not join us?
We are a 90 year old charity and quite simply, Oxford wouldn't be the same...
A historical tale of supplying water to Oxford
We wanted to share this fascinating piece written by Malcolm Graham. Enjoy.
We are 90!
We celebrated our 90th birthday on Saturday 18th November with a get together and some birthday cake in our cherished venue of the Painted Rooms. We were joined by members longstanding and new...
We've got Christmas wrapped up!
Are you struggling to think of Christmas presents for your nearest and dearest? We can help! If you are a member, we have two great offers for you:
1. Our brilliant Heritage Walk books (...
Record numbers of Snake’s Head Fritillaries found on OPT land.
OPT are delighted to announce a record number of the much loved but unfortunately rare Snake’s Head Fritillaries on one of their carefully cared for meadows.
Thanks to some early warm...
Christchurch v Christ Church - exploring heritage links
OPT Director, Debbie Dance, offers a view point on proposals to rebuild Christ Church Cathedral in New Zealand. ...
Volunteering opportunities at Oxford Castle
The Learning Team at Oxford Castle are looking for volunteers to assist with our programme for schools and families.
If you’re able to offer an extra pair of hands to help...
Latest planning projects
Planning lies at the heart of everything we do. Our Planning Panel recently met to discuss the Oxford Local Plan and we have written to the City Council to understand more about how they are to...
Latest edition in our Heritage Book series
Get your copy of the latest edition in our Heritage Book series unveiling the history behind our streets before your very eyes. Book 4 ‘ From Paradise Street to Sheepwash’...
Harcourt Hill Appeal
We have been delighted by the success of the Harcourt Hill Field appeal which raised £120,000 to allow us to open the Field to the public and connect the walk across the western hills from Raleigh...