Slow Bal Celebration Venue

Islip Village Hall, Church Lane, Islip, near Kidlington, Oxfordshire OX5 2TA

Islip is a pretty village 5 miles from Oxford.

The hall has a kitchen and eating areas (both inside and out) as well as the main hall so you can bring your own food and eat at the hall in lunch breaks. There are a range of shops in Kidlington (10 minutes by car) or Oxford itself.

By car

The hall is in the centre of the village near the church and there is parking on site.

We can probably arrange lifts into Kidlington or Oxford from local dancers at the end of the evenings and on the Sunday if you do not have a car: Please get in touch with us at info@oxfordbalboa.co.uk 

By bus

Stagecoach H5 runs a bus service between the JR hospital (Oxford) through Headington to Islip (15-20 minute journey) on Fridays and Saturdays in the day. The Stagecoach H5,29 route details can be found here: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/services/SCOX/H5 Bus routes are subject to change so please check again near the weekend. 

Nearest Railway Stations

There are trains to Islip station from Oxford, Oxford Parkway and London (Marylebone). The station is a 5 minute walk from the village hall. Oxford station is about 20 minutes away by car/taxi, Oxford Parkway is about 10 minutes away.

Accommodation

We are not providing accommodation but there are plenty of places in nearby Kidlington, north Oxford or the Headington area of Oxford.

Things to do in Islip/Oxford

Islip

Islip is a charming village with several amenities and beautiful walks nearby. For any free time, or in  case you can stay longer, here are some highlights:

Walks

Islip Circular Walk: This 17.4 km (10.8 miles) walk takes you through rolling countryside, rivers, fields, woods, and the RSPB Otmoor wetland reserve, which is popular with birdwatchers.

Noke – Islip Loop: A 12.4 km (7.7 miles) intermediate hike that offers scenic views and is suitable for all skill levels.

RSPB Otmoor Reserve: A shorter, easy hike of about 5.79 km (3.6 miles) starting from Noke, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Tea Rooms, Pubs and Restaurants

The Abingdon Arms: In nearby Beckley, this 17th-century pub offers an outside terrace with views over the Otmoor reserve.

Plenty of eating places in nearby Kidlington as well as in Oxford 

Getting to Oxford City Centre

Oxford city centre is about 20 minutes away by car from Islip

Things to Do in Oxford

Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe, offering stunning architecture and historical significance.

Ashmolean Museum: The University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, with collections ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.

Oxford Covered Market: A historic market with a variety of shops, cafes, and local produce.

Radcliffe Camera: An iconic building and part of the Bodleian Library, known for its beautiful architecture.

Oxford Castle & Prison: A historic site offering guided tours and a glimpse into Oxford’s past.

Pitt Rivers Museum: Known for its extensive anthropological and archaeological collections.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Home to an internationally significant collection of natural history specimens and stunning neo-Gothic architecture.

Christ Church College: Famous for its connections to Harry Potter, fans will find the staircase and dining room particularly interesting as they were used as filming locations for Hogwarts.

Parks for Picnics and Lovely Views

Port Meadow: A vast open space with breathtaking views and a great atmosphere, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

University Parks: Beautifully landscaped with plenty of open spaces, ideal for a relaxing picnic.

Christ Church Meadow: Located in the heart of Oxford, this spot offers lovely views and a peaceful setting for a picnic.

These activities are all centrally located and can be comfortably explored within a few hours.