Autumn in Oxford

Autumn has arrived in Oxford. And it is glorious. For the city and its parks are awash with fiery reds, buttery yellows and orange oches. Go stand on Broad Street and witness the magnificent crimson creeper set against the honey-hues of Trinity College.  Or head towards the station to catch the golden light shed by the canopy of maples over the bikes by the Said Business School. Or stroll through the University Parks to watch a catwalk of 250 different varieties of trees clothed in their autumn best.

This is the season of apple bobbing and Jack O’lanterns, of bonfires and baked potatoes. There is colour all around. And yet. I cannot help but feel a touch of melancholy. The swifts are long gone, and the swallows now also. It is suddenly dark as I hurry home through rain and flurries of falling leaves, past windows and basements lit up against the pervading night. This is the time to batten down the hatches, to snuggle up and hunker on down, to add another blanket to the bed and draw them up closer. To remember those we have lost as another year grinds towards its end. 

Then I realise it’s not all gloom.  I have boxes of bulbs ready to be planted. Popping them into pots always lifts the spirits, with their promise of renewal, regeneration and the green shoots of spring. But until they arrive, enjoy the fall show while you can. Happy autumn everyone.

Contributing photographer Ellie White

Said Business School

University Parks

Churchyard of St Mary Magdalen

Oxford canal

The Broad Walk, Christ Church Meadow

Gloucester Green market

Worcester College lake

Lincoln College

Parson’s Pleasure

You may also like to read

Springtime at St Sepulchres