Science Oxford: Eclipse in the Park
August 12, 2026
Margaret Road Recreation Ground
Family event
Families
Join Science Oxford for a relaxed, family-friendly evening celebrating a partial solar eclipse at Margaret Road Recreation Ground in Headington. This is a rare opportunity to see the Moon pass in front of the Sun, with up to 90–93% of the Sun covered at peak, a dramatic sight when viewed safely.
This is a free event. If you plan to attend, please complete the Eventbrite registration to help us estimate guest numbers and plan for safe participation by all.
If the event is ‘sold out’, please join the waitlist even if tickets are currently unavailable. Knowing how many people are interested helps us manage the event safely and may allow us to release additional tickets. Being registered or on the waitlist also means we can keep you updated with any important event information, including weather-related changes or whether conditions are suitable for the event to go ahead.
If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket through Eventbrite so that your place can be offered to someone else and we have an accurate idea of attendee numbers.
5:30 PM – 8:15 PM
Margaret Road Recreation Ground, 65 Ramsay Road, Headington, OX3 8AY
The event is supported by Oxford City Council.
Eclipse Timings
- First contact begins: 6:00pm
- Maximum eclipse (around 90–93% coverage): 7:13pm
- Eclipse ends: 8:06–8:10pm
You are welcome to drop in at any point during the event.
What to expect
- Safe solar viewing with official eclipse glasses
- Views through solar telescopes
- Simple hands-on activities
- Informal science engagement with local partners
Important safety information
Never look directly at the Sun without proper protection.
- Official eclipse glasses will be available and must be used for safe viewing
- All telescope viewing will be supervised
- Please follow all safety signage and staff guidance
Facilities
Toilets will be available at Quarry Pavilion between 6:00pm and 7:00pm only.
Getting there
We encourage visitors to walk to the event where possible, as this is a local community activity.
Margaret Road is within the Headington Quarry Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). Restrictions apply on weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm, so these may not be in operation during the event. If you do choose to drive, please ensure you check signage and follow all local parking regulations.
What to bring
- Water and refreshments
- Something to sit on (i.e. picnic blanket or camping chair)
- Clothing suitable for sunny weather
- Sun protection such as hats or sunscreen
Weather
This is an outdoor event.
If it is cloudy, we will aim to go ahead as planned, as conditions can change during the eclipse window.
If heavy rain or poor weather is forecast, the event will be cancelled. Any cancellation will be communicated by email to registered attendees and updated on this Eventbrite page.
