Parson's Pleasure, Male bathing site at River Cherwell, Oxford, England
The riverside location featured a dedicated bathing area enclosed by high corrugated iron fences along the banks of River Cherwell near University Parks.
From the early nineteenth century until 1991, this secluded spot served as a male-only nude bathing facility, frequently used by Oxford University professors.
The site became part of Oxford University folklore through numerous stories, including incidents between sunbathing professors and passing female students in punts.
The area required male bathers to maintain strict privacy protocols, with specific routes directing women away from the designated swimming zone.
Samuel Hounslow, a nineteenth-century swimming instructor at the location, saved sixteen people from drowning between 1844 and 1859.
GPS coordinates: 51.76020,-1.24653
Latest update: March 6, 2025 08:36
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
694 m
Pitt Rivers Museum
610 m
Oxford University Parks
654 m
Department of Physics, University of Oxford
687 m
Mesopotamia
413 m
Science Area, Oxford
532 m
St Cross Church
455 m
Holywell Manor, Oxford
429 m
Rainbow Bridge, Oxford
410 m
Farmington Institute for Christian Studies
601 m
Oxford University Cricket Club Pavilion
528 m
Manchester College, Screen On The South Side Of Chapel Court
660 m
Footbridge Over River Cherwell At Parsons Pleasure Punt Rollers
63 m
1, Holywell Street
623 m
Wadham College, Barn On The East Boundary Of The College
664 m
Former Morris Garage
656 m
St Catherines College, Bicycle Store
385 m
St Catherines College, Masters House And Attached Garden Wall To North (up To Bridge) And South
422 m
St Catherines College, Music Room
542 m
The Townsend Building
678 m
Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (Old Chemistry Department)
658 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk, Jowett Walk
573 m
Radcliffe Science Library
685 m
New College, Tutors House (To The East Of The Pandy)
664 m
School of Geography
597 m
Lady Margaret Hall, The Toynbee Building
702 m
Manchester College, Boundary Wall And Screen Of Manchester College Fronting Mansfield Road
640 m
Magdalen College, Boundary Wall Of The Grove
567 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes