If you’re seeking a fun, offbeat activity during your visit to Oxford, the Junkyard Golf Club offers a lively and uniquely themed mini golf experience. This isn’t your average putt-putt; it’s an energetic blend of bizarre courses, off-the-wall props, and a lively social scene that makes for a memorable outing. We’ve reviewed the experience from afar, and it looks like a perfect choice for groups, families (with under-18s before 7 PM), or anyone looking to inject some humor and excitement into their day.
What genuinely sets this experience apart are the crazy course themes—from creepy clowns to pirate pigs—and the casual, party-like atmosphere. Plus, at just under $15 per person, it offers great value for a couple of hours of uncluttered fun. However, keep in mind that it’s a cashless venue, and alcohol, drinks, and food are purchased separately, which is worth considering if you’re planning a full day out.
This experience is ideal for those who love quirky attractions, enjoy a bit of friendly competition, or simply want to try something different from standard sightseeing. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo and want to experience Oxford’s modern, fun side, Junkyard Golf is worth looking into.
Key Points
- Unique Themes: Four wild courses to choose from, including Basement Horror Rave and Circus FEAR-ground.
- Flexible Play: Options for 9 holes or 18 holes, with the ability to select courses that match your mood.
- Lively Atmosphere: Bar stations and upbeat music create a party vibe perfect for socializing.
- Practical Value: Affordable price with included equipment and scorecards.
- Age Restrictions: Under-18s can play before 7 PM on weekdays; no under-18s on weekends after 7 PM.
- No Food Included: Drinks and snacks are available for purchase but not included.
A Tour of the Wacky Worlds of Junkyard Golf in Oxford
When comparing typical sightseeing itineraries with a visit to Junkyard Golf, the latter offers a very different sort of fun. Located within Westgate Shopping Centre, this venue transforms the idea of mini golf into a playground of junkyard-inspired chaos. Whether you’re flying solo, with friends, or family, you’ll find a welcoming space that encourages laughter and a bit of friendly rivalry.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Oxford.
The Setup and How It Works
Upon arrival, your first step is to redeem your voucher for entry tickets — either for 9 holes or 18 holes spanning two courses of your choosing. The process is straightforward, and the venue operates with flexible entry times, so you can plan your visit around your day without stress. Once inside, your choice of four wildly different courses is yours to make.
The courses are creatively themed, designed to surprise and entertain at every turn. For example, “Basement Horror Rave” might feature spooky visuals and rave music, while “Polluted Paradise” offers a dystopian jungle scene made of recycled junk. The courses don’t just test your putting skills; they provide a visual feast of oddities and eye-catching props.
What Makes the Courses Special?
Each course has its unique charm, with features like murderous creepy clowns, a carousel of fear, and pirate pigs, which bring a sense of adventure and humor. One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way the course made us laugh with its over-the-top themes,” highlighting how memorable and entertaining the experience is. The variety of course themes means you can switch up your game if you’re doing 18 holes, giving you a fresh challenge each time.
The craziness extends to the physical setup — slide off the roof of a smashed-up Mini Cooper, traverse through a 90s garage, or navigate around toxic volcanoes. This isn’t just about putting; it’s about experiencing a colorful, chaotic universe that’s more fun than serious golf.
Atmosphere and Social Scene
The atmosphere is lively, with scattered bars around the venue serving a range of creative cocktails and drinks. The upbeat music and energetic crowd foster a party-like environment that makes the whole experience feel more like a social outing than a sport. Several reviews mention enjoying the vibe: “It’s a perfect spot to unwind with friends after a day of sightseeing,” or “We had a blast just hanging out and trying not to lose our heads on the Basement Horror course.”
It’s worth noting that this setting is cashless, so ensure you have your cards ready for drinks or snacks. The venue operates a Challenge 25 policy, so bring ID if you plan to indulge in alcoholic beverages.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not
Your ticket covers all the gear you need — scorecards, golf clubs, and balls — so you don’t need to bring anything except your competitive spirit. The price of $14.82 per person offers excellent value, especially considering the variety of courses and the lively environment. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price, which means you can tailor your experience—whether you want to focus solely on the game or make a day of it with snacks and cocktails.
Timing and Accessibility
The activity is designed to be flexible, with starting times available throughout the day, allowing you to fit it into your schedule. The last golf slot on weekends is at 6 PM, and on weekdays, under-18s are allowed before 7 PM, making it a family-friendly activity during certain hours. Just keep in mind that no under-18s are allowed after 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
What the Reviews Say
Many visitors appreciate the quirky themes and the casual, fun atmosphere. One traveler shared, “This isn’t serious golf; it’s a crazy, themed adventure that makes you laugh,” while another highlighted the creative course design: “The junkyard themes are hilarious and make for such a different experience.” A few reviews mention the difficulty level isn’t high — it’s more about enjoying the environment and having a good laugh.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This mini golf adventure is perfect for groups of friends looking for a fun night out, families with kids (before 7 PM), or couples wanting a relaxed, entertaining activity. It’s also a good choice if you want to avoid traditional sightseeing and instead indulge in something lively and interactive. Keep in mind that the experience is very much about entertainment and socializing rather than serious golfing skill.
The Sum Up
If you’re after a quirky, lively activity that combines mini golf with a carnival of oddities, Junkyard Golf in Oxford is a solid pick. It’s a value-packed experience at under $15, with multiple courses that cater to different moods and styles of play. The themed courses like the creepy clown zone or the toxic volcanoes provide plenty of visual humor and excitement, making it ideal for groups or anyone in the mood for some light-hearted fun.
While it may not be a place for those seeking a refined or traditional golf experience, its casual, energetic vibe and creative design make it a standout activity in Oxford’s modern entertainment scene. Just remember, it’s cashless, so come prepared, and plan your visit within the specified hours if you’re bringing kids.
Overall, Junkyard Golf offers a refreshing break from history and academia, giving travelers a chance to enjoy some good-natured chaos and a few laughs — a perfect way to add a playful twist to your Oxford trip.
FAQ
Is there an age restriction for Junkyard Golf in Oxford?
Under-18s are allowed before 7 PM on weekdays, making it suitable for families during those hours. No under-18s are permitted after 7 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
How many holes can I play?
You can choose to play either 9 holes on one course or 18 holes across two courses, depending on your ticket.
What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket provides scorecards, golf clubs, and balls for your game. You also get to choose your course(s) based on your ticket option.
Can I buy food and drinks there?
Yes, drinks and snacks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price. The venue is cashless, so bring a card.
Is the activity suitable for large groups?
Yes, it’s perfect for groups of friends or families. The lively atmosphere and multiple courses can accommodate various group sizes comfortably.
What is the price of tickets?
Tickets cost approximately $14.82 per person, offering good value for the 1-2 hours of fun.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Bookings can be made in advance, and the venue offers flexible entry times, so you can plan your visit to fit your schedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly.
If you’re looking for a playful, different way to experience Oxford beyond the historic sites, Junkyard Golf offers a memorable, laughs-filled outing that’s hard to beat for fun, affordability, and originality.
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