Headington Shark
A 7.6-metre fibreglass shark sculpture that appears to plunge into the roof of a private house, Oxford's best-known offbeat landmark.
The Headington Shark is located at 2 New High Street in the Headington district of east Oxford. Installed in 1986, this fibreglass sculpture is about 7.6 metres long. Its head points downward, as if it had fallen from the sky and crashed into the roof of a private house. It was made by the artist John Buckley as a protest against nuclear weapons and war. The city council once tried to have it removed, but it was eventually allowed to stay, and in 2023 it was listed as a locally important building. The house is privately owned, so visitors can only take photos from the street, and should respect the residents' privacy. From the city centre, take a bus such as route 8 to Headington, about 15 minutes, and combine the visit with a stroll along the nearby Headington shopping street.
Opening hours
All day (viewed from the street)
Nearby sights
- Punting on the River Cherwell
- Magdalen College, Oxford
- University of Oxford Botanic Garden
- New College, Oxford
- Merton College, Oxford
- University Parks
- Turf Tavern
- Christ Church Meadow