Circular Walk around Christ Church Meadow, Oxford

If you're looking for a beautiful, short, accessible, circular walk – any time of year, head to the Oxford city section of the Thames Path and walk around Christ Church Meadow.

Christ Church Meadow lies just a short walk from the Thames Path by Folly Bridge in central Oxford. Starting from the main entrance to Christ Church Meadow from St Aldates, through the War Memorial Garden, the walk is just over a mile. Allow up to 30-40 minutes, but it can take as many hours as you wish to complete it. The walk can be muddy in parts after rain. You can see the spires and towers of Oxford; rowers and ducks along the Thames; a glimpse of the wonderful herd of Old English Longhorn cattle or a flock of Canada geese grazing and maybe a stately heron fishing as you return to the city beside the Cherwell. Along the walk you’ll pass by a display of majestic trees. This flood meadow enclosed by the rivers Cherwell and Thames is open to the public all year round. It is a site long used for sport, recreation and leisure, was invaluable as a defence against the Parliamentarian forces in the Civil War, and was the location for the first balloon flight in England in 1784. A green, open space with wonderful views, the Meadow offers peace and quiet away from the city streets. You can extend your walk by visiting Oxford Botanic Garden, or walk along High Street to visit the city centre.

Circular walks on and near the Thames Path

Visit Christ Church and the Meadow
PDF guides to the walk below