Christ Church Meadow
Five minutes from the bustle of Carfax, Christ Church Meadow is a flood meadow of startling calm — a triangle of ancient grassland pinned between the River Cherwell and the Thames where a small herd of English Longhorn cattle grazes, and three formal tree-lined avenues frame some of the best views of Oxford's college towers you'll find anywhere. Entry is free, every day.
A meadow between two rivers
Christ Church Meadow fills the wedge of land where the Cherwell meets the Thames (known locally as the Isis) just south of the city centre. It is owned by Christ Church College and has been preserved as open grassland for centuries — postwar plans to drive a relief road through it were defeated by vigorous public opposition in 1971, which is why it still exists as one of the most extraordinary green spaces in any British city.
Three formal avenues cross the meadow: the Broad Walk running east from St Aldate's, the New Walk dropping south towards the river, and the Poplar Walk. Together they create a series of framed views — meadow foreground, college towers and Christ Church Cathedral spire rising behind — that feel composed rather than accidental.
What you'll see on the loop
The gentle one-mile loop is flat, easy underfoot and takes 45 to 60 minutes at a relaxed pace. Walk the Broad Walk east, drop to the Isis towpath past the college boathouses (busiest during the rowing season in late spring), then follow the river back towards the Botanic Garden and Magdalen Bridge before returning through the meadow. The Longhorn cattle are usually visible in the flood plain sections — give them a wide berth but don't rush past.
The meadow connects at its eastern end to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Britain, making a combined visit an easy and rewarding half-day.
When to go
The meadow is open from early morning until dusk year-round except Christmas Day, and entry is always free — no tickets, no booking. Spring is the most photogenic season when the avenues are in new leaf and the rowing crews are out on the Isis, but a winter morning with frost on the grass and mist over the Cherwell is equally memorable.
The main entrance is through the Christ Church War Memorial Garden on St Aldate's; you can also enter via Rose Lane near the Botanic Garden or from Merton Street via Grove Walk.
Christ Church Meadow on video
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