Oxford's Port Meadow - Image courtesy of Danny Chapman

Visiting Oxford > What to See > Parks & Meadows

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a large open space in the north and west of Oxford. The River Thames flows through the heart of this ancient area of grazing land, still used for horses and cattle. It’s said that the meadow has never been ploughed – at least for around 4,000 years. The meadow runs from Jericho to Wolvercote. 

What's the History of Port Meadow?

Port Meadow was given to the Freemen of Oxford by Alfred the Great in return for helping to defend the Kingdom against the marauding Danes. Legend has it he was the founder of the city in the 10th century (although Alfred died in the 9th). 

Port Meadow’s right to graze its animals is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. 

How to Visit Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a chosen area for walking and outdoors activities. When the meadow floods in the winter and freezes, it’s frequently used as a safe area for skating. Port Meadow is one of the most popular locations in Oxford for recreation.

Address: Walton Well Rd, Oxford OX2 6ED.
Hours: Open 24 hours.

Oxford’s prettiest parks, meadows, and nature reserves, how to get there, why to go, and what to bring to have the perfect picnic, walk, date, or sports day. 

Brasenose Woods in Oxford

Brasenose Wood

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It’s also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford.

Oxford University Parks. Image courtesy of Piers Nye via Flickr Commons.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.

Things to See Near Oxford: Waterperry Gardens. Image courtesy of Ukgardenphotos via Flickr Commons.

Waterperry Gardens

Waterperry Gardens is a charming horticultural haven located in the idyllic countryside of Oxfordshire. Here’s everything about it.

Shotover Country Park in Oxford

Shotover Country Park

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It’s also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford.

Oxford castles, quads, and locks. 

Bodleian Library - Entrance. Image courtesy of Billy Wilson.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

Mob Quad, Merton College. Image courtesy of Caro Wallis

Mob Quad in Merton College

Mob Quad in Merton College is probably the oldest quadrangle in Oxford. The quad is so old, it actually doesn’t have any chimneys.

World-renowned museums and art galleries.

Aidan Meller Gallery - Oxford Museums and Art Galleries

Aidan Meller Gallery

Aidan Meller Gallery is one of Oxford’s longest-established specialist art galleries. They showcase modern, contemporary and old masters.

The Oxfordshire Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum is located in Woodstock and tells the story of the County of Oxfordshire through galleries and exhibitions.

History of Science Museum

History of Science Museum

The History of Science Museum holds a large collection of scientific instruments ranging from Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Looking for things to do and enjoy while you’re in Oxford? Here are some suggestions, from quirky shops to escape rooms, art galleries, and sports. 

Oxford Taverns: Turf Tavern. Image courtesy of Jack Mayo.

Turf Tavern

The Turf Tavern in Oxford is hidden way and accessed only by two small alleys. However, don’t be tricked by its humble entrance. The Turf Tavern has been around since

Read More >