Oxford Parks and Spires

Oliver O'Brien

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The route starts at Carfax, the central crossroads in Oxford and a busy junction. It passes through the city's old quarter, down High Street and past University Church, the Radcliffe Camera, the old and new Bodleian Library and the University Science area.

Next it tours the University Parks, which include a lake, then follows the River Cherwell downstream into East Oxford. The next stage crosses Headington Hill Park, which is next to Oxford's second university, Brookes. It skirts South Park, a large recreational area and heads back into the city centre, passing Magdalen Bridge, Deer Park and College, plus the University Botanic Gardens.

Finally, it tours Christchurch Meadow, a huge expanse of wild land. The walk concludes with a walk beside the River Thames to Christ Church itself and from there back to Carfax.

England - Central England - Oxfordshire - Town or city

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Lake/Loch, National Trust, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife

12/9/2014 - Anthony Poole

A very enjoyable walk suitable for any season. Good paths throughout and faultless instructions. Lots of variety and interest thanks to the combination of park, river and town. The Natural History Museum (incorporating the Pitt Rivers Museum) is well worth returning to if time permits. Recommended.

11/3/2014 - Frank Lee

Thank you for a lovely walk in Oxford. We parked at Peartree park and ride and caught the bus into town. Carfax and the start of the walk was easily reached from the bus stop. The walk is varied and interesting and as it was a lovely sunny day, the final stretch along the banks of the Cherwell were especially nice. Good clear instruction made navigation easy. Thank you for taking the trouble to share the walk with us.

4/28/2012 - Patricia Daw

Oxford is the place I was born and lived in for 22 years and still returned there frequently until recently and therefore I knew we could park in Warneford Lane in Headington for free, with no restriction at the weekend. From there we walked into South Parks and followed the walk. We walked on a very wet day but nevertheless the punts were out with people holding umbrellas and the Thames was full of college 8s - great sight. We had lunch in The Turf Tavern in the centre of Oxford - find it if you can off Holywell Street! We went in The Pitt Rivers Museum which I hadn't been in since I was a child - lots of things to be amazed at and to touch. The Cherwell was very full but this didn't spoil the route at all. Oxford is a lovely city and this walk takes you past many fantastic buildings and into some of its lovely green open spaces. Highly recommended.

9/5/2009 - Adrian Perkins

Thank you for that, Jackie. I have made the changes to Christ Church and St Aldgates. Adrian (Admin)

9/5/2009 - jackie bowman

There are some suggestions here that there is free access to some of the colleges mentioned. This is not always the case.