The Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Oxford

Christ Church Meadow

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Christ Church’s grand architecture, Christ Church Meadow is a tranquil open space perfect for whiling away a sunny afternoon in the city. This flood meadow is enclosed by the River Cherwell and the River Thames, so it makes a great spot to watch students practising their rowing. The college-owned green space is completely free and accessible to the public during the day, and is even home to a herd of longhorn cattle, rumoured to be a gift to the University from Bill Clinton!

Christ Church Meadow, Oxford, +44 1865 276150

Oxford Christ Church Meadow | © Tejvan Pettinger/Flickr

College Gardens and Parks

Step through the walls of many of Oxford University’s colleges and you’ll discover beautiful hidden gardens and parkland, so quiet you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled across a secret garden. It’s not only frowned upon but also generally forbidden to trespass on the pristine lawns of the college’s quads, but there are other places to explore. Magdalen College has extensive gardens, grounds and parklands, including a delightful walk along the River Cherwell, which are all open to visitors. There’s even a Deer Park, home to a herd of fallow deer, which can be viewed from the pathway. New College and Worcester College in particular have stunning and peaceful gardens that are definitely worth a visit. Make sure you check visiting hours for each College garden before you arrive.

Magdalen College, Oxford, +44 1865 276000

New College, Holywell Street, Oxford, +44 1865 27253/ +44 1865 279555

Worcester College, 1 Walton Street, Oxford, +44 1865 920559

Magdalen College, Oxford | © Ed Webster/Flickr