Oxford is filled to the brim with history, culture and stunning architecture, making it the perfect place to head for a leisurely stroll.
In this guide, we’ll give you tips and advice on where to explore Oxford on foot. From the bustling city centre to the tranquil parks and green spaces, Oxford has plenty to offer everyone, from experienced and enthusiastic walkers to those who just fancy a short mosey about. We’ll also tell you about the walking tours that take in some of the key historical sites, including those offered by City Sightseeing Oxford.
Walking in Oxford
Whether you’re checking out the city’s famous landmarks or taking a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, walking is an excellent way to soak up Oxford. Walking in Oxford is perfectly safe, but it’s advisable to wear sensible and comfortable footwear, as many of the streets are cobbled, to prevent trips and sore feet. Be aware of traffic and bicycles, and be sure to take regular breaks, especially on warm days. If you’d prefer a little extra guidance as you explore, City Sightseeing Oxford also offers a range of guided walking tours, and if you need any assistance or information while walking in Oxford, don’t hesitate to ask our staff or visit the Tourist Information Centre.
Popular walks around the city centre
There are plenty of popular walking routes around the centre of Oxford, each with unique points of interest, landmarks and picturesque views of the city and surrounding area.
City Walls Walk
The city walls were originally built by the Saxons during the 9th and 10th centuries in response to Viking incursions. Little of the walls remains, but the City Wall Walk is a great way to follow where they once stood. Explore areas like Brewers Gate, where parts of the wall still stand, and St Michael at the Northgate, which once acted as the original entrance to the city. You’ll also pass through sites like Christ Church Meadow, home to the college boathouses, and the Chapel of St Mary, a survivor of the Reformation. Make sure you take the time to explore them fully during your walk.
Dead Man’s Walk
In 1190, the Jews of Oxford purchased a water meadow. By 1231, that land, now occupied by Magdalen College, was appropriated by the Hospital of St John, and a small section of land was given to the Jewish community in Oxford to be used as a cemetery. A footpath linked that cemetery with the Jewish Quarter in Oxford for funeral processions, now known as Dead Man’s Walk.
The walk passes by many notable sites in Oxford, such as a section of the old City Wall, Corpus Christi College and Tom Tower. Lined with trees, some of which were planted by Dean Liddell’s family and members of the Danish Royal Family. It’s certainly a fascinating way to explore Oxford in a quiet, reflective manner while surrounded by greenery and history.
Dead Man’s Walk is also home to a local legend, the Ghost of Francis Windebank. Executed in 1645, at the height of the English Civil War, Francis, a Cavalier Colonel, was court-martialled for failing to defend Bletchingdon Park. Now, the Colonel is regularly seen wandering a section of the walk near Merton College, upset at the injustice of his death. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for this ghostly resident on your visit!
Oxford Canal Walk
The Oxford Canal Walk stretches from Oxford to Coventry, following a towpath through 43 locks, many bridges and at least one tunnel. You can take on shorter sections at your leisure, stopping at pubs, villages and towns along the route.
One particularly manageable shorter section runs from Isis Lock, near Castle Mill Stream and the Sheepwash Channel, to Duke’s Cut, just off Oxey Mead. Just under 3 miles long one way, this level, leafy walk follows the canal through grade II-listed bridges, tranquil wildlife sites and pretty boat moors. The route is dotted with picnic areas, pubs and cafes, and there are bus stops near both ends to get you back to your start point if your feet begin to tire.
The Jubilee Walk
Starting on the River Thames and climbing gradually up to Boars Hill and back again, the Jubilee Walk showcases stunning views of the dreaming spires and the wider city. A circular route, the walk passes through the Chilswell Valley, Hinksey Stream and several parks and nature reserves, making for a beautiful walk with postcard‑perfect views and plenty of high points.
It’s a 10-mile moderate hike, popular amongst casual wanderers and routine ramblers alike. It’s a great trek to explore some historic sites and pretty villages. Stop in a café for some lunch, or swing into one of many local pubs along the route for a bite on your way to make it a full day out.
Jericho and the Radcliffe Camera
Jericho was once an industrial hub in Oxford, home to the Eagle Ironworks, Oxford University Press and wharves. Nowadays, Jericho is a trendy area, full of hip cocktail bars, global eateries, and relaxing green spaces. It’s a lovely area to explore local, artisan businesses and people watch as you enjoy a mosey around town. It’s a great walking option for those who like something to do as they wander.
A shortish jaunt away sits the Radcliffe Camera. Built in the mid-18th century, the Camera was originally built as an extension to the Bodleian Library and serves as the geographic centre of the University. It has featured in multiple films like Young Sherlock Holmes, The Red Violin and Wonka. While the Camera is unfortunately not accessible to the public, the area and architecture are well worth a walkabout in themselves. The After Dark Walk is a great way to explore the area in a more structured way. Taking you to Walton Street, past some of Oxford’s iconic pubs, statues and institutions.
Exploring the parks and green spaces
Oxford is home to many beautiful parks, nature reserves and green spaces, each with their own unique features, activities and charming views for you to enjoy.
Port Meadow
At the end of Jericho’s Walton Well Road lies Port Meadow. A large, open common land along the River Thames, local legend states that Alfred the Great, an alleged founder of the city, gifted the Freemen of Oxford the 300 acres as thanks for defending the kingdom from the marauding Danes. Legend also states that the land hasn’t been ploughed for at least 4,000 years, and is still a popular area of grazing land for horses and cattle.
Port Meadow runs from Jericho to Wolvercote, both of which are home to some great pubs and places to eat, shop and explore. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, the meadow is a popular site for swimming, ice-skating and walks along the river and through rare and archaic plants. If you look closely, you may even spot some Bronze Age barrows and the foundations of 17th-century fortifications from the Parliamentary siege of Oxford during the English Civil War.
Along the Port Meadow section of the Thames, Lewis Carroll and Reverend Robert Duckworth rowed upstream with Lorina, Alice and Edith Liddell, telling stories that would eventually lead to the creation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It’s a site filled to the banks with history for you to explore on a steady meander or a brisk jaunt.
Castle Mill Stream
It was across a frozen Castle Mill Stream in the winter of 1142 that Empress Matilda, dressed in all white, escaped Oxford Castle to freedom after being imprisoned during King Stephen’s siege of Oxford. Now, Castle Mill Stream serves as a beautiful green space in the heart of Oxford, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Just off Port Meadow, the area offers stunning views of the water, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic or to take a walk with a furry friend. Be sure to take some time to admire the historic castle ruins that flank the park, providing a picturesque backdrop for a light stroll along the footpath.
Christ Church Meadow
Christ Church Meadow is a popular spot just outside the city centre for a peaceful stroll. This quiet, pretty flood-meadow is bounded by a stretch of the River Thames, locally known as the Isis, the River Cherwell and Christ Church College. The meadow provides access to many of the college boathouses that sit on an island at the confluence of the two rivers.
It’s also often used for grazing cattle, playing sports and enjoying picnics throughout the warmer months, and is a haven for wildlife, waterfowl and walkers alike. In 1784, the first ascent in a balloon by an Englishman took place here.
It’s a wonderful place to explore a more natural side of the city, and a great place to go if you want to access some of the other historic sites in Oxford, like the War Memorial Garden and the Botanic Garden. You can also hop in a boat here for another unique way to explore the city from a different perspective.
Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
The Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain, and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world, with over 5,000 different species of plants. You may recognise some areas from His Dark Materials; the Lower Garden is where Lyra and Will meet between their respective worlds. First opened in 1621, the collection contains representatives from over 90% of higher plant families and grows various medicinal and rare specimens, some of which can only be found here.
It’s a beautiful slice of the natural world: an eclectic mix of nature and fauna from around the globe, set within charming walled gardens and warm glasshouses. Explore giant lily pads and ancient trees as you while away the hours marvelling at the wonders of the living world.
If you fancy a bit more of a walk, Harcourt Arboretum in Nuneham Courtenay is absolutely worth a visit. Part of Oxford’s Botanic Gardens, Harcourt is a 130-acre plot of stunning woodland, coppice and native wildflower meadows. In late spring, azaleas and rhododendrons bloom, filling the air with a fragrant bouquet, while bluebells carpet the woodlands in a stunning patchwork of colour. In the autumn, people come from around the world to photograph the brilliant colours of trees like Japanese maples, acers and ancient redwoods as they turn from green to crimson-red and tawny-gold. Be sure to watch out for the resident peacocks, which strut across the grounds, shouting for attention with their stunning feathered displays.
In recent years, the various meandering paths of the Arboretum have been improved for accessibility, meaning that anyone can get the chance to explore the grounds.
University Parks
The University Parks are right in the heart of Oxford, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originally owned by Merton College, the Parks were purchased in the 1850s by the University. Take in the sights and sounds of Oxford as you explore the winding footpaths and woodlands. The parks are also home to many historic sites and buildings, like the Genetic Garden, used for demonstrating the evolutionary process, and the first-class cricket ground, where you can sometimes catch a match being played.
The Parks are great to explore on your own, but there are many set walks for those who prefer something more guided, such as the Mesopotamia Walk. Mentioned as far back as the Doomsday Book, Mesopotamia is a river island situated in the middle of the Cherwell River. The walk along this stretch forms a natural link between the University Parks and Headington Hill Park. It’s a peaceful waterside jaunt that takes you past old mills, weirs and ancient trees.
Taking a walking tour in Oxford
If you’re interested in learning more about Oxford’s rich history and culture, joining a walking tour is a great way to explore the city, especially with a guide who has oodles of insider knowledge. And if that sounds like your kind of thing, City Sightseeing Oxford has many tours on offer, so you’re sure to find something that appeals to everyone.
Town & Gown Walking Tour
At 90 minutes, Town & Gown is one of City Sightseeing Oxford’s longer tours. Explore and discover the wider area of Oxford. Trek across cobblestone streets as you visit the historic colleges and some of the city’s beloved landmarks. Groups are generally a little smaller, making it a great opportunity to ask your friendly tour guide questions and get the lowdown on the best pubs and shopping spots in the city.
Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour
Our friendly, knowledgeable tour guides are standing at the ready to take you for a short jaunt around the main sites of Oxford City Centre. Included in the cost of your bus tour tickets, the 45-minute Stepping Through Oxford offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the city, telling you all about the city’s history and some local stories as you go.
With the help of Unlimited Oxford’s Diane Sider, this tour is now accessible to everybody, making it a great, all-inclusive option for touring the city.
Pubs & Taverns Tour
Oxford is home to at least 94 pubs within the ring road alone; it’s impossible to discover all of them in 90 minutes, but the Pubs & Taverns Tour certainly puts up a good effort!
Learn the history of Oxford’s oldest pubs and listen to tales and legends from within their walls to gain a new perspective on life amongst the dreaming spires. Over 1,000 years of rich pub history are up for grabs; discover religion, rebellion, riots and a vast array of delicious local ales.
So, where to walk in Oxford?
Oxford is not just a cycling city, it’s a walking one too! Whether you’re looking for a jaunt through nature, a meander through a bustling city or a guided wander to learn something new, Oxford has plenty to offer.
Discover stunning sights, hidden gems and fascinating insights into the city’s rich history and culture. Put on your best walking shoes, grab a map and enjoy everything that this beautiful city has to offer.
