Cities
United Kingdom Oxford Oxfordshire Park

Christ Church Meadow

About

Christ Church Meadow is a tranquil, historic green space at the heart of Oxford, bordered by the Rivers Thames (known locally as the Isis) and Cherwell, and overlooked by the grand architecture of Christ Church, Merton, and Corpus Christi Colleges. This flood meadow, owned by Christ Church, is open to the public during daylight hours and offers scenic walking paths such as Broad Walk and Poplar Walk, with views of college boathouses and Oxford’s spire‑studded skyline. Rich in wildlife and seasonal wildflowers, it is also home to a herd of Old English Longhorn cattle, grazing in the lower fields. The Meadow has witnessed centuries of history, from James Sadler’s pioneering hot‑air balloon ascent in 1784 to its role as a backdrop for Oxford’s famous rowing events, including Eights Week and Christ Church Regatta. Today, it remains a cherished escape from the city’s bustle, blending natural beauty, heritage, and a living connection to Oxford’s academic and sporting traditions.

Oxford United Kingdom
Christ Church Meadow
Location

Christ Church Meadow in Oxford is a peaceful and expansive flood meadow located just south of Christ Church College, bordered by the River Thames (locally known as the Isis) and the River Cherwell. This roughly triangular green space offers walking paths, picnic spots, and sports fields, alongside grazing by the famous Longhorn cattle. The meadow provides access to historic college boathouses situated on an island where the two rivers meet, a hub for rowing events such as Torpids and Eights Week. Visitors can enter from various points including St Aldate’s via Broad Walk through the Christ Church War Memorial Garden, Merton Street via Grove Walk, and the High Street via Rose Lane near the Botanic Garden. The meadow’s lush natural beauty and river views make it a tranquil retreat in the heart of Oxford, with easy connections to nearby attractions like Christ Church College, the Botanic Garden, and university museums.

Ashmolean Museum Ashmolean Museum Museum Museum of Oxford Museum of Oxford Museum Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford University Museum of Natural History Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Museum History of Science Museum History of Science Museum Museum Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Museum Science Oxford Centre Science Oxford Centre Museum The Story Museum The Story Museum Museum Oxford Illusion Museum Oxford Illusion Museum Museum Abingdon County Hall Museum Abingdon County Hall Museum Museum The painted room The painted room Museum Christ Church Picture Gallery Christ Church Picture Gallery Museum Convocation House Convocation House Museum Oxford Bus Museum Oxford Bus Museum Museum Oxford Playhouse Oxford Playhouse Theatre New Theatre Oxford New Theatre Oxford Theatre Pegasus Theatre Pegasus Theatre Theatre The North Wall Arts Centre The North Wall Arts Centre Theatre Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Theatre Modern Art Oxford Modern Art Oxford Gallery Ovada Ovada Gallery Sarah Wiseman Galler Sarah Wiseman Galler Gallery Castle Fine Art Oxford Castle Fine Art Oxford Gallery Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford Castle & Prison Castle The Grandpont House The Grandpont House Historical sites Christ Church College Christ Church College College Radcliffe Camera Radcliffe Camera Library Sheldonian Theatre Sheldonian Theatre Theatre Carfax Tower Carfax Tower Historical Landmark Martyrs’ Memorial Martyrs’ Memorial Memorial Bridge of Sighs Bridge of Sighs Bridge University Parks University Parks Park South Park South Park Park Port Meadow Port Meadow Park Oxford Botanic Garden Oxford Botanic Garden Botanical Garden Oxford Covered Market Oxford Covered Market Market Gloucester Green Market Gloucester Green Market Market East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market Market