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Christ Church Meadow

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

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