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Port Meadow

Port Meadow
About

Port Meadow, stretching from Jericho to Wolvercote along the River Thames, is one of Oxford’s most ancient and unspoiled landscapes, with a history of continuous grazing dating back over 4,000 years. Legend holds that Alfred the Great granted the land to the Freemen of Oxford in the 10th century in return for their defence of the kingdom, a right to graze animals still honoured today. Never ploughed, the meadow’s rare flora and archaeological features, including Bronze Age barrows, make it both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In winter, floodwaters create shimmering lakes that attract wildfowl, while in summer its wide skies and open grasslands draw walkers, picnickers, and swimmers. The area has inspired writers from Lewis Carroll to contemporary poets, offering a sense of tranquillity just minutes from the city centre. With its blend of natural beauty, deep history, and living tradition, Port Meadow remains a treasured part of Oxford’s heritage and community life.

Oxford United Kingdom
Location

Port Meadow is a vast, historic common land located just northwest of Oxford’s city centre, bordered by the River Thames to the west and the railway line to the east. Spanning approximately 450 acres, this ancient flood meadow has been used for grazing horses and cattle for centuries and is notable for never having been ploughed, preserving important archaeological features dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Access points include Walton Well Road and Aristotle Lane from the south, with car parks at Walton Well Road and Godstow Road, while the northern boundary leads to Wolvercote village. The meadow is renowned for its natural beauty, open space for walking, cycling, and wildlife watching, especially birdlife attracted during winter floods. Nearby attractions include Burgess Field Nature Reserve, Oxford’s oldest monument, the Thames Path, and just across the river, villages like Binsey and popular spots like Bossoms Boatyard and Medley Sailing Club. Port Meadow offers unparalleled panoramic views across Oxford’s dreaming spires and is a cherished green lung just a short distance from the city centre.

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