Port Meadow
An ancient public meadow along the Thames that has never been ploughed. Horses and cattle graze freely, dusk brings silhouettes of spires and sunsets, and riverside paths lead to village pubs.
Port Meadow lies on the eastern bank of the Thames, northwest of central Oxford. Covering about 120 hectares, it has served as common grazing land for the city's residents since the era of the Domesday Book, and it is said never to have been ploughed. Horses and cattle still graze freely there. Looking back from the southern end of the meadow, you can see the silhouette of the city's spires, which is especially beautiful at sunset. Following the Thames towpath north for about 3 km brings you to the ruins of Godstow Abbey and the famous riverside pub, The Trout Inn. People swim in the river in summer, while flooding is common in winter and spring, so wear waterproof shoes. Entry is free. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Jericho district.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Oxford Castle & Prison
- Ashmolean Museum
- Keble College, Oxford
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- Pitt Rivers Museum
- Carfax Tower
- University Parks
- Covered Market, Oxford