Oxford Delight

Oxford Circular Hike

Scroll down

Walk 5 hrs (19.2km)

Total Ascent 43 m

Highest Point 79 m

Welcome to this Signature Hike

This beautiful and tranquil circular walk ticks all the Vespucci boxes. A great coffee at Opera in Walton Street, the stunning views across Port Meadow to the River Thames, a multitude of picnic spots, two great pubs and plenty of points of interest.

Read the infomation below to learn more about your walk before you head off.

Ready to walk?

Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.

Or email yourself the guide:

Before you start

Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:

🗺️

Save This Guide

Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).

📱

Download OS Map App

This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.

Click here for Apple
Click here for Android

🔋

Battery

Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.

The Curator Peter Bristowe

Meet the Curator

Peter founded Vespucci Adventures nearly 8 years ago. He felt there was a gap in the market for a trusted source for a great walk. In other words, accessible by train with a good coffee at the start, great pub towards the end and lovely views and interesting places to see along the way. This walk takes him back to his student days and remains fresh in his memory despite the passing of the years!

“There is so much to see and do in Oxford that it can be overwhelming. There are plenty of beautiful walks but this circular walk to Port Meadow and beyond stands out for me. There is a hint of Oxford as you pass the entrance to Worcester College and head up Walton Street. Port Meadow liberates the mind and the tranquillity of The Thames sooths the soul. The Trout and The Perch are world class and you are spoilt for choice.”

Adventure Summary

Port Meadow, Oxfordshire

Embark on a scenic hike starting in Oxford that takes you through a series of charming and historic locations. Begin your journey at Worcester College, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and gardens. Continue along Walton Street, a vibrant area known for its cafes and shops. From there, head to the expansive Port Meadow, offering stunning views and a sense of tranquility. Pass by the Port Meadow Aerodrome before reaching the iconic Trout Pub, an ideal spot for a refreshing break.

Next, venture into the serene Wytham Woods, a haven for nature enthusiasts with its diverse flora and fauna. Explore the ruins of Godstow Abbey, steeped in history and picturesque surroundings. Conclude your hike at The Perch Pub, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved meal and drink. This hike combines natural beauty, historical landmarks, and delightful stops along the way.

Hike Highlights

Tranquil Port Meadow

Vast open spaces and stunning river views, be captivated with its timeless beauty and rich history.

Two outstanding pubs!

The Trout is a favourite of many but gets busy at weekends. The Perch is one of Oxford’s oldest with a delightful garden.

Wild swimming spot

A perfect spot for a wild dip for those who are interested bt please take extreme care as always!

Train

From London Paddington, direct trains take less than an hour. Trains from Birmingham New Street take just over an hour.

By Car

Car Parking in Oxford is very restricted and expensive. Two possible options are The Westgate Car Park (OX1 1TR) & Worcester Street Car Park (OX1 2BQ).

By Coach

Stagecoach operates a frequent service between London and Oxford. The terminus is well located for the start of the hike.

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.

The Perch, one of Oxford’s oldest and most cherished pubs, has long been a favorite among visitors. Frequently visited by Inspector Morse, its garden becomes a perfect summer retreat. Just thirty minutes from the end of the walk, it’s an ideal spot to unwind.

Points of interest

Places to enjoy along the route

WYTHAM WOODS

The Wytham Estate has been the focus continuous ecological research programmes, many dating back to the 1940s. The University of Oxford has owned and maintained the estate since 1942. The site is exceptionally rich in flora and fauna, with over 500 species of plants, a wealth of woodland habitats, and 800 species of butterflies and moths. Wytham Woods are often quoted as being one of the most researched pieces of woodland in the world. Covering 1000 acres, they are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

GODSTOW ABBEY

Godstow Abbey’s construction began in 1133 and housed an order of Benedictine nuns. Rosamund Clifford, the mistress of Henry II retired here and died aged 30 and is buried somewhere in the grounds. The abbey was destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. It was converted into Godstow House and used by the Royalists in the English Civil War as part of the defence of Oxford against the Parliamentarians in 1644. In Victorian times, Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) brought Alice Liddell (aka Alice in Wonderland) and her sisters, Edith and Lorina to Godstow for river trips and picnics. More recently, the ruins of Godstow Abbey were used as a backdrop in the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again!

WORCESTER COLLEGE

Shortly after setting off from the station, pause for a moment by the entrance to Worcester College on your left. If you are lucky, the doors will be open and you will have a glimpse of the beautiful gardens that lie beyond. The college was founded in 1714 and famous alumni include Rupert Murdoch.

PORT MEADOW

Port Meadow is a highlight of the walk, dominated by the Thames running through it. This makes it liable to flooding and, on occasions, impassable. It is a historic site with Bronze Age people burying their dead here and Iron Age people living here during the summer, taking advantage of the fertile soil to graze their livestock. Look out for shallow circular ditches and banks as evidence of past occupation. The land was given to the Freemen of Oxford in the 10th century by King Alfred in return for helping to repel marauding Danes. The Freemen's collective right to graze their animals free of charge was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 and has been exercised ever since. Ponies still roam.

WALTON STREET

Walton Street is home to a myriad of coffee shops as well as iconic University buildings including the Oxford University Press, built between 1826-30, which you will pass. Little Clarendon Street runs off to your right with a host of cafes before leading to St Giles, a major thoroughfare into the centre of Oxford. Further up and on your right, look out for the Radcliffe Observatory, the astronomical observatory of the University from 1773 to 1934. It now sits behind the Blavatnik School of Government, built in 2015 and a cause for controversy at the time. On your left is the historic suburb of Jericho, located outside the old city wall, and was originally a place for travellers to rest if they reached the city after the gates had closed. Early homes suffered from poor drainage and sewage and outbreaks of cholera were common. Today, it is one of the most sought-after areas to live.

What’s Next?

Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!

There aren't any reviews for this hike yet.

Oxford Delight, Oxfordshire ⏱️ 5hrs