Is it worth paying to enter the Oxford colleges?

Yes, especially for this route. While the streets of Oxford are beautiful, the true 'hidden gardens' like the deer park at Magdalen or the lake at Worcester are only accessible behind the college gates, usually for a fee of £5 to £10.

What is the best walking tour Oxford for nature lovers?

A self-guided walk focusing on the University Parks, the Botanic Garden, and the college gardens is the best choice for nature lovers. This specific route avoids the busiest shopping streets to prioritize the city's green spaces and riverside paths.

Can I see the deer park at Magdalen College year-round?

Yes, the fallow deer are permanent residents of the Grove at Magdalen College. You can view them from the paths surrounding the meadow throughout the year, though they are often most active in the early morning.

Is the Oxford Botanic Garden free?

No, the Oxford Botanic Garden requires a paid ticket for entry. It is the oldest botanic garden in the UK and uses the fees to maintain its extensive collection of over 5,000 plant species.

When is the best time to visit Oxford gardens?

Spring (late April to May) is spectacular for wisteria and cherry blossoms, while Autumn (October) offers stunning foliage in the University Parks. Most gardens are best visited in the morning when they first open to avoid crowds.

Are dogs allowed in the Oxford college gardens?

Generally, no. Most Oxford colleges do not allow dogs, with the exception of assistance dogs. However, dogs are welcome on leads in the University Parks and along many of the public riverside paths.

Where can I find the best photography spots in Oxford?

Magdalen College’s cloisters, the view of the spires from the University Parks, and the formal herbaceous borders of the Botanic Garden are among the top photography spots on this route.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Beyond the limestone walls and bustling high streets of the City of Dreaming Spires lies a verdant world often missed by the average visitor. This self-guided walk invites you to step away from the academic crowds and into the secluded sanctuaries that have inspired poets, scientists, and novelists for centuries. Oxford is as much a city of gardens as it is of libraries, and this walking route showcases the best of its natural heritage, from the only college with its own lake to the oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom. As you explore independently, you will encounter the stark contrast between the manicured formal quads of the medieval colleges and the wilder, more expansive landscapes of the University Parks. This neighborhood stroll begins at the western edge of the city center at Worcester College, a hidden gem known for its sprawling acreage that feels more like a country estate than a city campus. From there, the route winds through the heart of the university, pausing at the intimate, medieval courtyard of St Edmund Hall before reaching the grandeur of Magdalen College. Here, the experience shifts from architecture to nature as you wander through a deer park and follow the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien along Addison’s Walk. The journey continues to the Oxford Botanic Garden, a scientific treasure trove where the air is thick with the scent of rare flora and historic glasshouses. What makes this route special is the sense of discovery; many of these spaces are tucked behind heavy wooden gates or down quiet side streets. By following this audio walk, you can navigate the city’s green lungs at your own pace, taking time for photography or quiet reflection. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a photography buff looking for the perfect shot of the spires framed by blossoms, this walking route offers a peaceful perspective on one of the world's most famous university towns. While a walking tour Oxford usually focuses on the major libraries, this route prioritizes the quiet cloisters and hidden horticultural wonders that define the city's softer side.

Highlights

The expansive lake and wooded grounds of Worcester College

The intimate, medieval churchyard atmosphere of St Edmund Hall

Magdalen College’s famous deer park and Addison’s Walk

Tolkien’s inspiration at the UK's oldest Botanic Garden

The historic riverside path near the former Parsons' Pleasure

The scenic greenery and Genetic Garden in University Parks

Tour Stops (6)

Worcester College

Begin your self-guided adventure at Worcester College, often cited as having the most beautiful grounds in Oxford. Unlike the cramped, paved quads of the city center, Worcester opens up into 26 acres of lush greenery. As you wander, look for the 'cottages,' a row of medieval monastic buildings that predate the college itself. The centerpiece here is the lake, a rare feature for an Oxford college, surrounded by weeping willows and diverse birdlife. This space has long provided a peaceful retreat for students and faculty alike, offering a country-house atmosphere just steps from the bus station. Take a moment to appreciate the transition from formal architecture to the wilder woodland paths that skirt the water’s edge.

St Edmund Hall

Known affectionately to locals as 'Teddy Hall,' this is the only surviving medieval hall in the university. Its garden is tiny compared to Worcester, but it is incredibly atmospheric. The central quad features a historic well, and the graveyard of the former St Peter-in-the-East church has been transformed into a quiet, leafy sanctuary. The church itself now serves as the college library. This stop highlights the 'Quiet Cloisters' theme perfectly—it is a masterclass in how much beauty can be packed into a small, urban footprint. The mix of ancient stone, climbing ivy, and vibrant flowerbeds makes it a favorite for photography enthusiasts looking for that quintessential Oxford aesthetic.

Magdalen College

Magdalen College offers some of the most diverse landscapes in the city. After passing through the cloisters, you will find yourself in the deer park, where a herd of fallow deer has resided since the 18th century. Beyond the park lies Addison’s Walk, a shaded riverside path named after the essayist Joseph Addison. This path was a favorite haunt of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who frequently walked here while discussing their literary worlds. The walk follows a branch of the River Cherwell, offering views of the college tower through the trees. It is a place where the boundary between the university and the natural world feels beautifully blurred.

Oxford Botanic Garden

Step into the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain, founded in 1621 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants. This walled garden is a sanctuary of biodiversity, housing over 5,000 different plant species. Literary fans might recognize the 'Bobart’s Yew' or the site where a famous black pine once stood, which was a favorite of Tolkien. Explore the glasshouses to see tropical lilies and cacti, or simply sit by the River Cherwell and watch the punts glide by. The garden serves as a living library of botanical history and remains one of the most serene spots in the city, perfectly capturing the intersection of science and nature.

Parsons' Pleasure Bathing Place

As you head toward the University Parks, you pass the site of Parsons' Pleasure. For centuries, this was a secluded riverside spot reserved for male members of the university to swim in the nude. While the bathing place closed in the early 1990s and is now a tranquil part of the riverside path, the area retains a sense of hidden history. It represents the quirky, traditional side of Oxford life that exists just out of sight. The walk along the River Cherwell here is particularly peaceful, with the sound of the weir in the distance and the chance to spot kingfishers or grey herons along the banks.

The University Parks

Your neighborhood stroll concludes in the University Parks, 70 acres of parkland owned by the university. This is where the city comes to play, with cricket matches often taking place on the central lawns during the summer. Don't miss the Genetic Garden, which illustrates evolutionary processes through plant life, or the Mesopotamian Walk—a narrow strip of land between two branches of the River Cherwell. It is the perfect place to end your exploration, offering plenty of benches to rest and reflect on the hidden gardens you’ve discovered. From here, you are just a short walk away from the museums of the Science Area or the historic pubs of North Oxford.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full route takes approximately 3 to 4 hours if you spend time exploring each garden. The walking distance between stops is about 2 miles, but the duration depends on how long you linger at sites like Magdalen College and the Botanic Garden.