Port Meadow, Communal grazing meadow along River Thames in Oxford, England.
Port Meadow is an expansive grassland along the eastern bank of the River Thames in Oxford. The landscape functions as open pastureland for cattle and horses, with gently rolling terrain and scattered trees.
In the 10th century, King Alfred granted grazing rights to Oxford citizens as a reward for defending against Danish attacks. The Domesday Book later recorded these rights and the land's long use as common pasture.
The name Port Meadow refers to an ancient port that once operated here along the river. Today, locals walk through regularly and encounter freely grazing livestock that shape the meadow's character.
Enter the meadow via Walton Well Road or Godstow Road at the northern and southern ends. Parking is available at both access points, and the flat landscape is straightforward for walking.
The land has remained unplowed for approximately 4,000 years, making it a rare landscape with distinctive ecology. This long continuity means rare plant species thrive here that have vanished elsewhere.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
