Dead Man's Walk, Oxford, Historical pathway in central Oxford, England.
Dead Man's Walk is a historic pathway in central Oxford that runs along the southern edge of Merton College. The route connects the eastern section near the Botanical Garden to the western end at Corpus Christi College, lined with mature trees throughout.
The pathway traces its origins to around 1190 when Oxford's Jewish community established a burial ground and used this route as a funeral procession path from their synagogue. This medieval origin shapes the site's character as a place connected to the city's longstanding diverse history.
The pathway runs alongside Merton College and serves as a daily shortcut for students moving between different academic buildings. Its tree-lined character makes it a quiet place where members of the university community pause and walk between their studies.
The pathway is easy to walk at any time of year and offers direct passage through Oxford's academic core. The tree cover provides shelter during damp weather or in winter, making it a comfortable route regardless of season.
A plaque on an adjacent field marks where James Sadler conducted Britain's first hot air balloon ascent in 1784. This lesser-known chapter in aviation history gives the location a surprising connection to early scientific experimentation.
GPS coordinates: 51.75070,-1.25100
Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01
Merton College
86 m
Merton College Library
103 m
Mob Quad
97 m
Examination Schools
170 m
Merton College Chapel
92 m
Merton Street tennis court
130 m
Street Surface Of Merton Street
91 m
Corpus Christi College, New Block
145 m
Merton College, Chapel, Front Quadrangle
116 m
Merton College, The Wardens House
109 m
Oriel College, Wall Fronting Magpie Lane
167 m
Merton College, Screen Wall Of The Wardens House
94 m
Merton College Stables
114 m
University College, Archway, Forming The South West Entrance Of The College Onto Kybald Street
162 m
Beam Hall, With Number 3
129 m
Postmasters Hall
111 m
Merton College, Wall Fronting Merton Street
99 m
15, Merton Street
121 m
Merton College, East Range, Mob Quadrangle
87 m
Merton College, Fellows Quadrangle
48 m
Sedan Hall
119 m
18, Merton Street
137 m
2, Kybald Street
153 m
16, Merton Street
127 m
Corpus Christi College, Cloister, Cloister Quadrangle
162 m
Merton College, North Range, Front Quadrangle
94 m
Corpus Christi College, Gentlemen Commoners Buildings
149 m
17, Merton Street
131 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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