We love it here. Great with the kids the water is quite shallow in places. However take crocs or water shoes because there are rocks on the bottom. Good for fishing both big and small fish. There is a rope swing area near Godstow car park. Take your picnic bits and make a day of it. We use a pull along Wagon so we can walk along the river. There are cows and horses that roam openly aswell as lots of ducks and geese. Ive been taking my children for years and they still both love it.

Massive park with a nice stretch of the river through it, accessible without crossing the congestion toll gates if you plan your route carefully. The carpark we used was quite full and there was a lot of broken glass in it. Toilets and bins would be good.

Beautiful place near Oxford City to visit during summer or sunny days to chill out in the water and see beautiful horses and all.

Port Meadow is one of Oxford’s most peaceful and underrated gems—a vast stretch of open land that feels completely untouched by time. Just a short walk from the city centre, it offers a refreshing escape from the busy streets, with wide skies, fresh air, and stunning natural views. What makes Port Meadow special is its raw, natural beauty. The landscape has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with grazing horses and cattle roaming freely, giving it a truly rural feel right next to the city. Walking along the River Thames that runs through the meadow adds to the charm, especially during sunset when the scenery becomes even more picturesque. It’s perfect for long walks, picnics, or simply relaxing. Many visitors love how open and spacious it is—you can walk for miles without feeling crowded. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, with plenty of wildlife throughout the year. However, it’s not a polished park. There are very limited facilities, and parts of the meadow can get muddy or even flooded, especially in winter. You also need to be mindful of the animals and keep dogs under control. Port Meadow is a beautiful, calming place that offers a different side of Oxford—less touristy, more natural, and perfect for anyone looking to unwind.

Our visit to Port Meadow near Oxford turned out to be one of the most peaceful and memorable experiences of the trip. We parked our car at Godstow Car Park and began walking toward the vast open fields of the meadow. The moment we stepped into the wide green landscape, it felt like we had left the busy city behind and entered the calm beauty of the countryside. On the right side of the meadow, a gentle stream of the River Thames flowed quietly. Swans and geese were gracefully floating and enjoying their time in the water, creating a very serene and picturesque scene. In the distance, we could see a group of horses running freely across the meadow, completely at ease in the open fields. We spent almost the entire day there, enjoying a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature. The peaceful atmosphere allowed us to play games, walk around, and simply enjoy the moment. Occasionally, we could see a train passing far away, gently reminding us of the world beyond the meadow. For those few hours, it truly felt like we were living the simple and beautiful countryside life. The calm, the scenery, and the freedom of the open space made it an experience we absolutely loved and will always remember.