Oxford Canal Walk -Thames Pathway

I have lived in Oxford for 30 years. Of those 35 years I have worked at the Marlborough House Hotel in Oxford for 20.  After all these years I still get excited when I talk about Oxford to the guests who visit our guest house.  It is no wonder - Oxford is a magical and enchanting city.  There is a positive and all enveloping vibration that seems to lend itself to the residents and visitors of Oxford alike. 

As I was explaining the route from our guest house to the city centre along the canal I was amazed to realise that I have not actually written about the canal on my website. This walk is only 5 minutes away from our guest house, so here it is...

A short 45 minute walk on the Oxford Canal (tributary of the river Thames) from Woodstock road to the City Centre is quite a unique experience.  For a brief second it is difficult to believe that one is in the middle of a city.  The walk is simply beautiful, peaceful and relaxing.  Walking along to the sound of lovely birds and the whispering of the leaves time simply flies by.  Before you know it you are at the end of the walk and have reached the city centre.  The houses along the canal are a truly beauteous sight to behold.  People living in these houses have made a concerted effort to create some interesting talking points for those of us who walk past and take delight in their efforts.  The canal is a peaceful and inspiring path into Oxford City Centre for runners and walker alike.

Parents can keep young ones entertained on this walk because 20 minutes into the walk is a beautiful playground (Aristotle Park) where young ones can have some play time.  The challenge becomes more interesting when I point out a few markers that children can find for which they can receive a small reward from me.  This way it becomes a rather engaging walk too! I love listening to children telling me their experience on how they found the markers.

Elizabeth Jennings Way Bridge and Frenchay Road Bridge both have some stunning murals which were commissioned by Oxford City Council to offer a breath of artistic flair to the walkers.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Marlborough House Hotel in Oxford.

Much gratitude,

Kavita Pal 25/9/2020