This easy circular walk through the heart of Oxford takes you past eight historic churches, all within a short distance of each other. Beginning on the High Street, the route includes the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Christ Church Cathedral, and St Michael at the North Gate – Oxford’s oldest building – alongside other fascinating sites of worship, each with its own story to tell.
At just 1.2 miles, it’s a compact route ideal for individuals, families, or groups looking to explore on foot while discovering Oxford’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage. Allow around 2 hours in total, with extra time if you’d like to stop for lunch, take in the views from the University Church tower, or enjoy exploring inside the churches along the way.
University Church of St Mary Virgin
The University Church is located on the High Street, across the street from Quod Restaurant and the shop Brora.
This great church, on the north side of the High Street, is both a parish church and the University church. Tickets for the Tower are £6 per person (as at August 2025). You have to be at least 8 years old to go up to the Tower.
St Columba’s United Reformed
Exit the University Church. Back on the High Street turn right, cross the road and Alfred St. is on your left
St Columba’s United Reformed Church was founded as a chaplaincy to Presbyterian students in Oxford in 1908
Christ Church Cathedral
Turn right out of St Columba’s and Walk south on Alfred St towards Blue Boar St; Turn right onto Blue Boar St; Turn left onto St Aldate’s/A420. The cathedral is on your left after about 300 metres.
Go to the main gate at the Tom Tower (opposite Pembroke Square and St Aldates). At certain times this will be closed, but the wardens there will provide directions for the alternative sign-in location.
The Cathedral will be open from 9:00-13:00 and from 15:00-16:45. During the closure the check-in desk will move to the Cloisters. The nave, choir, main tower and transepts are of the late Norman period. There are architectural features ranging from Norman to the Perpendicular style and a large rose window of the ten-part (i.e., botanical) type.
St Aldates
Cross the road and St Aldates is to your right by Pembroke Square.
The site has been used for Christian worship dating back to the Saxon era
St Ebbe’s Church
Walk north on St Aldate’s/A420 towards Brewer St; Turn left onto Pembroke St; Continue onto Penny Farthing Pl; Destination will be on the left.
The church stands on the site of one dedicated to St Æbbe before 1005
New Road Baptist Church
Walk east on Penny Farthing Pl towards Saint Ebbe’s St; Turn left onto Saint Ebbe’s St; Turn left onto Bonn Square; Destination will be on the right
Baptists first began to meet together in the mid-1650s, generally in the homes of their members. In the early 1700s they joined with other Dissenters and began meeting on the present site of New Road Baptist Church.
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church,
Walk south-east on Bonn Square towards N Arcade; Turn left to stay on Bonn Square; Turn left onto New Inn Hall St; Destination will be on the left
John and Charles Wesley studied in Oxford, and the congregation was founded in 1783. The present church building was completed in 1878.
St Michael at the North Gate
Walk north on New Inn Hall St towards St Michael’s St; Turn right onto St Michael’s St; Turn left onto Cornmarket St; Destination will be on the right
Originally built around 1000–1050, with the tower of 1040 still in existence, the church is Oxford’s oldest building. The church tower is Saxon.
University Church of St Mary Virgin
Walk south on Cornmarket St towards St Michael’s St; Turn left onto High St/A420; Destination will be on the left. Back at the Start Point. From High St. get bus home!
Google Distance Estimate is 1.2 miles
Timings – Google Suggests the whole route takes about 30 minutes (without stops)
Plus, allowing 10 minutes per church = 80 minutes
Total time estimate 1 hour 50 minutes.
Also allow extra time for lunch / breaks, etc
Churches visited on this route
