Calling all Strava lovers! Whether you’re an experienced or rookie runner, Oxfordshire is filled with glorious estates, gardens and parklands for you to explore and plan your running routes around.
An all-round and growing sport, running has recently soared in popularity with many of us signing up for fun runs, marathons and more! With Strava becoming the latest social media phenomenon, lots of us are picking up running as our latest hobby and heading outdoors to improve our pace, sharing our recent workouts with friends and family.
Being based in Oxfordshire, we’re lucky to have access to some of the county’s most picturesque countryside trails and running routes at our fingertips. So come with us as we give you an exclusive sneak peek into a series of idyllic running trails that you need to see for yourself (and that are bound to get you some extra kudos!).
Blenheim Palace
A historic and grand estate located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is a charming country estate filled with expansive grounds, formal gardens and stunning lakes. With plenty of striking views to admire as you run around these vast grounds, Blenheim Palace has a variety of different loops and inclines for you to explore and is the perfect fit for runners of all capabilities. And after you’ve completed your laps, make sure to head on over to the formal gardens for a stroll as you cool down and relax with a steaming hot drink.
Discover a variety of pre-planned routes on Strava.
Oxford University Parks
Owned by Oxford University, Oxford University Parks is a verdant parkland that has been used for sports and recreation since 1864. With a series of routes for you to take, as you run through the parks you will notice sights such as the River Cherwell and Norham Gardens. A verdant and luscious landscape, University Parks is filled with an array of trees, plants and wildlife. As you cross over bridges, pathways and past ponds, admire the beautiful array of flora and fauna that surrounds you, and embrace running through a gorgeous parkland, rich with history.
Once you run through university parks, your route will typically continue and guide you throughout the charming and historical streets of Oxford city centre. Observe beautiful structures on your route, such as the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera, Magdalen College and many other historic buildings.
Waddesdon Manor
Located in the village of Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Waddesdon Manor is a glorious estate rich with an array of captivating formal gardens, woodland trails and parklands. A landscape and country manor house brimming with history, both the gardens and house were inspired and designed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. A beautiful representation of Victorian gardens and 19th century horticulture, Waddesdon Manor has a variety of striking parterres, rose gardens and woodland spaces for you to explore as you run through these enchanting countryside grounds.
Once you’ve finished running and cooled off, why not head over to the Stables Café to pick up a well deserved post-run coffee or sweet treat?
Christ Church Meadow
A verdant and tranquil spot hidden in Oxford’s city centre, Christ Church Meadow is a popular spot for picnickers, runners and walkers (and it’s no surprise why!). Encompassing a collection of historical pathways, riverside views and sights of Christ Church’s breathtaking academic buildings, running through Christ Church Meadow, rain or shine, is a delight for all the senses. Including an idyllic meadow trail, admire a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna as you run through this vast and flourishing landscape.
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