Timeline
19:01
Grab a coffee and a scone at The Grand Cafe. The afternoon tea menu is perfect for a relaxed start, and the cafe is open until 20:00, so you have plenty of time before the sun goes down.
19:36
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Walk through the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. It is a 19-minute walk from the cafe, bringing you close to the river. The garden offers a quiet transition from the city centre to the water's edge.
20:01
Arrive at Aston's Eyot just as the sun sets toward the WNW. The 33-acre island is bounded by the River Cherwell and the Shirelake Ditch, offering a clear view of the sky turning gold and then blue. This is the peak moment for the sunset.
20:46
End the evening at the Turf Tavern. It is an ancient pub just an 8-minute walk from the garden area. The beer garden is a lovely spot to stay if the evening is chilly, with coal fires available for roasting marshmallows.
Local tip
The Botanic Garden closes at dusk in winter, but in April it is open late enough to enjoy the walk. The Turf Tavern is a favorite with locals, so expect a cozy atmosphere.
Check before you go
- The Grand Cafe is open Mo-Su 09:00-20:00.
- The Turf Tavern is open Mo-Sa 11:00-23:00 and Su 12:00-22:30.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Oxford (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).