Timeline
17:36
Grab a pint or a snack at The Lamb and Flag. This long, nook-filled pub is where the Inklings once met, offering a quiet start before the walk.
18:01
Walk to Oxford Castle. Climb up to the motte for the vantage point.
18:21
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
From the University of Oxford Botanic Garden area, look west. Between 22 March and 26 March, the sun sets directly behind Oxford Castle. The moment lasts only a few minutes, so keep your eyes on the horizon as the light fades.
18:46
End the evening at The Eagle and Child. Known as 'the bird and baby', this was another favorite haunt of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, perfect for reflecting on the literary history of the day.
Local tip
The alignment is specific to late March and late September. If you are visiting outside these dates, the sunset will not align with the castle from this spot. Check the route from The Lamb and Flag to Oxford Castle as walking directions are not provided in the context.
Check before you go
- The Lamb and Flag is open Mo-Sa 12:00-23:00 and Su 12:00-22:30.
- The Eagle and Child has no listed opening hours; check locally.
Worth knowing
- Sun position is calculated. We have not confirmed the view is unobstructed.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Oxford (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).