Iffley

Settlement in Oxfordshire Oxford

England

Iffley

Plastic wrapped hay bales on the river meadow Credit: Steve Daniels

Iffley is a charming village located in Oxfordshire, England. Situated just 2 miles south-east of the city of Oxford, it is a popular residential area that blends the tranquility of countryside living with easy access to urban amenities.

The village is best known for its picturesque setting along the River Thames. The iconic Iffley Lock, a historic lock and weir on the river, is a focal point of the area and attracts visitors from far and wide. The lock offers a peaceful spot for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Iffley is also renowned for its historic architecture. The Iffley Church, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, dates back to the 12th century and is a stunning example of Norman Romanesque design. The church's interior features an impressive Norman arch, a beautifully preserved rood screen, and a rare medieval stained glass window.

The village itself is characterized by its quaint thatched-roof cottages, well-tended gardens, and a sense of community. There are a few local amenities, including a village hall, a primary school, and a popular pub, The Isis Tavern, which offers a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Iffley offers numerous opportunities. The nearby Shotover Country Park provides ample space for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. Additionally, the University of Oxford's renowned Iffley Road Sports Complex, known for its track and field facilities, attracts athletes and sports enthusiasts.

In summary, Iffley is a delightful village that combines its natural beauty, rich history, and convenient location to offer residents and visitors a peaceful and idyllic setting in the heart of Oxfordshire.

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Iffley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.729931/-1.235449 or Grid Reference SP5203. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Plastic wrapped hay bales on the river meadow

Steve Daniels

Path to the River Thames

This path leads off Abingdon Road to the river. A nearby notice states that it is owned by University College Oxford and 'the Council and those authorised by it are entitled to use it. The Council authorises members of the public to use it only on foot or on cycle during daylight hours. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the College accepts no responsibility for loss or damage arising from the use of the footpath'.

Stephen McKay

University boathouses by the River Thames

There is a line of college boathouses on the island formed by two channels of the River Cherwell where it empties into the River Thames (or Isis). Although rowing at Oxford University can trace its origins back to the end of the 18th century, the first boathouse, combining a club room with boat storage facilities, did not appear until the late 1930s. Over the next two decades the others were gradually built - the last available space being taken in 1989. The boathouses come into their own during Eights Week in May or June when the balconies fill up with supporters cheering on the participants and imbibing copious quantities of drink.

Stephen McKay

Sculling on the Isis

Passing swiftly and almost silently past the university boathouses, this was the only moving vessel on the water at the time.

Stephen McKay

The mouth of the River Cherwell

This is the point at which the River Cherwell, the second largest tributary of the Thames, ends its journey from near Hellidon in Northamptonshire, 40 miles away. To the left is the oldest of a long line of college boathouses.

Stephen McKay

Bridges over the Weirs Mill Stream

These bridges carry the Thames path over the Weirs Mill Stream, a backwater of the river that by-passes Iffley Lock at Long Bridges. There was, until the 1980s, a public open air bathing place near here but pretty much all traces of it have gone.

Stephen McKay

River Thames from Long Bridges

This view is looking upstream from the bridge over the Weirs Mill Stream. The river looks suitably tranquil but there was no boating activity to be seen on this November weekday. In this vicinity the Thames has the alternative name 'Isis', generally favoured by the University rowing fraternity.

Stephen McKay

Donnington Bridge

Donnington Bridge was opened in 1962 linking Abingdon Road with Iffley Road. The road over it is part of the B4495.

Stephen McKay

Under Donnington Bridge

Donnington Bridge, spanning the River Thames (or Isis) dates from 1962 and was built to link Abingdon Road with Iffley Road in the southern suburbs of Oxford. Whether the design opposite can be described as a mural - or is merely graffiti - is a moot point.

Stephen McKay

Meadowland south of Weirs Lane

A herd of docile bullocks graze the land of what is in fact an island between the River Thames and Weirs Mill Stream. The path leads to the river.

Stephen McKay

Weirs Mill Stream

Weirs Mill Stream is a backwater of the River Thames that avoids Iffley Lock, passing over a weir behind the photographer. A handful of narrowboats use this spot for a mooring.

Stephen McKay

Weirs Mill Stream

This backwater of the River Thames is flowing furiously just below the weir itself. The channel bypasses Iffley Lock.

Stephen McKay

Weirs Lane, New Hinksey

Weirs Lane leads from Abingdon Road over Donnington Road to Iffley Road. It forms a stretch of the B4495. The road markings appear to have been freshly painted and motorists queueing for the Abingdon Road junction are left in no doubt about the need to leave room for vehicles entering or leaving Peel Place.

Stephen McKay

Wytham Street, New Hinksey

Although a glance at the map might suggest there is a route out onto Abingdon Road, it is blocked off for vehicles - hence the no through road sign. The sign below that tells us that the road will be closed later in the week for surface dressing, and looking at its condition it is certainly needed.

Stephen McKay

South Oxford Christian Centre

This church was built in 1938 which would make it roughly contemporary with the semi-detached houses that surround it on Wytham Street. It was originally the South Oxford Baptist Church but is now the South Oxford Christian Centre and home of the Oxford Corps of the Salvation Army.

Stephen McKay

Wytham Street, New Hinksey

The northern end of Wytham Street was built up in the years prior to the First World War, the development stimulated by the opening of Hinksey Halt on the nearby railway in 1908. Further south, behind the photographer, the houses are newer because the war halted building progress. At the end of the line of handsome houses in this view is the Church of St John the Evangelist, built 1899-1900.

Stephen McKay

Vicarage Lane, New Hinksey

This is the oldest part of New Hinksey with a tight cluster of streets around a primary school and the church of St John the Evangelist (whose wall can be seen in this view). Oddly, Vicarage Lane leads off Vicarage Road, but the latter was called Church Street until 1955.

Stephen McKay

Vicarage Road, New Hinksey

The vicarage that gives this road its name belongs to the church of St John the Evangelist which is out of shot to the right. The road was in fact called Church Street until 1955. The school entrance markings refer to New Hinksey Primary School which is out of shot to the left.

Stephen McKay

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Iffley is located at Grid Ref: SP5203 (Lat: 51.729931, Lng: -1.235449)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: Oxford

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///spider.riots.truth. Near Cowley, Oxfordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.729931,-1.235449

Barrier: bollard

Bicycle: yes

Foot: yes

Lat/Long: 51.7340055/-1.2380208

Iffley

Settlement in Oxfordshire Oxford

England

Iffley

Iffley Images

What 3 Words

Nearby Locations

Related Wikis

St Mary the Virgin, Iffley

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial

Iffley Meadows

Iffley

Isis Bridge

City of Oxford Rowing Club

Rose Hill, Oxfordshire

Donnington Bridge

Nearby Amenities

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