Binsey and St Margaret's Well
A serene 13th-century church and legendary holy well, famed as the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland's 'Treacle Well'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quietest for reflection
Binsey and St Margaret's Well
Best Time
Quietest for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 13th-century church and legendary holy well, famed as the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland's 'Treacle Well'.
"Offers profound peace and a tranquil countryside escape, blending history, folklore, and literary charm."
🚶♀️ Scenic Countryside Walk
Enjoy the peaceful lane walk to the church; parking is limited.
💧 Visit the Holy Well
Discover the 'Treacle Well,' inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 13 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St Margaret of Antioch Church
Binsey
A beautiful 13th-century church, a peaceful sanctuary with over a thousand years of history.
St Margaret's Well (Treacle Well)
Churchyard
The legendary holy well, inspiration for Lewis Carroll's 'Treacle Well' in Alice in Wonderland.
Countryside Walk
Lane leading to Binsey
A tranquil and scenic walk through the countryside to reach the historic church and well.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquil Walk
A Thousand Years of Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Countryside Walk
Enjoy the peaceful lane walk to the church; parking is limited.
💧 Visit the Holy Well
Discover the 'Treacle Well,' inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.
🕊️ Find Inner Peace
Many visitors find this spot offers solace and a space for reflection.
🕰️ Ancient Worship Site
Experience a place of worship for over a thousand years.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Countryside Walk
Enjoy the peaceful lane walk to the church; parking is limited.
💧 Visit the Holy Well
Discover the 'Treacle Well,' inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.
🕊️ Find Inner Peace
Many visitors find this spot offers solace and a space for reflection.
🕰️ Ancient Worship Site
Experience a place of worship for over a thousand years.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Binsey and St Margaret's Well for its profound peace and tranquil countryside setting. The historic church and the legendary 'Treacle Well' offer a unique blend of history, folklore, and literary connection, making it a deeply reflective and charming destination.
"I absolutely love this place. Its tucked away in the middle of nowhere, accessible by foot down a lane or you can park on the side of the lane but space is limited. I first came across this church when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. It offered me peace and space to order my thoughts. Through her illness and later passing I have visited many times , and although not religious this simple church has lifted my spirits. You won't find anything fancy stain glass here though outside stands St Margaret's Well, which is the model for Lewis carrolls ‘Treacle Well’ from Alice in wonderland this is a holy well dedicated to St frideswide."
kevin mills
"Lovely tranquil little church a worship site for more than a thousand years. Medieval texts indicate that the well in the churchyard was the site of Saint Frideswide’s (patron saint of Oxford). Who in the seventh century escaped to Binsey to avoid marrying the Mercian prince Algar, and when he was blinded by lightning while looking for her, her prayers brought forth a healing spring here, and she cured his blindness with its water. Saint Frideswide would later found a priory in Oxford, which would become Christ Church Cathedral.
The current building dating from the 13th century became a pilgrimage site for those seeking healing from the well. Henry VIII and his queen, Catherine of Aragon, are said to have sought its waters to help produce a royal son. In the 19th century, Lewis Carroll incorporated the well into his Alice in Wonderland stories as the Treacle Well."
Fionn Mac
"I've lived in Oxford all my life and until recently I hadn't explored Binsey past the Perch pub!! A lovely old church!"
Luke Rand
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Binsey and St Margaret's Well is by taking a pleasant walk down a lane. While there is some limited parking available on the side of the lane, it's advisable to arrive early or consider it part of the experience to walk from a nearby point.
Parking is limited at Binsey and St Margaret's Well, available on the side of the lane. Visitors often recommend arriving early to secure a spot or embracing the walk as part of the visit.
Yes, a lovely countryside walk down a lane is the primary way to access Binsey and St Margaret's Well. This scenic approach is often highlighted by visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit Binsey and St Margaret's Well. It is a historic site open for public access, offering a peaceful experience without admission fees.
St Margaret of Antioch Church is a historic site, and while specific opening hours can vary, it is generally accessible for visitors to explore its peaceful interior and grounds. It's best to check locally if you have specific timing needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
St Margaret's Well, also known as the 'Treacle Well,' is famous for being the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's creation in Alice in Wonderland. Historically, it's a holy well dedicated to St Frideswide, believed to have healing properties.
The church dates back to the 13th century and has been a site of worship for over a thousand years. Medieval texts link the well in its churchyard to St Frideswide, who founded a priory in Oxford.
Absolutely. Visitors consistently describe Binsey and St Margaret's Well as a tranquil and peaceful place, offering a serene escape and a space for quiet contemplation.
At Binsey, you can explore the historic St Margaret of Antioch Church and the legendary St Margaret's Well (Treacle Well). The surrounding countryside also offers a pleasant environment for a walk.
Yes, St Margaret's Well is historically considered a holy well, dedicated to St Frideswide. It was a pilgrimage site for healing and is now a point of interest for its historical and literary connections.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of St Margaret of Antioch Church, the historic St Margaret's Well, and the scenic countryside lane leading to the site. The tranquil atmosphere also lends itself to atmospheric shots. +1
Binsey offers picturesque opportunities with its ancient church, the legendary well, and the surrounding rural landscape. It's ideal for those seeking historical and serene photography subjects. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit