Explore 12 hectares of woodland, fen and reedland with a restored boardwalk offering views of Oxford and diverse wildlife.

Hinksey Heights Nature Reserve is a 12-hectare privately-owned nature reserve featuring a permissive walking trail that winds through woodland, alkaline fen, and reedland. The reserve has been designated an Oxfordshire County Wildlife Site since 2000 and is home to an impressive variety of wildlife including robins, magpies, cuckoos, green woodpeckers, bullfinches, deer and red kites. Visitors enjoy stunning panoramic views across Oxford's spires while walking along the scenic trail. The highlight of the reserve is an accessible boardwalk that was initially built by students in 2003 and has been continuously maintained and renovated by dedicated volunteers since 2020. This boardwalk provides safe passage through marshy areas and makes the nature reserve accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The reserve is ideal for families seeking outdoor recreation, with opportunities for leisurely walks, picnics by the pond, and nature observation. Teachers and students regularly use the trail for outdoor education activities. The site is free to visit and welcomes dogs, making it perfect for families with young children and pets. The reserve also hosts community events and guided activities throughout the year, including talks and nature walks led by volunteers.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

M

Michelle Tran

6 months ago

Free car parking at golf club Southern By-pass (A34), Oxford OX1 5AB. Do not drive to nature reserve no parking and can’t get across the fenced field.

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Laura Irons

11 months ago

What a beautiful place to walk in nature. Free parking at the golf club and a short walk from there to the entrance gates. The volunteers have done an amazing job laying the boardwalk as it means easier access all the way around the reserve as naturally it's very boggy marshland. There are boards to explain the animals which habitat the place and information on the types of trees and the history of them. Some parts of the paths are not boarded and so I wouldn't suggest this is wheelchair friendly. Beautiful ponds and wildlife to see, would recommend it for a nice walk out in nature.

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Fraser Lawrence

a year ago

Nice free day out, quiet and tranquil area full of wildlife and insects

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Sam Patten

a year ago

First time here Parking at the golf course The boardwalk is great which is nearly all the way round. Not the best for dogs as it is covered in chicken wire so abit worried claws would get caught also afew places with gaps in the wood. The path leading into the walk is hard-core which is horrible to walk on Definitely not suitable for wheelchairs or anyone with walking difficulties Wouldn't say it was the most scenic but nice to be able to wander through the trees Nice views of Oxford

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Dave Clarke

a year ago

The boardwalks here are lovely, and it’s a great loop through nature.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026