Penn Wood

Penn Wood

Date of Adventure: 7 Jun, 2023

One of the most ancient of the Chiltern woodlands with over 50 trees more than 200 years old, it truly is wonderful find. Unsurprising that people travel from far and wide to visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and explore its 435 acres.

With 10,000 metres of permissive paths, surfaced bridleways and easy access paths, this wood caters for all whether you are pushing a pushchair, trailing behind an independent toddler or running wild with older kids.

We were delighted to stumble across the carved acorn poetry seat. Wind the handle up at the back and poetry will play into the chair – what a completely lovely idea and something we have never seen before. There’s much to explore and appreciate in these woods: the height of the trees and the curves of the landscape and variety of leaves underfoot. Look up to see birds soaring overhead, look down to discover a carpet of treasures on the floor. Smells, sights, animals, habitats; all different and all exceptionally fun to share with a wide eyed little person. Bookmark this one for an impressive show of bluebells too!

This woods is worth the slightly longer drive from Oxford, we were there for 3 busy hours and could spend another 3 hours there without exploring it all. We are particularly keen to return to visit one of the several large ponds and it’s inhabitants. On the list for another adventurous day!

 

AT A GLANCE

Free
Always open
No booking required
No cafe
Paths are accessible but can get muddy when wet
35 minutes from Headington roundabout
No transport links from Oxford
The main car park is at Holy Trinity Church in Penn Street HP7 0PX
The details

Website

Head for the main car park at Holy Trinity Church in Penn Street, HP7 0PX.

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Rear of The Victoria Arms leading to the river

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Oxford Preservation Trust bought the Victoria Arms pub in 1959 to save the nearly derelict building. Now fully renovated, this rural gem re-opened in 1984. It's still standing proud and serving Oxford’s pub-goers every day!

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