To move, or not to move, that is the question. Whether you are bathed in glorious light reflected by 75 billion quality street wrappers or are wondering how how much of your body is now cheese – I urge to break free of the shackles of the couch and get out there for a walk! Why? To work up an appetite to fit more in later of course!
Here’s our top picks, Click the header links for more info:
Blenheim
I’m going to lump these altogether as they all come under the Blenheim umbrella:
Blenheim Palace’s 2,000 acres of parkland is free to discover on Boxing Day, with the caveat that if you are wanting to park at Blenheim then it’s £12. This is separate to the Christmas Light Trail (which I have done and thoroughly enjoyed) but it means that you can access via the front and side entrance without being asked to pay/ show an annual pass. There may be parking in Woodstock but having been previously on Boxing Day I know that it gets very busy.
If you wanted to get a taste of Blenheim but without the £12 parking then you can also access via Blenheim Community Path and park over the road at the train station car park for considerably less. It’s a great gravel footpath and it winds its way round to parts of Blenheim that you will recognise.
Combe Gate is also another entrance to Blenheim Park and has tarmacked paths which new scooter/ bike owners will appreciate (children only). Beware, some of the hills are steep and you can get quite the speed up. We’ve had a few hair-raising skids coming down them and it’s a lot faster than it looks. Helmets essential!
Hinksey Heights Nature Trail
Volunteers have been tirelessly working on extending the raised boardwalk for this most stunning of trails – 320m has been laid this year. The feeling of floating above the ground is quite special, which ups the excitement for little Attenboroughs, and the views are quite spectacular. One to enjoy all year round with plenty more to come in 2025.
Wytham Woods
Known at the ‘laboratory with leaves’ as the most researched pieces of woodland in the world. It’s 1000 acres are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and the site is exceptionally rich in flora and fauna, with over 500 species of plants, a wealth of woodland habitats, and 800 species of butterflies and moths. Aside from all of that it is the most wonderful natural playground for children with dens and and fallen trees as well as huge rides to race along. Walkers are asked to carry a permit (free to apply, see here) and even though I have never been asked to produce it I always carry it in my pocket.
Thrupp Lake
Thrupp Lake is our go-to when looking for a quick shot of nature. The mile mile circular walk is clearly signposted and there are some really impressive dens there for children to explore. Balance logs, wide avenues and trees give a great feeling of space and freedom. It had a bit of a spruce up earlier this year and now has a free car park, new paths and information board.
Sydlings Copse
We have done this walk before at Christmas and it is short and sweet. The Wildlife Walk is only 3/4 of a mile and follows lots of different undulating landscapes. I love it because it suits those who are reluctant to leave the house during Twixmas (my children!) and those who are suffering from cabin fever after Christmas Day (me!). This 22 hectare nature reserve was once described as one of the richest habitats in middle England due to it’s diversity yet is still relatively unknown in Oxford.
Shotover Park (not to be confused with Shotover Country Park)
A lovely walk with fascinating history! Shotover House has hosted royalty, Princess Ann broke her nose here and it used to be a canter track for galloping horses! You may have seen one of the entrances to this walk without even realising it but once you have been you will be back again and again. The wide avenue is lined by trees and logs and draws you down to the private Shotover House, which is open to the public on certain days of the year. You can either wander up and down the avenue and admire the countryside views or complete ‘the loop’. I’ve seen lots of little ones enjoying the soft gradient going down the the avenue but not so much coming back up!
For more walk inspo search ‘walks’ on the website, there’s loads to choose from near and far!
