Local Walks, Cycle Paths and Fresh Air
The Cherwell Valley is known for its beauty with refreshing rural walks and the Oxford Canal. It is a great place to enjoy a range of leisure pursuits including walking, cycling, boating all whilst enjoying the scenic countryside of north Oxfordshire.
If you prefer to walk through lovely meadows, we have a wide range of choice on where to start. The Cherwell Valley Walk goes through the heart of the Cherwell District, which parallels the scenic River Cherwell for the most part and the Oxford Canal. The starting point is the Lower Heyford Station. You can park your car near the train station. Other villages en-route can also be used as starting points.
The Port Meadows cycle route, is a beautiful loop around the Oxford Canal from Lower Heyford taking about 3 hours and 40 minutes. This is a firm favourite, with mostly paved surfaces this route is accessible to most skill levels, although it is a long ride so fitness is required.
Top Places to visit in the local area
Heyford Park is set within the heart of Oxfordshire and is surrounded by countless attractions and days out. Here’s our top 10 places to visit in the local area!
1
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is a historic picture perfect house, the principal residence of the Duke of Marlborough. Set within 2,100 acres of parkland and formal gardens, it makes for an ideal location to go on a scenic walk and explore. Only 20 minutes away from Heyford Park by car, take an afternoon out to enjoy this local attraction.
2
Bicester Village
Bicester Village is one of the UK’s leading designer outlet destinations as well as being a top tourist attraction. Just 6 miles from Heyford Park, a luxury shopping experience awaits you, with an incredible array of boutiques, designer outlets and food and drink options.
3
Oxford
12 miles from Heyford Park sits the historic and beautiful city of Oxford. Home to the University of Oxford with more than 30 university colleges across the city, marvel in the architecture that gave Oxford it’s nickname of the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. Green spaces, theatres, museums, shopping and restaurants, Oxford has something for everyone.
4
Lower Heyford
Visit Lower Heyford and explore the Cherwell Valley by boat. Narrowboats are available to hire from Lower Heyford – just down the road from Heyford Park.
5
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Take a day out to explore Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. This is the perfect day out with the kids or even if you fancy doing something a bit different, meet the Giraffes, Rhinos and Lions.
6
Stowe House and Gardens
Only 25 minutes from Heyford Park sits Stowe House and Garden, a beautiful National Trust site. Stowe House is a grade 1 listed country house and the gardens are simply stunning. The perfect place for a trip out or dog walk.
7
Hook Norton Brewery
Hook Norton Brewery is a Victorian brewery and visitor center offering guided tours (with free beer samples!), experience the sights and sounds of brewing.
8
Cogges Manor Farm
Cogges is a unique historic farm which is open daily. They have a beautiful manor house, incredible gardens, plenty of open space and of course friendly animal residents! Meet the animals including sheep, goats and pigs, and enjoy a cup of coffee in their Kitchen Cafe.
9
Broughton Castle
Moated and fortified, Broughton Castle is set in parkland and has a very interesting history. Explore the house and gardens, learn about the fascinating history of the site and take in beautiful views from the gardens.
10
The Cotswolds
You can visit typical Cotswold villages; experience authentic market towns; marvel at some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses; explore the nature in beautiful reserves and wildlife parks or get lost in its historic trails with breath-taking views in more than 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways.
