Brasenose Woods in Oxford

Brasenose Wood

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It's also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford.

Brasenose Wood is a woodland park featuring quiet walking paths and diverse flora. It’s also part of a larger nature reserve in Oxford. Here’s how you can visit – and why!

Why Should You Visit Brasenose Wood?

Brasenose Wood, on the outskirts of Oxford, is a 109.2-hectare (270-acre) biological site. This means that it’s considered of special scientific interest. 

Most of this forest is a remnant of the ancient Shotover Forest. One of the things that makes Brasenose Wood special is that it’s still managed using the traditional method of coppice-with-standards.

One of the reasons why so many people love going for walks here is the diverse ground flora, which includes 221 species of vascular plants (46 of which are specific to ancient woodland). In fact, Brasenose Wood’s Shotover Hill is described by Natural England as “of outstanding entomological interest” due to its many rare ants, bees, flies, and wasps. 

Self-Guided Brasenose Wood Walking Tour

If you want to visit Brasenose Wood, you can use this map to follow the prettiest paths. 

How to Visit Brasenose Wood

Brasenose Wood is managed by Oxford City Council and is open to the public as a country park. In fact, the Council has put online a handy brochure with Brasenose Wood’s shortest easy walk. You can download it here

You can find its exact location using the map below:

Oxford’s prettiest parks, meadows, and nature reserves, how to get there, why to go, and what to bring to have the perfect picnic, walk, date, or sports day. 

Oxford Christ Church Meadow - Image courtesy of Matthias Rosenkranz

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Oxford Parks & Meadows: Headington Hill Park

Headington Hill Park

Headington Hill Park is a charming and tranquil green space located just east of Oxford’s city centre, near Oxford Brookes University.

Oxford Parks & Meadows: South Park

South Park

One of the most striking features of South Park is its elevated position, which provides some of the best views of Oxford’s famous spires.

Oxford castles, quads, and locks. 

Oxford Sandford Lock - Places to See Around Oxford. Oxford Walks.

Oxford Sandford Lock

Sandford Lock is a great place to start and end walks around Oxford. A very peaceful location, it has a pub nearby a lots of seating.

Oxford Osney Lock - Places to See Around Oxford + Walks

Oxford Osney Lock

The current Osney Lock was constructed in the 19th century, though earlier locks existed at this site since the 17th century.

World-renowned museums and art galleries.

Looking for things to do and enjoy while you’re in Oxford? Here are some suggestions, from quirky shops to escape rooms, art galleries, and sports. 

Oxford restaurants: Pierre Victoire - My Review

Pierre Victoire

Pierre Victoire is a charming and intimate French bistro located in the heart of Oxford, offering an authentic taste of France.

Read More >