Bluebells under the trees in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire

Where to go · Oxfordshire

Forest bathing at Wytham Woods

University of Oxford ancient woodland, open to walkers with a free permit and kept free of dogs and bikes.

Wytham Woods, just west of Oxford, is ancient semi-natural woodland that has been owned and looked after by the University of Oxford since 1942. It is also an important research site for the University, which is one reason access is managed. Walkers are welcome, but you need a free walking permit, which you apply for online and carry with you.

Because dogs (other than assistance dogs) and bicycles are not allowed, and there are no toilets or bins, the wood stays notably quiet, and it is one of the easiest places in the county to walk slowly and stop. Drive through Wytham village and up the private road to the free car park; there is no access from the B4044. The main woodland track is suitable for powered wheelchairs. Bluebells flower under the trees in April and May. On weekdays the wood does not open until 10am, and it closes for a few days several times a year, so check before you go.

Practical

Managed by
University of Oxford
Parking
Free car park reached through Wytham village (OX2 8QQ); smaller car park at Botley Lodge (OX2 9BQ)
Terrain
Woodland tracks and paths; main track suitable for powered wheelchairs
Facilities
No toilets or litter bins
Opening and entry
Free walking permit required; weekdays 10am to dusk, weekends and bank holidays dawn to dusk; occasional closures
Official page
wytham.ox.ac.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

A guide within 15 miles of Wytham Woods

More woodlands in Oxfordshire

All venues in Oxfordshire
A grassy forest ride between the trees in Bernwood Forest, OxfordshireBernwood ForestOld royal hunting forest east of Oxford, known for around forty butterfly speciesA track through the trees in Cowleaze Wood, OxfordshireCowleaze WoodChiltern woodland near Christmas Common, with bluebells in May and valley viewsA path between trees in Harcourt Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxfordshire, in summerHarcourt ArboretumArboretum, native woodland and meadow south of Oxford, with autumn colour in the Acer Glade

Photos: Bernwood Forest, Steve Daniels (CC BY-SA 2.0); Cowleaze Wood, Steve Daniels (CC BY-SA 2.0); Harcourt Arboretum, Zephyris (CC BY-SA 3.0).