Oxfordshire is home to some of the most beautiful countryside areas in England. It’s easy reachable from the capital. So once you’ve seen the main London landmarks and gone for a ride on the London Eye, it’s the perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive or country walks that will take your breath away, look no further! Here are seven of the most beautiful routes to experience everything that Oxfordshire’s countryside has to offer.
Before you hit the road, make sure your car is ready for the road. Learn how to get car insurance that covers your needs. Take your vehicle for a basic mechanical look-over, and fill it up with fluids and fuel before you take off.
The Most Scenic Routes in Oxfordshire
The Thames Path
If you’re looking for a scenic route in Oxfordshire, look no further than the Thames Path. It takes you takes through some of England’s most iconic sights. Following the country’s longest river for miles, the Thames Path offers stunning views of Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, and Windsor Castle. You could easily spend a week or more exploring all that the Thames Path offers.
The Windrush Way
The River Windrush is a beautiful and peaceful spot in the Oxfordshire countryside. The 72-mile drive (116 kilometres) follows the river as it winds through the countryside, with plenty of picturesque towns and villages to see along the way. Burford and Witney are lovely towns, and the Windrush Valley is simply stunning.
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The Ridgeway
The Ridgeway is an ancient road that runs 94 miles through the English countryside. It is considered one of Britain’s oldest roads, and travellers have used it for centuries.
Today, the Ridgeway provides a beautiful route through some of Oxfordshire’s finest countryside, including the Chiltern Hills and the Vale of White Horse.
The Ridgeway is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is also home to several ancient monuments, including the Uffington White Horse, a hill figure that dates back to the Iron Age.
The Ridgeway is an integral part of Britain’s history and continues to be enjoyed by travellers worldwide.
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The Ock Valley Walk
The River Ock is a 10-mile (16 kilometres) stretch of river that runs through some of the most picturesque villages in Oxfordshire. The villages of Abingdon, Dorchester, and Wantage are all located along the river, and each has its unique charm.
The River Ock Walk is a gentle stroll that takes you through all of these villages, allowing you to take in the beauty of the countryside at your own pace. The walk is easy to follow and can be completed in a day, making it the perfect way to spend a relaxing day in the countryside.
The Wittenham Clumps
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, you’ll want to head to one of these two hilltop beacons. Surrounded by acres of picturesque woodland and farmland, they offer stunning views of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and beyond.
And because they’re far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they’re the perfect place to escape the noise and crowds. Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or get away from it all, these beacons are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Shotover Country Park
Wytham Woods is a country park situated just to the north of Oxford. The park covers 350 acres and is home to various wildlife, including red kites, buzzards, and deer. It’s also an excellent place for walking, cycling, horse riding, and picnicking – all with stunning views of Oxford laid out before you.
The park was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985 due to its diverse range of habitats, which include ancient woodland, heathland, and meadows. These habitats are home to a range of plant and animal species, making Wytham Woods an essential site for conservation.
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The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a popular long-distance footpath that runs for approximately 100 miles through the English counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, from the town of Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath in the south. The route generally follows the line of the Cotswold escarpment, a range of hills that runs across central southern England.
Along the way, it passes through some of the region’s most beautiful and characteristic landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds themselves, valleys, woodlands, limestone cliffs, and picturesque villages.
Highlights of the Cotswold Way include Hambleden Valley – often considered one of England’s loveliest – Brill Windmill and Watlington Hill. The route is generally well-signposted and easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for walkers exploring this charming corner of England.
Explore All Oxfordshire Has to Offer
There are so many beautiful places to explore in Oxfordshire – these are just a few of our favorites! Add these scenic routes to your list if you’re a resident or visitor to this stunning county. And don’t forget to take your time and soak up all the beauty surrounding you. Happy Driving!
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