A List of Recreational Activities in North Oxfordshire

This list of activities covers the arts, music, the outdoors and other recreation options in North Oxfordshire. It attempts to be as varied and inclusive as possible.

The Outdoors

Cherwell Walks

There are all kinds of walks that you can enjoy in North Oxfordshire. There are short, wheelchair and push-chair friendly walks that the whole family can enjoy. Some short and easy walks to enjoy include the peaceful riverside Daeda’s Wood near Deddington and the ancient Stoke Wood woodlands near Bicester.

The Kidlington Circular Walk is also well-known for its picturesque historic walk from St. Mary’s Church, through sites of historic ruins, past the Cherwell River floodplain, and up to the Oxford canal. Many species of birds venture into this area.

This walking route in the village of Wootton takes you part of the way through the Oxfordshire Way, which follows the old Roman Road of Akeman Street.

Punting on the River Cherwell

The Cherwell Boathouse just north of the Oxford center is one of the places you can rent a punt and take it out into the countryside in the north. Punting in the Cherwell is a classic Oxford way of enjoying the architecture of the colleges and escaping the crowds out into the countryside. Punting is open March to October. Other locations to rent a punt include Magdalen Bridge Boathouse and Port Meadow.

North Oxfordshire Parks

There are several parks scattered across North Oxfordshire. These include Peoples Park and Easington Park near Banbury, Water Fowl Sanctuary & Children’s Farm near Hook Norton, Steane Park Garden on the A422 from Banbury to Brackley and the Broughton Grange Garden in Broughton.

Music & Art

Kidlington Brass Band Concerts, Kidlington

The Kidlington Brass Band follows a tradition that is at least a hundred years old. It continues to hold concerts throughout the year, and there are free seats for those under 16.

Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS), Kidlington

The KAOS has been performing concerts and musicals for several decades in the village. Catch one of their three big concerts: the Spring Concert, an Autumn Production and a Christmas Charity Concert. Expect a variety of choral music and full orchestra. If you can’t make it to the concerts, you can always catch one of their several full orchestra rehearsals at the Gosford Hill School.

 

The Mill Arts Center, Banbury

An old brick 17 th century mill on the River Cherwell in Banbury has been converted into a modern theater and arts center. Here you can catch ballets, exhibitions, plays, musicals, storytelling, workshops and more.

Wychwood Art, Deddington

This contemporary art gallery in Deddington will give you a perspective of contemporary British artists working in various styles, from Impressionistic to Pop Art and more.

Others

Bicester Heritage, Bicester

The Bicester Airfield, which was once a base for RAF Bomber command, is now Bicester Heritage, a park where vintage and classic airplanes, cars and motorcycles are being restored and showcased. The 1920s bomber station has had its red brick buildings, airfield and hangars restored. The location was used for the Benedict Cumberbatch movie The Imitation Game. Visitors must book an appointment online with one of the resident specialists before visiting.