Crime & Safety
Pretty wild garden in Oxfordshire that’s free to enjoy
Just over 10 minutes from Chipping Norton is Wychwood Wild Garden, a “beautiful woodland and garden”.
One of its visitors, known as @laurasnextstop on Instagram, said you can expect “12.5 acres of woodland walks where you can follow the streams to reach ponds lined with draping willow trees — it’s like something from a fairytale on a sunny day.”
What’s more, she says you don’t need a National Trust membership to enjoy its beauty as it’s not owned by the organisation – in fact, it won’t cost you a penny.
That’s unless you decide to donate to help maintain it.
The garden’s website explains: “The Wild Garden is maintained by local volunteers together with funds from subscriptions and donations.
“We incur annual running costs of between £4,000 and £7,000.
“Please become a Member to guarantee the long term future of the Wild Garden.”
Wychwood Wild Garden in Oxfordshire is ‘so peaceful’ to visit
Sharing a video of the ponds and ducks swimming, @laurasnextstop said: “I reckon this might be one of the prettiest garden walks in the UK and it’s free…”
The garden’s website says: “The Wychwood Wild Garden is a beautiful woodland and garden, close to the centre of Shipton-under-Wychwood in Oxfordshire.
“Its 12.5 acres of avenues, woods and ponds much of which was laid out in the 1860’s, is home to wild life and many breeds of ducks and birds.
“It is a private garden, owned and managed by a local charity and offered as a place of peace and tranquillity to local residents, guests and visitors to the area.”
It continues: “Entering the Wild Garden through the wrought iron gates, restored in 2010, you see the Lime Avenue stretching ahead of you.
“A hundred Limes, some over 250 years old, grace the entrance to a magical place.
“At the end of the avenue is the Round Pond – actually elliptical, you have to stand on the bridge to see it Round!
“A view of the magnificent Cedar of Lebanon, possibly over 300 years old takes your breath away.
“Above the Round Pond is what was originally the fish pond for Shipton Court, now home to ducks and moorhens and shrouded by willows.
“Turning down stream are the canals, leading over three waterfalls and eventually flowing on down to the Evenlode.
A brief history of the National Trust
“Woodland areas are left relatively untouched to allow nature to manage the environment.
“The Wild Garden provides something for everyone.”
Is Wychwood Wild Garden worth visiting?
Visitors have been impressed with the gardens, sharing their experiences on Tripadvisor.
With a staggering 4.8-star rating, visitors have praised its beauty and enjoyed spotting wildlife such as deer, robins, and blue tits.
One said: “So peaceful. Went twice in the week we were there.
“All you can hear is birdsong and water. Little gem”.
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This person said: “Lovely walk in the morning, lucky to see some small deer.
“I think possibly muntjac deer, which are very small.
“They kept their distance but didn’t seem too concerned to our presence.”
Someone else commented: “Lovely tranquil place to wander around the paths with a large pond towards the rear.
“Some tracks may get messy when wet. Well worth a visit.”
Have you been to Wychwood Wild Garden? Let us know in the comments.
The Falcon Boat Club received the boat from Jeff Bethray, the bursar of OMBS Oxford, a private school offering a post-A-level alternative to a university course.
Based at Donnington Bridge, the Falcon Boat Club provides free rowing training to pupils from local state schools, aiming to broaden the local appeal of what is often considered an elite sport.
This six-seat sculling boat is more commonly seen on European rivers rather than the Thames.
OMBS expressed their pleasure in supporting the venture, which gives pupils a chance to engage in a non-contact sport they might not otherwise have access to.
Greyfriars School pupils and Falcon coaches were present at the handover.
The club hopes to introduce rowing, thought of as an elite sport, to a wider local audience.
Members of the Oxford Youth Musical Theatre (OYMT) transformed Oxford’s train station and Westgate Shopping Centre into the streets of 19th-century France with theatrical performances from Les Misérables School Edition.
The spontaneous displays were a lead-up to the group’s sold-out show at the Amey Theatre in Abingdon, which ran from April 16 to 18.
One performer said: “The two flash mobs were a way for us to share our work with the local community in a vibrant, spontaneous way, outside the rehearsal room and the theatre itself.”
Led by Debbie Rose for the past 17 years, OYMT is known for developing young talent and delivering high-quality musical theatre.
The group is part of Oxfordshire County Music Service and is open to performers aged 12 to 18.
Many alumni have gone on to perform in the West End and with national opera companies.
Each year, OYMT holds auditions in July and mounts one major production, alternating between venues such as the Oxford Playhouse.
The group also welcomes students interested in stage management.
Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 6.45pm to 9.15pm at the Centre for Music on Bayswater Road in Oxford, with an additional Saturday session each month.
For more details or to join the waiting list for the 2025-26 season, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/youthmusictheatre.
The Lamb Inn in Little Milton, which features in the Michelin Guide, has been described as having “the best” seasonal menu.
TikTok user @alexandhayleyeats shared a video on the social media platform showing the exterior of the pub that boasts a thatched roof and beer garden, and the food they ordered.
The caption of the video reads: “The best pub in Oxfordshire!
“It’s hardly surprising the food is so good when the head chef is Michelin-trained Head Chef Nat Berney.
“The seasonal menu is genuinely the best menu we’ve seen at a pub.
“Add The Lamb Inn (Little Milton) to your list and you will come back again and again.
“As well as being awarded Two Rosettes, they can also be found in the Michelin Guide”.
On the pub’s website, customers can get to know more about it: “Situated in the village of Little Milton outside of Oxford, this charming 16th Century thatched public house has been serving elevated British pub food since its reopening under new ownership from 2022.
“The kitchen, run by Michelin trained Head Chef Nat Berney, provides delicate to hearty dishes within this family run business.
“Recently having been awarded Two Rosettes and gaining Best Upcoming Gastropub in Oxfordshire 2024 by LuxLife Magazine, the teams are constantly striving to provide best in class service all round.
“With a seasonally changing menu and a curated wine list (mostly by the glass), of small producers from around the world, The Lamb Inn is perfectly placed for destination lunches, long dinners and planned Sunday Roasts.”
Is The Lamb Inn worth a visit?
At the time of writing, the pub has an impressive 4.6 rating on Tripadvisor from 107 reviews, with customers sharing their experiences.
One visitor said: “We had lunch at The Lamb today to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary.
“Everything was absolutely excellent from start to finish.
“The Rack of Lamb and Rib Eye Steak were both done to perfection.
“And the service was friendly and attentive throughout.
“I’d go as far as to say it’s the best meal we’ve had out in either Oxfordshire or Bucks.
“Thanks to the team there.”
This customer said: “We had a great time, the building is full of charm with a cozy and welcoming feel.
“The food was excellent, beautifully presented, full of flavour, and clearly made with care.
“A lovely evening all round! Can not wait to visit again.”
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Someone else commented: “This was our second time to the Lamb and the food was great.
“We all enjoyed our meals with the stand out being the desserts.
“We’ll definitely be back as it’s rare to get this quality of food and service.”
Which pub in Oxfordshire is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
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