Godstow Holt

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire Oxford

England

Godstow Holt

A4144 Woodstock Road, Oxford Heading north out of town. — A4144 Woodstock Road, Oxford Credit: Robin Webster

Godstow Holt is a picturesque woodland situated in Oxfordshire, England. Nestled on the outskirts of the historic city of Oxford, it covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is characterized by its dense and diverse forest. The holt, an archaic term for a small wood or copse, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

The woodland is predominantly comprised of native tree species such as oak, beech, and birch, creating a rich and vibrant canopy that filters sunlight to the forest floor. This allows for the growth of an array of flora, including bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic, which carpet the forest in a riot of colors during springtime.

Godstow Holt is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Visitors may spot species such as woodpeckers, owls, and kingfishers, as well as small mammals like foxes, badgers, and squirrels. The woodland provides an important habitat for these creatures, offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

In addition to its natural beauty, Godstow Holt holds historical significance. It is believed to have been part of the ancient Royal Forest of Bernwood, which was once a vast hunting ground for English kings. The remnants of an old deer park wall still stand within the woodland, serving as a reminder of its past.

Overall, Godstow Holt is a captivating woodland retreat that showcases the beauty of Oxfordshire's natural landscapes. Whether for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply immersing oneself in the serenity of nature, this wood offers a peaceful sanctuary for visitors to enjoy.

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Godstow Holt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.77421/-1.2996907 or Grid Reference SP4808. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A4144 Woodstock Road, Oxford

Heading north out of town.

Robin Webster

Railway near Wolvercote

Railways, roads, river and canal. There's a lot going on transport wise in SP4810.

Des Blenkinsopp

Track to the Canal

A short track over waste ground between the A40 and Oxford Canal. Probably for waterways work vehicles.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Trout Inn, Wolvercote

The old stones of the picturesquely situated Trout Inn seen here bathed in late evening sunlight. The pub is situated immediately adjacent to a branch of the Thames as it flows past Oxford through the village of Wolvercote, though a weir under the bridge next to the pub prevents this arm being navigable. The pub's own website here Link

Dating mostly from the C17th, it is EH Grade II listed Link

Rob Farrow

Trout at The Trout

Why the pub is called what it is! The Trout Inn (see SP4809 : The Trout Inn, Wolvercote) is immediately adjacent to a branch of the River Thames (or Isis as it is known in this locality). There were eight good sized Brown Trout swimming in the river beside the outside seating area - this is one of them.

Rob Farrow

Little Godstow Bridge & Weir, Wolvercote

Little Godstow Bridge is situated immediately to the south of SP4809 : The Trout Inn, Wolvercote and carries the lane to Wolvercote over a branch of the River Thames (or Isis) with a weir built into its arches dropping the river level by about 4' (1.2m) I would estimate. A navigable arm of the Thames flows under a second bridge (Godstow Bridge) immediately south of this one. The bridge, which is mediæval in origin, but was reconstructed in 1892 is EH Grade II listed Link

Rob Farrow

Trout Inn Footbridge, Wolvercote

This graceful Chinese-style wooden footbridge spans an arm of the River Thames from the patio of SP4809 : The Trout Inn, Wolvercote across to a tiny islet created by the two branches of the Thames (or Isis) here. It dates from the late C19th/early C20th and is EH Grade II listed Link

Rob Farrow

University Farm

N Chadwick

Footbridge, Thames Path

This National Trail is 184 miles (294 km) long, following the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds almost to the sea, finishing at the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. The trail keeps to the banks of the river most of the route. Website: Link

N Chadwick

Wytham Stream

N Chadwick

River Thames

N Chadwick

River Thames

The River Thames rises at Thames Head in Gloucestershire on the slopes of the Cotswolds and flows generally eastward to its mouth near Southend in Essex. At 215 miles long it is one of the longest rivers in Britain, and the longest entirely within England. It is one of the most important rivers in Britain. Link

N Chadwick