Farmoor Reservoir
Oxfordshire
Farmoor Reservoir is situated five miles to the west of Oxford.
Farmoor Reservoir, Oxfordshire
Points of interest
Surrounded by beautiful countryside with woodland views, and the River Thames nearby, there is plenty to do around the reservoir.
Activities range from countryside walks, birdwatching, trout fly-fishing, sailing, and wind surfing.
How to get there
The reservoir is well connected, the A40 and A34 are within reach.
A frequent bus service between Oxford and Witney stops in Farmoor village, approximately half-a-mile away from gate three.
| Site facilities | |
|---|---|
| How to visit | Open access |
| Contact | View contact information page |
| Members only |  |
| Toilets |  |
| Car park | |
| Accessibility | |
| Refreshments | |
| Picnic | |
Countryside walk
The four-mile walk around the reservoir offers views of the water, woodland paths, Thames riverside meadows, and nature reserves.
The walk starts from the visitor car park at gate three, and maps can be obtained from the Farmoor Reservoir centre.
Information boards around the walk explain the wildlife interest of the area.Dogs are welcome, if kept on a lead, but nowhere else on the reservoir site.
We regret that the walk is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Accessible wetland trail
We have recently built a trail suitable for wheelchairs, which links our accessible bird hide at Pinkhill Meadow with the hide at nearby Shrike Meadow.
There is a short ramp with a 1:20 slope, and car parking for disabled badge holders is available at the Pinkhill hide at the start of the trail.
Please report to the Farmoor Reservoir centre on arrival.
Birdwatching at Farmoor
Farmoor Reservoir is one of the top birdwatching venues in Oxfordshire.
The combination of open reservoir, woodland, and riverside wetlands and meadows attracts a great variety of birds.
Our three-wetland nature reserves have won national awards.
We have a close relationship with the Oxford ornithological society and hold open days and bird events through the year.
Binoculars can be hired from the Farmoor Reservoir centre.
Sailing
Oxford sailing club runs dinghy and windsurfing racing and training events.
The Oxford and district school sailing association provides sailing experience and training for young people and schools in the area.
