If you like to be organised, like me, then you’ve probably already thought about where your Christmas or Boxing Day walks are going to be this year. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up and live in and around Henley, a beautiful town in Oxfordshire. There are so many gorgeous places here to explore that it is the perfect place to go on a family walk this festive season. Here are some of the best Christmas walks around Henley-on-Thames. Enjoy!
Greys Court
Whilst not open on the bank holidays, Greys Court has some of the most beautiful scenery in this part of the world. Allegedly, the latest owners of this historic house only bought it for the view and, when you see it, it is not hard to see why. On a winter’s morning, walking into the woods and fields is truly magical. Plus, you can also go into the house. Check out my post on this for more information.
Warburg Nature Reserve
This is easily one of the prettiest places around the Henley area. In the winter, whilst you don’t get the display of wildlife like you would in the Summer, you still are rewarded with excellent views. The walk around the reserve can take a good few hours and it is a perfect place to unwind. It is also a lesser-known spot, so you shouldn’t have too many people there.
Temple Island and on to Hambleden
Any Henley local knows the famous walk to Temple Island. This is where the Henley Royal Regatta start line is located. On a cold, winter’s morning, the path of the Thames is just stunning. You’ll see the mist rising and the frost on the grass looks magical. I think that a trek up to Temple Island and then on to Hambledon Lock is the perfect Henley walk. Perfect for burning the calories ready for Christmas Day.
Wittenham Clumps
Just outside of Wallingford is the historic Wittenham Clumps. I love walking around these hills any time of the year, but on a frosty morning you get some of the best views around. The white fields and trees seem to go on forever. The walking route is really easy too and you can choose how steep you get. There are also some excellent pubs in the local villages nearby.
Turville
If you are a fan of the Vicar of Dibley, you’ll like Turville. This is the village where the sitcom was filmed and the surrounding hills are some of the best in Oxfordshire. The climb up some of them (especially the windmill) is quite challenging, especially when the ground is slippy. However, if you manage to get to the top, you’ll get views for miles around. If climbing is not for you, stroll around the village and the footpaths that jot off of it. Then, reward yourself for your efforts in the local pub!
Watlington Hill and Christmas Common
Nothing says a Christmas walk like a stroll around Christmas Common. Okay, so it may be just a name, but this little village has a lot to offer. There is a National Trust car park at Watlington Hill, which is only half a mile away from Christmas Common. If you then follow the path around the full trail, if you like. It is quite challenging with the hill, believe me, but I think it is well worth it. This website describes the journey in a bit more detail and gives you a map too. Just make sure you wrap up warm as it is quite exposed.
Rotherfield Greys (either to or from Henley)
One of the best walks that Henley has to offer is to the sleepy hamlet in Rotherfield Greys. This route is slightly out of the town centre and begins by the Henley College playing fields. If you take the path that goes alongside it and carry on through the valley, you are rewarded with some insanely beautiful views. I would dare say that this is my favourite stretch of countryside around Henley. If you carry on, you will eventually get to the little hamlet of Rotherfield Greys. Easily one of the best Christmas walks around Henley-on-Thames
Sonning Common and Kidmore End
This part of the area is underrated slightly. I think that Kidmore End in particular is very beautiful and picturesque, perfect for a winter walk. If you start in Sonning Common and head down Kennylands Road, you will reach a footpath that takes you over to Kidmore End. By following it, you can then go full circular by banking towards Gallowstree Common before coming back where you started. Or, just choose sections of the walk if that is too long. Here is a good guide to the walk.
Shiplake and Binfield Heath Circular
Just outside of Henley is the pretty village of Shiplake. There are a few walks that you can do here, all are some of the best Christmas walks around Henley-on-Thames. Firstly, you can easily walk here from Henley-on-Thames by following the Thames Path. The walk is relatively easy, but can be muddy towards the middle. The next walk is all around Shiplake and Binfield. I found this great walk a while back and I would happily recommend it.
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Other posts that may help you:
- Best Places for a Christmas Lunch in Henley-on-Thames [2023]
- Christmas Time Around Oxfordshire: Top Events [2023]
- Top Pubs in Henley-on-Thames | Henley Royal Regatta
- The Tree Barn: Christmas Common
Thank you for reading and I hope that you enjoyed the post! If you have any questions about anything on my list OR Oxfordshire in general please do get in touch in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
