Oakley Wood
Enjoy a peaceful woodland walk through Oakley Wood, near Leamington Spa. The wood covers 47 hectares (116 acres) and consists of ancient woodland with lots of bluebells and wildflowers in the spring and summer months. It's also a significant butterfly site containing 70% of Warwickshire's butterfly species including Clouded Yellow, Large White, Small White and Small Tortoiseshell. You can also look out for deer and a variety of woodland birds including spotted woodpecker and blackcap.
There are two waymarked walking routes to follow in the woods, a blue trail with 8 trail marker posts and a red one with 12 posts.
To extend your walking in the area you could head to the nearby Charlecote Park. Here you can enjoy a walk along the River Avon and visit the lovely waterfall and the large lake. You can reach the park from the nearby village of Wellesbourne on the Wellesbourne Walk. It's about a 2 mile walk from the village, running along the River Dene. You can also visit the village's historic watermill beforehand.
Also nearby is Burton Dassett Hills Country Park.
The elevated park is located near the pretty little village of Avon Dassett and commands some wonderful views from the high points. From the village the National Trust's splendid Farnborough Hall can also easily be accessed.
Postcode
CV33 9QP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Oakley Wood Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Oakley Wood Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Oakley Wood OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Oakley Wood Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Just to the north west there's the attractive village of Barford where you could pay a visit to The Joseph Arch. This fine pub is named after a local man who was founder of the agricultural workers union. The country pub has a charming interior with flagstone floors and an open fire. Outside there's a decked terrace for warmer days. They serve good food with an Indian restaurant attached to the pub.
You can find them on Bridge Street at a postcode of CV35 8EH for your sat navs. Parking is available and the pub is also dog friendly.
The village also includes a noteworthy 14th century church and fine views of the River Avon from Barford Bridge.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
About 5 miles to the south there's another local highlight at Compton Verney. The fine Georgian Mansion is surrounded by Capability Brown landscaped grounds with woodland, lakes, sculptures and some particularly impressive redwoods. The site also includes an award winning art gallery which is well worth a visit. Near here there's also Ettington Park to explore. Here you'll find a Grade I listed Victorian mansion surrounded by 40 acres of lovely parkland with well laid out gardens, an Orangery, an ancient Norman Chapel and views of the River Stour.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Warwickshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Bluebells in Oakley Woods
Track to Oakley Wood
Oakley Wood
Ten Rides