Interested in bringing a group?
Withymead is a wonderful place to bring your group in 2024. Our study centre, the reserve, orchard and oak grove are available for talks, special interest groups, nature studies and surveys. A short introductory talk from our head warden or one of our trustees about the reserve comes as part of the booking. Homemade light refreshments (tea/coffee/biscuits/cake) provided by volunteers can be added with sufficient notice. (Please advise dietary requirements/allergies in advance.) It’s also possible to accommodate pre-arranged large groups (e.g. 10 or more) to our regular open days: just let us know a minimum of 14 days in advance.
From photography clubs, natural history groups, academic researchers and Brownie packs to local branches of the Rambler’s Association and the Women’s Institute, we have welcomed them all. If you are a non-profit organisation or educational group, why not get in touch? Click on ‘how to book’, choose ‘group visit’ from the drop-down menu in the contact us form, let us know the details and date you’d like to come, and we’ll get back to you.
Entrance to Withymead for non-commercial bookings is free. We’d love you to consider donating to support our conservation work.
How to book
Parking
Access to Withymead is along Bridle Way, which is a tarmac road that turns into a gravelled track. Used by walkers, runners, cyclists and horse-riders as well as car users, it has 5mph speed limit. Our small car park is on the opposite side of the reserve entrance, on Bridle Way. Although there is room for 18 carefully parked vehicles, we encourage visitors arriving this way to car-share where possible as there is no over-flow capacity. Please note that whilst minibuses can be accommodated, Bridle Way and the car park is not suitable for coaches.
Find us
Facilities, access and safety
On-site facilities include a small car park for up to 18 carefully parked cars, a Study Centre, outdoor seating in the Oak Grove, and a unisex toilet suitable for people with disabilities. The main paths on the reserve enable access for all, including wheelchairs and buggies. However, our boardwalks and hides are only suitable for access on foot. We ask visitors to keep to designated paths. Beware uneven or slippery surfaces, deep water in the ponds and inlets, and strong currents in the river. To protect wildlife and habitats, dogs (other than assistance dogs) are not allowed on the reserve. They are welcome at the Study Centre if kept on a lead and under control. Children must be supervised at all times.
At our open days, group and private visits and other pre-arranged days we offer a small selection of items for sale, such as honey, turned bowls and greetings cards. A percentage of these sales is donated to support our conservation work. We accept both card payments and cash. Please see FAQs and Find us to help plan your visit.
Goring-on-Thames and South Stoke
Withymead is in the Chilterns National Landscape (previously known as Areas of Outstanding Beauty) and situated between the two beautiful and historic south Oxfordshire villages of Goring-on-Thames and South Stoke. Both are an easy walk from the reserve: a short 5/10-minute walk north brings you to South Stoke, which has a pub and a village shop.
A longer 20-minute walk south brings you to Goring-on-Thames, which has two pubs, cafes, shops and Goring and Streatley railway station. With Streatley across the river in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, you are in an area known as the Goring Gap, criss-crossed with public footpaths, giving fabulous walks in all directions. Nearby attractions include three National Trust properties Basildon Park, Grey’s Court and Nuffield Place. Find out more about our local area.
Got a question? View our FAQs