C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve
Where C.S. Lewis found inspiration: a tranquil woodland and pond sanctuary teeming with dragonflies, toads, and literary magic.
A serene 3-hectare woodland and pond reserve in Headington, Oxford, once owned by author C.S. Lewis. This tranquil sanctuary features a flooded Victorian clay pit teeming with aquatic life, steep wooded slopes dotted with ancient boulders, and abundant wildlife including toads, dragonflies, damselflies, moorhens, and coots. Free to visit and perfect for nature walks, family outings, and discovering the landscapes that inspired the Chronicles of Narnia.
A brief summary to C S Lewis Nature Reserve
- 5 Lewis Cl, Oxford, Headington, OX3 8JD, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in spring (March–May) to witness the remarkable toad spawning event and enjoy peak birdsong as nesting birds return to the woodland.
- Bring binoculars and a field guide for birdwatching; early morning or late afternoon offers the best wildlife sightings and quieter conditions.
- Download the children's discovery trail leaflet from the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust website before your visit to enhance exploration.
- Wear waterproof footwear; paths can be muddy, especially after rain, and the terrain includes steep slopes and uneven ground.
- Parking is very limited; consider using local bus services (routes 13 or 14 from Oxford city centre) or walking from Headington if you're staying nearby.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Oxford city centre, take bus routes 13 or 14 heading towards Headington. Journey time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Alight at Headington Shops stop. From there, walk approximately 10 minutes along London Road towards Headington, then turn left onto Lewis Close to reach the reserve entrance. Bus fares are typically £1.50–£2.50 per journey; day tickets offer better value for multiple trips. Service runs regularly throughout the day, with reduced frequency on Sundays.
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Car
From central Oxford, head east on the A420 towards Headington for approximately 2 miles, then merge onto the A40. Continue on the A40 and take the exit towards Headington. Follow signs for Headington and turn onto Lewis Close; the reserve entrance is at 5 Lewis Close, Oxford OX3 8JD. Parking is very limited on-site and in the immediate vicinity; street parking in the surrounding residential area is available but may have restrictions. Allow 10–15 minutes driving time from the city centre. Petrol costs depend on vehicle efficiency and fuel prices.
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Walking from Headington
If you are already in Headington town centre, the reserve is accessible on foot. From Headington High Street, head towards the roundabout and take London Road. Walk straight for approximately 15–20 minutes until you reach Lewis Close on your left. Turn onto Lewis Close and continue to the reserve entrance at number 5. The route is mostly on pavements with some residential streets; wear comfortable walking shoes. This option is free and offers a pleasant way to explore the local area.
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Cycling
Oxford is a cycle-friendly city with good connections to Headington. From the city centre, cycle east via the A40 corridor or use quieter residential routes towards Headington. Journey time is approximately 15–25 minutes depending on your route and fitness level. Bike parking is available near the reserve entrance. This is a free and environmentally friendly option, though some roads may have moderate traffic.
C S Lewis Nature Reserve location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about C S Lewis Nature Reserve
A Literary Landscape Preserved
The C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve occupies the very grounds where the celebrated Oxford author once wandered, finding inspiration for his beloved Chronicles of Narnia series. This 3-hectare sanctuary in Headington preserves both the natural beauty and the creative spirit that Lewis cherished. The reserve's tranquil atmosphere persists despite proximity to the A40 and surrounding residential areas, creating an unexpected pocket of stillness in the urban landscape. The reserve has been managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust since its acquisition, ensuring its protection as a community nature reserve.The Flooded Pit and Aquatic Wonders
At the heart of the reserve lies a large pond, originally a Victorian clay pit that has been naturally flooded over decades. This water body has become a thriving ecosystem, hosting an extraordinary array of aquatic plants and creatures. In spring, toads migrate here to spawn in spectacular numbers, creating one of nature's most remarkable seasonal events. Summer brings dazzling displays of dragonflies and damselflies, their iridescent wings catching sunlight above the water's surface. Moorhens and coots nest regularly among the reeds, while smaller fish and amphibians complete the aquatic community. The pond's margins support giant horsetail and other wetland plants, creating ideal habitat for the reserve's diverse inhabitants.Woodland Character and Geological Features
The reserve's steeply sloping woodland rises dramatically from the pond, creating a landscape of considerable visual interest. The canopy comprises beech, oak, birch, alder, ash, and hawthorn, with the forest floor carpeted in spring with abundant birdsong and wildflowers. Scattered across the wooded slopes are distinctive large sandstone boulders known locally as 'sandstone doggers'—geological remnants that add sculptural drama to the woodland setting. These ancient stones, combined with the dense tree cover and natural springs that feed the wetland areas, create a landscape of genuine geological and ecological significance.Seasonal Rhythms and Wildlife Highlights
The reserve experiences distinct seasonal transformations that make repeat visits rewarding. Spring brings the spectacle of toad spawning and the return of migratory birds, filling the woodland with song. Summer showcases the aerial acrobatics of dragonflies and damselflies, while wildflowers bloom throughout the reserve. Autumn sees the woodland canopy transform into warm tones, and winter reveals the structural beauty of the bare trees and the geological features beneath. Birdwatchers find particular reward during spring and early summer, when nesting activity peaks and the variety of species is greatest.Community Engagement and Discovery
Since 1969, the reserve has served as an outdoor classroom for school groups and families undertaking field study trips and pond-dipping expeditions. The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust organises working parties on the last Sunday of each month between 10am and 12pm, inviting volunteers to participate in habitat management and conservation. A children's discovery trail leaflet is available for download, transforming a simple walk into an interactive exploration of the reserve's wildlife and features. This combination of free access, educational resources, and volunteer opportunities makes the reserve an accessible nature experience for all ages and abilities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Magdalen Bridge
3.9 km
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Bridge of Sighs
4.4 km
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2.1
4.4 km
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Clarendon Building
4.5 km
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Brasenose College
4.5 km
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Tom Tower
4.6 km
Historic Gothic bell tower by Christopher Wren at Christ Church, home to the iconic Great Tom bell and a symbol of Oxford’s academic heritage.
Visit Oxford Tours
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Oxford Tours UK
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Oxford Experience (University Official Souvenirs)
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Museum of Oxford
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Oxford Magic Walking tours
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Oxford Town Hall
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Great Jewry Marker
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Alice's Shop
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The painted room
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Kilns (C S Lewis House)
0.1 km
Step into the Oxford home where C.S. Lewis wrote the Narnia books and discover the quiet house that shaped a literary legend.
Shotover Country Park
1.0 km
Explore 117 hectares of scenic woodlands, wildlife, and historic trails at Shotover Country Park on Oxford’s doorstep.
Bury Knowle Park
1.4 km
Historic and family-friendly green space in Headington, Oxford, blending culture, play, and nature across 7 hectares.
The Storybook Tree
1.5 km
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Statue of Aslan
1.5 km
Discover the majestic Statue of Aslan in Oxford’s Bury Knowle Park, celebrating C.S. Lewis’s timeless lion in a serene literary setting.
The Headington Shark
1.7 km
A surreal 25-foot shark crashing through a rooftop, symbolizing protest and creativity in the heart of Oxford’s Headington suburb.
The Oxford Artisan Distillery
2.4 km
Discover Oxford’s premier grain-to-glass distillery crafting award-winning spirits with heritage grains and sustainable practices.
South Park
2.9 km
Sprawling green hills and panoramic city views make South Park a beloved outdoor escape in Oxford.
Headington Hill Park
3.2 km
A historic Oxford park with mature trees, scenic slopes, and city views, perfect for peaceful walks and community events.
Florence Park
3.3 km
Florence Park in East Oxford is a vibrant community green space with gardens, play areas, tennis courts, and the welcoming hub Flo’s Café.
Great Meadow
3.7 km
A tranquil and historic green space nestled within Magdalen College’s iconic Oxford grounds, perfect for peaceful strolls and nature appreciation.
New Marston Meadows
3.8 km
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The Plain
3.8 km
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Magdalen College
4.0 km
Explore Magdalen College’s medieval architecture, tranquil gardens, and unique deer park nestled beside Oxford’s scenic River Cherwell.
Oxford Botanic Garden
4.0 km
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Essential places to dine
The Longwall Beefeater
2.9 km
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Yeti
3.0 km
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Comie's Caribbean Grill
3.1 km
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Antep Kitchen
3.2 km
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Le Kesh
3.3 km
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The Coconut Tree Oxford
3.4 km
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Arbequina
3.6 km
Bold Spanish tapas in a converted chemist with bohemian buzz and impeccable service.
Spiced Roots Restaurant
3.6 km
Authentic Caribbean cuisine and rum cocktails in Oxford's most celebrated island-inspired restaurant.
Pan Pan Restaurant
3.6 km
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The Magdalen Arms
3.6 km
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La Cucina
3.6 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Oxford at La Cucina, a family-run gem with a vibrant open kitchen.
CuttleFish
3.7 km
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Moya
3.7 km
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Kazbar Restaurant
3.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and North African tapas in a cozy Moorish-inspired setting on Oxford’s lively Cowley Road.
Quod Restaurant & Bar
4.4 km
Elegant European dining with a lively atmosphere and historic Oxford views on the High Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Retro Room
3.5 km
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Babylon Trading
4.2 km
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Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
4.4 km
Discover exclusive scholarly gifts and rare books in the historic heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
Bodleian Weston Library Shop
4.5 km
Explore exclusive literary gifts and scholarly treasures at the Bodleian Weston Library Shop in Oxford’s iconic Weston Library.
The Varsity Shop
4.5 km
Oxford’s premier destination for authentic university apparel and accessories, blending tradition and style on historic High Street.
The Chapter House Shop
4.5 km
Discover authentic Oxford heritage through unique gifts and local crafts at The Chapter House Shop within Christ Church’s historic grounds.
Christ Church Gift Shop
4.5 km
Discover unique Oxford souvenirs and exclusive Christ Church memorabilia in a charming shop nestled within historic college grounds.
Scriptum
4.6 km
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Objects of Use
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Space Store Oxford
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Goodies Oxford
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Cool Britannia
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Broad Canvas
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Soctopus
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Crystal Spirit Emporium
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Baron
3.2 km
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The Mad Hatter
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The Cape Of Good Hope
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King's Arms, Oxford
4.4 km
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White Horse
4.5 km
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All Bar One Oxford
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The House
4.6 km
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The Varsity Club
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St Aldates
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Hanks Bar
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The Three Goats Heads Pub
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Lamb and Flag
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The Grapes
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The Royal Blenheim
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Cow & Creek
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Fever Oxford
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ATIK Oxford
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Oxford Leisure Ltd
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Kiss Bar
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The Bridge Nightclub
5.3 km
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Mirage Aylesbury
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TWC
33.0 km
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The Venue, Bucks
33.3 km
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Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
33.3 km
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Diligence
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Popworld - Reading
36.5 km
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Reading Lola Lo
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Q Club
36.5 km
Experience Reading’s energetic nightlife at Q Club, a lively nightclub and bar offering music, drinks, and late-night fun on Friar Street.
Gun Street Garden
36.8 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Nature Escape
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Nature Reserve
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
