Horspath brings together several distinct interests: a bat hibernation site in a disused railway tunnel, church art, and wine and brewing culture. Nearby, the Shotover Country Park offers nature trails. When planning your trip, it is worth noting the differences: some attractions have specific opening hours or dates, while the nature trails offer routes with different time requirements.
Nature and trails around Horspath
The disused railway tunnel in the Horspath Wildlife Conservation Area is used as a bat hibernation site. A gravel path runs around the site. Details about habitat management may change, so check local trail conditions before your visit.
Horspath Local Wildlife Site is located in a disused railway cutting and can be accessed from Butts Road. Littleworth Nature Reserve has entrances via Sandy Lane and the footpath to Gidley Way in Horspath. The Oxford Green Belt Way runs through the local area of Horspath; check official information about possible diversions before using it.
Shotover Country Park: trails by duration
Near Horspath, most of Shotover Country Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). At a leisurely pace, three waymarked trails take about 30 minutes, 45 minutes and two hours, respectively. The different time estimates can help you plan a shorter or longer visit to the park. The park also offers five kilometres of trails for horse riders and cyclists. Check official information for possible changes to the routes.
Church of St Giles and its traces through time
The Church of St Giles contains fabric dating from the late 12th, 13th, 15th and 19th centuries. H. J. Underwood restored the church in 1852. The stained glass also represents different periods: it includes two figures from around 1280, as well as numerous figures and fragments from the 15th and 16th centuries. The building history and stained glass offer two concrete ways to explore the church’s history.
Historical names of Horspath
Horspath is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name “Horspadan”. The oldest surviving parish register dates from 1561 and gives the place name as “Horsepath”. A local history account traces the Anglo-Saxon name “Horsepadan” to an old bridleway that connected to London Road via neighbouring Wheatley. Alongside the historical spellings, the traditional route and the history of the name are further topics to explore.
Wine and brewing culture
Oxford Brewery’s Tap Room and Brewery Shop are located next to the brewery in Cooper’s Yard in Horspath. In 2026, the Tap Room is open Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm to 11 pm. Oxford Brewery also holds its Taproom Sessions on the third Thursday of each month from 7 pm in 2026. Opening hours and event dates may change; check the details before your visit.
Sunnyhill Vineyard and Winery in Horspath is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm in 2026. These opening hours may also change, so it is advisable to check before travelling. For private groups, the winery offers tours and tastings that introduce winemaking from grape production through to fermentation. This takes you from the vineyard and production process to group visits.
Discover more destinations: Weston-On-The-Green, Charney Bassett, Sparsholt, Wantage, Banbury, Fifield, Faringdon, Bletchingdon
For the regional travel overview: Oxfordshire.
