Farmoor Reservoir
Farmoor is a unique habitat for wildlife and a dream destination for anglers and sailors. The reservoir provides:
- Three nature reserves, offering the chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife
- On-site fishery so you can spend the day trout fishing
- Easy access walking route around the reservoir, perfect for buggies and wheelchairs
- Great food and amazing views at Oxford Sailing Club Waterside Café
Become a member
Be the first to receive information about wildlife sightings and events.
You can also get involved with conservation and volunteering activities on the reserves.
View our membership terms and conditions.
What to see
Whenever you visit, the nature on display at Farmoor won’t disappoint. January brings teal, water rail and little egret to the wetlands and reservoir. April sees ospreys wheeling across the water in search of fish. In the warmer months, swifts and swallows take to the skies, showing off their diving skills.
The summer brings a hive of activity. You'll be surrounded by the humming and buzzing of dragonflies, bees, and butterflies.
Things to do
There's lots to do at Farmoor Reservoir:
Try out the bird hides
See if you can spot some of our shyest visitors. Visit one of our bird hides to glimpse nature in all its glory. There are areas perfect for nesting birds so you might see some babies!
Enjoy excellent angling
Pit your wits against some of the toughest and, we think, tastiest trout in the UK. There's blue, brown and rainbow trout – all yours for the catching at Farmoor Fishery.
Take to the water
Why not book a taster session with one of our partners and see where the wind takes you? Visit Oxford Sailing Club, Oxford Sail Training Trust or Oxford SUP Club.
How to find us
Opening times:
- March - April - 8am to 5pm
- May - 8am to 9pm
- June - July - 8am to 10pm
- August - 8am to 9pm
- September - October - 8am to 7.30pm
- November to February - 8am to 5pm
The site is closed on Christmas and Boxing day
Address: Farmoor Reservoir, Cumnor Road, Oxford, OX2 9NS
To be respectful to our neighbours when visiting our site, please only park in our main car park at Gate 3.
Visiting safely
- Be respectful of other visitors and staff
- Follow any instructions and information on signs – they're there to keep you safe
- Children must be supervised at all times
- Please stick to footpaths
- Dogs are only allowed on the countryside walk
- No cycling or scooters
Accessibility
- Crest of reservoir fully accessible (tarmac path)
- Not all of the countryside walk is accessible. It's narrow in places and can get very muddy
- Two electric scooters and Wheely fishing boat for hire (via Fisheries office)
- Accessible footpaths to nature reserve from Car Park 3 (please make yourself known to Fisheries staff if using)
- Accessible toilets available
