Attractions and Places To See around Upper Heyford - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Upper Heyford offer a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. This Oxfordshire village is known for its past as a prominent RAF and USAF airbase, featuring notable landmarks from the Cold War era. The area also provides access to the River Cherwell and Oxford Canal, alongside the gently sloping Upper Heyford Plateau with its woodlands and arable farmland. Visitors can explore a variety of sites reflecting both human history and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Upper Heyford
- The most popular attractions is Northampton Bike Park, a facilities that features 9 trails for mountain biking, ranging from green to black flow and jump trails. This 40-acre urban park was formerly a golf course.
- Another must-see spot is Nene Whitewater Centre, a cafe and sport facility. This center is the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course, offering activities for various skill levels and featuring a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Visitors also love Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench, a man-made monument. This memorial bench commemorates the crew of a USA AF B-17 Bomber who lost their lives in 1944.
- Upper Heyford is known for its historical sites, natural waterways, and outdoor activity centers. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from Cold War heritage to peaceful riverside walks.
- The attractions around Upper Heyford are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and over 20 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Northampton Bike Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Nene Whitewater Centre
Highlight • Cafe
Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.
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Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench
Highlight • Monument
The Norton B-17
On the 15th of December 1944 B-17G Flying Fortress 43-38973 of the 305th Bomb Group, 422nd Bombardment Squadron based at Chelveston was returning from a bombing mission over the mashalling yards at Kassel in Germany.
It had been badly damaged and one engine was out. The aircraft managed to return from the raid but once over the coast it began to have difficulty in maintaining height. The problems were compounded by a complete blanket of fog over England.
Not sure of their position they flew lower and lower and eventually collided with the Air Ministry GEE mast on Borough Hill Daventry. The port wing was severed during the collision and the aircraft crashed at Norton Fields killing the crew of nine.
On August the 24th 2014 Sywell Aviation Museum carried out an excavation to locate the remains of the aircraft. All artefacts recovered during this excavation may be viewed in a special display within the museum.
On the 24th of August 2015 a memorial service was held at the Daventry War Memorial and a plaque was unveiled to the crew by the son and grand daughter of the ball gun turret operator Sgt. Burry.
The USAF was represented at the memorial service by Lieut.Col Ford, Commander of the 422nd Medical Squadron USAF from RAF Croughton and sir Tim Boswell, Deputy Lord Lieut. of Northamptonshire representing the county.
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Harlestone Firs
Highlight • Forest
There is roadside parking in front of the main entrance, though this can get full quickly on a nice day or at the weekend. An ice cream van parks here most busy days, selling the local Gallone's ice cream, along with all the classics.
You can also visit the garden centre 328 feet (100 m) down from the forest entrance, where there is a cafe, shops and toilets.
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The Eleanor Cross, Hardingstone
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
God is not only a theme in theological books; many other authors also repeatedly address him in secular literature. Giovanni Guareschi, with his "invention" of Don Camillo, who converses with the crucified Christ at the high altar, is a very prominent example of this. Even in many crime novels, monks or priests are woven into the plots and naturally bring a spiritual perspective on God and humanity. This is also the case several times in the crime series about the "Healer of Canterbury," published under the pseudonym Celia L. Grace, which the author has set in 15th-century England. In one of these stories, titled "The Poisoners' Feast," Father Clement (the local priest of a village plagued by a series of murders) speaks generally about his parishioners: "May the Lord have mercy on us all. They are good people, they are generous, they attend Mass, they try to live good lives, it's just..." he peered into the darkness. "It's as if things go wrong because they go wrong, Mistress. That's what Augustine said, wasn't it? We want God, we pursue what is good, but we are never in balance with ourselves, not with our neighbors, not with the world, and not with God." (Celia L. Grace, "The Poisoners' Feast") Perhaps a brief rest before this small sacred monument offers those lingering here the opportunity to regain a little more balance with themselves, with their neighbors and the rest of the world, but above all with God—the Lord of heaven and earth.
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The Nene Whitewater Centre is the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course, offering activities for all skill levels – from families to seasoned kayakers. Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.
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Visit Delapre Woods just next to the car park for some extra fun!
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The area is great, lots of paths and variety, but the route given sticks to busy roads where you have to keep your dog on a lead. It also directs you down a private drive with no public right of way. Come to the area and follow your nose, not this route.
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Great bike park for all abilities, well maintained trails with easy to follow signs. Great fun 👍
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Good spot for practicing cornering, jumps etc. Suffering a bit with getting parts washed away with the persistent rain we have had just lately (Dec-Jan 2022-23).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Upper Heyford?
Upper Heyford is rich in history. You can visit the Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, located on the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase, to learn about its Cold War past. The village also features St Mary's Church, a Grade II* listed building with roots dating back to AD 1074, and Manor Farm (New College Barn), a significant tithe barn from around 1400. Evidence of ancient history can be found with The Portway, a pre-Roman road. Additionally, the Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench commemorates a significant WWII event.
Are there opportunities for outdoor activities and sports near Upper Heyford?
Yes, there are several options for outdoor enthusiasts. For mountain biking, Northampton Bike Park offers 9 trails ranging from green to black. The Nene Whitewater Centre provides activities for various skill levels on the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course. The area also offers numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. You can find many options for easy hikes, cycling tours, and running trails around Upper Heyford.
What natural features and scenic spots can I find in the area?
Upper Heyford is situated on the east bank of the River Cherwell and provides access to the Oxford Canal, both offering picturesque views and peaceful walks. The surrounding landscape includes the gently sloping Upper Heyford Plateau, characterized by open limestone terrain, arable farmland, and blocks of deciduous woodland. You can also explore Harlestone Firs, a forest great for walks.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Upper Heyford?
Families can enjoy several attractions. The village has an Upper Heyford Playground with a large climbing frame, swings, and a zip wire. For active families, Northampton Bike Park offers trails suitable for various skill levels, and the Nene Whitewater Centre provides family-friendly water activities. The Borough Hill B-17 Bomber Memorial Bench and The Eleanor Cross, Hardingstone are also suitable for family visits.
Where can I find dog-friendly places for walks near Upper Heyford?
The region offers several dog-friendly walking spots. Harlestone Firs is particularly popular for walks with dogs, featuring miles of criss-crossing paths. Many of the local countryside walks along the River Cherwell and Oxford Canal are also suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control.
What is the best way to learn about Upper Heyford's military history?
To delve into Upper Heyford's military past, the Upper Heyford Heritage Centre is the primary attraction. It offers guided tours of the historic RAF Upper Heyford airfield, allowing visitors to explore original 'bomb-proof' aircraft shelters, the Battle Command Centre, and a nuclear bomb store. You can find more information about visiting hours and tours on their official website: upperheyfordheritage.co.uk.
Are there any cafes or refreshment stops near the attractions?
Yes, the Nene Whitewater Centre features a fantastic cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists looking for hot or cold refreshments. Additionally, if you visit Harlestone Firs, there is a garden centre nearby with a cafe.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Upper Heyford?
The region is rich in wildlife habitats. Areas around the former airbase and along the Oxford Canal are home to flower-rich limestone and neutral grasslands, where you might spot wildflowers like bee orchids, cowslip, and devil's-bit scabious. It's also a haven for various butterflies and birds, including skylarks and meadow pipits. Wet marshy areas near the canal support a diverse range of wetland species.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Upper Heyford?
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Cold War heritage at the former airbase offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, while the peaceful riverside walks along the River Cherwell and Oxford Canal provide a serene escape. Outdoor activity centers like Northampton Bike Park and Nene Whitewater Centre are also highly rated for their facilities and range of activities.
How can I get to Upper Heyford using public transport?
While specific public transport routes can vary, Upper Heyford is a village in Oxfordshire. It's advisable to check local bus services connecting to nearby towns like Bicester or Oxford, which typically have more extensive public transport links. For the most up-to-date information on bus schedules and routes, consult Oxfordshire County Council's public transport resources or national journey planners.
Are there any specific tips for visiting Northampton Bike Park?
When visiting Northampton Bike Park, be aware that while riding is free, there are paid parking charges which contribute to the park's upkeep. It's recommended to check the parking instructions thoroughly, as some visitors have reported issues with clarity. The park offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, from flowy green to black jump trails, making it a good spot for practicing cornering and jumps.
Most popular routes around Upper Heyford
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