Betjeman Millennium Park

The old railway line between Wantage and Grove got a second life when someone had the good sense to turn it into a nature reserve instead of letting it moulder away. Betjeman Millennium Park runs along what used to be the Great Western Railway route, and you can still spot the odd bit of Victorian infrastructure if you're paying attention.

It's essentially a long, flat walking and cycling corridor through open countryside - decent if you need to stretch your legs without anything too strenuous. The appeal isn't dramatic views or rare species; it's more the gentle rhythm of walking a proper path through fields and hedgerows, with the occasional glimpse of old railway history. You'll see wildflowers depending on season, birds if you're quiet, and the occasional cyclist rattling past.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not thrilling for young kids unless they're the type who'll happily plod for hours, but it works perfectly as a leg-stretch between other activities in the area. You can easily spend an hour here or three, depending on how far you fancy going - the path is extensive and well-maintained.

Based near Wantage, it slots nicely into a broader Oxfordshire exploration. If you're staying at somewhere like Evelyns Garden Glamping just down the road, this is the sort of place to blow off steam on a sunny morning before heading elsewhere. Free access, no faffing with opening hours. Just turn up and walk.