Brick Yard Covert

A proper woodland walk through what was once an industrial site - the remnants of a Victorian brick works are scattered throughout the forest floor near Faringdon. You're walking among ancient oak and beech trees while stumbling across crumbling brick kilns and overgrown clay pits, which gives the whole place an oddly atmospheric quality. It's the sort of spot where history and nature have had a quiet conversation over 150 years and arrived at something genuinely interesting.

The paths are well-trodden and manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might find it a bit samey after thirty minutes or so - there's no dramatic views or sudden reveals, just steady woodland and the occasional brick structure to investigate. Bring decent shoes because clay and moisture linger in the lower sections even after dry weather. Allow an hour if you're pottering about, less if you're just passing through.

It works nicely as a leg-stretcher between the holiday parks in the area - The Real Campsite is only three miles away and has excellent reviews, while Faringdon Grange offers a closer base if you're planning multiple forest walks. If you're already exploring the Faringdon area, this is worth the detour. If you're making a special trip from elsewhere, temper your expectations - it's good rather than spectacular, and the appeal is genuinely low-key.