Didcot Bowls Club

Didcot Bowls Club is a proper working sports club near Wallingford where you can watch locals play lawn bowls or, if you fancy it, have a go yourself. It's the sort of place that feels genuinely lived-in - members pottering about in whites, the sound of woods clicking on the green, a cup of tea waiting in the pavilion. Not glamorous, but real.

If you're a bowls player or keen to learn, this is worth ringing ahead about. Absolute beginners can usually have a lesson and a friendly game with club members who are generally up for showing newcomers the ropes. The green itself is immaculate - they take their maintenance seriously - and there's something rather meditative about the game once you get the hang of it.

For a family holiday camped at Bridge Villa or Rolling Fields nearby, it's a nice change of pace from the usual attractions. Kids aged ten and up might actually enjoy it, though younger ones will get restless fast. Bowls isn't exactly a spectator sport unless you're genuinely interested.

Best to contact the club directly before turning up - opening times and visitor policies aren't published online, and you'll want to know whether there's a match on or if they can fit you in. Summer is obviously the playing season. If you're within five miles at places like Benson Waterfront, it's an easy pop over if the weather's decent and you fancy something low-key.