Great Coxwell Park

The meadows around Great Coxwell spread out like they've been left alone for years - because they have. This nature reserve near Faringdon is proper wildlife territory, the sort of place where you might spot orchids in spring if you know where to look, and come summer the whole thing turns into a chorus of grasshoppers and birdsong. It's not dramatic or vast, but that's rather the point.

The walks through here are straightforward and best done slowly. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you're serious, or just wander the paths and see what happens. Families with younger kids might find it a bit too quiet and open - there's no playground, no cafe, no distractions. But if you've got teenagers who can appreciate a proper English meadow, or you're a keen naturalist, it's well worth an hour or two. Walkers heading through Oxfordshire often combine this with a visit to Great Coxwell Barn, the medieval tithe barn in the village itself, which is genuinely impressive.

Stay at Faringdon Grange just down the road if you want easy access, though The Real Campsite at 3.2 miles offers a better overall experience if you're camping. Spring and early summer are best - later in the year it can feel a bit ragged. Time-wise, allow 90 minutes to two hours unless you're doing serious birdwatching, in which case settle in for the morning.