Hartslock Wood

Hartslock Wood sits just outside Wallingford and it's one of those places that rewards a proper wander. The woodland floor in spring is carpeted with bluebells - genuinely stunning if you time it right, though you'll need to go April or May when they're actually out. Ancient beech and oak trees tower overhead, and there's a real sense of walking through something that's been here for centuries.

You're looking at a leisurely two-hour loop if you stick to the main paths, though it's easy enough to spend longer just pottering about. The terrain is straightforward woodland walking - nothing steep or technical - which makes it perfect for families with older kids or anyone who wants a gentle escape from the Oxfordshire countryside without too much huffing and puffing.

It's free to access, which is brilliant. No facilities to speak of though, so come prepared with water and snacks. Weekday mornings are your best bet if you want solitude; weekends bring the walkers out from Wallingford and beyond.

If you're staying at Rolling Fields Glamping or Ridgeway View Campsite nearby, this is a natural add-on to your park holiday. You could knock it out in a morning and still have the afternoon for something else in the area. The wood itself isn't a day-long destination, but it's a proper tonic if you need some tree cover and birdsong.