Lechlade Marina

The Thames opens up properly at Lechlade Marina - this is where the river stops being something you glimpse between villages and becomes a genuine waterway with boats and purpose. It's a working marina just outside Fairford, the sort of place where you'll see narrowboats getting ready for a journey downstream, day boats being prepped, and the odd heron standing absolutely still on the bank pretending you can't see it.

There's a decent walk along the towpath here, and the marina itself is free to wander around - you're not paying to look at water and boats. It's the kind of spot that appeals most to waterway enthusiasts or anyone killing a couple of hours during a park holiday. Families with young kids might manage thirty minutes before restlessness sets in, unless you pack a picnic and make it a riverside sit-down.

The real draw is access to the river itself. If you're staying at Burford Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite about six miles away, Lechlade Marina is worth a morning visit to break up the driving. Pop into Fairford town centre afterwards - it's close enough. Spring and summer are best, obviously; winter brings grey skies and fewer people, which some prefer but it's not particularly atmospheric. The marina's got a tea room or café somewhere on site depending on what day you visit, though facilities can be a bit hit and miss. Check ahead if you're making a special trip.