Little Pine Brake

Little Pine Brake sits tucked away near Witney, a modest woodland that punches above its weight for a quick forest ramble. It's the sort of place that locals know about but rarely makes it onto the tourist trail, which is precisely why it's worth the detour.

Walking through feels proper restorative. The pines create that cathedral-like quiet you only get in genuine woodland, and the forest floor is soft underfoot even after rain. It's not enormous - you can cover the main paths in forty minutes if you're ambling - but there's enough network to potter about without feeling rushed. The trees are tall enough to make you forget you're in the Cotswolds, not some wilder corner of England.

This is a walker's space rather than a family picnic destination, though older children who can manage uneven ground will find it engaging. Bird watchers tend to get more out of it than casual strollers; bring binoculars and you'll spot finches and wood pigeons easily. It's free to wander, and there's no set opening hours - turn up whenever the mood takes you.

If you're based at Cotswold Edge Caravan & Camping over at Ducklington Farm, Little Pine Brake makes an excellent morning walk before heading off to bigger attractions. It's only about six miles away, so easily reached without much faffing about. Don't expect facilities - there's none - but that's rather the point. Just you, the trees, and nobody trying to sell you a gift shop mug.