Pickett's Heath

Pickett's Heath is a proper walk rather than a dramatic summit - it's one of those Oxfordshire highs that sneaks up on you. The landscape here is rolling rather than rugged, with views across the Thames Valley that stretch towards the Cotswolds on a clear day. You're looking at open heathland dotted with gorse and bracken, the sort of place that feels genuinely wild despite being within striking distance of Oxford.

Walkers will get the most from it. There's no café, no visitor centre, no fuss - just footpaths and space. Allow an hour or two depending on how far you range across the heath itself. The climb is gentle enough for families with decent legs, though younger children might find it a bit of a plod without much dramatic payoff at the top. History types will note the Bronze Age barrows scattered across the heath, though you need to know what you're looking for.

Free to visit, obviously. Best tackled from late spring through early autumn when the heather blooms and the paths aren't boggy. The nearby caravan parks - Valley Farm Campsite and Bablock Hythe are closest at under four miles - put you within easy reach for a morning ramble before heading into Oxford itself.

It's worth the detour if you're staying locally and fancy a decent walk without the tourist crowds. As standalone attractions go, it's thin. But paired with a campsite holiday in the area, it's exactly the sort of place that reminds you why English heathland matters.