Raglan's Wood

You'll find yourself walking into proper woodland the moment you enter Raglan's Wood - the kind of place where the canopy does its job and keeps things cool even on warm days. It's a decent stretch of forest near Faringdon that rewards a proper wander, with enough paths to keep you exploring without feeling like you're going in circles.

The trees here are mature and well-established, which means the woodland floor is thick with leaf litter and moss rather than the scrappy undergrowth you get in younger plantations. If you're after a walk that feels like actual forest rather than a managed park, this delivers. Kids will enjoy it more than a manicured trail - there's room to poke about and feel like you've discovered something, even if it's just a particularly good stick.

Walkers get the most from this one. It's the kind of spot you'd spend two to three hours in without feeling rushed, though an hour is enough if you're short on time. The paths are generally obvious, though bring decent shoes - it can get muddy, especially after rain.

If you're staying at Great Farm nearby, this is genuinely worth the short drive. It's free to access and there are no specific opening hours to worry about, which means you can show up whenever suits you. The main thing is not expecting dramatic views or facilities - this is about the quiet satisfaction of being surrounded by old trees. That's precisely what makes it worthwhile.