St Frideswide's Well

There's a small stone well tucked away near Thatcham that marks one of those quiet corners of English history most people drive past without noticing. St Frideswide's Well is dedicated to Oxford's patron saint, though this particular spot - in West Berkshire - feels worlds away from the university city's hustle.

The well itself is modest. You're not looking at some elaborate medieval structure or a visitor centre with a gift shop. It's more of a pilgrimage site than a destination attraction, the kind of place where history buffs and walkers on a longer route will appreciate the peaceful setting and the story behind it. The site has genuine medieval roots, which appeals to anyone interested in Saxon saints and local religious heritage.

Really, you'd combine this with a longer walk rather than making a special trip just for the well. It works well if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Rhodeside, which is rated highly, sits just 3.8 miles away, or Cherry Bird Country Park at 5.4 miles - and fancy exploring the quieter parts of West Berkshire on foot. The Thatcham area has decent walking routes, and this fits into that landscape nicely.

There's no entrance fee or complicated opening hours to worry about - it's the sort of free, always-accessible site that rewards a bit of curiosity. Allow twenty minutes if you're walking past, longer if you're doing a proper ramble. Best visited on a dry day when the ground's firm and you can actually read the information boards without squinting through rain.