States Lagoon

States Lagoon sits just outside Witney, a proper surprise if you're exploring the Oxfordshire waterways. It's a former gravel pit that's been left to nature, and what you get is a peaceful stretch of water surrounded by scrubby banks and the odd bit of woodland. Birdwatchers absolutely love it here - you'll spot kingfishers, herons, and all manner of waterfowl depending on the season.

The walk round takes maybe forty minutes at a leisurely pace, though there's no defined circuit as such. You just pick your way along the water's edge and soak it in. It's not dramatic or particularly manicured, which is exactly why it works. There are benches dotted about if you want to plant yourself somewhere and just watch for a bit.

Families with young kids might find it a touch dull after twenty minutes unless they're genuinely into birdwatching, but walkers and nature types will spend a good couple of hours here quite happily. It's absolutely free, which doesn't hurt.

If you're staying at Hardwick Parks just down the road - less than a mile away - this makes an easy morning potter before heading into Witney itself or further into the Cotswolds. It's the sort of place that fills the gaps between bigger attractions rather than being a destination in itself, but that's not a criticism. Sometimes you just want somewhere quiet to clear your head.