Tolkien's Table

A gnarled oak tree on the outskirts of Oxford marks the spot where J.R.R. Tolkien allegedly sat and dreamed up Middle-earth. Whether that's strictly true or local legend has done its work over the decades, the tree itself is worth seeking out if you're already in the area - it's the sort of thing that takes fifteen minutes, maybe twenty if you're the type to sit and contemplate for a bit.

Tolkien studied at Oxford, spent time here after university, and the landscape clearly seeped into his imagination. This particular table - it's really just a flat section of the tree's surface - has become a modest pilgrimage point for Tolkien enthusiasts and the vaguely literary. You won't find crowds or visitor facilities. It's just a tree, honestly, but there's something rather nice about standing in front of it knowing what it's supposed to represent.

If you're camping nearby - and there's a decent cluster of sites within five miles, including Oxford Glamping and Bablock Hythe Caravan Park - it's a pleasant excuse for a short woodland walk. Not a destination in itself, but a proper footnote to an Oxford visit. History types and Tolkien fans will get a kick out of it; families with impatient young children might find it underwhelming. Go in autumn if you can; the tree looks properly atmospheric then. Check with Oxford tourist information for exact directions - the spot isn't exactly signposted, which keeps it quiet but requires a bit of hunting.