Weathercock Hill, Vale of White Horse

You'll spot the weathercock from miles around - that's rather the point of it. Perched on a chalk hill above Wantage, it's a proper landmark that locals have used to navigate the Vale of White Horse for centuries. The walk up takes about twenty minutes from the village, and the views across the valley are genuinely excellent, especially on a clear day when you can see right across to the Cotswolds.

It's not a grand monument or anything - just a simple iron weathervane on top of a modest hill - but that's what makes it work. There's something satisfying about scrambling up to a viewpoint that's been there for ages, used by generations of farmers and travellers who needed to know which way the wind was blowing. On a decent afternoon, you'll likely have the place to yourself, which beats fighting through crowds at more famous spots.

Historywalkers will get a kick out of it; families with young kids might find the walk a bit dull unless they're keen on hills and views. Allow an hour if you're taking it slowly, half that if you're just there for the vista. The chalky ground can get muddy after rain, so decent boots help.

If you're based at Evelyns Garden Glamping or Lorne Hill Farm nearby, it's an easy detour that actually improves a park holiday rather than stealing time from it. You're not spending a full afternoon here, but that's precisely why it works - quick, rewarding, and proper countryside.