Wickwood Copse

Walking into Wickwood Copse feels like stepping back several centuries. This woodland near Faringdon isn't some manicured nature reserve - it's proper ancient forest, the kind where you half expect to stumble upon a forgotten settlement or at least understand why people once feared the woods.

The trees are old. Really old. Gnarled oaks and established beeches create a canopy thick enough that even on bright days you're moving through soft, filtered light. Paths wind through without too much fuss, though it's muddy after rain and in places the undergrowth gets dense enough that you'll need to watch your footing.

This is walker territory. If you're after a quick scenic stroll with benches and interpretation boards, you'll be disappointed. But if you want to experience a chunk of English woodland as it actually is - tangled, alive, occasionally confusing - then it delivers. Kids who like building dens and turning over logs will get hours here; those expecting play equipment will get bored within twenty minutes.

You're within striking distance of some decent camping options too. The Real Campsite sits just 2.4 miles away and punches well above its weight on reviews, while Faringdon Grange is barely a mile and a half off if you want something more established.

No entry fees, no opening hours nonsense - just turn up when you fancy and get muddy. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're actually exploring rather than just passing through.